Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management Archives - College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Earns Full Accreditation from ACPHA

March 14, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Earns Full Accreditation from ACPHA

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) is pleased to announce that the the Hospitality and Tourism Management program within RHTM is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

ACPHA, established by the International Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), evaluates and accredits hospitality programs that demonstrate excellence in academic standards, resources, and processes that contribute to high-quality education.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our faculty and staff have put into achieving such high recognition from ACPHA,” said Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM. “The Commission acknowledged that 40 out of 41 standards were met—an exceptional accomplishment for an initial review! This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering a top-tier education and fostering academic excellence.”

The ACPHA consists of 11 Commissioners, including hospitality educators, industry professionals, and public-at-large members. This distinguished group meets biannually to review and assess hospitality programs at colleges and universities across the U.S. and internationally.

“I am extremely proud of the faculty and staff of RHTM. They are doing world-class work and the program deserves accreditation by ACPHA,” said Ellen McIntyre, Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

The accreditation process includes an extensive self-study, followed by a three-day external review and final approval through commissioners’ review and affirmative votes. The initial accreditation, awarded for a seven-year term from Winter 2025 through Winter 2032, affirms that the program meets essential standards in areas such as curriculum quality, student learning assurance, support services, and the availability of resources, including instructional, physical, and financial assets.

To ensure ongoing compliance with ACPHA’s standards, the program will submit annual reports for the duration of the accreditation period.

For more information about RHTM at UT and upcoming initiatives, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/.

Blissful Wish Wedding Returns, Bringing Dreams to Life

February 13, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Blissful Wish Wedding Returns, Bringing Dreams to Life

Hospitality and Tourism Management Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Offer the Second Biennial Sponsored Wedding for East Tennessee Couple in November 2025

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is thrilled to announce the second biennial Blissful Wish Wedding, set to take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025. This heartwarming event continues its mission of providing a deserving couple with a dream wedding, planned and executed by dedicated students and faculty in the hospitality and tourism management program.

RHTM Students and Faculty with 2023 Blissful Wish Wedding Winners, Shelby and Jackson Graham. *Photo Courtesy of Ally Robinson, AR Photo*

Following the success of the inaugural Blissful Wish Wedding in 2023, the program is once again offering this unique opportunity to a couple facing financial or personal hardships. The event allows students to gain real-world experience in event planning, hospitality, and design, while making a meaningful impact in the community. Through planning and executing a real wedding, they developed essential skills in event coordination, hospitality management, and teamwork.

“We are thrilled to bring this initiative back and make another couple’s dream wedding a reality,” shared Nancy Barger, Co-Instructor and CEO of Barger Concepts. “Our students found the real-world experience incredibly rewarding, and having the opportunity to offer this again is truly inspiring.”

“The Blissful Wish Wedding truly represents generosity, education, and community engagement,” said Stefanie Benjamin, Associate Professor in RHTM. “It’s a remarkable way for our university to give back while equipping our students with invaluable hands-on experience for their future careers.”

Applications for the Blissful Wish Wedding will open on February 14, 2025, inviting couples to share their stories and dreams through April 18, 2025. The selected couple will receive an all-inclusive wedding experience for a maximum of 75 guests, curated and managed by RHTM students under the guidance of Benjamin and Barger.

“After the success of the wedding event in November 2023, we are grateful to bring it back,” said Junehee Kwon, Professor and Department Head of RHTM. “This opportunity provides a truly transformative learning experience for our students, and I appreciate the support and dedication of everyone involved.”

The Blissful Wish Wedding is made possible through the support of local vendors, faculty expertise, student dedication, and RHTM. From floral arrangements to catering, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable celebration.

For more details about the Blissful Wish Wedding, including eligibility and how to support this initiative, visit tiny.utk.edu/wedding. To inquire further or sponsor the event, email rhtm@utk.edu.

Retail and Merchandising Management Students Receive Scholarships to Attend and Compete at the National Retail Federation Student Program

February 5, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Retail and Merchandising Management Students Receive Scholarships to Attend and Compete at the National Retail Federation Student Program

Students Gain Exclusive Access to Top Retail Brands, Mentorship, and Career Opportunities

**Pictured L-R: Ashley Coulter, Courtney Parker, Cameron Wurtsbaugh, and Ava Depersio**

[Knoxville, TN] – The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Science (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is proud to support over 20 students from the Retail and Merchandising Management (RMM) program participated in the prestigious National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program in January 2025. Four students also competed in the market competition working with Carter’s, Inc.

