Թ Instructor Receives National Honor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/03/2026
CLEVELAND, WI —
The American Association of Community Colleges has recognized Amanda Weber, Culinary Arts Program coordinator/instructor at Թ, among its 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty. Weber is the college’s eighth faculty member to be recognized since the program began in 2018.
The award, named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, was established to recognize individuals from around the country making a difference in and outside the college classroom.
Chef Weber is a Culinary Institute of America graduate whose experience spans New York City kitchens and Destination Kohler’s five-star resort. She transforms real-world expertise into engaging, student-centered instruction. In addition to teaching, she is co-owner of Arrosto Delicatessen in Sheboygan. Weber advises the Culinary Club, serves on faculty committees and participates in Թ’s 2024–2025 Leadership Institute. Nationally, she maintains ACF accreditation standards, has presented at the CAFE Conference and contributes published works that elevate culinary education and was named one of the “Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch” by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. She also was recognized as a CAFE Educator of the Year runner-up. Weber will be recognized in a ceremony taking place April 12 in Seattle.
“Chef Amanda creates hands-on learning experiences that feel authentic, relevant, and are aligned with industry expectations,” said Թ President Dr. Paul Carlsen. “She opens her labs and organizes peer study groups, so students have a place to practice, ask questions, and feel supported. Chef Amanda meets students where they are and helps them imagine what is possible. The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition honors the deep, lasting difference she makes in the lives of her students and the community.”
“Amanda coordinated a food access and sustainability initiative which turns excess instructional ingredients into free, packaged meals for students, while her partnership with Nourish Farms keeps hundreds of gallons of food waste out of landfills each semester,” added Carlsen.
Previously recognized Թ faculty and their areas of expertise include Kelly Konrath, math; Julie Konik, psychology; Sarah Bornemann, information technology web and software development; Jeremy Pagel, sociology; Paul Benfield, information technology; David Saunders, welding; and Mark Lorier, computer numerically controlled machine tooling.
“Faculty nationwide are nominated for this prestigious honor. The fact that Թ educators are recognized year after year is both a privilege and a testament to their outstanding talent and unwavering commitment to our students,” Carlsen said.
For information about Թ, visit lakeshore.edu.
ABOUT LAKESHORE COLLEGE
Թ, formerly known as Թ Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students enroll at Թ to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Թ faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
Թ is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.
Approximately 800 students graduate from Թ each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, Թ educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and downtown Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit Թ at lakeshore.edu.
Contact: Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone: 920.693.1345
Email: amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu
Press Room: lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news
