Galloway, N.J. – Noel Criscione-Naylor, associate professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies at Stockton, was recently selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality by The International Hospitality Institute for the second year in a row.

It is not surprising when reflecting on her thriving career with Caesars Entertainment, where she had the opportunity to work in various roles at the property and corporate level, which fostered her love for education.

"During my last six years with Caesars, I worked across Las Vegas, Tunica, Chicago, and Atlantic City to name a few. I collaborated with some of the most talented and innovative executives and teams. In fact, I became known for building and developing high-performing teams across the enterprise. This experience fueled my passion for education — I take great satisfaction in identifying individual talent and helping others maximize their potential," she said.

"My deep belief in the power of education and mentorship is something I attribute to my grandmother. She was an extraordinarily gifted high school educator who prioritized her students above all else, even over her own career advancement opportunities. Her dedication to empowering young minds and building long-lasting relationships has left a lasting impact on me, shaping my approach to leadership, mentoring, and personal development."

Criscione-Naylor shared what this type of recognition means to her and how her experience at Stockton has continued to shape her ever-evolving career.

When you learned you had been selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality by The International Hospitality Institute, how did you feel, and why is this type of recognition so important as an educator?

I was incredibly grateful for the recognition and honestly shocked, especially after being selected the previous year. With so many exceptionally talented educators, I am truly humbled to be recognized alongside them. This recognition is meaningful not just for me as an educator but also as a role model. It reinforces the importance of hard work, persistence, and resilience in the face of change, challenges, and uncertainty. Knowing that I make an impact is deeply rewarding, and the validation it provides has reignited my passion and commitment for future goals. I also hope this recognition inspires young leaders to reach out and connect with me so that together, we can create a space where ambition and passion are not only celebrated but also encouraged. By building a supportive community, we can uplift one another, share knowledge, and open doors to new opportunities for growth and success.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in the hospitality industry?

I am fortunate to have an incredible network of hospitality leaders, including former team members, colleagues and even past bosses. Though my role has evolved, I remain actively engaged in supporting their initiatives, contributing in new and meaningful ways from a different perspective. I also consider myself a bit of a "geek" when it comes to research — I love diving into industry trends and conducting studies both independently and with students. This commitment helps me stay sharp, maintain a high level of business acumen, and stay informed on current best practices. Additionally, I continuously expand my network by initiating new projects and actively engaging with external professional organizations such as the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), North Eastern North American Federation of ICHRIE (NENA), and Eastern Academy of Management (EAM) ensuring that I remain connected to industry developments and thought leaders.

Can you share a time when you had to adapt your teaching based on changes in the industry?

Changes in the hospitality industry are daily! So, constantly staying informed is critical to ensure what I teach is applicable. One instance that stands out was when the hospitality industry saw a rapid shift toward digital transformation, particularly in response to the rise of AI and data-driven decision-making. Traditionally, my courses focused heavily on foundational hospitality management principles, customer service, and operational efficiency. However, as industry trends evolved, I recognized the need to integrate emerging technologies and analytical tools into my curriculum. Additionally, I incorporated hands-on projects where students analyzed hospitality data sets to make real-world business decisions, helping them develop both technical and strategic thinking skills. I also invite industry professionals into my classroom so they can share emerging trends and how they are navigating challenges in real-time, giving students firsthand insights into industry adaptability.

What are your long-term goals as a hospitality educator?

This is a tough question. At the start of each term, I often ask my students, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"— and the truth is, I am still figuring that out myself. I am continuously navigating my own path, growing both professionally and personally in an authentic way. I have explored the idea of stepping into an administrative role in higher education, diving deeper into research, and even considered a return to industry. While my future journey remains open-ended, one thing is certain — I will bring others along with me. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or leadership, I am committed to helping those around me grow and succeed as I continue shaping my own career path.

What has been most rewarding for you during your time here at Stockton?

Two things stand out the most. First, the incredible relationships I have built with faculty and staff, both within and beyond my program. The collaboration, support, and shared passion for education have been invaluable. Secondly, the impact my students and I have made through research has been truly amazing. Over the past two years alone, I have worked with dozens of students on research projects. For many, this was their first time engaging in scholarly research, and not only were they successful, but they also had the opportunity to present their findings at internationally recognized educational conferences and publish their work in academic journals. Watching their growth, both in confidence and as emerging leaders, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Seeing their excitement as they share their research, develop new skills, and realize their potential makes every effort worthwhile. Knowing I have played a part in their journey is what keeps me going.

What advice would you offer graduates heading out into the hospitality industry?

Do not be afraid to forge your own path and stand up for what you believe in. Your career journey will not always be easy. There will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but these experiences will ultimately help you discover your authentic self. Work hard, stay determined, but never lose sight of what truly brings you happiness.

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photo submitted