Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
The Stockton University Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Program launches
student's careers, through active learning, internship experience, and professional
networks.
Profession ready graduates are empowered with passion, knowledge, skills, values, and engaging perspectives to develop as competitive leaders.
As a major employer in the world today, education in hospitality and tourism can open doors to exciting career paths in every segment of the industry.
About the Program
There is no better way to immerse yourself in the field of hospitality than to learn at our newest campus situated right in a major tourist destination, Atlantic City. Our new facility is the most modern and technologically advanced overlooking the Atlantic City skyline.
You will learn from our experienced faculty and interact and connect with industry partners who will give you a first hand insight and hands-on experience in hospitality, tourism, and event management.
Our program launches student's careers, through active learning, internship work experience, and professional networks.
Profession ready graduates are empowered with passion, knowledge, skills, values, and engaging perspectives to develop as competitive leaders.
Interim Program Chair:
Dr. Noel Criscione-Naylor
Associate Professor
Office: AC-2224t
Phone: 609-761-1262
Email: Noel.Criscione@stockton.edu
75% of our students stay within their internship company/organization after graduation or receive full-time placement within the industry.
Internships, any time, any where from Florida to California, Colorado to New Jersey.
Stockton's faculty have strong and diverse backgrounds; domestic/international.
About the Industry
- The chance to join a rapidly growing industry. Amongst the fastest growing areas of employment in the world, over 100 million.
- There are increasingly few skilled staff in the industry. Regions have highlighted the lack of skilled staff to fill the vacancies.
- Opportunities to travel. No matter where you are in the world, the industry has a place. Whether you choose to work in hotels, events, attractions, food and beverage, or anywhere else in the sector, there are always jobs available.
- Transferable skills. Focusing on management, will encapsulate the learning of business skills. This knowledge can be used in careers far beyond those related to the degree, especially given the degree's focus on service. Service is increasingly important in global markets, so graduates from a highly service-oriented degree are all set to have an immediate advantage over the competition.
- Combining subjects.HTMS embraces a wide range of other subjects. Covering multiple subjects in one degree e will not only make it more interesting to study, but it will also help you to broaden your knowledge and develop new skills.
Career Paths
- The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the largest career sectors in the world and continues to grow at a rapid pace. Not only do our graduates work for leading hospitality and tourism employers, but also in emerging industry sectors.
- The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management prepares students for a leadership career throughout the hospitality industry. Students learn all aspects of the industry, including finance, operations, customer service theory, human resources, marketing and communications, in order to build a solid foundation of skills that will help them secure positions in the top hospitality and tourism companies in the world. Our faculty offer students a robust perspective on the hospitality industry as well as real-world experience.
- Students have the option to complete a generalized degree or select areas of interests tailoring the depth and knowledge of industry sectors in Event Management, Resort Management, Restaurant and Beverage Management, or Tourism Management.
- All students are required to complete professional work experience hours and an internship to gain experience in the field as well as apply concepts learned in the classroom. Upon graduation, our students are highly prepared for managerial roles in the hospitality industry and beyond.
Internships
- Internships, any time, any where from New Jersey to California, and beyond.
- Students have access to career fairs, networking events, employers in residence and so much more.
- Conducted through online learning.
- Completion of 225 hours.
- Students will gain valuable experiences, explore career paths, develop network connections and prepare for the transition from college to career.
- Nearly 75% of our students stay within their internship company/organization after graduation or receive full-time placement within the industry.
Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies (HTMS) Learning Outcomes
HTMS Students will be able to understand hospitality and tourism management.
1a) Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of important management concepts for various segments of hospitality and tourism including:
1a.1. Economic, legal, and social environments;
1a.2. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability;
1a.3. Financial management;
1a.4. Organizational systems and processes;
1a.5. Hospitality and tourism business strategies.
1b) Graduates will be able to reflective think on experiences in their coursework and profession and be able to translate knowledge of business and management into practice and in society
HTMS Students will be able to give examples of and evaluate ethical situations and issues in order to make good management decisions.
