Name change for historic OSU program announced

Monday, August 14, 2017

After more than eight decades, Oklahoma State University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration will be known as the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  

The name change is the product of a reorganized academic structure for the school, which will include four specializations: event planning, lodging management, food studies and beverage management. 

“The new name also represents the full array of educational opportunities available in our academic program,” said Ben Goh, assistant dean and director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM). 

As one of four academic units in the College of Human Sciences, HTM offers its students a business-focused curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking skills, problem solving and communication techniques with real-world experiences. 

College of Human Sciences Dean Stephan Wilson said the new name reflects the evolution of the hospitality industry. “This is certainly a signal that the school is reconfiguring itself to address that latest challenges and opportunities in hospitality and tourism education, and ensure a bright future for its students and alums.” 

Established in 1937, the historic and distinguished program enlisted advice and insight from alumni, faculty, staff, administrators and other outside constituents in the decision to change the name.

“In order to remain a high caliber academic program, our students need to experience the industry’s newest and brightest options,” Goh said. “The program is well positioned with new facilities, a business-based and industry need-driven curriculum, research capacity and reputation to continue to be a global leader in hospitality and tourism education for another 80 years.”