Jess Dozier
Director of Campus Dining
Jess Dozier joined Cal Poly Corporation as the director of Campus Dining in April 2020. Dozier is responsible for leading the Campus Dining operations and strategic planning. He came to Cal Poly with more than 20 years of higher education food management experience. Most recently, Dozier was the director of Culinary and Brand Management and district manager for Sodexo. Prior to that he oversaw the operation of 11 campus dining programs including serving as the director of the Whitworth University and Gonzaga University culinary programs.
Russell Monteath
Assistant Director
Russell Monteath joined the Cal Poly Corporation in 2012. As assistant director for Campus Dining, he is responsible for the overall management of three core Campus Dining units as well as University Catering. Over the past 10 years, Monteath has developed programs and initiatives to help improve Campus Dining’s food quality and customer service. He has also fostered relationships with various campus departments to enhance stakeholder satisfaction and elevate expectations of dining services on campus. An Atascadero native, Monteath attended UC Santa Barbara prior to working at high-profile local restaurants such as The Apple Farm and F. McLintocks in Shell Beach.
Chris Dunham
Executive Chef
Chef Chris Dunham joined the Cal Poly Dining Team in 2011 and became an Executive Chef in less than a year. Dunham discovered his passion for cooking at the age of 17 and has worked in various restaurants including Big Sky Café in downtown San Luis Obispo. During his time with Big Sky, the eatery won the Best Restaurant award by the New Times in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Now, Chef Dunham is excited to offer his extensive cooking experience to the Cal Poly Dining Team.
Darrell Janes
Executive Chef, Residential
A San Luis Obispo native, Chef Darrell Janes joined Campus Dining during WOW Week in 2012 as a sous chef at the original Vista Grande restaurant. A graduate with high honors from Western Culinary Institute – Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, OR, Janes brings invaluable culinary experience cooking in high volume kitchens from his time as a cook at the NBA Portland Trailblazer’s Arena supporting NBA games, headliner concerts and other high-profile events. Before he went to culinary school, Janes worked in the defense electronics field as a production support engineer and applies that technical background to large-scale menu and project planning for Campus Dining.
Jeremy Jones
Executive Chef, Retail
Chef Jeremy Jones joined Campus Dining as a first-year statistics student in 2005 and spent several years in University Catering before working his way to retail executive chef in 2021. Chef Jones never developed a passion for statistics, but found his passion for cooking while working in the kitchen between classes. With no formal culinary degree, Chef Jones credits his skills to the many great chefs he’s worked with at Cal Poly. His favorite part of working for Campus Dining is its focus on food. Whether trying new trends, showcasing cultural cuisine, or applying student feedback, Campus Dining is always focused on providing the best dining experience possible.
Kaitlin Gibbons, RDN
Operations Manager
Operations Manager and Registered Dietician Kaitlin Gibbons began her career in nutrition right here at Cal Poly. After receiving her undergraduate degree in nutrition in 2009, she headed north to complete her dietetic residency in Seattle, focusing on community and public health.
She returned to the Central Coast and continued her work in the healthcare industry for eight years. She served as the director of Food and Nutrition at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center where she helped transform the perception of hospital food with a heavy focus on wellness, sustainability and whole ingredients. Her move to Cal Poly came in 2018 when she joined Campus Dining as the registered dietitian and sustainability coordinator. Gibbons is passionate about helping others feel and be their best through food.
Cynthia Stocker
Operations Manager, University Catering and Concessions
Cynthia Stocker joined Campus Dining in 2015. She serves as the Operations Manager for University Catering and Concessions, overseeing the sales, service and production departments. Prior to joining the University Catering team, Cynthia worked at the Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach as a banquet captain for 12 years. Additionally, she studied interior design at Cal Poly and went on to start her own furniture company.
Monique Huitron
Operations Manager, Coffee
Monique Huitron started with Campus Dining as an assistant supervisor at Starbucks UU in 2015 and has worked her way to operations manager for coffee locations (Starbucks, Julian’s Cafe and Scout Coffee Co.). She has a bachelor’s degree in business from University of Phoenix. Prior to joining Cal Poly, Huitron managed a Papa John’s in Santa Maria. Huitron loves the fast-paced work environment in Campus Dining, building relationships with coworkers and customers, as well as great benefits that create a work/life balance. When not at work, you can find her at the beach, lake, on a hike or enjoying sports.