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

UT Knoxville Launches Online MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

June 3, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

UT Knoxville Launches Online MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) is pleased to announce that its new Master of Science in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management has received final approval and is now accepting applications for Fall 2026.

The fully online graduate degree is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in retail, hospitality, tourism, and related industries. As the only Master of Science degree of its kind in Tennessee, the program combines academic rigor with practical industry application while offering the flexibility needed to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

The 30-credit-hour curriculum is delivered through intensive seven-week courses in a fully asynchronous online format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. Most students can complete the degree in approximately 18 months while continuing to work full time. Qualified students with significant managerial experience may also be eligible to receive up to six graduate credit hours through prior learning assessment.

Through case studies, applied projects, market research, and real-world problem solving, students will develop advanced leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.

“Our MS in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management prepares professionals to advance their careers by strengthening analytical, problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making skills,” said Hongping Zhang, the director of the program. “Through a flexible, problem-based learning approach, students develop the strategic thinking and communication skills needed to succeed in a wide range of leadership and professional roles.”

The program was developed in response to growing demand for leaders who can navigate complex business challenges and drive innovation in rapidly changing consumer markets.

“This program represents years of planning, collaboration, and commitment to serving the evolving needs of industry professionals,” said Junehee Kwon, professor and RHTM department head. “We are excited to offer a graduate degree that is accessible, relevant, and aligned with the needs of today’s retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors. We believe it will help prepare the next generation of leaders while strengthening Tennessee’s workforce and economy.”

Students may pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option depending on their career goals. The thesis option is designed for those interested in doctoral study and academic careers, while the non-thesis option emphasizes professional advancement and leadership development.

The curriculum includes courses in data analytics, strategic leadership, consumer and market research, customer experience management, entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, and organizational management.

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2026. The application deadline is August 1, 2026.

For information about the program, admission requirements, and application procedures, visit Vols Online. For additional information about detailed degree requirements, visit RHTM’s website.

RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser Receives Record Gift from Stand Out For Good, Inc.

May 15, 2026 by Rebekah Goode

RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser Receives Record Gift from Stand Out For Good, Inc.

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) hosted its 21st annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser on Friday, April 24, at the Hilton Knoxville, bringing together industry partners, alumni, friends, and students to celebrate education, partnership, and the future of the retail and hospitality industries.

This year’s event proudly recognized Stand Out For Good, Inc. as the 2026 Honoree. A purpose-driven lifestyle retailer representing Altar’d State, AS Revival, Altar’d State Kids, Altar’d State Home and Vow’d, Stand Out For Good, Inc. was honored for its meaningful partnership and leadership. The organization demonstrated extraordinary commitment to student success with a $75,000 contribution, marking the largest single donation in the fundraiser’s more than 20-year history. The partnership and contribution reflect a shared passion for investing in future leaders and creating opportunities for students to grow both personally and professionally.

Guests experienced an immersive, student-produced evening that highlighted the talent and creativity of RHTM students. The program featured the fundraiser’s first-ever fashion show, produced and styled by students enrolled in RMM 495 Fashion Show Management and Production. Students worked closely with retail partners to curate the evening’s looks, with hair and makeup support from the Tennessee School of Beauty. Culinary experiences were designed and executed by hospitality students, and the evening also included a curated silent auction showcasing unique items and experiences.

The event was made possible through the efforts of students in HTM 435 Advanced Event Planning, who spent the semester studying, planning, and executing every aspect of the fundraiser. Through this hands-on experience, students gained practical skills in event design, logistics, vendor coordination, teamwork, and leadership – reflecting real-world industry expectations.

Morgan Hodgdon, a student enrolled in Advanced Event Planning shared, “The most enjoyable aspect of the planning/execution of the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser was seeing all of my classes’ hard work come to life and being able to attend and participate in the event!” she stated. “I learned the most when I had the opportunity to work hands on!”

Abigail Alexander, a student enrolled in Fashion Show Management and Production reflected, “This experience taught me that confidence does not come from knowing everything immediately, but from learning how to adapt, communicate, and problem-solve effectively. Moving forward, I feel much more prepared to take initiative and lead within future professional environments.”

Proceeds from the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser directly support student scholarships and high-impact experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that graduates leave the program with real-world experience, strong industry connections, and career-ready skills.

Now in its 21st year, the RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser continues to serve as both a signature academic experience for students and a powerful demonstration of what is possible through university–industry partnership. The evening reflects a shared commitment to education and to the future leaders of retail, hospitality, and tourism.

See more photos from the event.

About the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, prepares students for dynamic careers through applied learning, industry engagement, and transformative educational experiences that bridge the classroom and the professional world.

UT Hospitality Students Experience “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour”

January 22, 2026 by Douglas Edlund

UT Hospitality Students Experience “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour”

From January 14 through 16, twelve Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students from the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) set out on an immersive trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Themed “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour,” the experience provided exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, alumni connections, and panels showcasing career paths in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Students Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville

The trip featured visits to prominent organizations and companies including the Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Nashville – Broadway, Music City Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, and LEO Events. Students also gained valuable insights from industry leaders at the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. These organizations demonstrated how they collaborate to support and strengthen the hospitality sector.

