Monroe College welcomes a new Dean to the School of Hospitality Management and the Culinary Arts that will continue the school’s rich tradition while bringing in some new and exciting ideas.
Chef Frank Constantino began his first day on the job on Monday, December 1, getting to know his new faculty and students, along with learning the ins and outs at Monroe. Constantino came to Monroe with a rather impressive history and extensive experience.
“I’ve been in the City as a culinary instructor and educator for the last 18 years or so, so many people knew who I was coming into the school which made it easier, as a matter of fact, some of the staff here were my former students,” said Constantino, who lives with his wife and three sons in New Jersey. “I’ve been going around and meeting students and it’s been wonderful. I have been here a little over seven weeks, but it feels like I’ve been here much longer.”
Amongst some of the new ideas brought in by Constantino, the one students seem most excited about is the creation of a Culinary Team.
The team’s first competition will take place on Friday, April 3, in Long Island, for the Greater New York Culinary Challenge, a competition founded by Constantino and some of his former colleagues.
“We are in the process of putting this all together and forming the Junior Culinary Team. I’m very happy, this is the first time that I know of that our students will be involved in a culinary competition like this,” said Constantino, who raises heirloom and specialty fruits and vegetables grown organically and bio-dynamically with his family.
As for the Hospitality students, Constaninto hopes to increase the number of field trips, bringing the students hands on experience, and inviting more expert guest speakers to Monroe.
“We want to have more special events that bring in guest speakers with industry background,” said Constantino. “The appeal in this degree is that it is a continually growing global industry with a lot of job opportunities, particularly for students with associate and bachelor degrees.”
For more information visit www.monroecollege.edu.
