Culinary Arts instructor announced for new Kilgore College program

by Piney Woods Live Staff

“I am extremely proud to be accepted into this community, and I look forward to years of service and enjoyment here,” Jackson said.

Kathryn “Kat” Jackson will be the new leader/instructor for Kilgore College’s new Culinary Arts Program.

LONGVIEW — Kilgore College has announced that Kathryn “Kat” Jackson will be the leader/instructor for KC’s new Culinary Arts Program which begins Aug. 27.

The late-afternoon and evening classes will be held at Longview High School’s state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.

Jackson has 15 years of industry experience from working with hotels as the senior manager overseeing restaurants/food and beverage.

She started with the Marriott at the Renaissance Hotel of Dallas before moving to the Worthington Renaissance Hotel of Fort Worth.

In the last year and a half, Jackson started a business that caters medium and large events in North Texas.

“I am very proud to be a new member of the Kilgore College faculty. I have worked in the service industry for my entire professional career, but I can honestly say that I've never been as excited about a position as I am now about teaching the new culinary arts curriculum,” Jackson said.

“I helped design the program with experiences I gained during the 15 years I worked in the restaurant, hotel and catering industry and by invoking my own college experience at Texas Tech.”

Jackson has a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University in hotel, restaurant and institutional management.

“I am extremely proud to be accepted into this community, and I look forward to years of service and enjoyment here,” Jackson said.

Jackson has been at the top in Marriott’s “front of the house” operations but says her true love is culinary arts.

“I am inspired by, and devoted to, high quality food and service. My culinary philosophy centers on the idea that the best food comes from great local ingredients and creative, hard-working local minds,” Jackson said.

Jackson said that her intention with the new Culinary Arts Program is two-fold: to prepare her students for the demanding realities of the service industry and to place her students in positions where their diligence and creativity will improve their lives and their communities.

“Longview Economic Development Corporation encouraged us to start the Culinary Arts Program,” said Dr. Julie Fowler, Executive Dean of KC—Longview. “We are pleased to have this continued partnership with Longview High School.”

For information about enrollment, call 903-753-2642 to make an appointment with a KC—Longview counselor.