Lakeshore College Instructor Receives National Honor
Lakeshore College instructor Amanda Weber has been recognized with a national honor for her work inside and outside the classroom.
Weber, Culinary Arts Program coordinator and instructor at Lakeshore College, was named among the 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty, an award presented by the American Association of Community Colleges. She becomes the college’s eighth faculty member recognized in nine years since the program began in 2018.
The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty award recognizes educators from across the country who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives, their communities, and the broader field of education.
Culinary expertise rooted in real-world experience
Chef Weber is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and brings experience from New York City kitchens as well as Destination Kohler’s five-star resort into the classroom. Her teaching approach emphasizes real-world skills and student-centered learning.
In addition to her role at Lakeshore College, Weber is a co-owner of Arrosto Delicatessen in Sheboygan, where she remains actively connected to the local food community.
At the college, Weber advises the Culinary Club, serves on faculty committees, and participates in Lakeshore’s 2024–2025 Leadership Institute.
State and national recognition
Beyond the classroom, Weber maintains American Culinary Federation accreditation standards, has presented at the CAFE Conference, and contributes published works focused on advancing culinary education. She has been named one of the Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and was also recognized as a CAFE Educator of the Year runner-up.
Weber will be formally recognized during a ceremony on April 12 in Seattle.
Supporting students and sustainability
Lakeshore College President Dr. Paul Carlsen highlighted Weber’s commitment to student success, noting that she creates hands-on learning environments aligned with industry expectations. He also pointed to her efforts to open labs for peer study groups and provide spaces where students can practice skills, ask questions, and feel supported.
Carlsen also noted Weber’s leadership in coordinating a food access and sustainability initiative that converts excess instructional ingredients into free, packaged meals for students. In partnership with Nourish Farms, the initiative has diverted hundreds of gallons of food waste from landfills each semester.
A continued tradition of faculty excellence
Weber joins a growing list of Lakeshore College faculty who have received national recognition. Previously honored faculty represent a wide range of disciplines, including math, psychology, information technology, sociology, welding, and computer numerically controlled machine tooling.
College leadership says the continued recognition of Lakeshore faculty reflects a sustained commitment to student-focused education and community impact.
About Lakeshore College
Lakeshore College is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students attend Lakeshore to develop career-ready skills and begin pathways toward bachelor’s degrees through individualized, hands-on learning experiences.
Approximately 800 students graduate each year, and associate degree graduates report a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduation. In addition to its Cleveland campus, Lakeshore College educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and Sheboygan, as well as other locations throughout the district.
