In 1961, Dr. Little joined the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (now the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences in the College of Health Sciences) as an instructor and was promoted to assistant professor in 1964 and associate professor in 1972. 

She served as area coordinator for food and nutrition from 1971-77 and acting department chair from 1986-88. Dr. Little directed the ADA Didactic Program in Dietetics at UD from 1989-94 and was assistant chair for undergraduate studies in the department from 1989-94. In the spring of 1995, she directed UD’s London Semester Abroad Program. When she retired in 1996, she was awarded emeritus status. After her retirement, she remained active with the department as a supplemental faculty member for several years.

A recipient of UD’s Excellence in Teaching Award, she was recognized by the American Dietetic Association, which honored her with its Medallion Award, given to members for dedication to the association and significant contributions to the profession of dietetics, notably in the state and national legislative arena.

She was also active in the Delaware Dietetic Association, where she held a variety of leadership roles including president and chair of state government relations.

In 1988, Dr. Little was awarded a Kellogg Policy Fellowship from the American Society of Allied Health Professions, which enabled her to spend a year in Washington, D.C., participating in the legislative process in the area of health education and delivery of health services.

Dr. Little was a supporter of the department and the University through the Louise Little Award. This annual award is given to one or more undergraduates majoring in nutrition, in the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences, who maintains a grade point average of 3.0 or greater in a 4.0 system. The award, which provides a travel allowance for presentation of research at a professional meeting or may be used to fund undergraduate research expenses, recognizes outstanding performance and potential professional leadership.

Colleagues remember

Some of Dr. Little’s colleagues shared their recollections.

Nancy Cotugna, professor emeritus, Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences: “Dr. Little's political knowledge and expertise were instrumental in leading the charge to obtain licensure for nutrition professionals in the state of Delaware. This was a hard won fight with many well-financed groups opposing this legislation. All licensed dietitians in our state owe a debt of gratitude to the memory of Louise's persistence in helping us gain this credential to protect the nutritional health and well being of Delawareans.”

Carolyn Manning, associate professor emeritus, Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Science: “Louise Little was a major part of my life (especially my UD life!)—starting in 1963 when I was a freshman food and nutrition major, then 19 years later in 1986 as a nutrition and dietetics faculty member and then 27 years later as a member of the UD Association of Retired Faculty. Now that I’m reflecting on how much she influenced my career and life path, I realize her influence was huge. She inspired my love of food and the science of food preparation, my fascination with the cultural aspects of food and nutrition, and led me to serve our professional organizations and our retired faculty organization at UD. I do hope she knew how much she influenced my career and life path, and I know there were many others!”

About Louise Little

Born in 1935 in DeLancey, New York, Louise Little began her education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from high school at Delaware Academy in Delhi, New York. She completed undergraduate work at the State University of New York in Oneonta and continued her education in food and nutrition, receiving a master’s  degree from Cornell University in 1961 and her doctorate from University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1972.

Dr. Little’s interests included genealogy, classical music, current events, photography and world travel. In 2016, she moved to Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford, Pennsylvania, where she served as president of the Independent Living Residents Association. As an active member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Kemblesville, Pennsylvania, she founded the English as Second Language program and served on the Missions Committee.

Contributions in Dr. Little’s memory may be sent to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 109 Gypsy Hill Rd., Landenberg, PA 19350.

To read her obituary or leave online condolences, visit Chandler Funeral Homes.