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Wickham earns ACF National Chef Educator of the Year Award

Update | Monday, August 4, 2025

Chef Josh Wickham, in the middle, wins the ACF Chef Educator of the Year Award on July 31 during an awards ceremony in Las Vegas. On the left is Chef Rene Marquis, ACF national president. On the right is Chef Casey Schiller, lead judge for the competition.

Above: Chef Joshua Wickham, in the middle, wins the ACF National Chef Educator of the Year Award on July 31 during an awards ceremony in Las Vegas. On the left is Chef Rene Marquis, ACF national president. On the right is Chef Casey Shiller, lead judge for the competition. 

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) has presented Chef Joshua Wickham with the National Chef Educator of the Year Award. Wickham is the senior director of the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Columbus State.

The annual award pays tribute to an active culinary educator whose knowledge, skills, and expertise have enhanced the image of the professional chef, and who, by example, has given leadership, guidance, and direction to students seeking a career in the culinary profession. The award is given to a person who demonstrates the ability to help students define and develop their careers by using their skills and abilities to provide a strong foundation for their future success. 

“I have been a member of the ACF for over 20 years,” said Wickham. “My respect for the chefs of the federation is immense. To be considered the best at something by such an amazing group of professionals means the world to me. Education is my passion, and food is how I share the best parts of myself with those I cherish the most. I am truly honored to be chosen as this year's Culinary Educator of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.”

Wickham was one of four finalists competing for the award in Las Vegas as part of the ACF National Conference. As ACF members watched, each finalist was required to give a 60-minute live lesson and cooking demonstration to three professional and six student judges. Wickham scored first place with a gold medal presentation of his favorite Sichuan Chinese dish, "Chongqing Chicken." 

Below: Chef Wickham preparing his winning dish on July 29 at the ACF National Conference. He was announced as the winner on July 31.

Chef Wickham preparing his winning dish on July 29 at the ACF National Conference.

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