Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

 
2007 Annual International CHRIE Conference & Exposition 
449
CAREER PATHS IN HOSPITALITY EDUCATION: DEPARTMENT HEADS AND DEANS 
Stacey L. Smith 
Purdue University 
West Lafayette, IN, USA 
and 
Sheryl F. Kline 
Purdue University 
West Lafayette, IN, USA 
ABSTRACT 
The number of hospitality and tourism programs continues to increase. This growth commands effective 
leadership in academia to keep up with an industry that is constantly changing. Commonalities identified among 
academic leaders in hospitality education may assist future leaders on the development of competencies, credentials 
and experiences that may positively impact employment and marketability as an academic leader for a hospitality 
and tourism program. This study provides a demographic profile of current leaders, an overview of common traits 
and experiences and their view on the importance of industry experience in educations. 
Key Words:
hospitality education; career paths; department heads 
INTRODUCTION 
The growth in hospitality and tourism college programs reflects the expansion of an ever-changing industry 
(Rappole, 2000, Riegel, 1999). As of 1999, there were approximately 170
hospitality programs in existence, 
including universities, community colleges and programs offering specializations or certificates in the field (Riegel, 
1999). Currently, there are 121 hospitality and tourism programs offering 
four-year
degrees (CHRIE, 2005). This 
number of programs is projected to increase at a steady rate (Rappole, 2000). Effective leadership is critical for these 
programs to be successful and provide the necessary education for productive hospitality and tourism graduates.