Cincinnati State awards first bachelor’s degrees in culinary and food science

By Richard Curtis

Cincinnati State Media

Cincinnati State’s commencement on May 7 included the college’s first-ever graduates from its culinary and food science bachelor’s degree program.

“We are so proud of these students and of our culinary and food science program,” said Dr. Monica Posey, president of Cincinnati State. “This program addresses an unmet need in several major regional industries.” 

According to JobsOhio, the food and agricultural industry is arguably the largest industry in Ohio with an estimated $124 billion annual economic impact. Within that industry are 1,400-plus food manufacturers throughout the state.

“The food science program at Cincinnati State is invaluable in adding talent to the food industry,” said Zach Shepard, director of culinary sales for SugarCreek, a Blue Ash-based food manufacturer that has six plants in the Midwest and annual sales of more than $1 billion.

There are no other food science bachelor’s degrees programs within 100 miles of Cincinnati.

Graduates exit the program with the technical and culinary skills that food manufacturers need — to create new food or beverage products, or work in food safety, quality control or production.

“Many of the companies where our graduates will work are at the forefront of innovation, bringing to market exciting global flavors and minimally processed, healthy, fresh-tasting foods” said Grace Yek, program chair. 

“This is a rigorous applied science program with a very hands-on, industry-aware approach. Our students come out of the program with a precise yet intuitive approach to food.”

All 2023 graduates have lined up jobs or are completing co-ops in the regional food, beverage or flavor industries. In addition to SugarCreek, employers include Givaudan, Archer Daniels Midland, Perfetti Van Melle, Sam Adams and many others. 

For more information about Cincinnati State’s culinary and food science bachelor’s degree, go online at cincinnatistate.edu or call 513-861-7700.

The 2023 program graduates are Eugenia Adu, Rachel Ball, Kiara Daniels, Hannah Davis, Nicole Hatfield, Nickolas Lackey, Alicia Manley, Breana Rains, Matthew Schmitt, and Mayra Tafoya.

Cincinnati State (www.cincinnatistate.edu) offers more than 140 associate degrees, bachelor’s degree and certificate programs, and custom training through its Workforce Development Center.

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