2026 Distinguished Alumna Nicole Brown has never been content to stand still. As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and certified exercise physiologist, she has built a career of more than 38 years helping others develop practical, sustainable ways to promote their health and care for their bodies. Her work reflects a balance of science, experience, and an understanding of how people live day to day.
That perspective began early. Born in France, Brown grew up with an appreciation for good food, how to make it, and the role it plays in daily life. At the same time, running with her father introduced her to endurance and discipline. By age 15, she had completed the Palos Verdes Marathon, an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to staying active.
At Chico State, where she graduated in 1984 with degrees in chemistry and home economics, Brown found a way to connect her interests in science and health. She continued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a master’s degree in nutrition and preparing for a career that would span clinical care, research, and community health. Her work took her from California to Washington, to Germany, and eventually to the Washington, DC, metro area.
In 1987, Brown founded her private practice, For the Health of It!, where she provides medical nutrition therapy, weight management support, sports nutrition, and occupational health services. She has conducted research on cardiovascular health and weight management, always focusing on helping clients make meaningful, lasting changes.
Today, Brown continues to model the lifestyle she promotes. She competes in triathlons, plays tennis, lifts weights, and participates in long-distance fundraising walks, maintaining the same sense of purpose that has guided her from the beginning.
What brought you to Chico State?
This is one of my favorite stories. I finished high school early—I went to a large high school in Southern California, and my two older sisters had graduated in three years, so I decided to do the same. At the time, I thought I would be a political science major based on my leadership experiences in high school.
I was putting myself through school, so affordability was a big factor. I had been accepted to a school on the East Coast, but without financial support, it just wasn’t realistic. Some of my friends were heading to Chico State, so I joined them—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. My first semester, I took “Basic Nutrition” and loved it! I remember going to Professor Barbara Kirks-Fische and asking what I needed to pursue nutrition. She told me I needed a strong background in math and science, including chemistry, which gave me direction.
I worked hard to make it happen—grants, loans, scholarships, riding my bike everywhere—but Chico gave me an incredible education, strong mentorship, and opportunities that really shaped my path.
What has kept you invested in your field?
What has kept me in this field is how rewarding it is to truly connect with people and help them improve their health. Early in my career, I worked at UC Davis Medical Center and led a team of 14 RDNs and 6 dietetic techs. I really valued the teamwork with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and my staff of RDNs. But in a hospital, patients are often there because of an acute medical problem, and they’re itching to go home.
In private practice, it’s different. People seek me out, and we build relationships over time. I might see someone monthly and then work with them for years. That continuity allows for real change. Whether it’s managing cholesterol, improving blood sugar, or addressing weight concerns, you get to walk alongside people as they make meaningful progress.
There’s also always something new to learn. Nutrition is constantly evolving, and the challenges people face, especially around chronic disease, keep me engaged and motivated to continue growing in my work.
What mentors or takeaways stand out from your time at Chico State?
The education I received at Chico State was outstanding, but what really made the difference was the people. Professors like Barbara Kirks-Fischer, Faye Johnson, and Mina Hector were incredibly supportive and truly invested in their students.
A memorable experience was an intersession course led by Professor Emeritus Faye Johnson. We traveled to the Bay Area and visited a spice company, an airline food service operation, and even a poultry processing facility. It gave us a real, hands-on understanding of where food comes from and how the industry works. Another meaningful experience was Professor Kirks-Fische filming us as we conducted a nutrition consultation and giving us feedback on our motivational interviewing techniques. So many years later, I continue to use what I learned from her!
Chico State also provided opportunities to explore beyond campus, including research experiences at the National Institutes of Health and connections that broadened my perspective. At the same time, there was a strong sense of community within the program—our student group was close-knit, and we supported each other.
What does being named a Distinguished Alumna honoree mean to you?
Honestly, I was very surprised when I received the letter. It made me pause and reflect on the many years since I graduated and everything that’s happened along the way. I feel incredibly honored and proud to be recognized.
Chico State played such an important role in shaping who I am both professionally and personally. It gave me the education, mentorship, and confidence to pursue my career and take on new challenges. I continue to do my best to pass it on to current nutrition students, dietetic interns, and newly minted RDNs!