The students met virtually with Carter’s executives who explained the competition scenario and answered questions from an industry perspective. The students immediately began their research and worked with Assistant Professor of Practice, Myra Loveday, to produce realistic solutions to the scenario. This incredible opportunity gave students direct exposure to some of the world’s leading retail brands, fostering connections and providing insights that will help shape their future careers in the retail industry.

“Most of the students received scholarships to support their travel to New York City. Some, including four students competing, received scholarships to cover 100% of their trip expenses,” stated Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM. “These scholarships were made possible through student enrichment funds generated through our annual RHTM fundraiser. We want to make sure our students have access to these life-changing experiences, regardless of their financial situation.”

**Students Interact With an Industry Leader at NRF**

“We are thrilled to offer our students this invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the exciting possibilities within the retail sector,” said Michelle Childs, Associate Professor and Advisor of the NRF Student Association. “The NRF Student Program is an amazing way to build meaningful relationships and gain firsthand insights that will equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the retail industry.”

“It is critical to challenge our students to work in a high-level team performance environment and to innovate solutions to real-world retail challenges. Making decisions based on evidence-based research and strategizing retail and consumer trend insights to impact retail sales performance set them apart from other students,” said Loveday, Assist. Professor of Practice.

The NRF Student Program, hosted by the NRF, is designed to give students a deep dive into the retail world, with three days of enriching activities, including company tours, expert-led talks, and engaging breakout sessions. Participants have the chance to interact with experienced retail leaders, attend exclusive executive mentoring sessions, and participate in career recruiting opportunities that could pave the way for their professional success.

The RMM program at UT offers a dynamic curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a successful career in retail and merchandising. The program’s strong connections with top retailers, industry professionals, and alumni network provide students with unparalleled access to career-building opportunities. The NRF Student Program is just one example of how RHTM brings real-world experiences into the classroom and creates pathways for our students to thrive.

For more information about the programs offered in RHTM, please visit https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/ or email rhtm@utk.edu. If you would like to support transformative experiential learning opportunities for students, please visit https://tiny.utk.edu/RHTMFundraiser for the 20th Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on April 3, 2025.

UT Students’ Experience at Tennessee’s Annual Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism

October 10, 2024 by Douglas Edlund

UT Students’ Experience at Tennessee’s Annual Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism

By Cara Smith, CEHHS Student Reporter, Class of 2024

Three students from the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, attended the 2024 Governor’s Conference (Gov Con) in Chattanooga on Sept. 25-27.

Erin Cosentino, Paul Vaughn, and Lily Vincent were three out of 10 students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program chosen to attend Gov Con by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association (TNHTA).

Group photo of GovCon attendees. — **(L-R) Lilly Vincent, Erin Consentino, Paul Vaughn**

The students submitted applications for the selection process, and professors in the department provided letters of recommendation.

“It was such an honor to be chosen to attend Gov Con. I appreciated the letters of support on my behalf from the RHTM department, here at UT, as well as the support from the TNHTA,” said Cosentino.

Gov Con is a three-day conference that brings together representatives of Tennessee’s travel and tourism industry. Speakers at this year’s conference included Gov. Bill Lee and Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Mark Ezell.

Being chosen to attend Gov Con is a recognition of student’s hard work, talent, and potential for the hospitality and tourism industry.

“It came with a great sense of responsibility, knowing that I was representing my university, and was truly rewarding,” said Cosentino.

While attending Gov Con, all three students had opportunities to make professional connections. They split off into breakout groups, where experts in HTM gave advice on different topics, like how expansions of airports affects travel and how to use TripAdvisor to maximize all its benefits.

Speeches at the conference were also a highlight to the students because they provided first-hand examples of Tennessee’s tourism industry.

“Commissioner Ezell gave a very insightful and informative presentation about the state’s high-ranking position in various categories of tourism across the country,” said Vaughn.

All three students recommend applying and attending Gov Con for the different skills learned and networking connections made.

“I would highly recommend this conference to any student wanting to be in the hospitality industry, especially if you wish to stay in Tennessee because you learn a lot of statistics about the state, as well as meet a ton of people,” said Vincent.

Advice they gave to next year’s participants is to be engaged, be present, set a goal, and ask lots of questions.

“Put your heart and soul into your application, because it is an experience you will never forget!” said Vaughn.

