Alumni Spotlight: Bridgette King

Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life as you have imagined.” For some Nash Community College graduates, this direction circles back to campus. One of those graduates is adjunct instructor Bridgette King. After graduating from the Nash Community College Culinary Arts program in 2014, Bridgette was invited back to teach at Nash.

This opportunity came later in life for Bridgette which is not uncommon for many NCC students. Bridgette started at Nash at the age of 50. She always had plans to further her education. Like many, going on to college after graduating from high school just was not in the plan for her. In 2010, Bridgett decided that the time was right to return to school to get her degree.

Bridgette and her husband are local small businesses owners which made balancing school a challenge. “Honestly, I chose Nash for its convenience. The campus is only about a mile from my office. It was easy for me to go back and forth,” she said. Bridgette became aware of the Culinary Arts program a few years ago and met Chef Don Sexauer and Hospitality Management Professor Greg Quintard when inquiring about the program for her son.

Bridgette said college gave her self-confidence. She is eager to encourage others. “Yes, I went to college. I did it; I made good grades. I worked my regular job, and also fit in two internships. There were weeks when I worked and or attended school six days a week. If I can do it, anyone can,” she said.

When an adjunct teaching position became available, Chef Don said he immediately thought of Bridgette. He recalled her as a leader among her peers and now an excellent addition to NCC’s faculty. Bridgette teaches CUL 140 Culinary Skills 1. She believes it is always possible to go to school but a student must be willing to prioritize and manage their time well. “Individuals make time for what is important,” she tells her students. “Listen in class. Take good notes and work hard.”