UNL Parents Association recognizes HRTM faculty

09 Feb 2016    

Dipra Jha and Shannon Rowen, both assistant professors of practice in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management, were recently recognized by the UNL Parents Association and the UNL Teaching Council for their contributions to students. They were honored during the 28th UNL Parents Association recognition reception on January 29, which celebrated faculty and staff who have made significant difference in the lives of students. 

Awardees for this distinction are nominated by students and their families. Each November, the Parents Association solicits parents of UNL students to consult with their sons and daughters, and nominate a faculty or staff who “has made a significant contribution to their lives while at UNL.” Individuals are recognized based on these nominations. Rowen, who is also the director of academic programs for Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management, is a recipient three years in a row. It was Jha’s second award.

“We are very proud of Professors Rowen and Jha for their commitment to students," said Tim Carr, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences. “Their single focus is to give students the best education possible. I am pleased that the Parents Association has recognized the important contributions of Professors Rowen and Jha.”

“The HRTM program strives for excellence in teaching and learning, and we are honored to receive this direct recognition from our students” said Rowen. She supervises the three internships that students are required to complete before they graduate. These real-world experiences get students ready to hit the ground running and are highly valued by prospective employers.

Tourism is Nebraska’s third largest earner of revenue from outside the state after agriculture and manufacturing; bringing in excess of $4.5 billion annually and supporting 44,965 jobs. In 2013, tax revenues generated by domestic and international travelers in Nebraska totaled over $627 million. Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management is one of the fastest growing majors at UNL and resides jointly in the College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.