In addition to a career spanning 18 years of progressive leadership roles in collegiate dining and his recent election as 2023 chairman of the National Association of College & University Foodservices (NACUFS), Kory L. Samuels, is a devoted family man with a sincere commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
His favorite quote reflects his values in both the personal and professional realms.
"There’s a wonderful, mythical law of nature,” he said, “That the three things we crave most in life – happiness, freedom, and peace of mind – are always attained when you give them to someone else."
A native of Rochester, New York, Samuels serves as associate vice president of auxiliary services at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
He is the proud father of Victory Samuels and husband to Victoria Samuels, whom he married in 2019. His parents, Lamar Samuels and Elaine Everett, along with his sister Keyana Samuels and brother Kristopher Carter, form his family network.
His growth in campus dining has been marked by a commitment to strategic decision-making and the ability to foster collaborative communication in any forum. He noted that one practical thing he has learned during his career is to be intentional about spending time with staff and colleagues.
“It widens my perspective while also creating a feeling of gratitude in me,” he said.
Before attaining his administrative leadership role, he served as the executive director of RIT Dining from 2012 to 2021. Prior to that, he was promoted up the ranks of RIT Dining, starting as a supervisor in 2005. Under his leadership, RIT Dining experienced notable growth and many organizational improvements. From RIT, he also earned his bachelor’s degree in management information systems in 2007 and his Executive Master of Business Administration in 2011.
Samuels' dedication extends beyond his professional roles, as he has been actively engaged in workshops and guest lectures, providing leadership and expertise in diverse areas, including as chair of the NACUFS Education Committee. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the industry, such as being named NACUFS Northeast regional volunteer of the year in 2018 and receiving the RIT Presidential Award for Outstanding Staff in 2016.