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UA-PTC Foundation Announces Diamond Chef Arkansas Honorees

The University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) Foundation has announced the honorees for its annual Diamond Chef Arkansas fundraising event, recognizing outstanding contributions to the culinary and hospitality industries. This is the first year Diamond Chef will honor professionals in the community.

This year’s honorees are:

• Best in Hospitality: Veo Tyson
• Best in Culinary: Titus Holly
• Community Impact: Emily Gray

Diamond Chef Arkansas will take place at the UA-PTC Little Rock-South site at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute, 13000 Interstate 30, on Thursday, April 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

About the honorees:

Veo Tyson – Best in Hospitality

With 50 years of experience behind the bar, Veo Tyson is a Little Rock bartending legend. Beginning his career at Cajun’s Wharf in 1975, Tyson honed his craft at establishments like Macaroni Grill and SO Restaurant and Bar, where he recently retired. Known for his dedication to customer service and ability to craft the perfect cocktail, Tyson has earned a loyal following throughout his career. He considers the Old Fashioned his signature drink.

Titus Holly – Best in Culinary

Chef Titus Holly’s culinary journey began in his aunt’s kitchen. A 2006 graduate of the Arkansas Culinary School (now UA-PTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute), Holly gained experience at Simply the Best Catering, Embassy Suites, and SO Restaurant and Bar. He is best known as the Head Chef at the Pantry Restaurants, where he has worked since 2009. In 2019, Holly launched Holly Smokes, a mobile catering company. He has been featured in AY Magazine, Soiree, and Rock City Eats.

Emily Gray – Community Impact

Emily Gray is a dedicated Chicken Salad Chick franchisee, operating four locations in central Arkansas. A graduate of Auburn University with degrees in psychology and curriculum design, Gray’s connection with Chicken Salad Chick began in 2011. After a period in teaching, she returned to the brand as a corporate trainer, helping open over 50 new locations. In 2020, she became a franchisee, opening her first location in Benton, which received the 2021 Spirit of the Chick award and was voted Saline County's best lunch spot and best sandwich. Gray was also recognized as an AY’s Magazine 2023 Power Woman. She is being honored for her involvement and support of the 3D program.

Diamond Chef Arkansas will raise funds for student scholarships, student success initiatives, and supplies and equipment for culinary and hospitality degree programs. The event, chaired by Leah and Chef Payne Harding, will feature an Iron Chef-style competition and tasting stations hosted by area restaurants.

Diamond Chef Arkansas is UA-PTC’s signature fundraising event, first held in 2008. General admission tickets are $100 may be purchased at uaptc.edu/diamondchef. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $200.

About UA - Pulaski Technical College Foundation

The UA - Pulaski Technical College Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the college. Chartered as a non-profit organization for educational purposes, the Foundation solicits and receives tax-deductible gifts and manages these gifts and bequests for the benefit of the college.

Pictured, from left: Veo Tyson, Titus Holly, and Emily Gray