Foodie On a Budget? Check Out These Tips

October 4, 2024 by Douglas Edlund

Foodie On a Budget? Check Out These Tips

James Williams, associate professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences recently sat down with WalletHub.com to share how foodies on a budget can get the best bang for their buck.

What tips can you provide to foodies on a tight budget?

When finding something to eat on a tight budget, I recommend limiting your meals. View this as an opportunity to manage your calories for the identified most desirable meal time. Is it breakfast? Lunch? Or dinner? Whatever your preference, utilize that time as an opportunity to splurge on a food item or food items. Yet, I will snack around the chosen inopportune times. I suggest using the chosen food time to find an item or items that provide a variety of flavors, aiming to capture the taste of desirable foods that you might be out of your budget. This advice is being provided based on an unknown budget.

Portrait photo of James Williams. He has dark skin, dark hair, and a dark beard. He is wearing a hat, blue suit, shirt, and necktie. He is smiling in the photo. — **James Williams**

In evaluating the best foodie cities for your wallet, what are the top five indicators?

For me, they are diversity of cuisines, quality of restaurants, price of items, cultural food aspects, and uniqueness or appeal.

What are the dining-out trends for 2024, and how is inflation affecting Americans’ eating-out habits?

I have noticed more health-conscious and money-conscious diners. This has created two different niche markets, in my opinion. For health-conscious diners, they are reading labels and counting their macros, making sure proper fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are accounted for in their meals. Some conscious diners are shifting their paradigms to meal prep instead of traveling to restaurants. However, restaurants have a great opportunity to woo these diners by creating meals that consider conscious macro seekers. Money-conscious diners are maneuvering this space by deciding to stay in or by limiting item selections or choosing cheaper items. Restaurants should construct future menu items or limited items with a sound understanding of these niche markets and/or consumers.

What tips can you offer to health-conscious foodies who like to eat out?

Study menu items prior to visiting the set restaurant. I recommend having three potential item preferences. Once you identify those items, scan and analyze the ingredients. This can provide you with the information needed to request modifications or to accept the food option as is. I would eat some protein or some veggies prior to leaving the house. Eating prior to visiting a restaurant will mitigate hunger, which in turn, will alleviate a strong desire to spend outside of your budget. I would drink a full glass of water at the table. This will flush out your system, and it will reduce hunger and/or compulsion.

What role, if any, can local authorities play in improving the food scene in their city?

Local authorities should encourage restaurants to buy local produce and resources to stock their inventory by providing discounts for companies that purchase from local merchants. I think authorities should attend these restaurants and build public relations around their visits, in the hope of attracting new visitors. Perception is reality, and it requires total commitment and support to create a buzz around a business.

This story was repurposed from wallethub.com. You can view the original story here.

Hospitality and Tourism Management Students Selected as 2024 Student Ambassadors for the Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism

August 22, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Hospitality and Tourism Management Students Selected as 2024 Student Ambassadors for the Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism

Three students from the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville are heading to the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism (GovCon) in Chattanooga as Student Ambassadors. Erin Cosentino, Paul Vaughn, and Lily Vincent, seniors in the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program, will represent both HTM and the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association (TNHTA) at this event.

*Pictured L-R Top Row: Austin Anderson, Paul Vaughn, Yasmin Onsipahioglu Bottom Row: Lilly Vincent, Virginia Williams, Erin Cosentino*

TNHTA invited applications for 10 ambassador positions statewide, with a maximum of three spots per institution. All three applicants from UT’s HTM program were selected, highlighting their leadership potential and qualifications. The TNHTA’s expense-paid ambassadorship for the 2024 GovCon will provide them with an exceptional opportunity to enhance their professional networks within the hospitality and tourism industry.

“Opportunities like this highlight what sets our hospitality and tourism management program apart,” said Christopher Kelley, Senior Coordinator for the HTM program. “We are dedicated to connecting our students with the hospitality and tourism industry through initiatives such as this”

Erin Cosentino, a senior in HTM and one of the 2024 GovCon Ambassadors, is looking forward to the conference. “I’m thrilled to attend the Governor’s Conference this year! This is a fantastic chance to network and build connections in the industry, which is crucial as I approach my job search after graduation. Being from out of state, I’m also excited to meet more industry professionals here in Tennessee.”

