ECTC celebrates new culinary arts space with ribbon cutting

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College celebrated the opening of its newly renovated Culinary Arts kitchen and dining space Wednesday with a ribbon cutting and open house.

The Culinary Arts department has relocated to the renovated space in ECTC's Regional Postsecondary Center, where classes already are underway.

“The Culinary Arts improvements represent exactly what we want for our students: hands-on learning environments that reflect the careers they are preparing to enter,” said ECTC Chancellor Dr. Juston Pate. “The new kitchen and lab space allows them to develop their skills, build confidence and prepare for successful careers. We’re proud to make this investment in them and in the future of our region.”

For Culinary Arts Interim Program Coordinator Jamie Miracle, the renovated space expands what faculty can provide students through hands-on instruction.

“Our students learn by doing, and this space gives them more opportunities to develop the skills, creativity and professionalism they will need in the culinary industry,” Miracle said. “Having new tools and more room to work gives our students the opportunity to practice in an environment that supports both collaboration and high expectations.”

Current Culinary Arts student Megan Raney, who is preparing to graduate at the end of the semester, spoke during the celebration.
 
“This incredible new kitchen means so much. It is a game changer,” Raney said. “For my classmates, and for every student who follows us, it offers new tools and ample workspace to sharpen our technique, experiment with new ingredients and dishes, and share our creations.”

Raney said hands-on training, high standards and encouragement have prepared her for the next step in her career. She plans to begin a culinary internship at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., this spring.

“A space like this doesn't just make the work easier; it raises the standard of what we expect from ourselves,” Raney said. “It marks the beginning of a bright future for our culinary program and opens endless opportunities for everyone who walks through these doors.”

The new facilities are part of ECTC's broader investment in modern learning environments that better prepare students for today's workplaces, Pate said. Relocating Culinary Arts opened critical square footage in the Occupational Technical Building, for which a $60.5 million, two-phase renovation and expansion is underway to modernize technical classrooms and labs.

The $3.8 million Culinary Arts project was made possible by $3.2 million in asset preservation funds allocated by the Kentucky General Assembly to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. ECTC complemented the investment with college-level funds that covered various equipment and furnishings.

“We’re proud of this new space and grateful for the legislators and community partners whose continued support helps make investments like this possible,” Pate said. “It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together to create opportunities for our students and strengthen our region.”

ECTC Culinary Arts offers associate degree, diploma and certificate options, with areas of study including culinary arts, catering and personal chef, food and beverage management and baking. To learn more, visit ectc.us/culinary-arts.

To learn more about facilities investments at ECTC, visit ectc.us/grows.