Frances Ann Burnett (she/her)

Frances.Burnett@jwu.edu

Biography and Expertise

Frances Burnett, with her extensive 40-year career in the culinary arts and food service industry, is a distinguished educator and industry expert. She obtained her Doctorate in Education in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University, Sarasota, FL, and holds a Master of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, Columbia, SC. Her academic foundation also includes a Bachelor of Science in Food Service Education, cum laude, from Johnson & Wales University (JWU), Providence, RI, and an Associate of Occupational Science degree in Pastry Arts from JWU.

Since 1993, Frances has been a Professor at JWU’s College of Culinary Arts in Charlotte, NC. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, having served as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Wales’ School of Hospitality in Cardiff, Wales, a Bakery Technical Supervisor, Assistant Account Executive, and Bakery Consultant at Thomas Payne Market Development in Burlingame, CA., and a Pastry Chef/Baker with Marriott International.

Her professional affiliations are broad and prestigious, including memberships in the Retail Bakers Association (RBA), American Culinary Federation (ACF), American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AH&LEI), and Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDEI), where she was President of the Charlotte/WNC Chapter from 2017 to 2019. Frances holds several notable certifications such as Certified Master Baker (RBA, ACF), Certified Executive Pastry Chef (ACF), Certified Hospitality Educator (AHLEI), along with certifications in Non-Profit Management and Healthcare Operations from Winthrop University, SC, and Cornell University respectively.

Her accolades are numerous, including recognition in the Golden Quill Society, Silver Key Society, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities at JWU in Providence, RI, and the Special Merit Award “Light Bulb” at JWU in Charlotte, NC. She has also been honored with the Special Merit Award for Service and inclusion in Who’s Who Among Teachers in America while at JWU in Charleston, SC.

Frances’s contributions extend to various committee roles and administrative services at JWU, such as the University Outcomes Assessment Committee (Liaison for Charlotte), University Curriculum Committee (Liaison for Charlotte), and roles in the Faculty Center Committee Chair, Faculty Caucus Committee, Professional Development Committee, and as a Food Safety Officer Liaison and Committee Chair.

Her influence in the field of baking management, corporate learning, organizational design, and change management is evident. She was on the RBA Editorial Advisory Committee, co-editing the industry trade magazine “Bakers Rack” and has published extensively in various magazines and newspapers. Frances has also been recognized for her creative products and scholarship, including winning a silver medal at the American Culinary Association National Conference and participating as a judge and evaluator in industry competitions.

Renowned for her dynamic and intelligent leadership, Frances has made a profound impact on countless students, enhancing their perception of experiential education and playing a pivotal role in developing innovative programs in culinary arts and food service education.

Education

EdD
Argosy University

MEd
Columbia College

BS
Johnson & Wales University

AOS
Johnson & Wales University