At the Academy of Culinary Arts, we're very proud of our alumni, who make such an impact on the growth and excellence of our program. Here are just a few of their success stories:

Chef Joy Parham-ThomasJoy Parham-Thomas '10

Co-Owner, Urban Country Culinary Concepts
Philadelphia, Pa.

Joy is co-owner of Urban Country Culinary Concepts, a catering company located in Philadelphia, and was a contestant on Season 12 of the Fox hit series Hell's Kitchen. Read more about Chef Parham-Thomas.

Chef Lindsay McClainLindsay McClain (Walsh) '07

Chef de Cuisine, Jamonera
Philadelphia, Pa.

Lindsay is the Chef de Cuisine at Jamonera in Philadelphia, voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's top 50 restaurants in 2013. Lindsay appeared on the Food Network's Chopped, where she competed against three other professional chefs and won! Read more about Chef McClain.

Chef Kristin ButterworthKristin Butterworth '01

Chef de Cuisine, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Farmington, Pa.

Currently the world's only female chef responsible for running a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, Kristin is chef de cuisine for Lautrec at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Lautrec is one of only 25 restaurants in the world to hold the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards simultaneously. Read more about Chef Butterworth.