Debora Miller
Debora Miller, MBA, MS, CEC, is a seasoned academic leader and culinary professional with over 13 years of experience in higher education, as Dean and now as an instructor at Keiser University in the Tallahassee Metropolitan Area. She provides strategic oversight of culinary with a strong focus on curriculum development, instructional excellence, and student success. Her work bridges classroom and laboratory instruction, ensuring students complete required coursework and practical competencies needed for graduation while aligning programs with institutional goals and accreditation standards. Throughout her career, Debora has remained deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students, both in academic settings and hands-on culinary labs. She works closely with learners to guide their academic progress, support skill development, and prepare them for successful careers in hospitality and culinary arts. Her greatest professional achievement is seeing her students graduate and thrive, a milestone that continues to drive her passion for education, leadership, and program innovation. Debora’s academic background includes an Associate degree in Culinary Arts, a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, a Master’s degree in Management, and an MBA with a focus in Hospitality Management. She is also a Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation. Beyond academia, she is a founding board member of the Refire program, a culinary training initiative designed to provide incarcerated individuals with skills and pathways into the culinary profession. Throughout her career, Debora credits the guidance and mentorship of Chef David Dodd as a meaningful influence on her professional growth and leadership philosophy.
• Culinary Medicine Certification Level One
• Climate Change and Food Service
• DigiChef Online Learning: Boeuf Bourguignon vs Beef Rendang
• Gastronomy Origins Webinar: Mother Earth Recipes and Techniques
• The Sensational Future of Plant-Based Meal Solutions
• Executive Chef
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Instructor
• Sullivan University - BS, Hospitality Management
• Sullivan University - MBA, Hospitality Management
• Refire
• Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society
• American Culinary Federation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to seeing my students succeed. Their growth, confidence, and accomplishments continually motivate me to lead with purpose and intention. Supporting learners as they develop their skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their professional goals is both my greatest responsibility and my greatest reward, and it drives my commitment to excellence in education, mentorship, and program leadership.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to do what you love every day and pursue it with purpose, rather than chasing a paycheck. When passion drives your work, fulfillment, resilience, and long-term success naturally follow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn as much as you can at every stage of your journey and stay curious about your craft. At the same time, don’t take everything to heart—use feedback as a tool for growth, trust your abilities, and remain confident as you build your path forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is determining the most effective ways to teach and engage students in an evolving learning environment. As education and industry expectations continue to change, the focus is on adapting instructional methods, integrating hands-on and experiential learning, and meeting students where they are to ensure they are prepared for real world success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value most important to me in both my work and personal life is honesty. Leading and living with integrity builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a foundation for meaningful collaboration, accountability, and long-term success.