Chef Robert Beighey named new executive Dean of the College of Hospitality Studies at Sullivan University

Decorated culinary professional and educator Chef Robert Beighey has been named the new Executive Dean of Sullivan University’s College of Hospitality Studies.

In an article from the Lane Report, Chef Beighey was quoted about his new position, saying, “This role is an important part of the College of Hospitality Studies and Sullivan University. As an institution, the College possesses opportunities for growth and expansion. This position is a collaborative position within the university to improve the culinary presence in our region.”

He went on to talk about his priorities, saying, “But this is not about me. This position means I get to support our front-line hospitality, baking and culinary chefs, our faculty, our students in all disciplines and our institution. I am humbled and honored to give back to my colleagues, the chefs and the faculty and staff in the college, the institution that has given so much to me and my family, and the culinary industry in Kentucky.”

Beighey also talked about making sure Sullivan University keeps meeting its high standards of providing the state of Kentucky with a well educated and competent professional workforce: “We strive to be the best within our competitive grouping. We are purposefully centered on methodology and techniques that today’s culinary worker needs to be successful.”

He noted that this aligns with the needs of the students, as well, adding, “Our students are production oriented. We are real-world focused and keep them to a high production standard. And our faculty conveys respect – professional respect for each other, respect for food and equipment, respect for efficiency and urgency, and respect for this industry and institution.”

Beighey knows the inner workings of Sullivan University, as he has earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management, as well as an MBA concentrating in hospitality there. He is also working toward earning his PhD in management at Sullivan. Beighey earned his associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

In 2001, Beighey received a certified executive chef designation from the American Culinary Federation. In 2006 he received a certified culinary administrators designation. In 2007 he was approved as a culinary evaluator, and in 2008 he received a designation as a certified hospitality educator from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute.

Before this new position at Sullivan University, Chef Beighey worked as chef instructor/assistant apprentice coordinator at the Gaylord Entertainment Opryland Hotel.

He has also been the recipient of the ACF Kentucky Chapter Chef Professionalism Award. He was also the recipient of the chapter’s Educator of the Year Award in 2011 and has also been awarded medals in both cold and hot food competitions.

More information about Sullivan University can be found at the school’s website.