High school students with Michelin-level skills? YES. In this episode of iBuild America Podcast, Chef Devin Niederhauser shares how he turned a Texas high school culinary program into a launchpad for careers. His passion, creativity, and commitment to student success are changing lives.

This week on the iBuild America Podcast, we welcome Chef Devin Niederhauser, educator and culinary innovator at Richardson High School.Chef Devin shares how he built a cutting-edge high school culinary program from scratch—giving students hands-on skills, real-world experience, and a platform to shine.Chef Devin is an amazing and innovative leader who departed the private sector to build a culinary program at Richardson High School. Over the span of a few short years, Chef Devin is fundamentally changed and revolutionized the program. His students receive an opportunity tolearn unique techniques to culinary in addition to preparing original creations and experiment with ideas. Additionally, these students are given an opportunity to perform their skills in front of VIPs. Chef believes in provide autonomy for his students while inspiring them to excel. Hisapproach builds a level of confidence that allows students to compete with more senior people.Chef Devin did not build a cookie cutter program but rather pushed the boundaries of exploration that have allowed his students to flourish and succeed after completing the program.

Learn about his program: https://richardsonlifemagazine.com/risd-culinary-arts-programsWebsite: www.iBuildAmerica.com

Kevin MalonsonExecutive DirectorTeach Plus Texas(Texas)Kevin Malonson (he/him) is the Executive Director of Teach Plus Texas, leading Teach Plus’policy and instructional practice work in the state and supporting national teacher diversityinitiatives. Kevin has 30 years of experience in education, with particular expertise in collegereadiness and college access among students in urban, public school districts. He has workedin the for-profit and non-profit sectors, helping students realize their educational goals throughdirect assistance, teacher training, and collaboration with district administration.Kevin was most recently the Texas Policy Manager at Teach Plus, where he managed the DFW Policy Fellowship and supported statewide policy efforts. He was a featured speaker from 2013-2018 on the United Negro College Fund’s Empower Me Tour, through which he presentedto thousands of parents and students about college planning and admissions on tour stops across the country. Kevin is a Dallas Morning News Community Voices contributing columnist and was the Single Gender Coordinator for the Young Men’s Leadership Academy at FredFlorence Middle School in Dallas ISD.He received a B.A. in geography and a M.Ed. in education administration from the University of Texas at Austin, and served as the university’s Assistant Director of Admissions. Kevin is married, has two children and is based in Dallas.LinkedIn Profile: Kevin Malonson LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-malonson...Website: TeachPlus Website:https://teachplus.org/

Dr. Glennell M. Lee-PruittPresident Jarvis Christina University (Texas) Jarvis Christian University Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Glennell M. Lee-Pruitt as the university’s 13th president, effective July 1, 2023. She succeeds Dr. Lester C. Newman, who served as the JCU President for 11 years. Dr. Lee-Pruitt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the university, including higher education administration and academic affairs, having served as second in command and as a member of the executive cabinet since August 2012 as the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Jarvis. She has been instrumental in increasing student enrollment, increasing articulation agreements, and establishing the Renaissance Program for Adult Learners on the JCU campus and the JCU Dallas Teaching Site. She has also provided leadership in enhancing academic program offerings, which include online degree completion programs and two online graduate programs. Previously, she served at Mississippi Valley State University as dean of University College and First Year Experience, director of Community/Service Learning, director of the Renaissance Learning Adult Education Program, and tenured professor in the Department of Social Work. About Jarvis Christian University: Our Mission: Jarvis Christian University is a historically Black institution, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery. Our Commitment to You: Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, a parent, an alumnus, or a friend of the university, we are dedicated to your success. Our faculty and staff are here to support you, providing the tools, resources, and guidance needed to help you achieve your goals. At Jarvis Christian University, you will find a dynamic and engaging learning environment where your aspirations are valued and your potential is recognized. Looking Ahead: As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing our university’s mission and enhancing the educational experience for all our students. We continue to invest in innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities that prepare our graduates to excel in an ever-changing world. LinkedIn Profile: Dr Glennel Lee-Pruitt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenell-m-lee-...Website: Jarvis Christian University Website:https://www.jarvis.edu/