THE DEAN A Message From
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
A REFLECTION ON FIVE YEARS
BUILDING LEADERS FOR A CHANGING INDUSTRY
On behalf of the Michael J. Coles College of Busi- ness, it is a privilege to celebrate the five-year anni - versary of Kennesaw State University’s Hospitality Management program. What began in Fall 2020 as a bold vision has quick- ly become a vibrant and respected community of dedicated students, expert faculty, successful alum - ni, and important business and community part - ners. Launched at a time when the entire hospitality in - dustry’s future seemed in question amidst a global pandemic, in just five years, the program has grown into a source of industry-ready talent shaped by innovation, experiential learning, and meaningful partnerships. The success of KSU’s Hospitality Management program is not only illustrated by enrollment growth, but by the quality of educa - tion, the strength of industry relationships, and the achievements of our students and alumni. This milestone is a testament to collaboration. Our experienced faculty bring industry expertise into the classroom. Our partners open their doors and invest in the next generation of hospitality leaders. And our students greet every opportunity with professionalism, curiosity, and leadership. As you explore this commemorative issue, you will see how far the program has come and why its fu - ture is so promising. We are proud of what has been built in five short years and are even more excited about what lies ahead. The hospitality industry is built on exceeding expectations, and KSU’s pro - gram has done exactly that. Thank you for being part of this journey and for believing in the power of hospitality education to shape leaders and create lasting impact. Robin Cheramie Dean, Coles College of Business
Five years ago, we launched the Hos - pitality Management B.B.A. program with a clear purpose: to develop en - terprising hospitality leaders ground - ed in operational excellence and equipped with the strategic insight to shape the future of the industry. However, nobody could have predict - ed that a global pandemic would lead to the largest drop in global tourism since the 1950s. Despite the chal- lenge of building a program around an industry in peril, Kennesaw State University knew that demand would return, and we were going to be ready when it did. The results speak for themselves. Since its inception, the program has experienced remarkable momen- tum, including a 529% increase in enrollment. More importantly, our students graduate prepared. Every student gains real-world experience through internships or part-time roles, and nearly all have employ - ment secured by the time they receive their diploma. This outcome reflects a student-centered approach rooted in relevance, rigor, and industry part - nership.
The post-pandemic hospitality indus - try has changed. Contactless customer interactions, increased operational costs, and staffing issues are common. To meet these changes, our curricu- lum remains agile and market-driv- en. New electives and experiential opportunities are continuously in - troduced to reflect evolving industry needs, from luxury hospitality and asset management to events and glob- al operations. Strategic partnerships locally and internationally ensure students are exposed to the breadth of the hospitality ecosystem while building meaningful professional re- lationships. At the heart of the program is a com- mitment to ethical leadership, hands- on learning, and career readiness. Our students are not only prepared to enter the workforce, but to create positive change within their organi - zations and communities. This milestone belongs to many. To our faculty, students, alumni, part - ners, and supporters, thank you for your dedication and belief in what we are building together. The foundation is strong, the momentum is real, and the next chapter promises even great- er opportunity. Here’s to the future of hospitality leadership at Kennesaw State Univer - sity.
Dr. Leonard Jackson Director, Hospitality Management Program
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