Today on Consuming the Craft, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. John Gossett, president of Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College, to mark his five-year anniversary leading the institution. Together, we took a candid look at how education, especially at the community college level, has evolved in response to hurricanes, pandemics, technological disruptions, and shifting attitudes about the value of a college credential. Our conversation ranged from the challenges of outdated bureaucracy and the importance of hands-on education to the ever-growing need to align what we teach with what employers and students actually want, including industry certifications, apprenticeships, and practical experience. We also dug into the boom in the craft beverage industry—including non-alcoholic and specialty drinks—and what the changing tastes and job market mean for our students and programs. And, as always, there was time for a thoughtful toast, a few laughs, and some great Scotch.

Dr. John Gossett has dedicated nearly forty years to advancing education, with a career that began in the classroom and led him through the ranks to his current role as president of AB Tech. He is recognized for championing hands-on learning, building resilient and student-focused pathways, and forging deep connections with local employers to ensure education is relevant and impactful. His vision centers on community colleges as engines for transformation—not just academic but personal and regional—and he remains committed to making education more accessible, modern, and in tune with our rapidly changing world.

"You're not gonna find AI coming in and fixing your plumbing, rewiring your house."

Today on Consuming the Craft:

·     The future of community colleges depends on adaptability, aligning programs with the actual needs of industries and students, and being open to new models of credentialing, such as the certificates offered by technology companies.

·     Hands-on, skilled trades remain stable and lucrative career paths, with the added benefit of being relatively resilient to automation and artificial intelligence.

·     AB Tech continues to break down the outdated stigma around community colleges, showing that its graduates go on to meaningful, high-paying local jobs and leadership roles.

·     Bureaucracy and red tape—from excessive paperwork to inflexible credential rules—are real barriers that educators must address to better serve tomorrow's students.

·     Apprenticeships and partnerships with industry are crucial, as they provide students with practical experience, foster employee loyalty, and strengthen the regional workforce.

·     The craft beverage field is evolving rapidly, with a growing interest in non-alcoholic products, seltzers, CBD/THC-infused drinks, and specialty teas, expanding the range of skills the college must teach.

·     Data-driven, personalized student pathways—using insights similar to online retailers—could revolutionize how students find, select, and complete their educational journeys.

·     Education must emphasize both practical, work-ready skills and the soft skills of communication, critical thinking, and adapting to change, especially in a post-pandemic world.

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Contact for Dr. John Gossett:

Email: johngossett@abtech.edu

Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College: abtech.edu

Resources Mentioned:

Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast at AB Tech

McConnell Farms

UC Davis (brewing and beverage science)

Siebel Institute

Western Governors University

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

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