2a) Graduates will demonstrate ethical decision-making skills through analytical analysis of ethical issues and situations.
HTMS Students will develop respect for diversity in the international community as they attend classes in the program and work side by side with various cultures.
3a) Graduates will develop global and cross-cultural understanding that contributes to a globalized society.
3b) Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of workforce and customer diversity in organizations.
HTMS Students will communicate and present content effectively in a professional manner.
4a) Oral Communication: graduates will deliver information in an organized, persuasive and logical manner using supportive documentation and visual aids.
4b) Written Communication: graduates will create documents that are technical, analytical, relevant in content and well organized.
4c) Computer Literacy: graduates will demonstrate knowledge of information technology relative to HTMS professional practice that requires adaptation and innovation to solve problems.
HTMS Students will be able to research hospitality and tourism topics and make decisions about goals, objectives and company strategies.
5a) Graduates will demonstrate the ability to frame and analyze problems.
5b) Graduates will develope HTMS research methods.
HTMS Students will become proficient in the development of group dynamic and teamwork abilities.
6a) Graduates will be able to work effectively in teams.
Faculty
Jennifer Aarons, Teaching Specialist of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies
Donna Albano, Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies
Jane Bokunewicz, Associate Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies & Faculty Director of the Loyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism
Noel Criscione-Naylor, Interim Program Chair & Associate Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies
Bill Quain, Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies
Michael S. Scales, Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies
Brian J. Tyrrell, Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies
Tara E. Marsh, Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies Internship Coordinator
Jeffrey Albrecht, General Manager
Chris Aviles, Founder & President
Ronnie Burt, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Anthony Caratozzolo, Vice President of Hospitality
Jeanine DiNardo, Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management
Jim Drew, Employment Center Manager
Assem Elsebaey, Director of Hotel Operations
Anthony Gaud, CEO & Co-Founder
Mark Giannantonio, President
Jon Henderson, Chief Executive Officer
Sallye Hershman, Director of Operations & Marketing Online Gaming
Larry Huttinger, Director
Bobby Kahler, Regional Director of Marketing
Catherine McDonnell, Director of Human Capital & Community Affairs
Brian McQuarrie, First Vice President, Investment Services
Shaun O'Brien, Superintendent of Food & Retail
Rob Patillo, VP of Hospitality
Lori Pepenella, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Ramos, General Manager
Jon Rosky, Vice President
Cheldin Rumer, CEO & Executive Producer
Joseph Sheridan, Chef Educator
Becky Shultz, Vice President - Food & Beverage
Larry Sieg, Chief Executive Officer
Diane Wieland, Director
Shelley Williams, Vice President of Sales
Shawn Zakar, Business Teacher / Stockton Adjunct
Jim Ziereis, Hospitality Industry Specialist
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program (FLP) is an academic course combining traditional classroom learning with short-term studying abroad. A FLP contains two components: 1) a credit-bearing course offered in fall, spring, or summer semesters and 2) a faculty-led travel occurs before (i.e. winter break), during (i.e. spring break), or after the course (i.e. summer break) for approximately 1-3 weeks. Stockton's FLPs are directed by one or two Stockton faculty and/or staff who accompany students abroad. Students will travel with their faculty and classmates together and need to pay extra Program Fee for the travel component. Please contact oge@stockton.edu for any questions or need more information.
Hospitality & Tourism Study Tour - HTMS 3132: For students, study tours offer the opportunity to learn while traveling off campus under the direction of Stockton faculty. Study tours are more structured and shorter than study abroad experiences. Study tours are faculty-led travelling classes that provide students with new opportunities to understand and apply theories and ideas related to Hospitality & Tourism Studies in hands-on and experiential settings that include academically rigorous and culturally enriching international experiences.
Look back at previous study tours!
