Employee Spotlight Series

Charles Stockman

August 2025
Charles Stockman - Executive Chef

Fourteen years ago, Charles made a significant career shift from traditional fine dining to institutional food service at Gettysburg College. After growing up right in Gettysburg, attending culinary school, and gaining experience in Virginia and Maryland restaurants, the demanding hours and limited family time of fine dining prompted him to search for better work-life balance. With two young kids at home and his wife, he needed something closer to home. Returning to Gettysburg College provided the perfect opportunity to combine his culinary expertise with a more family-friendly schedule while serving his local community.


The transition from serving 100 restaurant guests to preparing meals for up to 1,500 people required significant adaptation in both scale and approach. Rather than upscale white tablecloth service, Charles shifted his focus to accessible, comforting meals that accommodate diverse dietary needs and cultural preferences. He's particularly proud of developing the dedicated allergy-free kitchen with specialized equipment and protocols to safely serve students with severe allergies—what started as a small station has grown into a robust program supporting dozens of students every meal. The team has also implemented digital menu systems with detailed nutrition and allergen information, and Charles has expanded their cultural offerings including Asian cuisine and halal options in response to changing student demographics. His goal has always been to create a comprehensive, inclusive dining experience that makes all students feel seen and cared for.


The collaborative environment, adequate resources, and creative flexibility make Gettysburg College an exceptional workplace for Charles as a culinary professional. The supportive team culture encourages innovation, from themed dinners to special events like smoking alligators for Mardi Gras celebrations—they love shaking things up! This creativity extends beyond novelty—Charles has learned that food serves as a powerful connector that brings students together across different schedules and backgrounds, creating shared experiences that transform routine meals into meaningful community moments. Even something as simple as butter chicken night turns into a mini reunion. The combination of operational challenge, creative freedom, and positive impact on student life makes each day engaging and purposeful for him.


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