WARWICK, R.I. -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces the hiring of Chef Kenneth Watt, CEC, MBA, as Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts. Chef Watt will lead the college’s all-new Culinary Arts program, which is unique to CCRI’s Newport County Campus.

With an impressive career spanning decades in the culinary and hospitality industries, Chef Watt brings deep expertise and a passion for food education to CCRI. He previously served as Director of Dining and Executive Chef for Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., and has held executive culinary roles at the Johnson & Wales Inn in Seekonk, Mass., Cafe Pierrot in Wilton, N.H., and the Divi Hotel in Ithaca, N.Y.

“The purpose of our culinary program is to equip students with a strong foundation in essential kitchen skills, culinary theory, and professional standards,” said Watt. “Beyond teaching technique, we focus on cultivating confidence so that every student leaves not only knowing what to do in the kitchen, but understanding why it matters and how to execute it under pressure. From knife handling and mise en place to hospitality and service, we prepare students to step into industry environments with clarity, capability, and pride in their craft.”

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Chef Watt holds degrees in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, and a Master of Business Administration. He currently serves as President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and was named the ACF’s 2017 Chef of the Year.

Chef Watt’s connection to food began on his family’s farm in New Hampshire, where he developed an early appreciation for agriculture and sustainability. These values continue to inform his philosophy in the kitchen and the classroom, where he emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients, hands-on learning, and understanding the origins of food.

The CCRI Culinary Arts program launches in Fall 2025 and will offer a Culinary Craftsmanship associate degree and Culinary Essentials certificate. With a focus on local sourcing, sustainability, and industry partnerships, the program prepares students for careers in Rhode Island’s vibrant food and hospitality sectors. Courses are taught in state-of-the-art kitchens and labs designed specifically for culinary instruction in a newly renovated wing at Newport campus.

To learn more about the Culinary Arts program at CCRI, visit www.ccri.edu/culinary.