- May 2025
Regional Registered Dietitian
Years in Position: 8.5 years
Years of Service to MSU: 10 years
Helping people make healthier decisions is at the heart of Samantha Willcutt’s work as a Regional Registered Dietitian with Mississippi State University Extension. Whether she’s teaching nutrition basics or supporting community wellness programs, Willcutt is passionate about making healthy choices accessible and achievable for Mississippians.
“In communities across Mississippi, our mission is to make the healthy choice the easy choice,” she said.
Willcutt builds partnerships across the state, offering support and guidance to MSU Extension staff and engaging directly with communities. She collaborates with Community Wellness Planners and Nutrition Educators to provide resources like food tastings and practical lessons.
“I’ve learned so much from the amazing people I work with, and sharing that knowledge is one of my favorite parts of this role,” she said.
Her journey back to MSU began after nearly a decade in the workforce. A Starkville native and MSU alum, Willcutt earned her bachelor’s degree in 2004 and returned for her master’s in nutrition, which she completed in 2016. Since then, she’s been focused on empowering others to make informed choices for healthier lives.
A lifelong supporter of MSU, Willcutt is proud to work for the university that shaped her career.
“It’s a dream come true to work at MSU,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed every challenge, opportunity to grow, and the rewards that come with this position.”
For Willcutt, the greatest reward is seeing positive change.
“Witnessing more and more Mississippians take confident steps toward healthier lives is the best part of what I do,” she said.
Through every recipe shared and lesson taught, she’s proud to be part of MSU Extension’s mission of “extending knowledge and changing lives.”
