Culinary Arts Associate Professor to be Inducted into the American Academy of Chefs
July 28, 2025YOUNGWOOD, PA – Westmoreland County Community College is proud to announce that Chef Scott Schmucker, who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and credentials as a Certified Executive Chef (CCE) and Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), is being inducted into the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) during this year’s American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) National Convention. This distinguished honor is bestowed upon the finest chefs that promote the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, society and industry.
“I am incredibly proud to be recognized by such an honorable organization. I am dedicated to the profession and my students and I am honored to stand alongside other great chefs and accept this distinction,” stated Schmucker.
Schmucker, an associate professor in Westmoreland’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs, has also been selected to compete for the prestigious Educator of the Year Award at the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 28, 2025.
Representing the ACF Northeast Region, Chef Schmucker will face three other top culinary educators from across the country. The Educator of the Year Award honors outstanding educators who have significantly contributed to culinary education through leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
Among the competitors is Chef Chris Cwierz, an ACF member, proud Westmoreland alumnus, and former faculty member of the college’s culinary program. In what is sure to be a friendly rivalry, Schmucker and Cwierz highlight Westmoreland’s long-standing list of culinary faculty that have worked around the globe in the most elite restaurants and now teach students how to leave their mark on the culinary world.
“This opportunity is truly an honor,” said Schmucker. “It’s rewarding to represent not only our region but also Westmoreland, a college that continues to produce and support talented culinary professionals that work in many of the most prestigious restaurants in the country.”
“The program has been at the college for more than 40 years and we are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish,” said Dr. Cindy Komarinski, program director and professor. “Each year the program grows and we are so fortunate to have chefs like Scott. He inspires students and shows them how to create one-of-a-kind dishes.”
The ACF National Convention, taking place July 27–31 in Las Vegas, brings together chefs, educators, and students from across the country for a week of competitions, demonstrations and professional development. The Educator of the Year award will be announced during the event.
For more information about Westmoreland’s Culinary Arts programs, visit westmoreland.edu/programs.