June 16, 2005 - Estrella Mountain, a Maricopa Community College, announces the appointment of Steven Griffiths as Culinary Studies Program Director, bringing an extensive background as an award winning executive chef with specialized experience and education in pastry arts, ice carving, and culinary education. Griffiths will focus his talents not only in the classroom, but also in the direction of the college's on-campus restaurant, Regions. Griffith's experience as a culinary educator includes eight years as Assistant Professor with New Hampshire Community Technical College. As an educator, Griffiths coached an award winning team of students in the American Culinary Federation Junior Hotel Food Competition at the state level in New Hampshire, as well as coach of the first place team at the National Collegiate Ice Carving Championships in Michigan in 2002, and he is excited to bring his professional experience and his knowledge and abilities as an educator to the Estrella Mountain program.Griffiths holds an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from New Hampshire Community Technical College, as well as additional education from the Notter School of Pastry Arts, where he enhanced his knowledge of ice sculpting and pulled and blown sugar. His artistic flair in ice sculpture earned him numerous awards, including first place at the Northeast Ice Carving Competition in 2004, as well as fourth place at the international level at the World Ice Art Championships, in 2004. Additionally, Griffiths brings a range of professional experience as an executive, pastry, and sous chef for renowned hotels, resorts, and restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard. As the program continues to expand, Griffiths' professional and artist experience complements the array of talent and knowledge of Estrella Mountain's Culinary Studies faculty, and most of all, will continue to enhance the learning experience of Estrella Mountain students.Estrella Mountain Community College is a Maricopa Community College. Located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale, EMCC offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to residents in the West Valley. Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation serving more than a quarter million students annually. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu
