Hospitality Studies Department That Sizzles

What's New, Mar/Apr 2004

What are the key ingredients for a top-ranked hospitality program? The belief at Sullivan University's National Center for Hospitality Studies in Louisville, KY is to combine the finest faculty with state-of-the-art facilities to create an environment of learning that is second to none.

Accomplished Faculty

The most recent additions to this successful recipe include Kerry Sommerville, Department Chair of the Hospitality Management programs at the National Center for Hospitality Studies. he is the recipient of the 2003 "Lamp of Knowledge Award" for outstanding educator from the Educational Institute of the American hotel & Lodging Association. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitality education and whose efforts have consistently advanced the hospitality profession. "Everything we do in terms of curriculum, internship and student activities all lead to more choices for our students and graduates."

Adding to the accomplishments of the faculty is Baking & Pastry Arts Chairperson Derek Spendlove. The 25,000-member American Culinary Federation (ACF) recently named him the 2003 winner of the Southeast Regional and National Chef Professionalism Awards. These awards are presented to the chef who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism through certification, continuing education and training, culinary competitions and community involvement. Chef Spendlove was also awarded the 2002-2003 ACF National Culinary Education Award recognizing him as the most outstanding college instructor in the United States for 2002.

These quality instructors are preparing future industry professionals through certificate, diploma and associate degrees. In addition, Sullivan University now offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management with all junior and senior hospitality core courses available over the Internet.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Sullivan University recently built a 4.5 million dollar expansion that opened February 2004. This exciting new design has five culinary/baking and pastry kitchen laboratories, three "smart" classrooms, two supply commissaries, display and student-use areas. "The Bakery," the University's own wholesale/retail classical European bakery, was also updated and expanded.

This new space will assist in accommodating a Fall 2004 enrollment of nearly 900 students preparing for careers in the hospitality industry. Recent career employment choices for graduates include: Walt Disney World Resorts, Yum Brand, Inc., Opryland hotel, The Jimmy Kimmel Show and Papa Johns International. The graduate employment rates have remained at 100% for the past 15 years.

Superb instruction, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent job employment prospects all help to make up the Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies recipe for success.