Kelly Frazier

Lecturer of Health Sciences

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Kelly Frazier, MA joined the Furman University Department of Health Sciences in 2002. Her undergraduate courses have included HSC 101 Wellness Concepts, HSC 315 Fundamentals of Nutrition, HSC 505 FIT-Rx Internship in Individualized Exercise Prescription and HSC 505 FUEL the Community Internship.

Frazier received her B.S. degree in Exercise Science from James Madison University with a minor in Nutrition. She received her M.A. degree in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University. Since joining the Furman Faculty, she has actively promoted healthy living on Furman campus and throughout the Greenville community.

In 2008, Frazier partnered with Furman Dining Services to market and increase the selection of healthy food options available on campus through the Eat Well initiative. A review of Dining Services production records suggests that the campus has replaced many refined grains, fried foods, fatty meats, and high-sugar items with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins since the initiative began. She has also assisted Dining Services with a variety of campus wellness events including Healthy Eating Forums, Healthy Cooking Demonstrations, Local and Organic Day, Food Day, Moonlight Breakfast, Peer Health Education, and the Study Day Recharge during final exams.

In 2008, she became the faculty advisor for the Furman Culinary Club. She frequently leads or assists with healthy cooking workshops and other community service related activities, such as preparing meals for the homeless.

In 2011, Frazier developed the Furman University Eating Lean (FUEL) Intervention to promote healthy eating among Furman employees and spouses. FUEL uses a simple plate-based model to promote healthful eating. Participants are asked to conform most of their meals to the FUEL plate which consists of one half vegetables and/or fruits, one quarter whole grains or potatoes, and one quarter lean proteins. FUEL participants receive comprehensive assessments, such as body composition analysis via Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, blood work (lipid panel, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, blood pressure), and a three day food record analyses to assess nutrient intake. The program includes a comprehensive nutrition education class where participants can sample many delicious new foods. Since the program began, over 150 participants have learned how to improve health- one plate a time. Many have experienced remarkable improvements in body composition, nutrient intake, and blood markers associated with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

In 2013, she developed the FIT-Rx Internship in Individualized Exercise Prescription. FIT-Rx is based on the concept that “exercise is medicine.” Regular exercise can help to prevent or alleviate many chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Frazier trains Health Science majors in the foundations of exercise assessment and prescription. Then the students receive academic credit for working directly with Furman faculty, staff, and spouses to implement exercise programs intended to improve health outcomes. Since the program began, over 80 students have trained over 300 members of the Furman community. Many have significantly improved their physical activity levels and experienced remarkable improvements in their health and well-being.

In 2015, Frazier began working with Miracle Hill Ministries to improve health education and the nutritional quality of meals that are served throughout local homeless shelters and addiction recovery centers.  She has partnered with Loaves and Fishes Food Recovery Program to help acquire additional produce for individuals in need and help educate both food donor and food recipient partners on the FUEL plate based eating guidelines.

In 2017, Frazier launched a new internship program called FUEL the Community.  Health Science and Public Health majors will be trained in foundations of nutrition education and intern at local non-profits throughout the community to provide health education, kitchen assistance, and basic exercise program guidance. These organizations include all of the Miracle Hill Adult Ministries (Greenville Rescue Mission, Shepherd’s Gate, Overcomers, Renewal), Miracle Hill Children’s Homes, Project Host Soup Kitchen, San Souci Baptist Church Food Pantry, San Sebastian Food Pantry, Greenville Free Medical Clinic, Greer Clinic, Greer Relief Food Pantry, North Greenville Crisis Ministry, Harvest Hope Food Bank, and Loaves and Fishes.

During her time at Furman, Frazier has been invited to present numerous healthy living lectures to campus and community groups such as OLLI, Learning for You, Summer Scholars, Bridges to a Brighter Future, Ladies of Distinction, Furman’s Child Development Center, Mere Christianity Forum, the Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection, Greek Life, Housing and Residence Life, Legacy Charter School, the City of Greenville, Greenville County Schools, Greenville Early College, the South Carolina Governor’s School, YMCA of Greenville, the Greater Greenville Shrinkdown, Brookwood Church, Loaves and Fishes, and many local businesses.

Frazier coordinated the Furman Group Exercise Program for thirteen years and currently leads classes such as weight training, cycling, and yoga for the Furman Fitness Center.  She provides nutritional guidance and yoga classes for Furman athletic teams such as men’s and women soccer, basketball, football, lacrosse, golf, and volleyball.

Frazier has been certified as a Health and Fitness Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine and currently lives in Greenville with her husband Aaron and two children.​

For more information about Frazier’s campus and community health initiatives, please visit her Live Well Furman Blog at https://blogs.furman.edu/wellness .

Education

  • M.A., Furman University
  • B.S., James Madison University

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