THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 9, 1995 TAG: 9502070090
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Most folks probably would assume that the president of one of the nation's premier culinary colleges knows her way around the kitchen. Well, not quite, says Debi Gray.
``I don't cook really well,'' she admits. ``I'm not in the same class as the culinary students.
``But then they couldn't run the program as well,'' she adds with a laugh.
Gray joined the Norfolk college of Johnson and Wales University in 1981 as an admissions recruiter. She's now president of the local campus, which is tied to the main college in Providence, R.I. The school has crafted a well-seasoned recipe for certified chefs, many of whom are found in the kitchens of Hampton Roads restaurants and hotels.
Full name: Debra Cox Gray.
Hometown: Local.
Birthdate: Jan. 26, 1954.
Occupation: President, Johnson and Wales University College of Culinary Arts.
Nickname: Debi.
Marital status: Happily married.
Children: Brad, 6 years old; Sarah Elizabeth, 9 months old.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Work out then to the beach with a good book and a beer.
Last smart thing you did: Decided to have a second child at 40 years old.
Last dumb thing you did: After chasing my Irish Setter who ran off, I mistook my dog for another and waded out in the ocean to scold the dog while its owner watched on in amazement.
Favorite meal: Anything my mother cooks (chicken and dumplings and chocolate pie).
Favorite movies: ``On Golden Pond,'' ``When a Man Loves a Woman,'' all Disney animated movies.
Favorite song: I'm a throwback from the '70s, rock 'n' roll, and anything Rod Stewart sings.
Last book read: ``Your Six-Year-Old, Loving and Defiant''; ``Colony.''
Hobbies: Aerobics, Aerobics, Aerobics (I'm an instructor).
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be taller and younger.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? To be taller and younger.
Secret vice: COOKIES.
Favorite restaurant: Any restaurant with a J&W chef.
Your favorite night on the town: A good play and dinner out with my husband.
Favorite TV shows: ``Frasier,'' ``Dave's World,'' ``The Nanny.''
Favorite sport: Soccer.
Last vacation: Ate my way through New Orleans with my family.
Worst job: In high school I telemarketed for a Nags Head land developer.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My relationship with Johnson & Wales University, America's foremost food service educator, and the part I have played in the development of the Norfolk branch campus of Johnson & Wales. We began with 40 students on a military base. Today we are close to 500 students with a 36,000-square-foot facility.
What would you like as your epitaph? She lived well; she loved well; she dined well. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB