Sept. 7, 2021

This piece is part of a series in which we are introducing all new faculty members for the 2021-2022 academic year. Susan Mills-Gray has worked for MU Extension for the past 38 years, and is pare of a cohort of nutrition faculty who are joining the School of Health Professions.

Susan Mills-Gray,
Extension Professor, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology

Tell us a bit about yourself. What brought you to Mizzou/ why did you choose to work at Mizzou? 

 I grew up in southeast Missouri where I was exposed to University of Missouri Extension through 4-H. My 4-H experiences led me to a 38-year career with MU Extension as an off-campus faculty member. The past eight years I’ve served as the state leader for Extension nutrition and health programming. 

Tell us about your work within MU extensions. 

My role has been providing research-based solutions to consumer challenges. When policies, systems and environmental support is present at the local level, permanent healthy lifestyle changes are easier. During my career I’ve led the creation of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, a strength- training program we designed for older adults who lived in areas that are lacking community wellness centers or the opportunity to participate in physical activity programs. 

What are you most excited about in the upcoming semester regarding joining the School of Health Professions?  

I look forward to assisting Health Professions students with internships in local communities. 

What do you like to do outside of work? 

My husband and I live on a 100-acre farm in the Kansas City area. We raise cattle and cute chickens. We have children who have blessed us with 10 amazing grandkids – so we stay busy! I enjoy gardening, making my own greeting cards, refinishing old furniture, and traveling.