Preparing A Hospitality Program To Become A Program of Excellence

Abstract

The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration at the University of New Orleans was declared a Center of Excellence on Nov. 22,1987 by Chancellor Gregory M. St. L. O'Brien. The faculty of the School were asked to prepare adetailed proposal for a plan of action that would propel the University of New Orleans' hospitality education program into national prominence.

In a review of the nation's 10 leading hospitality programs itwas determined, that in order to acquire a national reputation three missions must be met. These are: 1) alumni success, 2) academic recognition, and 3) industry recognition.

The high visibility of a program that has been declared a center of excellence results in many benefits to a program. The most important benefit is budgetary priority. However, other benefits that accrue include recruitment of excellent students, increased industry support, community recognition and attracting quality faculty.