The Most Important Meeting Students Never Attend

Higher Ed, Real Talk Dr. Herman Crawford’s Dean’s Desk   I review graduation records regularly. Every semester, I come across students who are just one course short. Sometimes it’s a prerequisite they didn’t know they needed. Sometimes it’s a class they thought counted toward graduation—but didn’t. And almost every time, I find myself thinking the…read more

The Student Who Almost Quit Wasn’t Failing

Higher Ed, Real Talk Dr. Herman Crawford’s Dean’s Desk A student once came to me convinced they were done with college. The surprising part? They weren’t failing. Their grades were solid. Attendance was decent. Nothing in the system suggested they were at risk. But as we talked, a different story emerged. They were balancing work,…read more

Protecting Catered Events From Food Contamination

Catered events are meant to be memorable for the food, the experience, and the celebration. But behind every successful event is something guests rarely notice: careful food safety practices. Unlike restaurants, catering operations must prepare, transport, and serve food in different environments. That creates more opportunities for contamination if teams are not properly trained and…read more

Why Higher Ed Keeps Writing Past Its Own Audience

Why Higher Ed Keeps Writing Past Its Own Audience I’m going to complain for a moment, calmly. Higher education has a writing problem, and it’s mostly self-inflicted. I was reviewing a document recently that was meant to inform stakeholders. It was accurate, careful, and nearly unreadable. Not because the ideas were complex, but because the…read more

Food Protection Manager Certification

Looking to elevate your food safety standards in 2026? Now’s the time to get certified. Whether you’re an operator, manager, or just getting started in the food service industry, the Food Protection Manager Certification isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. Why Certification Matters Certified Food Protection Managers are trained to identify risks, respond to food safety emergencies,…read more

The Role of the Food Safety Manager: Your Kitchen’s Unsung Hero

There’s nothing like the feeling of hearing, ‘The health inspector is here.’ For some managers, it sparks panic. For others, it’s just another Tuesday. The difference? Preparation. In this edition of The Hospitality Spectrum, we walk you through practical, proven ways to get your kitchen inspection-ready—any day of the week. Know the Rules Before They…read more

Why Online Food Safety Training Works

  Gone are the days of trying to schedule food safety training around long shifts, missed buses, and paper sign-in sheets. Today, online food safety training isn’t just an alternative—it’s becoming the gold standard for flexibility, accessibility, and real-world readiness. Why Flexibility Matters In a fast-paced foodservice environment, it’s tough to get all your staff…read more

How to Prepare for a Health Inspection

There’s nothing like the feeling of hearing, ‘The health inspector is here.’ For some managers, it sparks panic. For others, it’s just another Tuesday. The difference? Preparation. In this edition of The Hospitality Spectrum, we walk you through practical, proven ways to get your kitchen inspection-ready—any day of the week. Know the Rules Before They…read more

The Six Basics of Food Safety: What Every Operator Should Know

Food safety starts with the fundamentals. Whether you’re a chef, caterer, or café operator, understanding the core six principles can help prevent illness, protect your customers, and keep your doors open. In this issue of The Hospitality Spectrum, we’re breaking down the six food safety basics every team should master. 1. Clean It starts here.…read more

Become a Certified Food Protection Manager: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Become a Certified Food Protection Manager: Why It Matters More Than Ever In today’s fast-paced foodservice environment, having certified food safety leaders isn’t just smart—it’s essential. This edition of *The Hospitality Spectrum* explores why food protection manager certification is critical to operations, accountability, and public trust. 📘 What Is a Food Protection Manager Certification? It’s…read more