This blog contains direct quotes from websites as of 2023. Programs and policies do change, at colleges, from time to time, so please check with the colleges directly to receive any updates. These are not, necessarily, the biggest, best, or most popular programs at the college, but they are the ones that just “caught my eye” as unique, special, interesting, or just plain awesome. Enjoy!
From the Maryville College website, 2023: “Why Study Hospitality Management at Maryville College? For more than two centuries, Maryville College has prided itself on being an institution that not only calls Southern Appalachia home but advocates for the region as well. As East Tennessee continues to attract visitors and new residents, the need for skilled employees who know the hospitality industry and the larger field of management more generally has grown.
“Maryville College’s Hospitality and Regional Identity major is committed to interdisciplinary studies and the building of hospitality-oriented skill sets through coursework and practical experience, with an emphasis placed on Southern Appalachian culture, cuisine, history and tradition. This unique combination differs from a traditional hospitality management degree and will prepare you for a wide variety of careers in the hospitality management industry that are available in a variety of regions — inside and outside the U.S. — with distinct cultural identities.
“Meet a Current Scot:
A recent graduate of Heritage High School, Lyric has been interested in community service for as long as he can remember. During high school, he was a wrestler and active participant in both SkillsUSA and Beta Club, in addition to spending a month in Switzerland as part of Children’s International Summer Villages. During his senior year, he enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard, in which he still serves.
“‘I have had lifelong influences as both of my moms play major roles in taking care of our community,’ he said. ‘I have grown up helping take care of others, either by volunteering directly or through working fundraising events. After graduation, I set engineering as my educational goal, but as I began working at (wellness, culinary and adventure retreat) Blackberry Mountain that I realized helping people in this way gave me great satisfaction.
“’Majoring in Hospitality will provide me with skills and education to further my passion for helping others. My hope is that this degree will be versatile, and I am excited to learn what opportunities this path will allow me in order to better my community.’---Lyric Dockery, Hometown: Maryville, Tennessee
“Meet a Recent Grad:
Brittany graduated six years before the major was launched, but her introduction to the field happened on the MC campus — as a server at RT Lodge. She majored in International Studies and spent a semester abroad in Spain, where she honed her travel skills, met people from around the globe and experienced different cultures. After graduation, she began building her career in the luxury hospitality industry, working for properties in four states. She now manages the reservations team for two venues inside a world-class museum.
“’I am thrilled to know that future generations of Scots will enter the workforce through engagement in the new Hospitality and Regional Identity major,’ she said. ‘I can’t wait to see a new generation of MC students take on this industry in East Tennessee and wherever their paths may lead them!’---Brittany Miller ’16, Hometown: Peoria, Arizona
“Career Opportunities:
Hotel general manager
Meeting and convention planner
Food and beverage director
Catering and events manager
Hospitality services coordinator
Event coordinator
Destination and travel planner
Chamber of commerce director
Resort operations manager
Festival and event manager
Recreation center director
Activities director
Restaurant manager
Travel agent
Tour guide
Tourism marketing and public relations
Travel writer
Front of house manager
Theme park manager
Museum manager
Camp and park director
“External Relationships (for potential internships):
RT Lodge
Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro
Cirrus Aircraft
Southern Hospitality Internship Program
Blackberry Farm
Dollywood
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
“Hospitality and Regional Identity major prepares students for an opportunity to explore a wide variety of careers within the hospitality industry. This exploration includes a focus upon “place” and how location can influence and enhance the customer experience. Students successfully completing the program of study will:
***Understand the operations of various components of the hospitality industry and how they relate to each other.
***Understand how to create an exceptional customer experience and how a specific place plays a role in this development.
***Develop critical thinking skills, have knowledge in theoretical perspectives and methodological techniques, and gain experiential learning opportunities.
“Although the major is oriented toward providing academic knowledge and practical experience of the region surrounding the College, students who wish to orient their training toward other regions may be able to customize research projects, internships, and Senior Studies to better prepare themselves for opportunities outside this region. While the major foregrounds a Southern Appalachian context, conceptual training about culture, ecology and regional identity will certainly be relevant to student interest in other regional contexts as well.”
Maryville College is one of the featured colleges in my new book (click image for additional information):
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