“I’m beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity to attend Chattanooga GovCon with my UT peers and learn how Tennessee maintains its status as a popular destination,” said Paul Vaughn, also a senior in HTM and 2024 GovCon Ambassador. “This opportunity will help me grow as a student and young person and network with industry professionals and State of Tennessee leadership.”

The Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism is an annual event organized by TNHTA and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. It brings together representatives from various segments of the hospitality and tourism industry and related government agencies. Last year’s conference attracted over 550 attendees, and this year’s event, which will be held on September 25-27, 2024, is anticipated to be equally impressive.

“I am delighted that all three of our RHTM students were recognized for their outstanding qualifications,” said Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM, located in the UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. “Providing experiential learning opportunities is a core goal for us, and collaborating with industry leaders across the state to achieve this is truly exciting.”

In addition to the three TNHTA ambassadors, the RHTM department will sponsor three additional HTM students for this opportunity. Austin Anderson (Freshman), Yasmin Onsipahioglu (Junior), and Virginia Williams (Senior) will participate in this exciting event, which is made possible by proceeds from the Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser.

A Guide To Accessible Travel for People with Disabilities in 2024

January 26, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

A Guide To Accessible Travel for People with Disabilities in 2024

Reprinted from MarketWatch

Written by Bradford Cuthrell

Edited by Tori Addison

Traveling is an enriching experience that can bring a sense of freedom and excitement as you experience the thrill of exploring new cultures, landscapes and foods. However, for individuals with disabilities, this thrill can also be accompanied by distinct challenges.

When traveling with a disability, each new experience requires attention to detail where accessibility, convenience and safety become paramount. This guide provides insights on strategies for traveling the globe with a disability.

To aid you on this journey, we’ve consulted with two experts:

Dr. Kwangsoo Park, Associate Dean of the College of Business and Director of the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University Northwest
Dr. Stefanie Benjamin, Associate Professor of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Tennessee Knoxville

These experts will provide valuable guidance on how to navigate the travel experience for people with disabilities.

Planning Your Trip

Researching your desired destinations and familiarizing yourself with accessibility and disability rights can help you advocate for yourself and enable your needs to be met wherever you decide to go.

“People with disabilities should ensure that their travel destination and accommodations are accessible, taking into account their specific needs. Despite efforts by companies and governments to enforce reasonable accommodations, there are still places that lack adequate facilities for individuals with certain disabilities,” Dr. Park said.

In the planning stages, it can be helpful to look into special protections or services available for individuals with disabilities at airports, such as designated assistance services, to ensure an itinerary that allows you to accomplish your travel goals.

Following these planning steps can help make your trip as accessible and enjoyable as possible.

Plan Your Trip Backward

Before you start planning, it can help to first determine desired activities at your selected destination. By doing so, you can make sure the places you want to visit and the activities you wish to engage in are easily accessible.

When researching, seek out resources specifically dedicated to your unique community for trustworthy information on accessible-friendly guided tours, how to access tourist attractions and other valuable details. By utilizing comprehensive resources, you can plan a trip that caters to your needs and create an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience.

Make Reservations that Ensure Accessibility

After conducting thorough research on the accessibility of your chosen destination, the next step is to make reservations.

“Depending on the disability — lots of planning is involved when traveling. Always consider and understand that not every destination is the same,” Dr. Stefanie Benjamin said.

Take the time to explore and identify accommodations, such as hotels, tours and excursions, that offer specialized accessibility features as this will make your travel experience more seamless. Consider factors such as transportation options, and book airline, bus or train tickets with companies that prioritize and cater to accessibility needs.

Proactively considering these aspects and making reservations with accessibility at the forefront of planning can offer peace of mind in knowing your trip will be free from any last-minute accessibility-related concerns.

Research Protective Measures for Traveling

In the realm of travel, unpredictability will occasionally arise, making it important to consider protective measures for your safety and well-being. One of the most common precautions to consider is obtaining comprehensive travel insurance. This type of insurance covers unforeseen circumstances while traveling, including trip cancellations, unexpected medical emergencies or misplaced luggage, among other incidents. By securing adequate travel insurance, you can rest assured in knowing you have financial protection against potential trip hurdles.

It’s also important to note and be aware of the special protections that airports offer to individuals with disabilities. Airports provide equal access and comfortable travel experiences with accessible parking spaces, restrooms with features like grab bars and trained staff to assist passengers. Other examples include alternative screening procedures and private screenings, the ability to bring medical equipment and mobility aids onboard the plane, and other assistance programs like wheelchair assistance and transportation.

