Rich Neumann, culinary arts instructor at Mid-State Technical College, is a recipient of the National Association of College and University Foodservices (NACUFS) David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award. Neumann was presented with the award July 19 at the NACUFS National Conference, Louisville, Ky.

The David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award honors individuals who have retired from college and university foodservice leadership or other positions that supported the betterment of college and university foodservices. Candidates are nominated by peers and colleagues.

“Our college and our students benefit so much from having an instructor in our Culinary Arts program with such a wealth of hands-on experience in food service and management,” said Mid-State Dean of the Schools of Business & IT and Hospitality Trina Kloehn. “Mid-State Technical College is grateful for the work Rich continues to do to lead this important industry forward and the help he provides in training the next generation workforce for this industry.”

“I am truly honored that my peers found me worthy of this great honor,” Neumann said. “I owe my success to my wife, parents and mentors, and to NACUFS for the development and networking opportunities. I am looking forward to teaching what I have learned to make students in the Culinary Arts program at Mid-State Technical College successful.”

In addition to teaching culinary arts classes at Mid-State, Neumann’s experience includes work as a foodservice consultant as well as director of culinary services (retired) at Ohio University. He is also the author of Financial Management for Foodservice, an online learning series for supervisors and managers in college and university foodservice looking to gain knowledge and grow skills in financial management.

Neumann was also recently published in the summer edition of Campus Dining Today®, the official magazine of the NACUFS. 

The National Association of College & University Food Services was founded in 1958 by a group of college and university foodservice professionals from across the United States, with a mission to support and promote excellence in collegiate dining. NACUFS institutional members range from private colleges to large public universities, including two-year and four-year institutions, spanning the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and beyond. Industry members include food and equipment manufacturers, distributors, brokers, foodservice support companies, councils, boards, trade associations, advisory commissions and other professional groups. 

To learn more about Mid-State’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management degree programs, visit mstc.edu/programs.