History & Mission

History

Southeast Culinary and Hospitality College opened for business on February 2, 2005 in the historic Piedmont Post Office Building in Bristol, Virginia. This historic and elegant structure features 17,000 square feet with much of the original charm still intact. Original granite and marble can still be found throughout the building. The college was founded by co-owners Chef Richard Erskine CEC and Michael Poore. Chef Richard Erskine CEC, who currently serves as college President and owner, has 30 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years as Director of two college culinary programs and holds both Associate and Bachelor Degrees from Johnson and Wales University and a Master's Degree from the University of Virginia.

Programs offered are Associate of Science Degrees in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and Restaurant Management. The college also offers a certificate in bartending, a certificate in Culinary Arts, and a Concentration in Culinary Arts. The college emphasizes instruction and public service throughout the year with many programs offered to local civic and community groups free of charge. We integrate hands-on learning with a career-focused curriculum and work with industry to meet the needs of our student's future employees. All faculty members have extensive real world industry experience and are able to bring practical and pragmatic solutions to the classroom environment. Small class size permits personal attention, our tuition is affordable, and we offer a flexible schedule of day, night and weekend classes to meet the needs of a working adult population. The college's operation of thriving banquet and catering service is a major opportunity for our students to observe the daily activities of an actual business venture.

Mission

The mission of the Southeast Culinary and Hospitality College is to provide a quality career education to students who wish to pursue excellence in culinary and hospitality operations. The college aspires to stimulate a lasting attitude of knowledge and its application beyond the boundary of its campus and serve and promote society by developing in student's heightened intellectual, cultural, as well as professional expertise and a sense of purpose. Southeast Culinary and Hospitality College strives for excellence in all its endeavors and expects from students similar dedication to this pursuit. The mission of the college is to optimize human potential and performance within the community and throughout the region. Southeast Culinary and Hospitality College is committed to achieve the study, practice, and integration of learning with practitioners in the field. In these ways, the college prepares professionals for leadership roles in the culinary and hospitality workforce. The college seeks to ensure excellence in its services and programs to develop selective areas for national and international prominence.