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Chef Jeffrey Coker Recognized as 2008 Educator of the Year
California School of Culinary Arts Chef Receives Top Honor
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – October 6, 2008 – Faculty at the California School of Culinary Arts (CSCA) have named Chef Jeffrey Coker as 2008 Educator of the Year. Awarded annually since 2000, the title is bestowed upon faculty who demonstrate strength in teaching, leadership, student success and professional development.
The faculty selected four finalists from a field of 18 nominees: Jennifer Toomey (Leadership), Alexander Reyes (Teaching), Colette Christian (Student Success), and Jeffrey Coker (Professional Development).
"As a dedicated member of the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years, I have found my years with CSCA to be the most rewarding both professionally and personally," said Coker. "My true passion is teaching."
Coker, department chair at California School of Culinary Arts, graduated with an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts from California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Before joining CSCA as an Associate Instructor in 2000, he worked for renowned establishments such as the Jonathan Club, Hotel Bel Air, and the Sherwood Country Club, all in the Los Angeles area. He has since obtained professional certifications through the American Culinary Federation as a Culinary Educator and Chef de Cuisine, completed a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Sullivan University and is nearing completion of a Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University.
Coker was recognized at a ceremony held September 19 at the Huntington Library with more than 90 CSCA chefs in attendance.
About California School of Culinary Arts
California School of Culinary Arts (CSCA) was established in 1994 in Pasadena, Calif., and formed a partnership with the internationally renowned Le Cordon Bleu. With campuses in Pasadena and Hollywood, CSCA is an affiliate of Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America – one of the largest providers of quality culinary arts education. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, CSCA offers the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu education through four different degree and diploma programs in Culinary Arts, Pâtisserie & Baking and Hospitality & Restaurant management. California School of Culinary Arts is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information, go to www.csca.edu.
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