Lakeshore College Instructor Receives National Honor

The American Association of Community Colleges has recognized Amanda Weber, Culinary Arts Program coordinator/instructor at Lakeshore College, among its 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty. Weber is the college’s eighth faculty member to be recognized since the program began in 2018.

The award, named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, was established to recognize individuals from around the country making a difference in and outside the college classroom.

Chef Weber is a Culinary Institute of America graduate whose experience spans New York City kitchens and Destination Kohler’s five-star resort. She transforms real-world expertise into engaging, student-centered instruction. In addition to teaching, she is co-owner of Arrosto Delicatessen in Sheboygan. Weber advises the Culinary Club, serves on faculty committees and participates in Lakeshore’s 2024–2025 Leadership Institute. Nationally, she maintains ACF accreditation standards, has presented at the CAFE Conference and contributes published works that elevate culinary education and was named one of the “Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch” by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. She also was recognized as a CAFE Educator of the Year runner-up. Weber will be recognized in a ceremony taking place April 12 in Seattle.

“Chef Amanda creates hands-on learning experiences that feel authentic, relevant, and are aligned with industry expectations,” said Lakeshore College President Dr. Paul Carlsen. “She opens her labs and organizes peer study groups, so students have a place to practice, ask questions, and feel supported. Chef Amanda meets students where they are and helps them imagine what is possible. The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition honors the deep, lasting difference she makes in the lives of her students and the community.”

“Amanda coordinated a food access and sustainability initiative which turns excess instructional ingredients into free, packaged meals for students, while her partnership with Nourish Farms keeps hundreds of gallons of food waste out of landfills each semester,” added Carlsen.

Previously recognized Lakeshore faculty and their areas of expertise include Kelly Konrath, math; Julie Konik, psychology; Sarah Bornemann, information technology web and software development; Jeremy Pagel, sociology; Paul Benfield, information technology; David Saunders, welding; and Mark Lorier, computer numerically controlled machine tooling.

“Faculty nationwide are nominated for this prestigious honor. The fact that Lakeshore educators are recognized year after year is both a privilege and a testament to their outstanding talent and unwavering commitment to our students,” Carlsen said.

For information about Lakeshore, visit lakeshore.edu.