Benjamin Whitmore, a two-time graduate of Valley City State University, was recently named Post-Secondary Professional of the Year by the North Dakota Association for Technical Education. The award, presented in early August in Bismarck, N.D., celebrates Whitmore’s outstanding contributions to career and technical education (CTE), recognizing his innovation, leadership, and dedication to culinary arts.

Currently serving as Associate Professor of Culinary Arts and Chair of the Culinary Program at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), Whitmore’s career is a powerful example of lifelong learning and passion for the culinary arts.

His journey began at Des Moines Area Community College in 2003 where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary/Chef Training. From there, he launched BLG Concessions, LLC in Iowa where he served as owner and operator until 2022, gaining invaluable industry experience. Before closing the book on his business, Whitmore joined the Culinary Arts Program at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in 2019 as a faculty member, sharing his entrepreneurial endeavors and hands-on expertise with students working towards similar goals. That same year, he began pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in Career and Technical Education at Valley City State University (VCSU). He graduated in 2021 and immediately started his masters in Education, also at VCSU. He completed that degree in one short year while also teaching full-time. But his commitment to education doesn’t stop there. Whitmore is currently in the process of earning his doctorate in Education at the University of North Dakota (UND), all while teaching and managing the culinary program at NDSCS.

In addition to his formal education, Whitmore has received several industry related certifications from the National Restaurant Association as well as the American Culinary Federation. He holds certificates in ServSafe and ServSafe Instructor as well as a Certified Executive Chef and AFC Certified Executive Chef. These credentials reflect his dedication to staying current in his field and ensuring his students receive top-tier training.

At NDSCS, Whitmore continues to introduce innovative, experiential learning opportunities. His students regularly showcase their culinary talents through community and school dinners and their work has been featured at the Career and Technical Education showcase in the Great Hall for the North Dakota Legislature.

The Post-Secondary Professional of the Year award Whitmore recently received recognizes the finest career and technical professionals at the postsecondary level who have instructed and educated students involved in career and technical education pathways, demonstrated innovation in the classroom, and exhibited dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. Whitmore’s achievements exemplify these qualities, making him a standout leader in both education and the culinary industry.

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