Vernetta Kosalka Assistant Professor of Practice

Ed.D., Doctor of Education, College of Saint Mary
M.S., Organizational Leadership, College of Saint Mary
B.S., Dual Major Business Administration & Computer Information Management with a minor in Marketing, College of Saint Mary

Dr. Vernetta Kosalka brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality management to her roles as both a leader and educator. A Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) from the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute, and Level 1 Certified Hospitality and Culinary Arts Instructor through the National Restaurant Association and American Culinary Federation, she leverages her expertise to bridge the gap between industry and academia.

Currently, Dr. Kosalka serves as Director of Industry Relationships on the board of the Central Federation of the International Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), actively shaping the future of hospitality education.

Teaching Activities (95% Apportionment):

Fall 2024

• HRTM 171 Introduction to Hospitality Management
• HRTM 289 Introduction to Events Industry
• HRTM 374 Guest Services Management
• HRTM 476 Internship in Hospitality Management

Spring 2025

• HRTM 171 Introduction to Hospitality Management
• HRTM 289 Introduction to Events Industry
• HRTM 374 Guest Services Management
• HRTM 476 Internship in Hospitality Management

Service Activities (5% Apportionment)

• Engage in student recruitment, enrollment, and retention activities.
• Collaborate on program and curriculum management and reporting.
• Support student retention in the department. 
• Address the needs of diverse students: 
• Underserved students
• Students of color
• First-generation students
• Students from rural/urban areas
• International students
• Non-traditional students
• Participate in scholarly activities related to teaching.
• Develop and update a scholarly activity plan.

Notable Works

• May 2024: Exhibitor, Go Youth Summit, The Simple Foundation, Omaha, NE 
• September 2023: Presenter, Purdue University's Spirit of Hospitality Summit hosted by Central CHRIE in Purdue, IN
• April 2023: Exhibitor, Nebraska Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Conference, Lincoln, NE 
• March 2023: Panelist, Women of Color in the Workplace Panel Discussion, College of Saint Mary, Omaha, NE 
• March 2023: Presenter, Women in Science Conference, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 
• January 2023: Commissioned Floral Artist, Cathedral Flower Show, Cathedral Art Project, Omaha, NE 

Recent Published Works/Contributions

• May 2024: "Painting the Town in Goodwill" article, Nebraska Today 
• 2023: Kosalka, V., HRTM 483 Hospitality Finance - A Peer Review of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio -UNL Faculty Portfolios
• August 2023: Strictly Business Omaha, "River City Six Feature, Dr. Vernetta Kosalka, Florist of Omaha"
• July 2023: Strictly Business Omaha, "Florals and More with The Wedding Planner of Omaha: Dr. Vernetta Kosalka"
• August 2022: CSM Journeys Magazine, "Graduate Programs, Building Success"

Areas of Expertise

• Hospitality Management
• Event Planning Management
• Guest Services Management
• Floriculture
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development
• Pro-Start Curriculum
• Hospitality Curriculum Development
• Higher Education Administration

Certification

• June 2024: Certified Hospitality Educator, American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
• 2019: Level 1 – Instructor, National Restaurant Association/American Culinary Federation, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
• 2017-Present: Certified ServeSafe, Instructor and Proctor, National Restaurant Association
• 2017-Present: Certified ManageFirst Instructor, National Restaurant Association, Omaha, NE
• 2018-Present: Certified Mental Health First Aid Professional, Metropolitan Community College
• June 2017: Certified Meeting Planning Professional, Marriott Hotels, New Orleans, LA
• 2007-2013: Douglas County Health Department Swimming Pool Operators Certifications
• 2007: Certified Government Meeting Planner Professional, Marriot Hotels
• 2003: Certified Mixologist, Omaha Bartending School