The annual Shugart Lecture Series brings dietitians and food service and hospitality experts to Kansas State University for the enrichment of student curricula and to provide continuing education for practitioners in the field.

Established in 1975, the lecture series honors the late Grace M. Shugart, former department head in the College of Health and Human Sciences and co-author of Food for Fifty and Food Service in Institutions.

Shugart helped build the profession of dietetics and institutional management throughout the United States, serving as president of the American Dietetic Association. She also was a Medallion Award winner and received the Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' highest honor.