In Memoriam: Dianne S. Ward, leading early childhood nutrition and physical activity public health researcher at the University of North Carolina

It is with profound grief the Nutrition Policy Institute has learned of the untimely death of a dear colleague and early childhood nutrition and physical activity public health researcher at the University of North Carolina, Dianne S. Ward. Dianne's research portfolio illustrates her passion for promoting the health and welfare of young children, whether in childcare settings, schools, or communities. Her signature contribution to the field is the creation of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care Program—otherwise known as NAPSACC—developed in partnership with the North Carolina Division of Public Health, Prevention Partners, and with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over time, the program evolved into Go NAPSACC and by 2020, it was widely implemented in more than 20 states across the nation and has spread into Australia and Great Britain. Dianne's work inspired NPI's child care nutrition research and many of her NAPSACC evaluation measures were incorporated into NPI's child care studies. Moreover, Dianne was a kind and generous colleague who was quick with a good idea and a warm word of encouragement. Though we are united in our grief, let us celebrate Dianne's remarkable life and give thanks that we were blessed to share in it. Dianne's obituary was published online in The State. Adapted from a message by Dr. Alice Ammerman, Director of the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and Mildred Kaufman Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.