Millersville Becomes Flavorville

Do you have what it takes to become Millersville’s next Iron Chef? After a four-year hiatus, the Iron Chef competition has officially returned.  

Starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21, teams consisting of three to four students will face off in a cooking competition taking place in the SMC Atrium. The registration form can be picked up at and returned to the Campus Recreation Office.

“We chose to bring back the Iron Chef event since it was so popular prior to the pandemic,” says Samantha Wary, assistant director of campus recreation. “Now that our departments have gotten back into full programming and past the pandemic safety requirements, we thought it was the right time.” 

As part of their registration process, teams will submit their recipe to dining so they can source the ingredients. 

“Technically, no experience is necessary, but we recommend meeting with Chef John (Johnson) if participants are not familiar with the required ingredients to ensure their meal is prepared correctly and safely,” says Wary. 

There will be a “People’s Choice Award” for the audience’s top pick after each plate is on display. Each individual audience member will receive one vote, and there will also be giveaways and fun throughout the competition for audience members.  

The Iron Chef event was last held on March 9, 2020. The people’s choice winners were women’s soccer and women’s club rugby was awarded the judge’s choice. Millersville Iron Chef is sponsored and hosted by University Dining and Campus Recreation. 

“The event is to bring students together during the colder season and allow for social and nutritional wellbeing,” says Wary. “Students who are not competing can come out and watch the event, vote for their favorite dish and check out the offerings of the local vendors in attendance.” 

Back in 2018, teams were challenged to create a balanced plate with side dishes that showcased that year’s mandatory ingredient, alligator. This year, the theme is Cajun and Creole, with chicken breast and shrimp as the required ingredients. 

“Each year, we have had great support from Dr. Judith Wubah and Chief Pete Anders as judges, as well as Mike Johnstone as our most popular emcee,” says Wary. “This year, we have Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President of Student Affairs, as our third rotating judge.” 

For more information regarding the 2024 Iron Chef competition, contact Allison Yarrow at Allison.Yarrow@millersville.edu.