Skip to main content

Salt Lake Community College Ranked in Top 20 Culinary Schools

Student Eve Campbell is studying baking and pastry making in SLCC's Culinary Arts Program.

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) was ranked as one of the top 20 culinary schools in an annual study compiled by KaTom Restaurant Supply. In reviewing more than 700 schools, KaTom compiled a list of 25 schools, SLCC ranking 17.

"Once we compiled data for each institution [using Scorecard data from the U.S. Department of Education], schools were ranked by attribute and assigned weights to determine which institutions offer students the most program flexibility at an affordable rate while still providing a strong education that will lead to job placement and financial success,” stated KaTom.

“We are honored to be part of this recognition; it’s a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff and their dedication in supporting our students to reach their academic and professional goals,” said Jeffrey Coker, associate dean, Culinary Arts.

The list aims to inform those seeking a career as a chef or in the foodservice industry. It focused on factors such as the application process, financial investment, length of program, and employment rate.

One of the clear trends we noted was the abundance of smaller, more affordable programs that still set students up for success once they graduate.

“What separates us from other programs is that we are a small program that prioritizes a climate that is welcoming, professional and offers a family-style environment,” Coker said. “We work hard to foster the growth of each individual student.”

SLCC’s Culinary Program is an open-enrollment program, not based on cohorts, so it allows students the flexibility to pick and choose classes that fit their schedules. Most students work while they attend the program.

The culinary program is one of two programs in Utah to provide an Associate’s Applied Science degree in the culinary arts. Students can choose a five-semester track focusing on either the culinary arts or on baking and pastry making.

For more than 25 years, SLCC’s Culinary Arts Program has been preparing students for professions in the foodservice industry. Many students go on to work locally in hotels, resorts, catering companies, bakeries, in independent restaurants and as private chefs.

"While larger, well known culinary programs made our list as well, one of the clear trends we noted was the abundance of smaller, more affordable programs that still set students up for success once they graduate,” said Angela Byrnes, KaTom’s community outreach manager. “Our goal with this annual study is to highlight those programs so students have more information at their disposal when choosing their educational path."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...

The Center for Prior Learning Receives an Honorable Mention

Today, SLCC's Credit for Prior Learning department received an Honorable Mention from the  Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL ) and the  Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education  for its intentional approach and for expanding student options to receive credit for prior learning.  Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)  allows students to obtain college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional academic environment. This is exceptionally beneficial for adult learners, who, according to CAEL, have a 17% higher chance of graduating compared to those adults who don’t earn credits through prior learning programs. The CPL department at SLCC was created in 2020 and since then the volume of students served has grown as the department continues to expand. To be eligible for CPL, students must be working towards a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship. Director of Credit for Prior Learning at SLCC, Andrea Tipton, mentioned fee...

Board of Higher Ed names Gregory F. Peterson 9th SLCC President

The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Gregory F. Peterson, Ed.D., as the ninth president of Salt Lake Community College today, following an extensive national search. Peterson will assume the position on July 1, 2024, and succeeds Deneece G. Huftalin, who served as president from 2014-2024.   “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Salt Lake Community College’s next president, and I look forward to reinforcing SLCC’s commitment to providing educational pathways for transfer and workforce that improve the lives of every member of our community,” Peterson said. “SLCC has an amazing future ahead, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that journey.”   As part of its delegated duties and responsibilities, the SLCC Board of Trustees named an  11-member committee  in December 2023 to conduct a national search for the next president of SLCC. The committee is composed of representatives from the Utah Board of Higher Education and SLCC trustees, facul...