College of Education and Human Development
HSMAI President Visits Hospitality Management Program
October 31, 2013
Assistant Professor Seungwon “Shawn” Lee introduced a key industry executive to students and faculty in the Hospitality Management program this week.
Robert Gilbert, president of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International in McLean, Virginia, spoke to students about current trends and challenges in the hotel industry and also discussed career opportunities and the skills and knowledge needed for success.
“It was great for the students and faculty to have this opportunity to ask Bob questions about the important trends and issues in the hospitality field,” said Dr. Lee. "I know that his visit was appreciated and students enjoyed meeting on our campus a respected industry leader."
Robert Gilbert, president of HSMAI, and Assistant Professor Shawn Lee.
Undergraduates at George Mason University may earn a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Events Management with a concentration in hospitality management. The concentration has grown rapidly since being introduced several years ago.
Hospitality is critical to the economy of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, which is home to some of the leading corporate leaders in the field.
“The Washington, D.C. area is truly the center of the world’s hospitality management industry,” said Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “Students interested in a management career will find unparalleled connections and opportunities at Mason.”
In addition to Marriott International, other companies headquartered in the region include Hilton Worldwide, Choice Hotels International, Host Hotels & Resorts, Crestline Hotels and Resorts, and RLJ Development among others. The region’s pool of experts and talent in hospitality fields is formidable.
“We want to prepare our students for success right out of college,” said Dr. Lee, who is the recipient of a 2013 "Teacher of Distinction" award from the university and was also nominated for a Professional Convention Management Association Educator of the Year award. “Students learn about planning, operations, sales, finance, as well as leadership in the hospitality field.”
The college is currently recruiting for full-time faculty leadership positions in the hospitality management program.
Students receive an industry update in their hospitality management class.
Dr. Lee, Robert Gilbert, and Dean Mark R. Ginsberg.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest teacher preparation and education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, certificates, courses, and licensure programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
- Tourism and Events Management program: rht.gmu.edu/tem
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