Perrodin honored as culinary educator of the year

HOUSTON – The Foodservice Educators Network International (FENI) recently named San Jacinto College (SJC) culinary arts instructor Sean Perrodin as its 2011 Educator of the Year.

The award recognizes Perrodin’s accomplishments and leadership in the foodservice-educator community, as well as his impact on the field of culinary education. Perrodin serves as lead culinary arts instructor at the SJC North campus, and as the faculty advisor for the campus’ student-operated Culinary Arts Club.

Steve Rudd, North campus culinary arts department chair, says he can think of no one more deserving of the honor than Perrodin.

“Chef Sean has done a fantastic job of building our program, educating students about culinary arts, and serving as a leader in life and as a human being,” Rudd commented. “He has a wide range of culinary skills, creativity, a winning personality, the ability to innovate, and he possesses and applies tremendous leadership skills, making those working and learning around him successful.”

Since Perrodin took the position as lead culinary arts instructor three years ago, the graduation rates in the program have more than doubled, enrollment in the program has doubled, and a new pastry chef degree plan has been added. Perrodin uses innovative teaching techniques, such as class scavenger hunts, culinary graffiti, culinary excellence dinner challenges, and team building exercises that involve students teaching community members how to cook. “There is a positive buzz on campus about culinary arts,” Rudd remarked.

Culinary arts student Jennifer Perez, who graduated from Pasadena High School, says she likes Perrodin’s hands-on educational approach. “He does not just tell you, he takes the time to show you,” she said. “He will go the extra mile and walk you through every little step. He just does whatever it takes to make sure that each student learns the right way.”

Perrodin attended Lafayette Technical College, Xavier University, and the University of Louisiana Lafayette. He will soon earn a bachelor’s degree in communication from Walden University. He will also soon complete Certified Executive Chef, and Certified Culinary Educator training through the American Culinary Federation. He has been a member of the Texas Chef Association, the Professional in Culinary Arts organization, and the American Culinary Federation.

Perrodin has 16 years experience working in all types of restaurants. “I’ve done it all, from working in a truck stop, to fine dining upscale restaurants, to owning my own catering business for 10 years,” he commented. “I have held every position from line cook to entrepreneur.” Perrodin also developed, marketed, distributed and sold a personal line of specialty seasonings and sauces in gourmet markets locally and nationally.

Perrodin considers culinary arts more than simply food preparation. “To me, it’s a professional lifestyle,” he remarked. “My personal motto is ‘food is love’ and I enjoy serving people wonderful food and creating experiences around food. My passion and dedication in culinary arts is something I live by daily. I enjoy seeing the wow factor when someone experiences the unexpected in food.”

He says his teaching philosophy as a culinary arts instructor is that food preparation is an art form that involves the palate. “The objective of creating dishes is to convey to the person tasting the food that it is better than what he or she thinks,” he said. “I believe anyone can create great food with the right attitude. Constant practice perfects food, even as the food industry is constantly changing.”

San Jacinto College offers a wide range of culinary arts courses and degree plans at the North and Central campuses.



About the Foodservice Educators Network International

The Foodservice Educators Network International provides a focal point for culinary educators to network and better prepare for those they educate and influence. Through the network’s Chef Educator Today magazine and the annual FENI Summit, culinary educators have a continuous opportunity to expand their culinary knowledge, present papers and analyze the latest technical and theoretical concepts.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for nearly 50 years. We are committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of more than 29,000 students in over 140 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career-track choices. Students also benefit from the College’s workforce training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of ever-changing industry in the region. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. Also visit www.sanjac.edu

South Campus

13735 Beamer Rd.
Houston, TX 77089
281-484-1900

This release was published on openPR.