Culinary Arts Instructor Inspires Students to Get Creative in the Kitchen

Growing up in the borough of Queens, New York, Chef Glenn Smith always had a passion for preparing food for his family and loved ones. “When I would prepare meals for my family, it felt very natural,” Chef Smith said. “It was always as if the food was guiding me on what to do.”

After 20 years of managing everything from fast food restaurants to family dining establishments, he decided it was time to leave the food service management industry and work toward a degree in culinary arts.

When he graduated from the Art Institute in Santa Monica (AISM) at the top of his class, Smith said it was then that he realized he wanted to become an educator. Chef Smith spent the next seven years offering food demonstrations at his school and his daughter’s school during Career Day, until he was offered the Chef Instructor position at his alma mater, AISM. After six years as a Chef Instructor, Mr. Smith was promoted to Lead Instructor and would continue that role until the school closed in 2017.

In 2018, Chef Smith began teaching at San Bernardino Valley College. Smith says “my experience as an educator at SBVC has been nothing but positive and helpful.” From his department chair to the support of fellow faculty members and counselors he has received tremendous support. “I am very happy here and I hope to contribute more on campus,” he said.

Chef Smith is constantly focused on building up the confidence and creativity of his students while educating them on the financial strategies needed to be successful in the food industry. He is currently mentoring a former student on building their own catering business.

“I am honored to help any student pursue their goal of becoming a professional chef or baker,” Smith said. “In the end, I am blessed that God has given me a chance to take my knowledge and share it with others.”