Alumni Spotlight: Jay Richardson

(March 20, 2020) - Chef Jay Richardson graduated from Clayton State University in 2002, after completing the 3 degree ladder program in Information Technology. While he never actually worked in the IT field, he used the critical thinking, systems analysis and communication skills which were crucial to his course work to excel in the hospitality field.

Richardson worked part time at restaurants in the city while completing his degree, and 6 years later, enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at the Art Institute. He received another degree in 2008 and began a 11 career in hospitality management. During this time, Chef Richardson managed Food & Beverage operations at many Corporate Dining accounts, including the Woodruff Arts Center and the Bank of America Plaza Building, both in Atlanta. Continuing to invest in himself and the hospitality field, he earned an MBA in Hospitality & Tourism as well as a Food Management Professional certification in 2014.

At Clayton State, Richardson was heavily involved in activities outside of the classroom. He served in leadership roles in Student Life Activities Council, Black Cultural Awareness Association, Information Technology Club and International Awareness Association. Shortly before he graduated, he was fortunate to be a charter member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Tau Epsilon Chapter, one of the first Black Greek Lettered Organizations at Clayton State.

Chef Richardson credits the technical skills learned in the classroom, coupled with the leadership and social skills learned outside the classroom for his success in the fast paced, people focused industry that is Hospitality. He is actively engaged in the Clayton County community through the Fraternity, Pi Gamma Lambda Chapter, to increase voter engagement and awareness, and college matriculation among youth.

Recently, Chef Richardson made a career change to Culinary Education at Meadowcreek High School in Gwinnett County. In addition to his class room instruction, he also coaches the Culinary Management Competition team, balancing his love for hospitality management with his desire to train others. In a recent competition among GA High School culinary teams, Richardson’s students placed first, and will represent the school and the state of Georgia at the National ProStart Invitational competition in Washington DC for a chance at full college scholarships and national bragging rights.

Chef Richardson is proud to call Clayton State his Alma Mater, is a member of the Alumni Association, and frequently visits for campus events and celebrations. He is married to Tatianna Richardson, and they are the proud parents of Teagan Margueax. They currently reside in Stone Mountain, GA.