University of the Virgin Islands training future leaders in hospitality industry
Two courses jumpstart program
virginvoices.com staff
University of the Virgin Islands is planning to offer a new degree program for students interested in pursuing careers in tourism. Plans are to jump start the program with two courses in the fall or 2011.
University President David Hall recently outlined details of the university's new program, which will offer a bachelor's of business administration in hotel and tourism management.
The pending program was announced in June of 2010 as a collaborative effort among the university and the Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association. At that time the USVI Department of Tourism, USVI Economic Development Authority and the VI Department of Education donated $150,000 to the University to support program development. Johnson and Wales University, based in Providence Rhode Islands, was subsequently contracted as a consultant because of its degree programs in business, hospitality and culinary arts.
The Johnson and Wales curriculum model combines academics, hands-on training and professional work experience.
New details recently emerged that the program will offer 40 credit hours in general education courses, 34 credit hours in core business courses, and 47 credit hours in industry-related courses.
Students in the program will receive professional experience via internships with local partners in the Virgin Islands hotel and tourism industry.
According to Hall the university will be appointing a program director who will be the "face of the program and seeking additional funding sources for expansion.
St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association and the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce have announce the Richard Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund, named after the late Patrick Henry, former president of the St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association and former manager of Divi Carina Bay Resort. The fund will award three scholarships of $2,500 each to students interested in working in tourism. They will be given to a high school senior, a student currently enrolled in an tourism degree program, and an adult interested in studying tourism.
For information about the development of a bachelor’s degree program visit the university's website here.
Photo: UVI campus courtesy University of the Virgin Islands
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