Navigating practice and academic change in collaborative partnership with a community advisory board.

: University-based allied health programs must prepare entry-level professionals for a continually-evolving practice landscape. Health care education must demonstrate relevance to community needs in an environment of diminishing resources and increased scrutiny from governmental and accreditation bodies. Diverse perspectives, insights, and strategic counsel are needed to meet these challenges. Strategies associated with the development and functions of corporate and non-profit boards were used to tailor a community advisory board for a dietetics program at a public university. Over a 4-year period, this new board established an annual scholarship conference, funded an endowed scholarship, organized a student mentorship program, and secured new program equipment. The board played a pivotal role in development of and securing administrative approval for the establishment of a Nutrition Center for research, innovative practice, and service learning. In a recent accreditation site visit report, the role of the advisory board was cited as helping to meet education standards. An active advisory board can support strategic program innovation, resource development and help prepare health professionals for 21st century practice. The change-oriented, creative approach described can serve as a model for professional education programs seeking to engage the community in the success of their students.