Mike Flory, executive director of dining services at Hendrix College, recently received the 2012 Premier Illuminating Excellence Award for educational food services at the Premier healthcare alliance’s annual Foodservice Forum in Charlotte, N.C.
The Illuminating Excellence Award for Education recognizes a foodservice professional who has worked to improve the food and facilities provided to students, and who has supported or introduced activities that are in keeping with the mission and values of the organization they work for, in addition to other achievements.
“I am very honored to be associated with a college that understands the significance of a high-quality campus dining program,” said Flory. “This award can certainly be attributed to the hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication of our staff to be an integral part of the college experience.”
Flory has previously been recognized by USA Rice. Hendrix Dining Services received five awards last year at the National Association of College and University Food Services Loyal E. Horton competition.
“I believe that Hendrix has the best dining services program in the country and this award is just further evidence supporting that belief,” said Jim Wiltgen, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “We are so proud of Mike Flory and our Dining Services program. Mike and his team have a very special connection with our students. Our dining staff is innovative, engaging, caring and provides an outstanding array of foods, services and programs. It is not surprising to see them win this award.”
Hendrix was named the country’s #1 “Up and Coming” liberal arts college for the third consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report. Hendrix is featured in the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review as one of the country’s best 376 colleges and is listed in the 2012 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of 25 “Best Buy” private colleges included. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.