Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program announces 2020-21 advisory board

14 Sep 2020    

The Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced the members of its 2020-21 advisory board.

“Our advisory board members are industry experts who provide a connection and ongoing exchange of information, ideas, and collaboration between our faculty, students and staff,” said HRTM Program Director Shannon Rowen. “They were selected for their expertise and commitment to the hospitality industry and students. We are thankful for their commitment to our students and program and looking forward to working with them.” 

Jeff Maul, executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau will serve as chair of the advisory board. Tim Darby, general manager of the Magnolia Hotel in Omaha is chair-elect. 

Other advisory board members, listed in alphabetical order include: 

• Brandon Akert, owner, Gate 25, Yes Chef
• Jeff Boeka, Wilkinson Companies
• Linda Hrdlicka, former executive, Sysco Lincoln
• Steve Johnson, human resources director, Embassy Suites
• Jenessa Keiser, human resource director, Lincoln Surgical Hospital
• Susan Madsen, general manager, The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel 
• Rachel McConnell, Sheldon Museum of Art
• Tom McKitterick, general manager, Omaha Country Club
• Jennifer Monroe, human resource manager, Duncan Aviation
• Andy Reetz, general manager, Champion’s Run
• Shelly Richardson, owner, Event Design
• John Ricks, director, Nebraska Tourism
• Deborah Ward, interim director, Visit Omaha

Nebraska’s HRTM program is internationally known for educating and growing hospitality professionals able to lead hospitality organizations anywhere in the world. Students in the hospitality management major have six emphasis areas to choose from: hotel management; club management; event management; food and beverage management; tourism and human resources. Students graduate with a bachelor of arts in hospitality management with an emended leadership and communications minor.  

“Our graduates are working and thriving all around the world making a difference in people’s lives,” Rowen said. 

In the United States, the hospitality industry represents 1 in every 10 jobs and over $1.6 trillion in economic output. It is the third largest revenue generator within the state of Nebraska and one of the largest industries in the world.

The HRTM program will physically relocate from the university’s East Campus to their new state-of-the art academic program facilities and teaching kitchen in the Scarlet Hotel on Nebraska Innovation Campus in summer of 2021. The program also announced the opening of its 18-hour hospitality minor and is currently involved in fundraising efforts to support program expansion for its new academic space.

To learn more and support the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program, visit HRTM.unl.edu or call 402-472-3867.