Illinois Tech Dining is pleased to welcome Chef Willie Newsome as the new Campus Executive Chef for Chartwells at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Chef Willie brings nearly two decades of experience in collegiate dining, culinary operations, catering, and athletic dining programs. A Chicago native, he earned a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Miami, Florida, and has built a career focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences while developing strong, high-performing teams.

Throughout his career, Chef Willie has held leadership roles across a variety of dining environments, including retail dining, catering, sports and leisure operations, and large-scale food service programs. His experience includes overseeing dining operations for collegiate athletic programs, supporting student-athlete nutrition initiatives, and contributing to the opening of a new minor league hockey arena. He has also had the opportunity to provide hospitality and culinary service for notable entertainers, athletes, and public figures throughout his career.

Known for his approachable leadership style, Chef Willie is passionate about mentoring team members and helping them grow into future leaders. His expertise includes staff development, cross-training, budget management, operational excellence, and fostering positive workplace cultures. Over the years, he has been recognized for achievements in financial performance, leadership development, and team engagement, including awards that highlight his commitment to building strong and motivated culinary teams.

Chef Willie is equally passionate about innovation in campus dining. He enjoys creating globally inspired menus, introducing new culinary concepts, and developing dining experiences that reflect the interests and preferences of today’s students. He believes food has the power to bring people together and create meaningful connections across the university community.