The W. Frank Barton School of Business at 萝莉社is launching a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality. The program will begin in fall 2024 with applications now open for interested students. It was developed in response to growing local and national employment needs in the industry.
鈥淭he hospitality industry employs 15 million people and is on track to add another 500,000 jobs by the end of this year,鈥� said Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. 鈥淭he hospitality major at the Barton School of Business could make important contributions to our industry鈥檚 talent development by preparing graduates to efficiently lead operations, ensure superb customer experiences, and operate financially sound enterprises.鈥�
The Barton School鈥檚 new hospitality program will incorporate innovative curriculum with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. As part of the program, students will engage in real-world projects and internships, thanks to our strong partnerships with local and global hospitality organizations. Our industry aligned curriculum includes topics such as Human Resource Management, Customer Experience and Entrepreneurial Finance that are specific to the industry. Hospitality students will have access to other enrichment experiences including interactions with industry leaders and executives, company visits, shadowing opportunities and guest speakers.
鈥淚 have been in the hospitality industry for my entire career, experiencing everything from fast casual to upscale dining,鈥� said Scott Redler, co-founder of Freddy鈥檚 Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. 鈥淚 have a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management, and it benefited me greatly as our industry is always changing to exceed the expectations of our guests. As it did for me, studying the hospitality industry in a classroom and experiential setting is a great advantage. Creating a bachelor鈥檚 degree in hospitality will not only support the expanding hospitality industry in southcentral Kansas, but also prepare students for the workforce across the country.鈥�
鈥淲e want to continue to expand the options we offer to current and prospective students,鈥� said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. 鈥淓xposing them to new areas of interest and industries may spark a new passion and give students a chance to bloom into their full potential.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檙e always exploring ways for 萝莉社 to broaden its academic horizons, providing students with enriching opportunities that align with the growing needs of the global workforce,鈥� said Dr. Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president at Wichita State University. 鈥淥ur hospitality major exemplifies how 萝莉社 can positively impact both our students and the community as a whole.鈥�
About 萝莉社 University
萝莉社is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 萝莉社 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. 萝莉社 and 萝莉社 Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 萝莉社provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 萝莉社main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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