Wills’ seems to suggest that it will happen: Some view her remarks as a “pledge”
Although Yavapai Community College President Penelope Wills may later change her mind, it appears she is going in the direction of locating a culinary school in the Yavapai College Sedona Center. The College already has a small culinary offering that is run from Camp Verde in the evening. The college’s offerings there do not appear to constitute a “whole-hearted effort” to house a permanent culinary program.
The Sedona Redrock News interpreted Dr. Wills comments made to the Verde Valley Board Advisory Committee February 3, 2016 as a “pledge.” In an article written by Zachary Jernigan on February 10, he quotes Wills’ as saying “What is the best use of that building? It could be very good for culinary …. We’ve got all the data.” Wills’ was referring to the Sedona Center when making those comments.
You may read all of Mr. Jernigan’s article by clicking here.
In an interview given to Tom Tracey of the Verde Independent on January 21, 2016, Verde Campus Executive Dean James Perey said that “”When we get community input to Sedona programming, the major areas are Culinary and Hospitality; Arts and Music; Community Enrichment and Core Curriculum/General Education.”
Perey also told Mr. Tracey that the over 15,000 square-foot Sedona Center is roomy enough to accommodate a commercial kitchen, teaching kitchen and pastry lab. Funding for a redesign of the former cultural center had been previously planned for July of this year. According to Perey, “Sedona is a number one tourist destination. What can we do to partner with resorts? We could also put on week-long ‘Edu-Cations’-an education plus a vacation. And if Red Rock High School students want to get involved, all they have to do is walk across the street.”
Perey also said that the popularity of Yavapai College culinary classes held evenings at Camp Verde High School has resulted in a waiting list.
You may read all of Mr. Tracey’s article in the Verde Independent by clicking here.