Jada L. Willis, Ph.D., RDN, LD, FAND

Dr. Jada L. Willis joined the Westmont faculty in 2024 and has dedicated over a decade to advancing the fields of nutritional sciences, interprofessional education and women’s health.

Dr. Willis’ past instruction includes Biochemical, Physiological, and Molecular Aspects of Nutrition; Communication and Education in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics; Nutritional Biochemistry; Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle; Supervised Practice in Dietetics; and Culinary Medicine. At Westmont, she teaches Current Controversies in Nutrition; Fundamentals of Kinesiology; Human Nutrition; Nutrition for the Athlete; Nutrition for Health Professionals; and Research.

In research, Dr. Willis specializes in human physiology and metabolism as it relates to hunger and satiety hormones, body composition, and the quantification of energy expenditure. In pursuit of advancing health and performance, her research interests include – among others - culinary medicine, sports nutrition, and women’s health. Dr. Willis has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals; addressing topics such as the dietary impacts on athletic performance, the transgenerational effects of nutrition on health, and innovative approaches in culinary medicine. Dr. Willis’ research not only advances knowledge, but also inspires actionable change. She is a leading voice in nutritional science and its application to real-world challenges.

Before coming to Westmont College, she was a tenured Associate Professor in Nutritional Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Willis held the prestigious leadership roles of Director of Interprofessional Education for the College of Science & Engineering, and Graduate Director for the Department on Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Willis maintains her status as an Associate Professor at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU. 

Awarded the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2013 and the Outstanding Nutrition Education Award in 2022 for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Willis continues to inspire excellence in teaching, research, and service; shaping the next generation of leaders in nutrition and health sciences. A Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Willis exemplifies excellence in her field through her dedication to innovation, mentorship, and community engagement. She serves as a member of the Athletic Committee and is a member of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) Group; Sports and Human Performance Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (DPG); and Women’s Health DPG. Along with her husband and two daughters, she is grateful to be at Westmont and soaking up all Santa Barbara has to offer. Together, they enjoy the world class recreational, cultural, and dining offerings locally. The Willis Family attends church at Calvary Chapel. They are blessed and grateful to be part of the Westmont family. Go Warriors!