Before you fly, familiarize yourself with the protective resources available at the departure and arrival airports by either contacting each location or checking online for a list of services. These special protections are there to ensure that individuals with disabilities can travel with safety, comfort and dignity.

Packing Tips

While packing for your trip, consider items and equipment that will help support your needs while traveling. Airlines are not allowed to charge for transporting mobility equipment like wheelchairs and generally accept service dogs to support accessible travel.

Here is a table outlining several essential items to pack:

Item	Reason
Comfort items	Familiar items can help make you feel more at ease while traveling
Medical equipment	Ensure necessary medical equipment is available
Collapsible shower chairs	Assists with accessibility in bathing facilities
Medications and prescriptions	Make sure you have an ample supply of necessary medications while you travel
Collapsible walking aids	Supports mobility and ease of movement
Assistive hearing aids	Allows for full participation in travel engagements
Medical ID	Provides important medical information in the case of an emergency

By considering these and any other specific items based on your needs, you can be well-prepared for any trip and have the necessary support and comfort throughout your journey.

Navigating the Airport

When traveling by air, navigating the airport can be a challenge, especially for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments. However, careful planning and preparation can combat the anxieties involved and create a stress-free experience.

Checking Bags and Other Items

Before heading to the airport, familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures for checking bags and other items. Getting to the airport early is always recommended to allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening. “Arriving earlier than told is key,” Benjamin added.

If you require any assistance, such as checking wheelchairs or other assistive devices, it is advisable to call ahead and inform the airline of your specific needs. If you are worried about your bags getting lost during transit, consider buying baggage coverage to protect your belongings.

Getting Through Security, Boarding and Deplaning

Security procedures can be quite daunting, but there are several ways to make the process easier. Similar to checking bags, it is advisable to inform the airport and TSA in advance of any accommodations or assistance you require. TSA Cares is a program designed to assist travelers with disabilities or medical conditions when it comes to getting through security, boarding and deplaning. Additionally, traveling with a companion can provide that extra layer of support throughout your journey.

To expedite the security screening processes, consider applying for TSA Precheck to evade long lines and wait times. Looking ahead at airport maps can help you locate accessible restrooms and food options that meet your dietary restrictions and know what to expect. When it comes to getting to your gate, you can file a ride request from airport staff to save you time and energy. Lastly, contacting your airline in advance to arrange for assistance during boarding and deplaning can help facilitate the assistance you need.

Safety Tips While Traveling at the Airport

Navigating the airport can be a manageable process if you plan ahead and are aware of the available resources and accommodations. While traveling, it is important to prioritize safety and to be aware of your rights and accessibility laws.

Mobility-impaired individuals are often targeted by thieves, so it is crucial to keep your bags close at all times. “While this situation can occur for anyone, it’s advisable to keep important documents and valuables secure. I would strongly recommend that people with disabilities carry a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and embassy/consulate information,” Park said.

If necessary, consider using a money belt or travel wallet to hide your valuables on your person. By taking these simple precautions, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

Enjoying Your Destination

Traveling to new destinations can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures, explore new sights and create lasting memories. However, while enjoying your travels, it is important to prioritize your safety and remain aware of your surroundings. By empowering yourself with knowledge and taking certain precautions, you can make the most of your travel while ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

How To Make the Most of Your Travel

Making the most of your travel may require you to embrace certain strategies, such as researching and planning ahead for accessible destinations. To maximize your experience, it is recommended to replicate your home routine as much as possible to maintain familiarity and comfort. When it comes to outings and adventures, pace yourself and allow for relaxation to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Since additional amenities can enhance your overall travel experience, see if you can take advantage of perks and benefits from memberships or credit cards, such as access to airport lounges and travel upgrades.

Safety Tips While At Your Destination

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your travel experience, ensure your safety and navigate your destination more effectively. A major safety tip to protect yourself financially in the event of unforeseen medical emergencies is to obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance. Next, to enjoy the trip experience, it’s a good idea to learn basic local phrases to facilitate communication and ask for help when needed. Additionally, carry an accessibility card to effectively communicate your specific needs if possible.

