The Mesa Workforce Development Center’s new associate professors
The Mesa Workforce Development Center (MWDC) has welcomed two new professors! Committed to MWDC’s mission, John Deflieze and Jeff Theiss are helping to provide a welcoming, engaging environment that allows students to become successful in the hospitality industry.
In his late teens, John Deflieze began working at a local German restaurant, where he discovered his passion and was encouraged to pursue his culinary endeavors. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Sullivan University in Kentucky and completed his MBA in Hospitality Management at Colorado Technical University. Chef Deflieze has taught at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale and the University of Delaware. As a two-time recipient of the Crystal Apple Award and the L’Esprit d’Excellence Award, his mission is to share his passion for cooking, encouraging his students to always continue learning.
As the MWDC’s Associate Professor of Practice, Deflieze’s favorite part of the day is seeing students passionate about learning. He believes that the kitchen is an outlet for both him and his students to be creative and break boundaries. Through his teaching, John Deflieze aims to give back and express gratitude to all the great chefs who taught and mentored him. Like his mentors, his greatest advice to those pursuing the same industry is: “In order to succeed in this industry, you need to build sustainable and meaningful relationships. Commit to spending time with and learning from others.”
Jeff Theiss earned a BS in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration from Missouri State University and an MEd in Human Relations from NAU. His hotel career included a variety of positions, such as Operations Manager, Director of Rooms, and Director of Sales and Marketing. Jeff served as a General Manager for more than 25 years, including opening and serving as GM at the Drury Inn and Suites in Flagstaff (on campus!). He has taught part-time at NAU since 2016 and is now an HRM faculty member at the MWDC.
Although he loves to eat and drink, Theiss was never attracted to cooking. Instead, he decided to pursue the lodging sector. He was inspired to teach because he wanted to give back to the community by sharing his knowledge and expertise. As such, Theiss’ advice for those pursuing the lodging industry is: “You need to have a never-ending heart for service and have a little bit of a party animal in you. You will be having a slumber party at your house every night—you just don’t know who is coming. You are the ultimate host and in charge of taking care of your guests and your team.”
- Jeffrey Theiss
- John Deflieze
