When Kaitlyn Sheppard crossed the stage at Bradley’s May commencement, she celebrated earning her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics with cum laude honors. But for Sheppard, graduation wasn’t the finish line—it was the beginning of her next chapter.
Now enrolled in Bradley’s 4+1 Master’s in Nutrition & Dietetics, the international student from the United Kingdom is continuing to build the knowledge and clinical experience she needs to become a registered dietitian while extending her collegiate running career.
Although athletics first brought her to Bradley, Sheppard knew she wanted a career in healthcare. After exploring different paths, she found the perfect match in nutrition and dietetics.
“I’ve always been interested in nutrition, health and the role food plays in overall wellbeing,” she said. “Being a competitive runner also sparked my interest in sports nutrition and how nutrition influences athletic performance, recovery, and long-term health. Dietetics felt like a really good combination of my interests while giving me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”
As a Division I student-athlete, Sheppard has balanced the demands of competition with a rigorous academic schedule. Along the way, she’s competed at the conference and regional levels while developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Her Bradley experience has also included valuable clinical opportunities that have reinforced her desire to work as a registered dietitian. During a summer internship at OSF HealthCare, Sheppard rotated through several specialty areas, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, renal nutrition, pediatrics, and nutrition support. Working alongside registered dietitians allowed her to apply classroom knowledge while interacting directly with patients in clinical settings.
Outside of her coursework and internship, Sheppard has continued exploring her passion for sports nutrition as a Feed Ambassador, promoting proper nutrition and fueling strategies for athletes while gaining experience creating content for The Feed’s social media platforms (@TheFeed on Instagram).
She has also embraced opportunities that showcase the many career paths available in nutrition. One memorable experience came through the Nutrition & Dietetics program when she volunteered at the Global Top Chef culinary competition at Caterpillar’s Demo and Learning Center in Edwards, Ill.
The event gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and teamwork required to execute a large-scale culinary competition. After helping prepare the venue, Sheppard and her classmates managed the food service throughout the event.
“It was a great opportunity to work alongside talented chefs, be part of a team, and experience the preparation and teamwork that goes into bringing a culinary event together,” she said. “Experiences like these remind me how much there is to learn within the food and nutrition field.”
As graduation approached, Sheppard considered her options for graduate school. While continuing her final year of athletic eligibility was important, the decision ultimately came down to something even more meaningful—the community she had built at Bradley.
Leaning into 4+1
“Initially, I wasn’t sure that I would stay for my master’s,” she said. “But Bradley felt like the best fit for me because I’ve built such great relationships here. I absolutely love my team, and having the opportunity to continue competing alongside them was a big part of my decision.”
Those relationships extend beyond her teammates. “I’ve built great relationships with my professors in the Nutrition & Dietetics program,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed learning from them, so continuing my education in an environment where I already felt comfortable and supported made a lot of sense.”
Looking back, Sheppard says her experience at Bradley has been about much more than earning a degree or competing as a student-athlete.
“I’m really grateful for the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had here, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes me.”
As she works toward becoming a registered dietitian, Sheppard is carrying forward the lessons she’s learned in the classroom, on the course, and through hands-on clinical experiences—proof that with the right support, passion can become purpose.
