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Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts
Matrell Hawkins

Culinary degree graduate - testimonial

Read Chef Matrell's Testimonial (PDFfile)

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Kristin Bonnell - Class of 2004

"I was already in college in Tallahassee when I decided to go to culinary school. Luckily ICulinary degree graduate - testimonial found Keiser University which was located in Tallahassee. When I started I was still a little bit in the mind set of my last college. I didn’t care about those classes, and I hardly went to class.

When I came to Keiser it was different. I wasn’t in a class of 200 people anymore. I believe it was the instructors that changed that. They care deeply about the students, and want them to get as much as they can out of the classes and the program. The instructors are always around for the students. In my example, one instructor nominated me for American Culinary Federation Regional Student of the Year. I just kind of laughed at it but filled out the application anyway. I figured if that instructor believed in me enough to nominate me then I should take the nomination.

Well as it turns out I won the Southeast Regional Student of the Year and went to compete in a National Competition. It was a great move in my career. I am thankful that I decided to go to Keiser University, because it was truly an amazing experience."

Angie Kelly

Another graduate, Angie Kelly, 38, works for the state as an administrative assistant. A single mother, she had help from friends and family so she could attend school at night.

She's always loved baking - she made her sister's wedding cake 21 years ago - so she spent her externship as a pastry chef at the Governors Club while on academic leave from her job. 

She's going to continue her state job for the time being, but eventually wants to work full-time as a pastry chef. Meanwhile, she'll work part-time with caterers or restaurants.

It was worth the money and effort to get her degree, Kelly said. "You need the credibility. You need the degree."

Robert Binder

Robert Binder, 31, also externed at the Governors Club, and now has a job there. He said he enjoys the pressure of being a chef and the chance to be creative. "Once it gets in your blood, it's difficult to do something else."

Jennifer Akins

Jennifer Akins, 24, echoes Binder's sentiments about the joy of cooking. "We don't do this for the money," she said. She worked during the day as a bookkeeper at Graphateria and took night classes at the Culinary Institute. With a specialty in pastry arts, she's now the pastry chef at Melhana Plantation in Thomasville, Ga., where she also externed. She looks forward to expanding the baking operation to include breads.

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