After national search, and after acting as interim Director since August of 2017, Jackson receives appointment
Yavapai Community College announced on May 15, 2018 that Chef Jen Jackson is the new Director of Culinary and Hospitality programs. Chef Jackson had served as the interim Director since August 2017. From reports the blog has received from students, faculty, and others, Jackson is an outstanding selection!
In its press release, the College wrote the following:
“Born in the Deep South in Mississippi, but living the majority of her adult life in Portland, OR, Jen gravitates to her small town upbringing and love of southern food. She always says, `I am French trained with a Southern twist.’ Jen attended Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland, OR and The Culinary Institute of America in both Hyde Park, NY and San Antonio, TX. She is a Pro Chef II certified Chef from the Culinary Institute of America. Last summer, Jen completed a Hospitality Management course through Scottsdale Community College and has continued to further her education in the Hospitality Industry.”
“Before coming to Yavapai College, she owned and operated “Natura Spice Cooking Studio” in the Village of Oak Creek where she taught over 200 cooking classes to the public. Before moving to Sedona, Jen was a Chef Instructor at St. Mary’s Food Bank/Community Kitchen in Phoenix, AZ. A program for disadvantaged adults to give them a second chance and provide jobs.”
“In her “spare” time, she loves to travel with her partner, hike with their three rescue dogs, go “glamping”, and of course cooking and entertaining. Jen owned and operated one of the first Food Trucks in Portland, OR back in 2004, “before it was cool,” she says.”
“With her thirteen years in the industry, Jen is excited to use her knowledge, passion, and experience to continue to build the Culinary and Hospitality programs in Sedona and we are happy to have her.”