Alumni Success
Stephanie Kneble '17
General Manager, Freddy J's Bar & Kitchen
Read more about StephanieStephanie Kneble '17
Hello, my name is Stephanie Kneble and I graduated from Stockton with my bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism in 2017. I have worked for several hotels and restaurants in Atlantic County since I was young. My family and I bought a restaurant located in Mays Landing called Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen. We purchased the property in April when the pandemic began to impact the United States and we decided to renovate the property during the quarantine period. We officially opened to the public on October 23, 2020 but since then decided to temporarily close our doors during the holidays to keep our team and community safe.
My role on property is General Manager as I oversee and organize the front and back of the house for optimum efficiency. Using my bachelor’s degree and the knowledge I acquired from my professors at Stockton has been monumental in my decision-making process throughout this unprecedented time in history. This public health crisis has impacted not only the staff and patrons but also the vendors and distributors delivering products to our property. The New Jersey COVID-19 Regulations are continuously changing as the world adapts to the new information we are receiving about this virus and how it affects our bodies.
As a facility, we have altered the way we interact with guests and other team members. We feature hand sanitizer at every entrance as well as maintaining social distance. For our guests we offerpree-rolled silverware, individual packets of all condiments, and disposable menus. Stockton professors have instilled skills of critical thinking as well as strong social skills when interacting with staff members, patrons, and purveyors. During classes such as Operations Management, Hospitality Management, Sustainability, and Food and Beverage Management they broadened my ability to think of unconventional solutions that will both adhere to the standards of our facility as well as CDC guidelines.
As students graduate from the hospitality program and enter into this field, positions and companies are evolving as we approach a new “normal.” Companies have eliminated positions that were once offered to individuals and customer interactions are being altered to maintain a healthy environment. As the industry evolves, graduates will need to adapt alongside businesses as they develop new ways to connect with patrons and engage the community. Social media is a strong marketing force that allows businesses and guests to interact, maintain relationships, and attract new consumers. Graduates should develop new skills or evolve on skills they currently have that will make them a qualified candidate adding value to a company. The Atlantic County hospitality industry is extremely small and building a strong network of individuals is crucial. Anyone can be an asset and all experiences on the job are lessons to be used in the future. Being patient, persistent, and passionate will go a long way in this evolving industry.
Gabrielle Ward '18
Royal Bine Bewing
Read more about GabrielleGabrielle Ward '18
Royal Bine Brewing is a passion project between myself, an HTMS graduate and current MBA student with Stockton University, and my father, Kenny. In March of 2020, when widespread panic had only just begun and the impacts of the spread of COVID-19 were still unknown and unnerving, our progress came to an abrupt halt. Seemingly overnight, our architect was suddenly away until further notice, our main investor went completely missing in action, and the projections we carefully formulated over the previous several months became invalid.
Currently, we are in the process of securing a small business loan for ourAbseconn-based craft brewery - a route we initially agreed to avoid. Though our chosen lending company is traditionally keen on funding breweries, conventional bank lending has drastically changed as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 as banks are now wary about funding startups in today’s climate. With a smaller initial investment, we’ve reconsidered our brewhouse capacity and distribution model to reflect a slower, steadier growth model. While we mourn the loss of what could-have-been, we shift our focus toward honoring the most important reasons for the birth of this passion project - to celebrate the individuality of every hardworking woman and man who crack a cold beer at the end of another day and to increase tourism to the small, historical city ofAbseconn, NJ. We return to a very grassroots approach for now with hopes that our second, third or fourth location may experience the grand opening we dreamed of prior to the presence of COVID-19.
We are excited about our freshly forged journey and we remain optimistic as all hospitality students and emerging professionals must do during these incredibly unprecedented times. While there is typically always work to be found within the hospitality industry, every sector from travel and tourism to event coordination to food and beverage has been negatively impacted since the spring of 2020. Right now, it is imperative for emerging professionals to recall and maybe reassess their “why” in regard to choosing a career in hospitality. This time away from normalcy may be used for soul-searching to identify a niche segment of the industry, networking with current industry professionals, and exploring various industry-related resources such aspodcastss, newsletters and certification programs. Now more than ever before, our industry symbolizes patience, buoyancy and innovation. Together, let's commit ourselves to these virtues to ensure that the hospitality and tourism industry flourishes upon entering a post-COVID world.
