Wallace State Chef John Wilson, right, advises Wallace State student Brye Forbes in preparation for last year’s SkillsUSA national competition.
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Chef John Wilson has been named the 2018 Chef of the Year by the Alabama Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
Wilson has worked in the culinary industry for 35 years and has served as the program head of Wallace State’s Academy of Culinary Arts program for five years.
The Birmingham Chapter of the ACF annually recognizes a top student, chef, educator and apprentice within its organization.
“It was a complete surprise and an award most people never win in their lives. It’s hard to get, so I feel very lucky to have won,” Wilson said. “I was honored that many of our students were in attendance at the awards ceremony, and they’re the inspiration to do what I do on a daily basis.”
Wilson, a Boston native, has worked as a chef in Alabama for 15 years, including his time at Wallace State. Under his direction, the Wallace State program serves lunch to the public and campus each Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters and provides meals for special occasions on campus and throughout the community.
Additionally, the program is a year removed from having graduate Diane Wood recognized as the ACF Student of the Year and Byre Forbes earn a gold medal at the state Skills/USA competition and a silver medal at the national competition.
“We’re trying to grow this program more and more. It’s gratifying knowing the successes we’ve been having,” Wilson said.
For more information about Wallace State’s Academy of Culinary Arts program, visit www.wallacestate.edu/programs/technical-division/culinary-arts
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
