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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University
Christa Smith, MCN, RDN, CSSD, LD
Christa Smith, MCN, RDN, CSSD, LD

Christa Smith, MCN, RDN, CSSD, LD

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation

Biography

Christa Smith, MCN, RDN, CSSD, LD, is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Oklahoma Baptist University and a Registered Dietitian specializing in sports nutrition, human performance, and gastrointestinal health. She earned her Bachelor of Exercise Science from Dallas Baptist University, a Master of Clinical Nutrition from the University of Texas Southwestern, and an International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology at Concordia University, St. Paul.

Smith teaches undergraduate courses in nutrition, sports nutrition, and exercise physiology while integrating evidence-based practice with real-world clinical experience. In addition to her faculty role, she serves as a Clinical Sports Dietitian, providing medical nutrition therapy for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and athletes seeking to optimize health and performance.

Her professional interests include sports nutrition, exercise metabolism, digestive health, and the intersection of clinical nutrition and athletic performance. Smith is an active contributor to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Sports and Human Performance Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, where she serves on the Board of Directors and coordinates the Mentor Match Program. She is passionate about preparing future exercise science professionals through engaging instruction, mentorship, and applied learning experiences.

Education

  • Master of Clinical Nutrition from UT Southwestern Medical Center

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Dallas Baptist University

  • Diploma in Sports Nutrition from the International Olympic Committee

  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics

Subjects Taught

  • Introduction to Nutrition

  • Sports Nutrition

  • Current Health Issues

  • Exercise Physiology

Professional Memberships

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Sports and Human Performance DPG

  • Medical Nutrition DPG

  • Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Selected Publications

2023-2024 – Contributing author, A Christian Guide to Body Stewardship, Diet, and Exercise. Contributed to nutrition-focused chapters. Cedrus Press.

Selected Presentations

2024 – Motivated to Evolve Your Career in Sports Dietetics? Mentoring Matters!
Panel speaker, Sports & Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN) Spring Symposium.


2024 – Getting Connected In and Serving the Local Church.
Invited speaker and content creator, Non-Diet Christian Care Certification, The Joyful Health Co.


2022 – MNT Reimbursement for Sports RDs: Is It Worth It?
Webinar host and presenter for Sports & Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN) and Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group (NE DPG).