Graduation Spotlight: Pierson's 1,600 mile journey to Lipscomb leads to master’s degree, career in nutrition

When Kim Pierson sets her mind to accomplishing a goal, she is committed to seeing it through to completion … even when it means moving her family 1,600 miles across the country.

Kim Chaudoin  |  04/30/2025

Completing her college degree was a dream that Pierson held tightly to and she pursued while working and rearing a young family. Now, she is celebrating the completion of her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MSDI) from Lipscomb University.

Pierson’s journey to reaching this milestone has been one filled with determination and a willingness to take an unconventional pathway at times. The Nebraska native began building a career nearly 20 years ago serving in several marketing and administrative roles.

But in 2015, when her first daughter was born, she made the decision to step away from the workforce and become a stay-at-home mom. While living in Arizona with her young family, Pierson began taking college courses part-time at Mesa Community College, determined to finish her undergraduate degree. While doing so, she came across Lipscomb’s website and she was quickly drawn to learning more about the university.

“I found Lipscomb while searching on the internet and was drawn to the in-person Christian program in a smaller school setting. This was particularly appealing to me especially since many programs were going to offering programs in a fully remote format,” she explained. “After reading more about Lipscomb’s Christ-centered mission and academic rigor, I felt it was exactly where God was leading me. My husband was working remotely and encouraged me to apply. It was the only school I applied to that year. When I got in, we packed up our family of four and moved across the country, fully trusting God’s guidance.”

At Lipscomb, Pierson found more than a degree — she found a community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Lipscomb in 2023, making her dream of earning a college degree a reality. She enjoyed the program so much that she then continued into Lipscomb’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MSDI) program.

“From day one, I felt so welcomed at Lipscomb. I had not visited the campus beforehand, but I was immediately struck by how beautiful it was and how kind the students and staff were,” shared Pierson. “After finishing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to stay for grad school. The support from my professors made a big difference, especially during challenging classes. I also appreciated the variety offered through Lipscomb’s internship, it was the perfect fit for me since I’ve always been interested in so many areas of nutrition and wanted the chance to explore them all.”

Throughout her studies, Pierson sought opportunities to blend science with service. One of her most impactful projects involved working with Lipscomb Academy’s lower school to support two insulin-dependent diabetic students who wanted to eat cafeteria meals alongside their peers.

She worked with academy cafeteria staff, nursing professionals and Lipscomb dietetics faculty to calculate macronutrients and carbohydrate counts for the foods offered. This made it possible for the students to safely eat cafeteria meals alongside their classmates, “which was such a special way to support both health and belonging,” she said.

Pierson also completed an eating disorder rotation with a private practice dietitian in Nashville, an experience she describes as transformative. During this rotation, she sat in on sessions and observed what a therapeutic, supportive approach to nutrition looks like.

“I learned that lasting change takes patience, consistency and trust. I wrapped up my rotation by hosting a masterclass that pulled together everything I learned, and I also wrote several blog posts that helped deepen my knowledge,” Pierson explained. “As someone with a disordered eating past, this experience opened my eyes to the importance of a flexible, neutral approach to nutrition. One that provides education while also allowing space for healing and freedom with food.”

“Both of these experiences were incredibly impactful and helped shape my growth as a future dietitian,” she continued.

Pierson said she is drawn to the field of dietetics because of its ability to bridge science and everyday life, empowering individuals to make healthier, sustainable choices.

“Through dietetics, we can equip individuals with knowledge that empowers better health decisions and lasting well-being,” she said. “I hope to inspire others to see nutrition as a tool to enhance their own lives and communities.”

Pierson said her time at Lipscomb has also strengthened her faith in powerful ways.

“My time at Lipscomb has deepened my faith in such a transformative way. I’ve always believed in God, but now I truly seek his guidance in every area of my life,” she shared. “Keeping Him at the center has made me a better wife, mom, and student. I also lean on prayer more when I’m struggling, and that’s been such a blessing throughout my time here.”

After graduation, Pierson plans to open a private practice in southern Middle Tennessee, focusing on eating disorders and women’s health. She also has a passion for policy advocacy, a value inspired by her mother’s work as an elected official.

“My goal is to help clients make lasting, sustainable changes through a supportive, hands-on approach to nutrition,” she said. “I also hope to use my voice to help improve nutrition policies and support local farms, creating a stronger connection between communities and real, nourishing food.”

As she reflects on her time at Lipscomb, Pierson is filled with gratitude.

“Lipscomb has prepared me for the next step in my journey by giving me a strong nutrition foundation and the confidence to step into my calling. I’m just incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received during my time at Lipscomb, from my family and the professors who believed in me to the opportunities that helped shape my path,” she said. “I feel equipped to serve others with compassion, knowledge and a clear sense of purpose.”

“I hope my story encourages other students to follow where they feel called, even if the road looks a little different,” said Pierson. “Nutrition has the power to change lives, and I feel so honored to be stepping into this field with purpose and passion.”