- Professor Jane Bokunewicz and Associate Professor Noel Criscione-Naylor were named to the 2022 NJBIZ Education Power 50 and the NJBIZ 2022 Best 50 Women in Business respectively.
- Stockton University hosted New Jersey Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo, the State Assembly Tourism, Gaming and Arts Committee Chair on June 8th at the Atlantic City Campus.
Read the full article here.
- Young Leaders Expo was a great success for students!
Read the full article here.
HTMS Disney College Program
Stockton students considering the Disney College Program experience are encouraged to read through all the details provided by Disney on their website: Disney College Program
HTMS Students typically take a full semester off from Stockton to Live, Learn, and Earn at Disney.
There are opportunities to earn credits in the HTMS required Internship course and Professional Work Experience course.
It is imperative that you read through all the information provided by Stockton and Disney, and meet with your Preceptor about your individual options.
How will my financial aid be affected?
If you are a Direct Loan recipient, any period of enrollment that is less than half-time (6 credits) will begin your six-month grace period. Grace period is a time when you are not repaying your loan. Once the six-month grace period expires you will begin to repay your loan. Upon your return to Stockton and being enrolled at least half time (6 credits) your monthlyrepayments will be suspended. Your financial aid awards are based upon assumedfull time (12 credits)enrollment. If your enrollment status at Stockton falls below full-time (12 credits), your financial aid awards will be re-calculated based on your actual enrollment and you will be notified after the 100% drop/add period of the semester. Be sure to check the enrollment eligibility requirements for the financial aid programs that were awarded to you. Also, please review scholarship provisions as some require continuous enrollment to maintain eligibility. You can find this information on Stockton’s financial aid webpage.
How will my campus housing be affected?
If you live on campus, please access the GoStockton Portal and complete the Residential Life Cancellation form to cancel your housing for the term in which you will be away. Be prepared to show proof of acceptance into the internship. If you will be participating in the internship for the Spring Term and plan to return to the residences for the following Fall Term, please attend a Housing Renewal Information Session prior to your departure. Session dates and times will be announced each fall and are posted on the Residential Life home page. During your time away, please contact the Office of Residential Life if you have any questions or need assistance completing the three-step Housing Renewal Process so you can secure housing for the following Fall Term when you return to campus.
Can I earn credit at Stockton University for the Disney College Program?
Currently, only students who are enrolled in internship courses through Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies, HTMS 4970, or Communication Studies, COMM 4901, are eligible to earn credit if they meet the prerequisites. To earn credit, students must be enrolled in the internship course at the same time as they are participating in the DCP. Please note this must typically be planned the semester prior to the experience.
Can I transfer credits back to Stockton if I take a class at Disney?
Students are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities known as Disney Exploration Seminars. No credits are eligible to be transferred back to Stockton University.
Do I have to tell my Preceptor what I'm doing?
You MUST work with your preceptor.
Do I need to fill out a Leave of Absence form?
No, students may miss one semester at Stockton without taking an official leave of absence.
What is my Stockton status while I'm away completing the Disney College Program?
An active student that is not registered for classes.
What do I have to do to regiser for classes for the following semester?
Register at the scheduled pre-registration time through your GoStockton, as normal.
I registered for Stockton classes before receiving my offer from Disney. Now that I received and accepted my offer, what do I do about the classes I registered for at Stockton?
If you are 100% committed to the program you may drop your courses at Stockton by logging into your go Stockton account.
Please refer to the Academic Calendar for the 100% drop deadline each term.
I had a great experience but I'm not sure how to add it to my resume?
Congratulations on obtaining professional job experience during your time in college. We hope that you had a great experience and are ready to transfer your accomplishments and new skills acquired onto your resume. Once you update your resume with your Disney College Program information connect with Career Education and Development for review. www.stockton.edu/careerappointment
**Note: Students who have questions should contact the office providing the information. This should be done as needed after you read the provided information.
