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

Experiences, Competencies, & Credentials 
Over two-thirds (68%) of the respondents had worked in the hospitality industry prior to entering academia. 
Eleven to 15 years (24.6%) was the most common amount of time spent in the industry before entering academia 
followed by 6-10 years (23.2%), 16-20 years (20.3%), and 1-5 years (18.8%). The sectors of the industry that the 
respondents worked were almost evenly split among Hotel/Lodging (28.4%) and Restaurant/Commercial Food 
(26.9%). Other respondents (22.4%) noted they had worked in many different sectors of the industry. The 
respondents gained much managerial experience while in industry. Many respondents spent between 6 and 10 years 
(32.8%) in a managerial role; whereas, other spent 1 to 5 years (26.9%). Over half (58%) of the respondents also 
spent 1 to 5 years in another industry working prior to entering academia. These other industries included 
healthcare/insurance (3.8%), retail (2.8%), banking, chemicals, cooperative extension agency, military, education, 
farming, and entertainment (each 1.9%). Three-quarters (75.8%) of the respondents have never served in the 
military. Twenty three point two percent (23.2%) of the respondents did serve in the military; the Army (56.5%) was 
the most common, followed by the Navy (21.7%).
Nearly 30% of the respondents spent between 6 and 10 years teaching before stepping into the 
administrator role and 19.8% spent 11 to 15 years before assuming the administrative position. Eighty percent of the 
respondents continue to teach in their current position. Of the 80% that still teach, 40.8% teach two classes per 
academic year. Whether respondents continue to actively research is evenly split at 49.5%, however, 78.7% stated 
they continue to publish in the hospitality and tourism field. The respondents averaged one to five publications 
(44.7%) followed by six to ten publications (25.5%) in the last five years. The types of publications included journal 
articles, books, book chapters, edited books, and industry/trade publications.
The respondents’ job titles varied to some degree with 21.7% of them holding the title of Dean. This was 
followed by Program Director/Coordinator (17.9%), and Chair (14.2%). Other notable titles were Department Head, 

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