NMSU's Hospitality and Tourism Program Becomes a Department

Date:  June 27, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- New Mexico State University's Hospitality and Tourism Services Program is moving up. On July 1, it becomes the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.

The name change and designation as a department better describe the three major areas of study, said Deborah Breiter, NMSU assistant professor in the department.

"The old name was too broad," she said. "People often mistook us as the host for the university. They thought we welcomed visitors, did catering and hosted parties. Now, we're more clearly defined as a department."

Students take courses in hotel and restaurant management, tourism, convention planning and special events. The primary goals of the department are to help students become professionals in the industry, give them experience and help them get jobs, Breiter said.

"If you want to have a job when you graduate, this is the place to be," she said. "The department is very student-oriented. We take good care of them. We sponsor a career fair and a mentor program and have two very active student organizations."

Students need 400 hours of practical work experience, 400 hours of internship and 128 credits for their bachelor's degree. Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take summer courses in international cuisine and international tourism and hotel management in Switzerland each year, Breiter said.

Since the program began in NMSU's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences nine years ago, more than 260 students have graduated.

"Right now we have 265 majors," Breiter said. "Our plan is to grow to 400 majors in the next few years."

The hotel, restaurant and tourism industry has become more professional even though many people believe it's a low-wage, low-skill industry, Breiter said. There's a huge demand for educated managers and people with specific knowledge and experience.

Many NMSU graduates work in management at major hotels and well-known restaurants and serve in tourism positions in different states, she said.

For more information about the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Department, call 1-800-400-1807.