Auburn College of Education alumna named president of National School Nutrition Association, furthering career dedicated to serving students
Skip to Resources NavigationSkip to Primary NavigationSkip to Main Content
AuburnUniversity
Apply
Visit
Giveto AUWire
AU Access
Toggle search and resources panel
Nourishing Success
Auburn College of Education alumna named president of National School Nutrition Association, furthering career dedicated to serving students
Preston Sparks | College of Education
August 05, 2026
A
Auburn Today
Font Size
content body
Auburn College of Education alumna Ashley Powell, third from left, is pictured with several school nutrition workers. Powell is the Auburn City Schools child nutrition director and was recently named president of the School Nutrition Association
For more than two decades, Auburn University College of Education alumna Ashley Powell has dedicated her career to helping children succeed through nutrition, education and service. Now, the Auburn City Schools child nutrition director is taking that commitment to the national stage after being named president of the School Nutrition Association, one of the country’s leading organizations advocating for student health and school meal programs
Earlier this month, Powell assumed leadership of the national organization, which represents more than 50,000 school nutrition professionals who work every day to ensure students have access to nutritious meals that support learning, development and long-term success
For Powell, a two-time graduate of Auburn’s College of Education, the appointment reflects a professional journey built on service, leadership and a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children
“It is both an incredible honor and a humbling responsibility,” she said. “School nutrition professionals work tirelessly every day to serve students, often behind the scenes. To represent these dedicated individuals across the country is a privilege. It feels like an opportunity of a lifetime.”
The honor represents the culmination of more than two decades of involvement with the School Nutrition Association. What began as a chance to learn and grow professionally evolved into a series of leadership opportunities at both the state and national levels
“My involvement with SNA began more than two decades ago as a young professional seeking opportunities to learn and grow,” Powell said. “Over the years, I became increasingly involved in leadership at both the state and national levels. I served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including southeast regional director, before being elected vice president, president-elect and now president. Alabama has a very strong state chapter. Our goals continue to build programs to support the whole child, particularly supporting students with nourishing meals to help them succeed in the classroom.”
A native of Andalusia who now proudly calls Auburn home, Powell’s path to national leadership began with a passion for health and education. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 1999, she enrolled in Auburn’s Master of Education in Health Promotion program before later returning to pursue a doctorate in Adult Education
She credits the College of Education with helping develop the leadership skills and professional perspective that have guided her career
“As someone who is passionate about learning, leadership and helping people grow, the College of Education was a natural fit,” she said
Powell earned her Master of Education in Health Promotion in 2000 and later completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Education in 2018. Together, those degrees helped prepare her for a career that has spanned roles as a registered dietitian, nutrition coordinator, teacher, consultant and educational leader
Today, she serves as child nutrition director for Auburn City Schools, where she has worked for the past 18 years. In that role, she oversees programs that provide nutritious meals to thousands of students while managing areas including nutrition education, budgeting, operational planning, procurement, facilities, leadership development and community partnerships. She also serves as an adjunct professor in Foodservice Operations at Auburn University
As president of the School Nutrition Association, Powell hopes to continue strengthening support systems for school nutrition professionals while advocating for programs that help students succeed
“Overall, we want to support the school nutrition professionals who play such an important part in nourishing a child each day in their school communities,” she said. “The way our members support students is an act of love and service with an overall impact on the future generation. One of my primary goals is to continue strengthening advocacy efforts at the national level so policymakers understand the critical role school meals play in student success. I also hope to focus on professional growth opportunities for school nutrition professionals as well as partnerships that put nutrition and health at the forefront for students.”
Among those priorities is expanding access to school breakfast programs, which Powell views as an important investment in student achievement
“Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast are better prepared to learn,” she said. “Expanding access to school breakfast helps address food insecurity, improves student focus and attendance, and reduces barriers that families may face. Alabama legislators recently provided funding to assist with breakfast in our state. We hope that funding through ALSDE will continue forward.”
While her professional accomplishments continue to grow, Powell remains grounded in the values instilled by her family and the educators who influenced her life
She credits her parents, James D. Krudop and Hollace Krudop, with teaching her the importance of service, leadership and investing in others
“My parents have always believed in service, education and investing in others,” Powell said. “Throughout my life, I watched them dedicate their time, talents and resources to causes they believed in. Their example taught me that leadership is ultimately about serving others. They are my role models in every way. My dad always encouraged me to look for ‘options and opportunities’ in all areas of my life. At my installation in July, my mother and family were able to attend. I hope I carry the torch forward for my three children — Francie, Foster and Addie.”
That spirit of service continues to shape her work today and has become a defining characteristic of the organization she now leads
“I hope people understand that school nutrition professionals have a heart of service and love for kids,” she said. “Their tasks are many times unseen but oh so impactful. They are educators, advocates, problem-solvers and caring adults who positively impact students every day. It is a nationwide love for our children.”
Powell is a past Outstanding Alumna honoree by Auburn University’s College of Education, an award she described as especially meaningful given the impact Auburn has had on her life and career
“Receiving recognition from an institution that has had such a profound impact on my life and career was incredibly meaningful,” she said. “Kyle, my husband, and I are both Auburn graduates and are so grateful to continue to be part of the tradition as our oldest will begin at Auburn this fall!”
Looking back on her experience as a student, Powell said the people she met and the relationships she built remain among her favorite memories
“I enjoyed connecting with others who were working with the same passions,” she said. “Particularly, in my Adult Education classes, I appreciated the practical approach to pursuing my interests and assisting us with learning opportunities.”
As she begins her one-year term as president, Powell hopes students and young professionals will embrace opportunities that stretch them beyond their comfort zones
“Be open to opportunities that may not fit your original plan,” Powell urged. “Build relationships, seek mentors, continue learning and do not be afraid to say yes to leadership opportunities.”
It’s advice she has embraced throughout her own journey — one that has taken her from the classrooms of Auburn’s College of Education to the national stage of school nutrition leadership. And as she begins the next chapter of that journey, she remains grateful for the people and experiences that helped make it possible
“I am incredibly grateful to Auburn University and the College of Education for the role they have played in my personal and professional development,” she said. “As I begin my service as president of the School Nutrition Association, I am proud to represent Auburn, Auburn City Schools and the many people who have invested in me throughout my journey. War Eagle!”
