Welcome the new MCI Director, Michael Whitley

Michael Whitley, a graduate of Cincinnati State’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management degree programs, is returning to the College as the new Director of the Midwest Culinary Institute (MCI).

Michael has nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, including back-of-the-house (kitchen) and front-of-the-house (dining room) responsibilities. He has held nearly every position in a restaurant, from dishwasher when he was 16 years old to general manager of one of the top-rated steakhouses in the U.S.

Michael is also an experienced consultant and business coach, who provides restaurant groups with assistance and training in menu development, staff training, wine education, and systems implementation.

In addition to earning two Associate of Applied Business degrees from the College, Michael has served as an adjunct instructor for the Culinary Arts program.

Yvonne Baker, Dean of Business Technologies, said, “We are excited to have Michael leading the Midwest Culinary Institute’s auxiliary services. His strategic leadership of MCI will help the operations of The Overlook and Bakery Hill, and provide additional visibility and support for academic programs through signature events such as One Night, Twelve Kitchens.”

Michael and his wife enjoy traveling the world and experiencing adventures that include summiting some of the world’s most famous mountain peaks such as Kilimanjaro and Mt. Fuji, ice caving in Iceland and Alaska, trekking through the Andes, and exploring many cultures and cuisines.

Since the addition of their son they now keep their traveling to family excursions, and enjoy watching their little boy grow.