Tandalayo Kidd named Human Sciences Associate Dean and Extension and Outreach Director at Iowa State 

AMES, Iowa – Tandalayo Kidd has been named associate dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences and director of Human Sciences Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University.  

She is currently the department head and Mary L. Vanier Professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health within Kansas State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences.  

“The role of associate dean and director of Human Sciences Extension and Outreach is critical in bringing the research of our faculty to the people of Iowa,” said Laura Dunn Jolly, dean and dean’s chair of the College of Health and Human Sciences. “Dr. Kidd brings an exceptional depth and breadth of experiences to this leadership role and I am excited to work with her.” 

Kidd held various faculty and extension specialist roles throughout her career where she specialized in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention, and factors affecting chronic disease risk. She is a nationally recognized researcher, registered dietitian, and licensed practical nurse and has served in the military. 

“ISU Extension and Outreach delivers education, facilitates collaboration and sparks practical, science-based action throughout the state. Dr. Kidd’s leadership and vision will inspire our human sciences faculty, specialists and staff as they engage Iowans and their families in every Iowa county,” said Jason Henderson, Iowa State’s vice president for extension and outreach. “Dr. Kidd will be an exemplary leader for Human Sciences Extension and Outreach and I look forward to working with her.” 

Kidd holds a doctorate in human nutrition, a master’s degree in hotel, restaurant, institutional management, and dietetics and a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition from Kansas State University as well as a diploma in practical nursing from Manhattan Area Technical College.  

“I’m excited to bring my extension and collaborative leadership background to this role and am eager to help advance the college’s mission of improving lives through research, teaching and outreach,” said Kidd. 

She will begin the role as associate dean and director of Human Sciences Extension and Outreach on Sept. 16.