Kendall College, located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, is a premier institution specializing in culinary arts and hospitality management. Founded in 1940 as Kendall College of Business, it evolved into a leader in hospitality education, becoming part of National Louis University (NLU) in 2018. This merger enhanced its resources while maintaining its focus on hands-on, industry-aligned training. The college's campuses feature professional-grade kitchens, dining labs, and baking facilities, preparing students for real-world careers.
Jobs at Kendall College attract professionals passionate about education in food and hospitality. Positions range from teaching chef instructors who demonstrate techniques in live kitchens to administrators managing program accreditation. The institution emphasizes practical skills, making it ideal for those with industry experience seeking to mentor the next generation of chefs and hoteliers.
Kendall College began as a secretarial school but pivoted to hospitality in the 1980s, launching its culinary program in 1987. By the 2000s, it gained acclaim for graduates working at top Chicago establishments like Alinea and The Peninsula. The 2018 integration with NLU expanded opportunities, aligning with broader higher education goals.
This history shapes jobs at Kendall College, prioritizing faculty with professional pedigrees. For instance, instructors often come from high-end restaurants, bringing expertise in modern techniques like molecular gastronomy or sustainable sourcing. The college's evolution reflects Chicago's dynamic food scene, offering roles that blend teaching with innovation.
Kendall College offers associate and bachelor's degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Hospitality Management, and Business with hospitality concentrations. Departments include Culinary Arts (focused on technique and management), Hospitality (hotels, events), and General Education (supporting liberal arts).
Career opportunities stem from these programs. Faculty jobs involve developing curricula for Le Cordon Bleu-inspired training, while staff roles support student placements in Chicago's 7,300+ restaurants. For details on university job types, see our comprehensive guide.
To secure jobs at Kendall College, candidates need specific credentials. Required academic qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree for instructors, master's for department leads, and sometimes a PhD for research-oriented roles in food science.
Research focus centers on applied areas like food sustainability, nutrition innovation, and hospitality trends. Preferred experience encompasses 5+ years in professional kitchens or hotels, publications in journals like the Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, and grants from bodies like the James Beard Foundation.
Key skills and competencies:
These ensure faculty contribute to Kendall's 90% job placement rate for graduates.
The application process starts on the NLU careers site (nl.edu/careers). Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, portfolio of menus or lesson plans, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demos or practical cooking tests.
Actionable tips:
Prepare for questions on student engagement and industry trends. Read about writing a winning academic CV.
Kendall College champions diversity through NLU's initiatives, including the Black Student Union support, Women in Culinary Leadership program, and LGBTQ+ affinity groups. Hiring prioritizes underrepresented groups, with training on inclusive teaching. Examples include partnerships with Chicago's Latinx chefs for scholarships and events celebrating global cuisines, fostering an environment where 40% of students identify as minorities.
Campus life in Chicago's River North buzzes with energy—think skyline views, access to Grant Park, and proximity to 100+ Michelin-recognized spots. Work-life balance features flexible schedules for instructors (e.g., 4-day weeks), wellness programs, and tuition benefits for dependents.
Employees enjoy perks like free meals in student-run restaurants, professional development stipends, and team-building via food festivals. Chicago's cultural scene—museums, theaters, Lake Michigan—enriches life, while Kendall's supportive culture minimizes burnout in demanding culinary roles.
Advancement includes promotions to program directors or deans, plus opportunities for adjunct to full-time transitions. Kendall's location links to higher ed faculty jobs networks. Explore lecturer jobs or hospitality roles.
Benefits: competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement matching, and Chicago living stipend. Graduates and faculty often secure roles at Four Seasons or Trump International.
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