Organizations that Help People with Disabilities While Traveling

There are several organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities while traveling. Here are a few examples:

The Disabled Travelers Guide offers comprehensive resources and information for travelers with disabilities. Its website provides guides on accessible destinations, travel tips, and a forum where users can share their experiences and advice.
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH) is an organization working to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the travel and hospitality industry. It provides resources, training and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to travel opportunities.
Accessible Travel Solutions specializes in providing accessible travel planning services for individuals with disabilities. It offers customized itineraries, accommodations research and transportation arrangements tailored to specific accessibility needs.
The National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE) focuses on ensuring equal access to education for individuals with disabilities. While its primary focus is education, its website provides valuable information on accessible technology, accommodations and beneficial resources for disabled travelers.

These organizations are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to explore the world with confidence. Each offers valuable resources and advocacy to enhance the travel experience for disabled individuals.

Conclusion

While traveling with disabilities can present its own set of challenges, there are ways to keep those challenges from interfering with your trip. With proactive trip research, good planning and resource utilization, individuals with disabilities can experience inclusive travel opportunities to create lasting trip memories

Our Experts

Dr. Kwangsoo Park holds the position of Associate Dean in the College of Business and is the Director of the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University Northwest. His research focuses on enhancing services for people with disabilities and their families in the hospitality and tourism sector. Dr. Park’s primary goal is to reduce biases associated with disabilities and improve service quality for all consumers, irrespective of their disability status.
Dr. Stefanie Benjamin serves as an Associate Professor of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Her research interests revolve around social equity and critical tourism scholarship, with a specific focus on the experiences and narratives of marginalized populations. She is committed to promoting social advocacy and amplifying underrepresented voices in the tourism field through research, education and practice. As a certified qualitative researcher, she employs various methodologies, such as collective storytelling and ethnography, to explore these areas. Dr. Benjamin is also involved in content tourism research and offers improvisational theater workshops to enhance empathetic listening and creative skill development.

UT Researchers Receive Two Grants Totaling $790,000 to Research Food Insecurity on College Campuses and to Develop Food Security Certificate Program

January 24, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

UT Researchers Receive Two Grants Totaling $790,000 to Research Food Insecurity on College Campuses and to Develop Food Security Certificate Program

Junehee Kwon, professor and head of the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, leads two research teams with federal and private funding sources. One team received a $740,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a food security certificate program. Earlier, Kwon also led a team of UT researchers including Marsha Spence, Jacqueline Yenerall, and Tyler White to secure a $50,000 grant from the Danone Institute of North America (DINA) to learn more about food and nutrition insecurity on the UT campus.

Junehee Kwon, with Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management, Faculty headshot taken in the Communications Studio on February 07, 2023. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee

With the USDA grant, Kwon will work with researchers from the University of South Carolina and Montana State University to increase food security education for college students, while finding practical solutions to food insecurity on their campuses. The team will develop food upcycling programs at the collaborating universities using UT’s food4VOLS as a model.

“We are very excited to receive both grants to conduct food security research and to develop an academic program to increase food security education in three universities,” Kwon stated. “The goal of the USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant is to develop a multidisciplinary certificate program across each campus. I am excited to work with the new College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies and faculty in related programs to build a food security certificate program at UT.”

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, roughly 33.8 million, or 10.2%, of Americans faced food insecurity in 2021. In the southeast, that number is even higher at 11.4%. However, those numbers pale when compared to the percentage of college students facing food insecurity on campus. For example, one study showed that one of three students on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus might be considered food insecure. A 2017 study reported that nationwide, 14-59% of college students were food insecure at one time during their college careers.

To help address rising food insecurity on the UT campus, the University of Tennessee Culinary Institute in RHTM developed food4VOLS, to repurpose unused food into heat-and-serve meals to increase students’ access to food as well as to reduce food waste on campus. In 2022, food4VOLS recovered nearly 120,000 pounds of food from food service establishments on campus.

In a distribution partnership with the Big Orange Pantry, an average of 350 meals were distributed daily to UT students in 2022. However, when considering an enrollment of over 33,000 students, it’s estimated that 10,000 students on the UT campus may be food insecure. When you do the math, 350 meals per day is a far cry from the students in need of a nutritious meal.

“The USDA grant allows the team to establish food upcycling programs in the University of South Carolina and Montana State University campuses using food4VOLS as a model,” said Kwon. “We will use these food upcycling programs for an experiential learning course for the food security certificate program.”

While food collection and distribution data are well known, less is known about food4VOLS’ reach, its ability to lower food insecurity, or the dietary quality of the meals being consumed by students.

