Chef Patrick Fletcher was named the 2015 Teacher of the Year by students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College Wednesday.Chef Fletcher, culinary arts program coordinator, selected from 25 faculty members who were also nominated by the college’s student body for the award. Nominees had to an assistant professor status or above and have been a member of the WKCTC teaching faculty for the past three years.
In nominating Chef Fletcher, one student described him as a “tremendous instructor!” “He makes learning so much fun and is very knowledgeable in his field,” the student wrote. “He goes above and beyond to make sure that we get as much experience in the culinary arts as we can.”
Chef Fletcher, a McCracken County resident, said he was touched to hear about the changes he is making in the lives of his students. “I’ve also kept in touch with many of the graduates from the culinary program, and it’s so rewarding to know I played a part in helping them do what they want to do in life,” he said.
During his acceptance speech Wednesday, Chef Fletcher thanked his parents, Frank and Sue Fletcher, for raising him with a musical background. “I’ve always been able to express myself through music and food,” he said. “Music instilled creativity in me, and it was a perfect segue to follow into the culinary arts.”
Fletcher joined the WKCTC faculty in 2009. He earned an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colo., and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.
Registration for summer and fall classes at WKCTC is also underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Fall classes begin August 17.