Name, title, and department: Nicholas Leach, operations manager of CFAES coffee shop and Cafe` Carmen, Office of Student Life.
Educational Background: Studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Describe your work: My work focuses on leadership, problem solving, and business management. My goal is to train students to become sufficient in the kitchen and learn valuable life skills. Also to make sure that the students are well fed daily.
How have past career opportunities prepared you for your current role? I've been in the industry for 25+ years. I've been lucky to cook in a multitude of restaurants with many different styles. In my 20's I worked at a bistro that focused on mid-west cuisine which helped me adjust to the cuisine out here in Ohio.
When did you join OSU? How long have you been here? I started my OSU journey back in the summer of 2022. I was hired as the assistant chef and worked for 2 years at OSU ATI. I left to pursue more kitchen experiences and came back in the fall of 2025 to OSU to run operations.
How has OSU and your current career impacted your life? OSU has fostered growth in my field by helping me work my way out of the kitchen and focus more on leadership and business. After so much time cooking, it's nice to spend time learning the operations side of student dining.
Tell us about your family and pets: I'm the proud parent of 2 girls, 6 and 7, who are Rittman Indians this year. Happily married just over 10 years now to my wife Heather who grew up in the area. We also have 4 cats, one for every lap and a Australian Shepard to keep things interesting.
What is your hometown? Originally, I'm from the Pacific Northwest. I grew up on the Oregon coast in a small tourist town called Cannon Beach. I stayed in Oregon until I graduated high school and spread my wings right after. I took jobs in New York, Michigan, Colorado, and then spent 10 years honing my craft in Portland, Oregon before moving to Ohio in 2021.
Favorite things to do and places to go in Wooster: A few of my favorite things to do locally include food naturally. I love supporting our local gardeners and spend a lot of time in the dirt myself. I enjoy the farmers market and the folks down at Local Roots. The Korean fusion burritos that Korasada makes are incredible.
Who is your biggest mentor? A mentor figure I look up to and respect would be Anthony Bourdain. I find it inspiring when folks are able to bring the best out of people with food. To share culture really brings more to a community.
Any advice you would give current ATI students? Don't be afraid to try something new, you just might enjoy it.