July 30, 2024
Grit at Work: David Voelz
David Voelz, CEC, CWPC, CCA, WCEC, CDM, CFPP, FSWC, FMP, CHIA, received his online hospitality leadership degree from the College of Business and the School of Hospitality Leadership. He is a food service veteran, and he’s been in the industry for more than 30 years, which is evident with the number of certifications found after his name.
From the front of the house to the back of the house, Voelz excels at customer-facing positions and has spent his fair time in the kitchen.
He is the food service director for Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh, where he manages three kitchens that produce more than 700 meals daily.
Yet, he still found time to pursue his bachelor’s degree in hospitality leadership. We recently spoke to him about his decision to get his four-year degree.
What made you decide to complete your hospitality leadership degree?
I briefly went to NC State when I graduated from high school. After that, I worked in the industry and in 2002 earned an associate degree in culinary arts from Wake Technical Community College. At this point in my career, I have gone as far as I can go without a degree. There are lateral career moves I can make, but none vertically. Completing my degree, combined with my work experience, will open the door to opportunities for me to advance within my field.
Why ECU and the College of Business?
Earning a degree in business, specifically in my field, made ECU and the College of Business an easy choice. Since ECU was able to transfer my culinary labs from Wake Tech, I could go to school completely online. ECU and the School of Hospitality Leadership have a great reputation and a special link with my first food service job, Golden Corral.
What have you enjoyed about being an online student in the College of Business?
I have enjoyed the flexibility that the online program affords. I could take as many classes as I wanted to or was able to, depending on what was happening in my life. As for the coursework, I was constantly exposed to new things even though I had been in the industry for a long time.
Are there any new occupational goals after now that you have your degree?
I aim to rise to the next level, a senior director position, vice president, or regional director. I now have choices that were previously unavailable to me.
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- School of Hospitality Leadership