Whitbeck begins AAFCS presidency

  Tuesday, August 9, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Duane Whitbeck, chair of the Pittsburg State Family and Consumer Sciences department, is the new national president for the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

Whitbeck, who began his one-year term as AAFCS president in June, said he hopes to use the role to expand the organization’s membership and enhance its visibility.

“As one of the leading researchers and advocates in the area of FCS teacher shortages, we are focusing on increasing the number of FCS teachers, FCS teacher educators and FCS extension agents nationwide,” Whitbeck said. “It is important that we do more to supply and support teachers who focus on the essential life skills courses including Nutrition & Healthy Living, Parenting and Family Relationships, Consumer Education and Personal Finance, Culinary and Public Health. 

Based in the Washington, D.C., area, AAFCS is the only association for family and consumer sciences students and professionals across multiple practice settings and content areas. Its mission is to provide leadership and support for professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making more informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.

Whitbeck said his role with AAFCS will also benefit the FCS students at Pitt State.

“Because I have been involved extensively over the past 12 years with the AAFCS, our students have had the opportunity to see professional affiliations first-hand,” he said. “We have kept students updated on scholarship opportunities and engaged in giving professional presentations at state conferences.  Because of this our graduates have made a smooth transition into their professions and have moved quickly into leadership positions within the AAFCS - Kansas Affiliate.”

More information about the AAFCS is available at http://www.aafcs.org.