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Dallas College

Jerry Dean

“The experience at El Centro helped establish my career as an executive chef. Now I work in food service administration, where I have the ability to impact the culinary experience of thousands. It has come full circle for me as I now sit on the advisory board for the Food and Hospitality Institute, as well as Texas Woman's University’s School of Nutrition. Food and education are my life!” 

Jerry Dean is a 20-year veteran of Aramark, providing leadership as a food service director for nine of those years with the Higher Education team and the last 11 years as a district manager for Texas and New Mexico. As district manager, Jerry is responsible for the supervision of the on-site team, providing a wide range of support and expertise in operational excellence, marketing, financial performance and customer service. Jerry has an extensive culinary arts and food service administration background, having worked as an executive chef for 13 years before joining Aramark. Jerry serves on the advisory board for Texas Woman's University’s School of Nutrition and El Centro's School of Culinary Arts. Jerry served as the Regional Safety Leader for 2011-2012 and continues to support the region as co-facilitator of the regional safety committee.

Jerry attended El Centro's School of Culinary Arts and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Governor's University School of Business. Aramark Corporation is a global provider of food, facilities and uniform services to clients in education, health care, business, corrections and business in 21 countries.


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Dianna Zaragoza

Dianna Zaragoza

Freelance writer and stay-at-home mom
“The flexibility is the best thing. I’ve only had to come in to campus for tests. And even though I don’t live that far away, the cost of gas these days is a major factor in my decision to take courses online. Distance learning works for my budget and for my schedule.”
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Photo of Deah N. Mitchell

Deah N. Mitchell

Assistant to the Director of Alumni Relations and Programming, SMU Owner, Nicole Berry Events
“In the beginning, I was hesitant because I didn’t want the courses to be too easy — I wanted to actually get something out of them. But once I realized my online courses were really challenging, I kept going back for more.”
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Miguel Ardito

Miguel Ardito

Miguel Ardito Contract Production Artist Frog Street Press Inc.
“I really enjoyed the program because I was able to do a lot of my classes self-paced at school in the labs and at home. The program is a great experience, and if you stick with it, it can change your life.”
Digital Art and Design
Miguel Antonio

Miguel Antonio

Performing musician, Spanish classical and flamenco guitar
“While I was at Cedar Valley, I got an internship at a recording studio, so I worked part-time while I went to school. I use those recording skills every day now. I record my own music and CDs, so all that experience has paid off.”
Music
Jerry Dean
Jerry Dean
District Manager, Aramark Higher Education
Culinary and Pastry Arts
School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design
Updated November 25, 2025