Culinary Program Launches at SCC

Published: 09/30/2021

In September, the new SCC Culinary Program was fully approved by the Higher Learning Commission. Starting in October, students can work toward an associate of applied science in culinary arts.

“Students will not only learn how to cook,” said Amy Koehler, provost of the SCC – Dardenne Creek Campus and vice president for workforce and community education, “they will become food experts. The SCC integrative approach to culinary education will provide students the opportunity to study food safety, food security, diet-related disease, and sustainability. The SCC culinary program will produce well rounded chefs ready for the workforce that recognize food as a key component of health.”

Helping lead the program will be Brian Manhardt, director of the Field-to-Table Institute at SCC.

“I began cooking nearly forty years ago,” explained Manhardt, “I’ve held executive chef positions in hotels, country clubs, hospitals, large food service management providers, as well as my own restaurants. Mentoring young chefs has often been a natural part of my day.”

Manhardt added he was drawn to SCC because of its collaborative approach toward culinary arts, agriculture and healthcare.

“Healthy living starts with food knowledge,” he said. “It’s important that all students understand the supply chain of feeding America. Healthcare students need to learn therapeutic and mechanical diets for patients. Agriculture students will work with culinary students to decide how best to use our fields.”

“We want students to make connections between food, health and sustainability, while advancing their educational and career goals,” said Koehler.

The SCC Culinary Program classes will be held at the Culinary and Agricultural Center on the SCC – Dardenne Creek Campus, which features a bakery, test kitchen and commercial kitchen. Culinary students at SCC will have the opportunity to earn several industry credentials while earning a degree from Serve Safe certifications to first aid training.  

Students interested in the program can contact Brian Manhardt.