W, EMCC Form Joint Partnership

COLUMBUS, Miss. — A new partnership announced today [Nov. 15] will allow students completing their associate of applied science degree in hotel and restaurant management technology at East Mississippi Community College to seamlessly continue their bachelor’s studies in Mississippi University for Women’s culinary arts program.

Career and technical credits earned within the EMCC program will transfer to The W, said Scott Tollison, dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies, in which culinary arts is administratively housed. “In addition, currently enrolled EMCC students will have access to The W’s ‘guest chefs’ program that brings in leading culinary experts for demonstrations and there will be additional professional development activities for EMCC faculty members.”

Dr. Jim Borsig, president of The W, said that the partnership builds on a solid relationship with EMCC in the region and will provide additional opportunities for students who pursue studies with The W.

“We have a strong partnership with our EMCC colleagues, and we’re delighted today to strengthen the pathway for students in our state to earn a bachelor’s degree,” he said. Mississippi University for Women offers the only four-year degree in culinary arts available in Mississippi.

EMCC President Dr. Rick Young said, “This opportunity is a win-win for our all our students. EMCC’s hotel and restaurant management students will be able to go on to the next level. And our Lion Hills Center provides a live setting for hands-on instruction. That gives both groups of students an edge.”

“We look forward to this partnership and hope it’s the first of many with our colleagues at Mississippi University for Women.”

Established in 1996, The W’s Culinary Arts Institute provides interdisciplinary instruction in the culinary arts, emphasizing classic cooking techniques applied to small-quantity food preparation. Earlier this year, the Columbus university established a partnership with Hinds Community College in Jackson.

The W’s Culinary Arts Institute is headed by Chef Erich Ogle, who earned a bachelor’s degree from The W and a master’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu, the University of Adelaide. He was one of the first seven graduates of The W’s culinary arts program.

EMCC’s associate degree program in hotel and restaurant management technology was established in 1997. Then as now, its director is Dr. Linda Farrar, an alumna of both EMCC and The W who earned her doctorate at Mississippi State University. Housed at EMCC’s Lion Hills Center, the program provides instruction in all phases of hotel and restaurant management and prepares students for careers as managers in the hospitality and tourism industry.

EMCC also offers a one-year certificate program in culinary arts.