SGTC Culinary Arts Advisory Committee Holds Spring Meeting

March 10, 2026
Pictured are members of the SGTC Culinary Arts Advisory Council (l-r) Kelli Alexander, Katrice Martin, Ricky Watzlowick, Larry Jackson, Katie Pollock, Ethel Waters, Johnny Davis, Lauriel Young and Melissa Hollis.
Pictured are members of the SGTC Culinary Arts Advisory Council (l-r) Kelli Alexander, Katrice Martin, Ricky Watzlowick, Larry Jackson, Katie Pollock, Ethel Waters, Johnny Davis, Lauriel Young and Melissa Hollis.

The South Georgia Technical College Culinary Arts program advisory committee recently met in The Landings Culinary Arts Dining Room on the Americus campus. Culinary Arts students prepared and served the committee a meal featuring a fresh salad with ranch or Italian dressing, yeast rolls, fried chicken, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and lemon pepper green beans. For dessert, guests enjoyed strawberry angel food cake with chocolate-covered pretzels, pecan praline, and divinity. Sweet tea and lemonade were also served.

During the dinner, committee members discussed program enrollment and shared updates from the culinary arts industry. SGTC Americus Culinary Arts instructors Ricky Watzlowick and Johnny Davis provided information on the program’s continued development and highlighted projects designed to give students meaningful, hands-on culinary experience.

Committee members present were: Kelli Alexander, Dietary Manager, Lee County Health & Rehabilitation; Larry Jackson (retired); Katie Pollock, Dietary Supervisor, Magnolia Manor; Ethel Waters, Licensed Dietitian (retired); and Lauriel Young, SGTC Food Service Director, Aramark.  

Representing SGTC at the meeting were Watzlowick and Davis; Director of Institutional Effectiveness/Grants Coordinator Katrice Martin; Academic Dean Dr. David Finley; and Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Melissa Hollis.

The advisory committee serves as an important connection between the college and industry professionals. Their input helps SGTC instructors stay informed about evolving trends, technologies, and expectations in the culinary field, ensuring that students graduate well-prepared to succeed in the workforce.

To explore the full range of programs available at SGTC or to submit an application, visit www.southgatech.edu. Now through March 31, the college is waiving its application fee for applicants who enter the code MARCH26.