The Community College of Rhode Island proudly announces the hiring of Chef Kenneth Watt, CEC, MBA, as assistant professor of Culinary Arts. Watt will lead the college’s all-new Culinary Arts program, which is unique to CCRI’s Newport County Campus.

Watt previously served as director of dining and executive chef for Johnson & Wales University in Providence, and has held executive culinary roles at the Johnson & Wales Inn in Seekonk, Massachusetts, Cafe Pierrot in Wilton, New Hampshire and the Divi Hotel in Ithaca, New York.

“The purpose of our culinary program is to equip students with a strong foundation in essential kitchen skills, culinary theory and professional standards,” said Watt. “Beyond teaching technique, we focus on cultivating confidence so that every student leaves not only knowing what to do in the kitchen, but understanding why it matters and how to execute it under pressure.”

  Watt’s connection to food began on his family’s farm in New Hampshire, where he developed an early appreciation for agriculture and sustainability. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Watt holds degrees in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management and a Master of Business Administration. He is president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Culinary Federation  and was named the agency’s 2017 Chef of the Year.

The CCRI Culinary Arts program will launch in Newport this fall and will offer a Culinary Craftsmanship associate degree and Culinary Essentials certificate. Courses are taught in state-of-the-art kitchens and labs designed specifically for culinary instruction in a newly renovated wing at the Newport campus.

To learn more about the Culinary Arts program at CCRI, visit www.ccri.edu/culinary.