Culinary School Suspended Due To Katrina Damage
by Kirk Bangstad
kirk.bangstad@chefschoolreview.com
Chef School Review Columnist
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently suspended their culinary school operations due to difficulties caused by Hurricane Katrina.
The effects of Hurricane Katrina are still being felt in Southern Mississippi. Recently, USM suspended their culinary school operations because they didn’t have enough money to repair hurricane damaged facilities. Apparently, much of the culinary school’s equipment was under water for many days. Stoves, refrigerators, and cooking equipment rusted beyond repair. The school will remain closed for two years, as USM attempts to attain a better financial footing. According to the university’s student newspaper, the culinary school will remain open to allow its seven current students to complete the final 16-week session of their certificate program.
Low Enrollments Also Hurt Culinary School
Another reason for the decision to suspend the culinary school’s operations was low enrollment. The school is located in Biloxi, Mississippi, where there is a severe housing shortage. Students from outside the region would have a tough time finding a place to stay even if the facilities were in better working order. Labor demand for rebuilding this part of the country is high, so most potential students in the area are opting to work instead of go to school. They’re taking available jobs instead of learning a specific trade. Apparently, enrollments to the culinary school drastically declined last fall and officials think the trend will continue until the region has gone through its rebuilding phase.
Source
Southern Miss School Newspaper
About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is a singer living in Chicago, IL. Having received his B.A. in Government at Harvard, Kirk previously worked as a management consultant.
Posted on December 5, 2006 at 10:56 AM
Earlier: Come Bakers One and All--It's Time for a Pilgrimage!
Later: American Culinary ABCs
Go back to Daily Specials archives
