By Dr. Stacie Smith, Chair
FHSU Dept. of Applied Business Studies
The Fort Hays State University Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) degree is celebrating its 10th year as an academic program in conjunction with FHSU’s 2018 Homecoming festivities.
In 2008, the THM program started under the direction of associate professor, Dr. Stacey Smith. Dr. Karen Thal, assistant professor, and many adjuncts have been added to support the growth of the program. The program continues to expand and gives students real-world experience by requiring an internship before graduation and providing hands-on learning through externships and study abroad opportunities.
The program has received numerous badge recognitions over the years including recognition as a 2017 Best Online Program in Hospitality Management by BestColleges.com; Best Online Hotel Management Degree by ACOnline.com; and Best Online Hospitality Management by AffordableCollegesOnline.org.
The program has added two student organizations. Eta Sigma Delta is an honorary society that recognizes THM students for high academic achievement. The THM Travel Club has planned two externships to Kansas City, MO, and Dallas, TX, where students experienced a week-long networking immersion with industry professionals. The Travel Club also planned a study abroad experience to Budapest, Hungary, in partnership with Budapest Metropolitan University over the topic of Spa Management. The Travel Club is currently planning another study abroad experience to Costa Rica and Ecuador for January 2019 over the topic of Sustainable Tourism.
Virtual students have also traveled to campus to be inducted into the honor society and have joined in the study abroad experiences. The program continues to build partnerships both domestically and internationally. THM alumni currently have careers in a broad range of business areas spanning many sectors of the industry including event planning, hotels, cruise ships, restaurants, travel companies, casinos, managed services, convention and visitors’ bureaus, vacation ownership, theme parks, and more.
The celebration begins on Friday evening at 6:30 at The Venue in Thirsty’s Pub and Grill, 2704 Vine Street #B, with a social gathering consisting of appetizers and networking. Also, be sure to stop and say hello to greet students and alumni at the tailgate prior to the football game beginning at 3 p.m. Tailgate spots are #130 and #131.
Alumni, friends, supporters, and current students alike are invited to the festivities on Friday and Saturday.
If you are interested in attending, would like to learn more about the program or have any questions, please contact:
Dr. Stacey Smith, Chair
Department of Applied Business Studies
Fort Hays State University
785.628.4772
[email protected]