Joshua D Livsey Adams (he/him)

Joshua.Livsey@jwu.edu

Biography and Expertise

Joshua Livsey started his career with a BS in Baking and Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Providence. As a JWU student he started at a bakery where he played a key role in expanding their small storefront to the wedding market. An interest in luxury hotels then led Joshua to Four Seasons Atlanta, allowing him to experience the operations of a larger hospitality company. Working under an experienced Pastry Chef, he was able to hone his techniques from JWU including banquet desserts, chocolate work, and dessert displays while focusing on effectiveness and speed. Four Seasons employs people from all over the world and Joshua quickly learned how to work with and trust different perspectives. Next, his desire to build a closer connection with food took him to the acclaimed Harvest restaurant in Cambridge Massachusetts where, as the Executive Pastry Chef, he discovered a respect for flavors and seasonal ingredients from working with local vendors, farmers, and foragers. Joshua spent six years building and leading a team in producing everything in-house including breads, desserts, ice creams, and mignardise. As an artist using pastry as a medium, he has always been drawn to the beauty of designing wedding cakes and the craft of sugar flowers, and his position as Confectionery Designs has allowed him to gain experience with this and laminated doughs. Joshua’s career showcases versatility in the field, and he was eager to share what he learned with his students. During his time at Harvest, Joshua was able to briefly step out of the kitchen to share his pastry knowledge with a national audience while on the Food Network. These challenging competitions led to a surprising and rewarding connection with the community on both a local and national level. He received an influx of restaurant visitors and online messages from inspired bakers of all ages, particularly those of the LGBTQ+ community who felt represented. Competing on the Food Network created a full-circle moment of encouraging others, just as baking competitions had introduced him to the profession in his youth. Joshua believes that being a role model for not only LGBTQ+ individuals, but to all students in the classroom, is just as rewarding. As a faculty member Joshua works diligently to improve both himself and the community. His future endeavors include pursuing a master’s degree while continuing to engage with the industry and surrounding communities to shape the future leaders of this profession.

Education

MEd
Johnson & Wales University

BS
Johnson & Wales