Darcy Stueber

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-Professional Development 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 17 years

Students Served: 7,800

Scholarship Award: The Super Bakery MVP Award

“Pursuing my MBA while working full-time has been both challenging and rewarding. This scholarship provides meaningful support that allows me to continue growing as a leader. The knowledge and skills gained through this experience will not only benefit me personally but will also positively impact my team, and the students and communities we serve.”

Why School Nutrition?

I love the most about my job is knowing that the work we do is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students.  It also allows me to the opportunity to develop an incredible team and create positive change that extends beyond my district.

I have spent more than 25 years in the food service industry, building a career that has given me experience in K-12 school nutrition, university dining, healthcare food service, and catering. Each role has strengthened my leadership, operational, and financial management skills while reinforcing my passion for serving others through food. For the past 17 years, I have dedicated my career to K-12 school nutrition, where I currently serve as the Director of Nutrition Services for Mankato Area Public Schools. In this role, I lead a district-wide program, mentor staff, manage complex operations, and advocate for policies that ensure every student has access to healthy meals.

I am pursuing an MBA in Management and Leadership at St. Cloud State University to strengthen my strategic leadership and business skills so I can continue to improve school nutrition programs and develop future leaders in the profession. Receiving a scholarship would help ease the financial burden of graduate school while allowing me to focus on applying what I learn to better serve my students and families who rely on our programs.

Investing in My Future

Receiving this scholarship would support my professional development by allowing me to continue growing as a strategic leader while completing my MBA in Management and Leadership. Throughout my career in food service and school nutrition, I have developed skills in operations, financial management, team development, advocacy, and organizational leadership. This degree will provide me with additional tools to continue strengthening programs and leading effectively.

My hope for the future is to continue advancing the school nutrition profession at the district, state, and national levels. I am passionate about mentoring future leaders and helping our profession continue to grow and innovate. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my personal growth, but in my ability to give back and help shape the future of school nutrition.

School/University: St. Cloud State University

Program of Study: Master’s in Business Administration

Graduation Date: 2026