Financial Aid
If you are a Direct Loan recipient, any period of enrollment that is less than half-time (6 credits) will begin your six-month grace period. Grace period is a time when you are not repaying your loan. Once the six-month grace period expires you will begin to repay your loan. Upon your return to Stockton and being enrolled at least half time (6 credits) your monthlyrepayments will be suspended. Your financial aid awards are based upon assumedfull time (12 credits)enrollment. If your enrollment status at Stockton falls below full-time (12 credits), your financial aid awards will be re-calculated based on your actual enrollment and you will be notified after the 100% drop/add period of the semester. Be sure to check the enrollment eligibility requirements for the financial aid programs that were awarded to you. Also, please review scholarship provisions as some require continuous enrollment to maintain eligibility. You can find this information on Stockton’s financial aid webpage.
Leave of Absence
Housing/Residential Life
Precepting
Course Credits
Leave of Absence
Students may miss one semester at Stockton without taking an official leave of absence.
Housing/Residential Life
Precepting
**Note: Students who have questions should contact the office providing the information. This should be done as needed after you read the provided information.
Course Credits
Students are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities known as Disney Exploration Seminars. No credits are eligible to be transferred back to Stockton University.
Career Development
I had a great experience but I’m not sure how to add it to my resume?
Congratulations on obtaining professional job experience during your time in college. We hope that you had a great experience and are ready to transfer your accomplishments and new skills acquired onto your resume. Once you update your resume with your Disney College Program information connect with Career Education and Development for review. www.stockton.edu/careerappointment
**Note: Students who have questions should contact the office providing the information. This should be done as needed after you read the provided information.
For more information on the HTMS Disney College Program please contact:
Tara Marsh
HTMS Internship Coordinator
Phone: 609-626-3646
Email: Tara.Marsh@Stockton.edu
Office: G112
Program & Co-Curricular Activities
The Ledger:
The Ledger is a student newsletter that is published each semester and distributed
to Hospitality and Tourism Industry. The newsletter informs all of our alumni and
industry friends what’s happening and what is new at the university and with the Hospitality
and Tourism Studies Program. The Ledger features articles and profiles of prominent
figures at the university. Any student can get involved with this publication. You
can access archived versions of The Ledger by clicking here.
Hospitality and Tourism Management Society:
This student led organization promotes community engagement, networking and educational
endeavors including dinearoundss, tours, fundraising, and service learning activities.
The Hospitality and Tourism Management Society is one of the most active student organizations
at Stockton University.
Eta Sigma Delta:
Eta Sigma Delta ESDD) is an international honor society that recognizes exceptional
academic achievement among hospitality and tourism students. It is administered by
the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education ICHRIEE),
the global leader in hospitality and tourism education and research.
Distinguished Speaker Series:
Each semester the Hospitality and Tourism Management Society at Stockton present a
dynamic speaker from somewhere in the hospitality and tourism industry of national
or international prominence to address our entire student body. These speakers provide
the students with current trends and industry insights.
Hospitality and Tourism Business Tours and Demonstrations:
The Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies program provides site visitation to hospitality and tourism businesses, as well as guest speakers and professional demonstrations.
The Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT)
The Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University provides a forum for public policy discussions regarding the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries in New Jersey. LIGHT is supported in its efforts to provide the most recent, accurate and relevant information to community leaders and policy makers, by a team of skilled experts drawn from Stockton faculty and the broader community. Their contributions include the quarterly Atlantic City Tourism Performance Indicators report, a variety of studies focused on issues such as problem gambling among New Jersey's youth and the behaviors ofMillennialss in the consumer marketplace.
We hope that these insights into New Jersey's gaming, hospitality and tourism industries will inspire you as they have inspired us to seek out new solutions and new ways to work together toward a common goal; the success of our local businesses and the neighboring communities which they serve.
For more information about LIGHT projects and events click here.
LIGHT now offers certificates designed specifically for professionals in the gaming, hospitality, tourism and event management industries. These programs bring together resources from across the University and regional business community and are delivered in partnership with the Office of Continuing Studies & Adult Education at Stockton University.
Jane Bokunewicz, Institute Coordinator
