Lindsay Ball

School Nutrition Foundation Member Award-Professional Development 2026 

Years in School Nutrition: 15 years

Students Served: 8,200

The Super Bakery MVP Award

“What I love most is the daily interaction with my child nutrition team and the shared mission we work toward. Together, we strive to make school meals a joyful, fun experience for our students. For many children, the cafeteria is a safe haven, and I am passionate about ensuring every child walks away feeling loved, seen, and deeply valued.”

Why School Nutrition?

I have been a registered dietitian for 19 years, dedicating 15 of those years to school nutrition. About a year and a half ago, our department began working with a leadership consultant. This transformative experience helped me recognize leadership not just as a career tool, but as a deeper calling to serve others. Guided by my faith, I researched doctoral programs and felt led to Abilene Christian University. ACU’s online format is an answer to prayer, perfectly allowing me to maintain my full-time career in my school district while honoring my commitment as a full-time mother to my five-year-old daughter.

 Investing In My Future

In today’s economic climate, this scholarship provides vital financial relief, allowing me to fully focus on my doctoral studies without the added stress of financial strain. My immediate goal is to lead my current school nutrition team with a servant’s heart—fostering an environment where every staff member has a voice and feels deeply valued. I firmly believe that a supportive workplace translates directly into better experiences and care for the students we serve. Looking far into the future, my ultimate aspiration post-retirement is to leverage this advanced degree to work as a leadership consultant, pouring my decades of experience back into mentoring the next generation of school nutrition professionals.

School/University: Abilene Christian University

Program of Study: Doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a Positive Leadership Concentration

Graduation Date:2029