Colleagues:
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved the reformulation of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences into the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, effective August 15.
The change capitalizes on opportunities for students in the leading and quickly evolving hospitality sector, and will involve a strong scholarly focus on positively impacting the relevant industries and affected communities at state, national and global levels.
The department will continue to build on its nearly 60 years of internationally recognized excellence, prioritizing the study of how people connect with the places and spaces around them. Additionally, this new chapter will utilize the life sciences and agriculture to explore new hospitality experiences, bringing together expertise from across the College in social sciences, management and life sciences.
The department will continue to be led by Brian King, Ph.D., who joined our College in January 2022. Dr. King has had a distinguished career in academia and industry and brings a global perspective on hospitality leadership and destination management.
Please join me in celebrating this addition to our College.
Thank you!
Jeffrey W. Savell
Vice Chancellor and Dean, Agriculture and Life Sciences