Executive Chef, Department Chair, Department of Hospitality and Events Management, WSU Tech | Wichita, KS

Lexi Michael ‘03 is the executive chef and chair of the National Institute of Culinary Education (NICHE) in her hometown of Wichita, Kansas. A hospitality and culinary industry veteran who has worked in fine dining, lodging and the wine industry, she returned to the Great Plains in part to teach culinary arts but also to advocate for a more sustainable food system in the nation’s Bread Basket. Her Mennonite heritage has inspired her to research Volga German Mennonite culinary traditions and teach them to the next generation of foodservice professionals in her region. (Wichita, KS) @lexibrut