Title: Senior Chef Instructor
Company: Johnson & Wales University
Location: Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Jeremy J. Houghton, Senior Chef Instructor at Johnson & Wales University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Higher Education.
Mr. Houghton, a professional chef and tenured educator of more than 25 years, has been affiliated with Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island, since 1997, when he was hired as an associate professor and department chair. In 2021, he transitioned into senior chef instructor on campus, responsible for teaching six hours of culinary lab classes. His courses have included include Elements of A la Minute Cooking and Contemporary Cooking and Leadership Functions.
In addition to his role at JWU, Mr. Houghton became an adjunct professor in the hospitality department at Florida International University in 2020, teaching courses like Dining Services Management, Wine Sensory and Perception, and Wine Marketing and Brand Development. He has also been instrumental in his role as a curriculum specialist for the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training since 2024.
Before transitioning into the education sector, Mr. Houghton spent much of the 1990s as a chef, gaining experience with different cuisines across various states, including Alaska, Florida, Virginia, New Mexico and Massachusetts. He also owned a consulting company, notably consulting for four successful restaurants in North Carolina. During his tenure, Mr. Houghton also had the opportunity to spend over two years as the personal chef for NASCAR driver Jimmy Johnson. He also worked for other well-known figures, such as Jennifer Lopez and LeBron James. However, he has never prioritized these experiences over the art of cooking, which he is most passionate about.
Among other opportunities, Mr. Houghton was contracted with the Sommelier Company in California, where he participated in virtual wine, bourbon and spirit tastings across the U.S. He also taught programs in Europe and Singapore on various topics.
Highly educated in his field, Mr. Houghton studied at JWU, where he received an Associate of Science in culinary arts, a Bachelor of Science in food service management and a Master of Business Administration. He also researched wine in Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, France, and Germany. Additionally, Mr. Houghton received a credential as remote teach ready Florida International University.
Considering his students’ success as his most significant achievement, Mr. Houghton feels immense pride when he hears from them and learns how far they have come in their careers. Being able to guide them and nurture their talents has been very inspiring.
Mr. Houghton was fortunate to be influenced by his parents throughout his childhood. It was a privilege to be mentored by two upstanding, respected members of their community. His grandmother, a great cook and baker, also greatly impacted him. By the time Mr. Houghton was a sophomore in high school, he decided to enroll in a home economics class, where he discovered the joy of cooking. He subsequently attended vocational high school during his junior and senior years and started at Johnson & Wales University at age 17.
As he prepares for the future, Mr. Houghton envisions progressing in the education field by obtaining the role of dean at his university. In this capacity, he would have the opportunity to leverage his extensive teaching experience to have a greater impact on students and their educational journeys.
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