Bluffton University

Importance of nutrition

04/08/2025

After graduation Clara Matthews will continue into Bluffton’s accelerated master of nutrition and dietetics program.

From family ties to a dietetics future

Clara Matthews ’25, a nutrition and dietetics major from Bluffton, Ohio, shares a special connection to the university, with deep roots that span generations and her ties to the institution are as strong as her passion for nutrition.

“I’ve grown up in Bluffton my whole life, and many of my family members attended the university,” said Matthews. “My grandparents, Lawrence ‘78 and Louise (Lehman ’78) Matthews, worked on campus for many years, and their influence made the campus feel like home. Bluffton offered everything I was looking for—my major, proximity to my family and the opportunity to participate in sports.”

Matthews developed an interest in sports performance and nutrition in high school, recognizing how nutrition can both hinder and enhance athletic performance. This passion led her to choose Bluffton’s dietetics program, a decision she describes as pivotal in her academic journey.

“Bluffton’s program is unique because it provides an accelerated path to completing a Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics (MND),” said Matthews. “I’m excited about the variety of rotations we will experience, including clinical, public health and sports dietetics. This will help prepare us for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam and allow us to explore different career paths.”

Several courses have played a key role in preparing Matthews for clinicals and internships.

“Medical Nutrition Therapy has been the most helpful class when it comes to clinical work,” said Matthews. “We’ve learned how nutrition can impact chronic diseases, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and how to administer nutrition treatments, such as tube feedings.” 

The support Matthews received at Bluffton from faculty, staff and coaches has been invaluable. Claire Kleman, interim vice president of advancement and enrollment management, her supervisor at the university’s admissions office, played a key role in shaping her experience.

“Claire has been a wonderful mentor over the past four years, helping me grow both professionally and personally,” said Matthews. “She’s shown me what it takes to be a great leader, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve under her leadership.”

After graduation, Matthews will pursue her MND and will graduate with her MND in 2026.

Matthews is unsure what career path she will choose but has interests in sports dietetics, clinical/hospital settings and public health.

On campus, Matthews is a member of Bluffton University Nutrition Association (BUNA), lead president’s ambassador and campus visit associate.