July 23, 2015
ECU's School of Hospitality Leadership Relocates to the College of Business
ECU’s School of Hospitality Leadership moved to the College of Business on July 1 as part of the university’s academic restructuring, which involved dissolving the College of Human Ecology.
Established as a program in 1987, the School of Hospitality Leadership is currently the largest hospitality department of its kind in the state and one of the largest in the Southeastern U.S. The school will continue to offer courses in the Rivers Building for the near future, where its kitchen labs are located.
More than 450 students are enrolled in the School of Hospitality Leadership, where students can complete the B.S. in Hospitality Management either on campus or via distance education and concentrate in Food and Beverage Management, Lodging Management, or Conventions and Special Events Management. In addition, the school offers a minor in Hospitality Management as well as a Hospitality Management Certificate through the MBA program.
Dr. Stan Eakins, dean of the College of Business, said the transition will open the door to new synergies between business and hospitality management.
He said, “Moving ECU’s School of Hospitality Leadership to the College of Business is a logical step, given the school’s emphasis on research, leadership-based teaching, and relationships with businesses that employ hospitality management graduates. We look forward to launching the careers of thousands of leaders in hospitality and service professions.”
Dr. Robert O’Halloran, professor and director of ECU’s School of Hospitality Leadership, said, “Our goal as a program is to develop leaders for the business of hospitality and tourism, so the move to the College of Business is a great fit. Together, we will support the development of the future of hospitality and tourism leadership.”