“The Danone Institute of North America grant allows us to learn more about food and nutrition insecurity on the UT campus,” Kwon explained. “We also plan to increase food access points on the UT campus.”

With the grant from the DINA, the UT research team is utilizing a transdisciplinary approach to ascertain motivators of and barriers to utilizing the on-campus food upcycling program while evaluating the diet quality of users of the on-campus food upcycling program. At the end of the project, the team is planning to communicate lessons learned from this project with other scholars at public colleges and universities in the Southeast region of the U.S. through a symposium and academic manuscripts.

Kwon is hopeful that the information gathered and programs established by these funded projects will help reduce food insecurity on college campuses. By finding innovative and sustainable solutions that may be adopted by other colleges and universities, soon we may have fewer students on campuses in need of a nutritious meal.

“It is exciting to work with dedicated team members, without whom these grants would not have been possible. I appreciate their contributions, and I am very excited to conduct the research and to develop programs to mitigate campus food insecurity.”

“Blissful Wish” Wedding Winners Announced

August 18, 2023 by Alyssa Seisser

“Blissful Wish” Wedding Winners Announced

Experiential Learning Opportunity Provides Couple With a Dream Wedding

Jackson Grahm (L) and Shelby Guthrie (R)

For Shelby Guthrie and Jackson Graham, a love of Tennessee Vols athletics sparked a love that went beyond the game. While attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Shelby and Jackson attended every Vols athletic event they could: football, basketball, tennis, baseball, and softball. If there was a game, Shelby and Jackson were there. The more time they spent together cheering on the Vols, the closer their bond became. Jackson finished his undergraduate degree in 2020 and his graduate degree in 2021. Shelby finished her undergraduate degree in 2021. Now, these Vols for Life are ready to take the next step in their relationship.

“I would love for Jackson and me to be chosen because it would relieve a huge financial burden, help with planning, and having a UT wedding would be the most “us-thing” ever because we have so many friends and generations of family who have attended the university,” said Shelby.

Not only will Shelby and Jackson have the wedding of their dreams, students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s, Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program will be gaining real-world experience in wedding and event planning. HTM students will work with the couple to search and secure a variety of services needed for wedding events, help run the wedding event, and finally evaluate the entire process and outcomes.

“We are beyond excited to offer our first ever Blissful Wedding class which will be a truly experiential, hands-on course. Our students already completed our online wedding design course last year and well-equipped to curate this memorable wedding. We will be there to help guide our students – but this course will be 100% student-directed. We are excited to see what the students will dream up for the deserving couple!” said Stefanie Benjamin, instructor of the HTM 440 Wedding Production and Execution class.

“When an academic department takes on a project like this, the first and foremost important goal is to provide transformational experiences for our students,” said Junehee Kwon, head of UT’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism (RHTM). “This is a perfect example of such an endeavor, and I am very excited to support our students, instructors, and the selected couple.

Shelby and Jackson were chosen from 71 completed applications submitted to the Blissful Wish Wedding giveaway. The wedding ceremony will be held on November 9th at the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm for up to 75 guests. Current UT employees or their families were not eligible to enter.

A panel of reviewers was selected from members of the Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management Advisory Board. After reviewing each application, the Board members met to decide on the winning couple and a runner-up if the selected couple would not be able to participate in the program. To ensure the program followed all University of Tennessee policies and procedures, RHTM faculty, along with staff from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) worked closely with UT’s legal, business, and academic teams.

“We used several criteria when we selected the couple. One of the essential criteria was their willingness to work with our students,” said Kwon. “Their understanding of the purpose is crucial because they need to know why we are doing this event. The purpose will always be the student first, then the community.”

As for Shelby and Jackson, in just a few short months, they will have their dream wedding, thanks to the hard work of HTM students and faculty, as well as the generous support of numerous sponsors. For all involved, the project has been ambitious, but the effort put into making a special day for a deserving couple has been well worth it.

“Since I arrived at UT, I have been aiming to increase experiential learning opportunities for our students while they serve the community,” said Kwon. “This sponsored wedding project, which I proposed, was ambitious, but it would be worth it. We have gone through many steps to get this project approved, and now, I am so grateful to see that we have a deserving couple who will be working with our students and sponsoring partners.”

When it comes to a student-run wedding, Shelby and Jackson are thrilled that they can play a role in this experiential-learning opportunity for HTM students.

