Shanghai Rankings most recent report places WSU’s Hospitality Business Management program third in the U.S. and 11th in the world.
The program is not unaccustomed to such high marks on the list, as it has maintained a position among the top three nationally for three consecutive years.
Robert Harrington, director for the School of Hospitality Business Management, said he is proud of the achievements and commitment of the HBM faculty, citing them as a primary reason for the department’s success and recognition globally.
“Most of it is driven by the hard work and dedication of our faculty,” Harrington said.
Close industry ties and interactive learning methods make WSU an attractive destination for students with aspirations for a career in the hospitality sector, Harrington said. Opportunities such as industry tours and study abroad programs keep curriculum up to date while providing various avenues for hands-on experience in the field.
“[There are] a whole host of opportunities that keep students engaged, give them networking opportunities within the industry, but also get them closely connected with the industry so they’re ready to hit the ground running when they graduate for higher level positions,” he said.
Harrington said he has confidence in the future of the HBM program and its ambitions. WSU’s HBM program continues to strengthen connections within the industry while also offering program options across all WSU campuses and abroad.
Provided courses equip students with the skillsets required to adapt to technological advancements in both artificial intelligence and robotics within all sectors of the hospitality industry, Harrington said.
“All of those things add up to giving students access to our program and also flexibility in terms of how or where they may want to complete their degree program,” he said. “Our future is very bright.”
