Arkansas State University-Newport's Director of Hospitality Services, Chef Kevin Gee, received a statewide honor from the American Culinary Federation Central Arkansas Association. Chef Gee was awarded Chef Educator of the Year on Monday, September 9, 2019, at the annual Chef Ball held at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock.
The American Culinary Federation consists of more than 150 chapters and is the largest professional chefs' organization in North America. The Chef Educator of the Year award is presented to culinary educators who not only possess the skills and expertise of a professional chef but who also have a passion for educating culinary students and guiding them into their career paths.
Certified Master Chef Kevin Gee encompasses all of these characteristics and works to lead ASU-Newport's Hospitality Services program to new heights. Chef Gee has helped students achieve top honors at state and national Skills USA competitions. He also organized the inaugural Junior Culinary Camp this summer where more than two-dozen children learned the basics of cooking and how a professional kitchen works. He also hosts a number of Culinary Experience classes throughout the semester that are available to community members.