Home » Sullivan University names chef executive dean of College of Hospitality

Sullivan University names chef executive dean of College of Hospitality

Chef Robert Beighey, a decorated culinary educator and professional, has been named Executive Dean of Sullivan University’s College of Hospitality Studies.In his new role Chef Beighey, a full-time Sullivan professor who teaches introductory through advanced classes and is the head coach of the Sullivan University Culinary Competition Team, will now be responsible for providing vision, leadership and management of the renowned program. 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Chef Robert Beighey, a decorated culinary educator and professional, has been named Executive Dean of Sullivan University’s College of Hospitality Studies.

“This role is an important part of the College of Hospitality Studies and Sullivan University,” said Chef Beighey. “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.”

“But this is not about me,” he said. “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.”

Sullivan University is widely regarded as one of the top 10 hospitality schools in the nation. Chef Beighey said the first focal point of the program is “our attention and intention”.

We strive to be the best within our competitive grouping,” he said. “We are purposefully centered on methodology and techniques that today’s culinary worker needs to be successful.”

The college also focuses on providing the state of Kentucky with a strong, well-educated and professional workforce.

“Our students are production oriented,” Beighey said. “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.”

“Lastly, we know our students,” he said. “We celebrate the learning and post-graduation successes with them.”

Beighey holds two degrees from Sullivan University, a bachelors in hotel/restaurant management and an MBA with a concentration in hospitality, and is working on his PhD in management at Sullivan. His career accomplishments include:

  • Chief Beighey holds an associates in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
  • He received his certified hospitality educator designation in 2008 from the American Hotel & Lodging Education Institute, approved culinary evaluator in 2007, certified culinary administrators designation in 2006, and certified executive chef designation in 2001 from the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
  • Prior to his appointment at Sullivan University, Chef Beighey served as chef instructor/assistant apprentice coordinator at the world-famous hotel and resort property, Gaylord Entertainment Opryland Hotel.
  • Chef Beighey was the recipient of the local ACF Kentucky Chapter Chef Professionalism Award. 2011 he was the recipient of the chapter’s Educator of the Year Award and has garnered award metals in both hot and cold food competitions.
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