TSC appoints new directors for nutrition services, Greater Lafayette Career Academy
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Tippecanoe School Corp. appointed a new director of nutrition services and an assistant director for the Greater Lafayette Career Academy following the retirements of their predecessors.
Ashley Karshen, operations manager for the district's nutrition services, will replace current Director Lori Shofroth-Cords, according to a news release. Cords is retiring from the position after 17 years.
Karshen joined the school district in January 2023 as a registered dietitian, the release said, with previous experience as a bake shop owner, teacher and registered dietitian.
D.J. Jensen comes to the Greater Lafayette Career Academy after serving as the principal of Attica High School for three years with an additional four years prior as the assistant principal, according to a release. Prior to joining the Attica Consolidated School Corp., Jensen held several roles within Tippecanoe schools, the release states, including health and physical education teacher and athletic director at Wainright Middle School, and assistant principal at Wea Ridge Middle School.
Jensen's appointment to the role follows the retirement of Jay Davis, who served in that role for five years.
As director of nutrition services, Karshen will oversee the food service program consisting of about 100 employees, the release stated, who serve breakfast and lunch to student at 19 different schools.
"Ashley's time within the TSC as a registered dietitian and operations manager has given her experience in the K-12 space and prepared her to make a natural transition into the director’s position,” said Doug Allison, assistant superintendent for personnel. “Additionally, her collaborative leadership style, coupled with a strong work ethic and a passion for ensuring kids have access to healthy and nutritious meals, led to her selection."
Compliance with state and federal nutrition guidelines and maintaining standards for receiving, storing and inventorying food supplies will also fall under Karshen's responsibilities.
“I am a registered dietitian with a passion for helping people improve their health through food,” Karshen said. “We serve about 10,000 meals a day with many students eating two of their three daily meals with us.
"My goal is to continue to uphold the excellence of the TSC nutrition services program that follows the standards of the National School Lunch program.”
As assistant director, Jensen will oversee student attendance, discipline and building safety among other duties at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy, the release stated, which has nearly 700 students and 40 staff members.
“Mr. Jensen’s experience and enthusiasm for working with students, staff and other stakeholders will be an asset to the Greater Lafayette Career Academy,” Greater Lafayette Career Academy Director Miranda Hutcheson said. “His leadership will help us grow programs and community partnerships that successfully prepare all learners for careers of their choice.”
Jensen's background will bring a variety of experiences with career technical education programs and as an administrator, according to the release.
“I was attracted to the (Greater Lafayette Career Academy) because of the variety of options it provides for its students to get a head start on a career path while in high school,” Jensen said. “While touring the facility, I was in awe of the programs and facilities the students in the Lafayette area have available to them.”
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached by email at jellison@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ellison_writes.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: TSC hires new directors of nutrition, Greater Lafayette Career Academy
