The Idaho Potato Commission along with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education selected Michael Carmel, department head at the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, to receive the 2024 Postsecondary Educator of the Year award.

Chef Carmel’s reaction was disbelief when he heard he had won the IPC Postsecondary Educator of the Year award. His astonishment was understandable as he did not apply himself but was secretly nominated by a coworker. That colleague understood Carmel’s profound impact on culinary education during his 20-year tenure. Additionally, Carmel worked as a successful professional industry chef prior to committing to the culinary education kitchens.

One nominating letter said, “Chef is an impressive person, chef, and leader who is consistently working to protect the Guild of Culinary Arts while putting students first in education.”

Carmel created numerous innovative community partnerships. For example, he connected his students with a local aquarium and its Good Catch program. The goal was to teach students butchery skills with sustainably caught, locally sourced seafood. Then, the cooked seafood was donated to a local food bank serving nearly 5,000 food-insecure community members.

Chef Carmel gives to the community and the community responds in kind. Chef managed two fundraising events serving more than 1,000 people that helped raise over $1 million dollars for student scholarships. The money was earned in a single year.

His commitment to students knows no boundaries – not even the physical boundaries of the United States can limit this chef. The winner has organized, developed and led students on study abroad trips. From helping students fundraise to introducing them to global chefs, creating a global culinary perspective has enriched this chef’s students and helped form the next generation of culinary leaders.

From participating in his college’s artificial intelligence professional development committee to hosting the 2023 CAFÉ’s Leadership Conference, Carmel’s commitment to culinary arts is legendary.  

Click here to go back to the 2024 CAFÉ award recipients list.