Huge loss to future of culinary program in Sedona
The College has yet to issue a press release, however, the Blog was reliably informed and believes that the Sedona Culinary Institute’s Director Chef Jennifer Jackson’s last day as a College employee was Thursday, August 9. She is most likely returning to South Carolina. The Blog also believes a replacement has already been hired. Formal word from the College is expected in the next several days.
The College had announced on May 15, 2018 that Chef Jen Jackson was the new Director of Culinary and Hospitality programs. She had served as the interim Director since August 2017.
Jackson recently became one of fewer than 20 people annually to earn a prestigious Level II Chef Rating from the Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premier culinary college. Level II is equivalent to a master’s degree in the culinary industry. The rating is bestowed only on students who apply and are accepted to the Institute and who complete four days of rigorous examination and kitchen practice.
Dr. James Perey, Yavapai College Executive Dean and Campus Executive Officer of the Verde Valley campus, expressed pride in Jackson’s accomplishment.
Ms. Jackson will be greatly missed! As she leaves, the culinary program at the Sedona Center is reportedly “thriving” and will soon offer more culinary courses. The Center may also soon offer an Associate degree in Culinary and Hospitality.