“We totally understand that this would be a learning and growing experience for all parties involved, and we would be happy to make decisions and choices that would be beneficial for the students’ education,” said Shelby.

Through its eight departments and 12 centers, the UT Knoxville College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences enhances the quality of life for all through research, outreach, and practice. Find out more at cehhs.utk.edu

Food4VOLS Program Fights Food Insecurity on Rocky Top

September 27, 2021 by Rebekah Goode

Food4VOLS Program Fights Food Insecurity on Rocky Top

“No hunger. No waste.” These four words lead the charge for an exciting, new food recovery initiative on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus known as Food4VOLS.

Tyler White | Chef and Program Manager for the Culinary Institute

It all started during a meeting with Tyler White, chef and program manager for the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management’s Culinary Institute, and Jay Price, sustainability manager in the Office of Sustainability. The two recognized a distinct need at the university and a unique opportunity to address it. “At any given point during a semester one out of three students experiences food insecurity on college campuses,” explains White. At the same time, perfectly good, unused food has historically been discarded around our campus at profound rates.

Jay Price | Sustainability Manger in the Office of Sustainability

So, where to begin? Once the framework was developed for tackling food insecurity while simultaneously cutting down on food waste, White and Price teamed up with Vol Dining and the Office of the Dean of Students to organize the food recovery and distribution efforts. The food recovered from Vol Dining locations varies from fresh produce to cooked food that was prepared for distribution but never sold. Without the Food4VOLS recovery efforts, this food otherwise would have been thrown away.

According to White, “This initiative diverts upwards of ten tons (20,000 pounds) of food from being discarded on campus. Vol Dining employees are very excited about the program and have embraced the new recovery process. They are happy to see the food being used to feed those in need instead of going to waste.”

Here’s how the Food4VOLS process works:

First, food is recovered from various Vol Dining locations. The food then makes its way to the Culinary Institute, where volunteers and students, led by Tyler White, use the recovered food to build recipes and prepare nutritious meals. After everything is packaged and ready for distribution, the meals are delivered to the Big Orange Pantry, located on the ground floor of Greve Hall. Once at the BOP, students, faculty, and staff are able to pick up a tasty, ready-to-heat meal, along with any other food or supplies they may need, entirely free of charge.

The Food4VOLS meals and menu options are never set in stone because the ingredients are not known to the Culinary Institute until they receive the recovered food. So far, Food4VOLS meals have included: gumbo, eggplant lasagna, stuffed peppers, spaghetti, buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese, breakfast sandwiches, enchiladas, fried rice, salads, steak and rice bowls, and freshly baked bread. For White, there’s something exciting about building a recipe on the spot using only what is provided; it makes the food prep process especially creative and fun. Above all, he and his food prep team strive to offer variety in their meals while meeting the dietary needs of the students, faculty, and staff who will receive them.

Three images of Food4VOLS volunteers preparing food

Since its launch at the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester, food4VOLS has provided over 1,000 meals to those in need, while also diverting over 3,000 pounds of food from being discarded.

“The only drawback we are seeing is that the need for the program is larger than we anticipated,” said White. While initially planning to create twenty-five meals a day to distribute to the Big Orange Pantry, the Food4VOLS team has produced an average of seventy-five meals, often running out before the end of the day.

“We are spending more time preparing meals and spending more money on supplies than we initially intended,” White continues, “This is a good problem, in that we are helping more people with food insecurity, but at the same time, it is depleting our resources which forces us to fundraise to keep pace with the needs on campus.”

The good news is that there are ways to help Food4VOLS continue to grow at UT and keep fighting food insecurity in our campus community. First, individuals are invited to volunteer their time by signing up to prepare meals. Interested volunteers can sign up to serve through the Jones Center for Leadership and Service. Secondly, individuals can make a financial donation to the Food4VOLS Impact Fund, which allows the initiative to continue to thrive and bring on more volunteers to assist in food collection, meal production, and meal distribution.

“From a chef standpoint, I look forward to seeing what meals we will prepare and the difference we can make on campus addressing food insecurity. From a program standpoint, I hope to see the program capable of being able to prepare meals that can be distributed to others in the Knoxville area suffering from food insecurity,” said White. “The end goal Food4VOLS is to reduce food insecurity on our campus and create a template of the program that can be replicated on other college and university campuses across the US.”

If you would like to learn more about Food4VOLS, visit rhtm.utk.edu/food4vols or download a PDF infographic.