MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has achieved a remarkable milestone five years after launching its Tourism and Hospitality Management program. It is now the first and only accredited hospitality degree program in the state, a distinction granted by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).
At Nashville Experience Tours, we love supporting our local colleges and the incredible students who are changing the climate of tourism daily. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has recently received a significant accreditation. This marks a major achievement for MTSU’s Department of Health and Human Performance, which designed the program to equip students with hands-on experience and a comprehensive education for careers in various sectors including food and beverage services, hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and more.
Training Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders
Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, the program coordinator and associate professor, emphasizes that the curriculum is crafted to prepare students for future leadership roles. “We are training future leaders for the industry — that next level up,” says Whalen. “What we are teaching is for the job five to 10 years from now.” The program includes courses on best practices, management skills, accounting, finance, and marketing principles.
The program has been evolving to meet industry demands, with faculty members like Whalen, Yi “Vanessa” Liu, and Karen Tan continually adapting coursework. Students in the program are required to complete at least 300 hours of industry work over two semesters, gaining practical experience at different organizations.
Student Experiences and Success Stories
Kenady Rix, a junior from Memphis and a student in the program, highlights how the degree path has been transformative for her career aspirations. Initially considering careers in fashion and exercise science, Rix found her true passion in hospitality. “I have a natural passion for serving others, and I’ve always worked above and beyond in any employment role to serve guests well,” she says. Her commitment was recognized with a $3,000 scholarship from the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association Education Fund.
Rix is currently gaining practical experience as a front counter shift leader and summer operations intern at Chick-fil-A in Murfreesboro. “The THM program has been outstanding,” she adds. “The professors have been very helpful in ensuring our success, not only as students but also in making connections within the industry and preparing us to be employed upon graduation.”
Curriculum and Industry Focus
Since its inception in 2019, the MTSU program has evolved from a focus on leisure sports management with a tourism emphasis to a more specialized curriculum with three main concentrations: tourism, hospitality, and event planning.
Assistant Professor Karen Tan focuses on destination management, emphasizing the importance of overseeing and managing businesses, amenities, and policies to ensure a memorable tourism experience. “A competitive destination involves much more than just a theme park or a fancy resort,” she explains.
Dr. Yi “Vanessa” Liu leads the events concentration, providing students with practical experience through real-life scenarios and encouraging participation in volunteer opportunities to enhance their understanding of event management.
Comprehensive Learning and Real-World Application
The program is housed within MTSU’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences but also integrates business principles from the Jones College of Business. Students learn industry-specific skills such as handling service failures, human resources management, and leadership.
Whalen notes the importance of combining classroom learning with real-world experience. “It’s important to have real-world experience in addition to classroom learning. It’s a steppingstone to leadership,” she says.
A Diverse and Dynamic Student Body
The program caters to a diverse range of students, from first-generation college students to members of Gen Z, reflecting the broad appeal and adaptability required in the rapidly evolving hospitality industry. Liu points out, “Our goal is to equip all students to thrive in this dynamic environment.”
For more information on the program and how to get involved, visit MTSU Tourism and Hospitality Management.
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