June 27, 2024
JWCC Launches Reimagined Hospitality and Culinary Management Program
Courses Set to Begin this Fall Led by Industry Expert and Working Chef
On June 27, 2024, John Wood Community College (JWCC) held a kickoff event for its new Hospitality and Culinary Management program. The event featured a light breakfast prepared by Chef Vanessa Hall, a faculty member at JWCC, and included comments from regional restaurant and hotel owners.
Dr. Bryan Renfro, President of JWCC, welcomed attendees by highlighting the program’s importance to the community, noting that tourism is a significant sector for the regional economy. He emphasized the excellent instructors and industry support that the program would provide to students. “We are thrilled to launch this program to meet the growing needs of our community. Tourism is a key sector for our regional economy, and we are proud to offer top-notch instructors and industry support to serve our students,” Renfro stated.
Renfro shared that in Adams County alone, the tourism industry supports 1,107 jobs and visitors spend $131.9 million in hotels, entertainment and restaurants annually. Graduates of JWCC’s new program will help fill roles within the growing industry.
Dave Hetzler, Dean of Career and Technical Education introduced the program and its faculty. He outlined the program’s pathways, which include a one-year certificate in hospitality management and a one-year certificate in culinary arts, as well as an associate in applied science degree in Hospitality & Culinary Management. Hetzler praised the program’s advisory council and the passionate faculty members, saying, “We knew for this program to be successful, we needed industry experts’ advice and passionate faculty members. I am confident we have achieved both.”
The hospitality management certificate features courses such as:
• Introduction to the hospitality industry
• Presenting service
• Food and alcohol certifications
• Purchasing and marketing
• Cost control and supervision
• Front desk operations
• Human relations
• Internship
This part of the program will be led by Hal Axelrod, a graduate of the University of Illinois, with extensive experience in managing country clubs throughout Illinois. Axelrod highlighted the practical experiences provided through the program, access to his regional and professional network, and career pathways in management and other roles.
The culinary arts certificate prepares students to work in various food service establishments as kitchen supervisors or experienced cooks. The certificate includes:
• Hands-on professional cooking techniques
• Sanitation and safety
• Purchasing and cost control
• Role of the professional server
Students will also take courses enabling them to earn State of Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification and BASSET certification. Chef Vanessa Hall, who leads this part of the program, detailed the curriculum and her approach to professional cooking, emphasizing practical experiences and career pathways in the culinary arts. Hall is a graduate of the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Colorado and is the owner and operator of her own catering and culinary business. She was also the head chef at the Taproom of Grown and Gathered and worked in property management in Colorado.
Students pursuing either certificate can continue their education to earn an associate in applied science degree in Hospitality & Culinary Management, building on their knowledge and skills from the certificate programs.
The event concluded with service of Salvadoran pupusas prepared by Chef Hall and opportunities for media interviews and kitchen preparation videos.
JWCC’s new program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in restaurants, hotels, catering services, and more, addressing the needs of regional the college’s district that provide food and hospitality services.
For more information, visit www.jwcc.edu/hospitality.
