Wake Forest University Becomes an Official American Culinary Federation Test Site
Wake Forest University is now an official American Culinary Federation (ACF) testing site, the first for Harvest Table Culinary Group. This designation creates a convenient, close-to-home opportunity for Harvest Table culinarians to pursue ACF certifications, which are widely recognized as the gold standard in the culinary industry.
“This collaboration with the American Culinary Federation supports the local community while helping build a strong pipeline of emerging culinary talent for Wake Forest University and Harvest Table Culinary Group,” said Jay Vetter, Harvest Table’s Chief Culinary Officer. “This is essential as we continue to serve students and promote dining inclusivity and excellence across the campuses we support.”
As an approved testing site, Wake Forest will host ACF training and certification for chefs and culinarians from Harvest Table partner colleges and universities nationwide. This milestone expands access to professional development, strengthens collaboration with local ACF chapters, and creates new opportunities for leadership and workforce development.
“At Wake Forest University, we believe exceptional dining experiences begin with investing in exceptional people,” said John Wise, Vice President of Hospitality & Auxiliary Services, Wake Forest University Our partnership with Harvest Table Culinary Group has created meaningful opportunities for our culinary team to grow professionally while advancing innovation and excellence across campus dining. Becoming an American Culinary Federation testing site reflects our shared commitment to developing talent, elevating culinary standards, and creating opportunities that benefit both our team members and the students we serve.”
American Culinary Federation Director of Professional Development Kivi Hermans said, “Certification is an incredible opportunity for a chef’s professional development within their career. It highlights their work experience in the field and allows them to showcase that by honing their skillset at the practical exams. As a testing host site, Wake Forest is opening up more collaboration and opportunities for chefs to earn their certification, and that commitment is appreciated within the network and local ACF chapters.”
The first ACF certification test took place in May, when four Deacon Dining chefs participated in the practical exam for their Certified Executive Chef (CEC) certification as part of the inaugural testing group.
Chef Michelle Coleman-Pelkey said, “ACF certification means a great deal to me because it represents how far I’ve come in my culinary journey while also reminding me how much more I still have the potential to achieve. It’s a reflection of the years of hard work, challenges, lessons, and growth that have shaped me into the culinary professional and leader I am today. More than just a credential, it represents my commitment to continuing to learn, push myself, and grow within an industry that has given me so much purpose. For me, this certification isn’t the finish line, it’s another step forward in a career I’m incredibly proud of and excited to continue building.”
Chef Jonathan Burns said, “Certification to me has been a journey of my entire career, and it shows that I can back up the work I’ve been using every day. The process was a lot of work, but I’m grateful for the folks that pushed me to better myself and invested the time to help better me as a chef. This accomplishment is something I have wanted for years, and I’m proud to say it’s another chapter in my book!”
