NACUFS News

Brigham Young University Chef de Cuisine AJ Tan has earned first place in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2026 Continental Culinary Challenge. 

California Polytechnic State University Sous Chef Arthur Dulin has earned first place in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2026 Pacific Culinary Challenge. 

Georgia State University Executive Chef Maricus Nolley has earned first place in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2026 Southern Culinary Challenge.

Virginia Tech Executive Chef Nicholas Simpson has earned first place in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2026 Mid-Atlantic Culinary Challenge. 

Phyllis Kaplowitz, campus executive chef at Boston College, has earned first place in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2026 Northeast Culinary Challenge. 

Justin Lucas, senior executive chef at the University of Michigan, has emerged victorious in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2026 Midwest Culinary Challenge.

Grand prize winners advance student well-being, operational innovation, environmental stewardship.

Christopher Toote, University of Chicago, named 68th chairperson.

Three distinguished individuals were honored on Thursday by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for their outstanding service to the association. 

Kirk D. Rodriguez of Texas Tech University has received the highest honor awarded by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), the Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award.

Chef Ruth Dubon of Brigham Young University has been named the first-place winner of the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2025 Culinary Challenge, held Tuesday evening at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the NACUFS 2025 National Conference.