The Idaho Potato Commission along with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education selected Justin Kinziger, assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College, to receive the national 2022 Postsecondary Educator of the Year Honorable Mention award.

Kinziger was roundly recommended for the national award by his students and colleagues for his work ethic, dedication, teaching abilities, compassion, and love of culinary arts.

His recent master’s degree in organizational psychology has honed his teaching abilities through transformational and authentic leadership approaches. He endeavors to inspire his students through compassion, enthusiasm, and high moral and ethical standards. He also provides opportunities for students to take ownership of their ideas while providing strong foundational support.

As American Culinary Federation Western Michigan Lakeshore Chapter President, Kinziger strives for providing students with hands-on experiences, some they wouldn’t experience in regular lab classes. In his classes, he encourages students to recognize the connection between proper nutrition and health outcomes and encourages them to practice mindfulness when they cook and enjoy food.

Also, Kinziger leads the College’s sustainability committee where he teaches students to be proactive in finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint as they navigate through the culinary industry.