TCC Culinary Arts program reaccredited for 5 years

Tidewater Community College’s Culinary Arts program has been reaccredited for the next five years by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission.

This is the third time in a decade that TCC’s program has been recognized by the group.

TCC is the only public college or university to offer an accredited culinary program in Hampton Roads.

“This puts our Culinary Arts degree program right up there with proprietary schools,” said Don Averso, chef and program head for Culinary Arts.

He added, “It reinforces that what we offer is comparable to other schools, for a fraction of the cost.”

Students who complete TCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and maintain a student membership in American Culinary Federation (ACF) will automatically receive their first industry credential, Certified Culinarian.

Program Spotlight: Culinary Arts

The process for recertification involved an in-depth self-study completed by the chefs and administrators of the program at TCC, with input from other divisions at the college.

This was followed by an on-site visit by three ACF chefs in December 2015. The group toured TCC’s kitchens and other areas of the college and met with faculty, students and administrators.

The process culminated in a reception prepared and served by TCC students.

“The group hinted that we did so well during the process that they were going to reaccredit the program for more time than the standard three years,” Averso said. “And that’s exactly what happened.”

For more information on TCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, email Daverso@tcc.edu or visit www.tcc.edu/culinary.