ATC Hosted Reception for OneGeorgia

Past Recipient of Grant Funds

---

 

Jesup –  Altamaha Technical College’s (ATC)  Hazlehurst Culinary Arts Program, at the request of the OneGeorgia Authority, hosted a statewide reception for Governor Sonny Perdue in Dublin, Georgia.  Former Governor Perdue and members of the OneGeorgia Authority met in Dublin to approve grants and loans from the Authority’s portfolio of financing programs. The awards assist with a variety of economic development projects in rural Georgia aimed at creating jobs, stimulating new private investment, supporting the retention of existing jobs and enhancing regional competitiveness through capacity-building projects.

“OneGeorgia provided the grant to make it all happen for ATC’s Hazlehurst Culinary Arts Program.  The college is very proud of the program and the Hazlehurst Big House location. Neither would exist without OneGeorgia’s grant program and the community’s support,” says Lorette Hoover, president of Altamaha Technical College.  “With strong community support and quality faculty, the Hazlehurst Culinary Arts program has experienced record enrollment which led to expansion of the facilities in the fall.  We appreciate the community’s continued support of the program by maintaining and operating the facility,” says Hoover.

Instructor Jennifer Evans believes that, “technical education is the first choice for those who wish to become dedicated culinary arts professionals.” Chef Jen received her professional training at Johnson and Wales University and has also earned a B.A. in English from UGA. She mentors both high school (dual enrollment) and adult students participating in the ATC’s Culinary Arts program. From day one, students gain a solid foundation in classic techniques, knife skills, emerging global trends, and nutritional analysis. Her graduates have entered the workforce at restaurants and commercial kitchens, have started catering businesses, and have chosen to continue their education at professional culinary schools in locations such as Atlanta and Alaska. Chef Jen tells her students to “make food with passion” but she is most proud when students, especially high school students, expand their palate while tasting and preparing local and international culinary delights.

For more information about Altamaha Technical College or the Culinary Arts program, log on to http://www.altamahatech.edu/ or call the main campus at (912) 427-5800 or (800) 645-8284.