Abstract:    The John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition offers an exceptional leadership opportunity for school nutrition programs in Massachusetts. The goal of this highly acclaimed five-course program is to increase the knowledge and skills of directors and senior management in school nutrition programs in Massachusetts. The program includes five undergraduate courses offered through Framingham State University (FSU), designed specifically for directors of school nutrition programs and managers who wish to advance in their school nutrition careers. Curriculum is based upon competencies identified by national research conducted by the National Food Service Managment Institute and is designed to assure that directors and managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to support nutrition and education goals.