Unveiling a Culinary Destination
In 2019, Columbus State Community College opened its newest academic building: Mitchell Hall. The $34.5 million facility was designed to be the new home for the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, paving the way for growth and hands-on learning opportunities.
Columbus State had already built a strong reputation for its hospitality and culinary arts programs, but the classrooms were small and outdated. The new 80,000-square-foot, three-floor facility not only increased student capacity, it introduced new learning and gathering spaces. Mitchell Hall has a student-staffed restaurant and bakery, a culinary theater and a 400-square-foot conference center.
With the new building came ambitious new enrollment goals and communication needs. I stepped up to lead the marketing efforts, coordinating with campus stakeholders and multiple agencies to develop a recruitment campaign, and new websites for the restaurant and bakery. I partnered closely with admissions to evaluate and refine our approach, contributing to a 14% year-over-year headcount increase in fall 2019.