The Mix at Columbus State

The Mix at Columbus State offers recreational cooking classes, cooking classes, and nutritional education. The program also hosts private events. Classes are open to the public and are taught by professional chefs in a welcoming, approachable environment, with opportunities to learn from accomplished chefs who work with cooks of all skill levels.

• Schedule: Classes are offered as cooking classes and recreational cooking classes; specific dates and times vary by class

The Mix at Columbus State is Columbus State’s hub for cooking classes, nutritional education, and related activities. All teachers are certified by the American Culinary Federation and have years of professional cooking and teaching experience. Young is a Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, and member of the American Academy of Chefs, and Souza is an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Pastry Chef. The leadership team includes Tommy Tucker, coordinator of The Mix; Josh (Joshua) Wickham, cooking instructor, director of Mitchell Hall, and Director of Operations for The School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Columbus State in Mitchell Hall; James Taylor, cooking instructor and Chair of the Columbus State Hospitality Department and Chair of Hospitality programs at Columbus State Community College; Barry Young, assistant professor at Columbus State Community College; and Diane Souza, American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Pastry Chef. The program’s mission statement is: “At Columbus State, we believe that everyone should be empowered to cook and enjoy good food.” The facility provides new learning opportunities for students and the community.

“I want each of our guests to leave class feeling excited and inspired by food. Most importantly I want guests to feel encouraged to go home and share their experience with their family and friends.” - Tommy Tucker, coordinator of The Mix

“Cooking together is one of the best ways to share culture, history and tradition. I love sharing those experiences through teaching people about food and cooking.” - Josh Wickham, cooking instructor and director of Mitchell Hall

“We make cooking fun! So come and have fun with us.” - James Taylor, cooking instructor and Chair of the Columbus State Hospitality Department

Last updated August 16, 2026.