Les Eckert is the Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. 
The Institute describes itself as "a year-round culinary education hub offering skill enhancement for people entering the workforce, culinary professionals, and culinary focused enthusiasts."  It offers a variety of programs leading to certificates, associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees.  The Institute is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, and its graduates are in high demand.  Its students (78 at the moment) enjoy small classes.
 
Located above the Haggerty Center, the Institute space includes full kitchen facilities and a large dining area used for lunch, dinner and special events. Institute students learn everything from how to make pasta and wedding cakes to mixology and restaurant management.  Students also have the ability to study abroad.
 
For those of us living in the area the Institute offers adult education classes as well as popular programs like Taste of Success.