One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to connect with UT alumni who are thriving in their careers within the industry. Dylan Roberts ’18, General Manager at Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Nashville – Broadway, along with Catherine La Haie ’14, Director of Sales and Marketing, allowed students to shadow their team meeting and led students on a tour of their property. The tour highlighted how the knowledge and skills gained through a hospitality degree can prepare a student for successful careers in hospitality.

At Music City Center, Charles Starks ’82, President and CEO, shared advice about his journey from UT’s hospitality program to leading one of Nashville’s premier event venues. His story inspired students to envision their own potential career trajectories, to work hard, and the power of relationships.

Sean Fisher ’11, Guest Experience & Concierge Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, facilitated access for students to explore one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The students were able to tour the property, hear from the hotels General Manager, Sunil Narang, who has grown his career with the company over 30 years, and ask questions from a panel of key professionals within the organization.

In addition to the trip being a great opportunity for the students who attended, the department also used it as an event planning experience for sophomore hospitality student, Liz Williams. Her responsibilities as the student trip coordinator included organizing the trip agenda, designing the menu for the alumni reception, communicating logistics with the other students, assisting with event setup and breakdown, and creating a post-trip survey. Liz said of the experience, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and apply my knowledge in a real-world setting.”

Reflecting on the event, HTM senior coordinator Christopher Kelley remarked, “The opportunity to bring our students to Nashville to connect with alumni and see career trajectories is an absolute pleasure for me.” Kelley emphasized how these interactions help students envision their future roles in the industry.

Department head Junehee Kwon shared similar sentiments: “This event exemplified hospitality at its best, from hotel accommodations and catering to the exceptional service provided by our industry partners. What made it even more meaningful was that many of those partners were our alumni from 1982 to 2025! Experiences like this remind us how meaningful it is to be Tennessee Volunteers and members of the hospitality industry.”

The “Backstage Pass: Nashville Hospitality Tour and Alumni Reception” not only showcased career opportunities but also strengthened ties between current students and UT alumni across generations. This unique experience reaffirmed UT’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in hospitality while celebrating its Volunteer legacy.

You can see more photos of the students and their experiences here.

RHTM Students Make Couple’s Dream Come True

November 7, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

RHTM Students Make Couple’s Dream Come True

Second Blissful Wish Wedding Event Provides Experiential Learning While Making Dreams Come True

In early November, the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm in Knoxville transformed into a magical setting for the second Blissful Wish Wedding, celebrating the inspiring love story of Kenzie Cathey and Tanner Branam. The event, planned and executed by 12 dedicated students from the University of Tennessee’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM), was the culmination of hard work done by the students since the beginning of the fall 2025 semester.

The Blissful Wish Wedding initiative provided an extraordinary opportunity for students enrolled in HTM 412 Wedding Production and Execution to gain hands-on experience in planning a real-world event. This opportunity is exclusive to students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management major at UT and represents the only university in the country where this opportunity exists.

From the initial selection process to the final execution, these students demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism. Guided by associate professor, Stefanie Benjamin, Nancy Barger of the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm, and Emily Walker a current PhD student in the department, the students coordinated every aspect of the wedding. The team was responsible for venue setup, vendor management, logistics planning, and guest experience design.

Throughout the semester, the students worked to solicit goods and services from local businesses, ensuring that every detail of the wedding reflected both quality and creativity. Their efforts included organizing floral arrangements, catering services, photography, entertainment, and decorations. The students also collaborated with community sponsors who generously contributed their resources to make Kenzie and Tanner’s dream wedding a reality.

“This wedding is a testament to our students’ hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Junehee Kwon, Professor and RHTM Department Head. “It’s incredible to see them apply their classroom knowledge to create such a beautiful event while learning valuable skills that will serve them well in their future careers.”

The event also served as a platform for students to showcase their ability to navigate challenges in event planning. From managing tight timelines to ensuring seamless communication between all parties involved, they exhibited remarkable teamwork and problem-solving skills. Their efforts culminated in a ceremony and stunning reception that celebrated not only Kenzie and Tanner’s love but also the power of collaboration and community support.

You can view a gallery of this year’s Blissful Wish Wedding here.

The students, along with the team they were a part of are as follows:

• Emily Wallace & Kylie Krumenacker, Lead Planners

• Ella Herring & Gabrielle Padilla, Venue and Logistics

• Jenna Moses & Carli Belknap: Catering and Cake

• Abigail Kelley, Margo Riley, Chloe Enfinger & Riley Griffith, Décor and Entertainment

• Leila Kaufman & Carly St. Laurent, Social Media and Media Relations

Sponsors:

All Mixed Up Cakes

Bice’s Bites Home Bakery

CB Media

Forever Heard Audio Guestbook

Graphic Creations

Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm

June Lawson Photography

Prestige Tuxedo

Summer Kitchen Bakery

All Occasions Party Rental

Gluten Free Goodies

Brandon Krul (DJ)

Maddie Reed (Florals)

For more information about the Blissful Wish Wedding, to learn more about the Hospitality and Tourism Management major, or to inquire how you can support future events, contact Christopher Kelley, HTM Senior Coordinator, at ckelle15@utk.edu.

RHTM Hosts Big Orange Hospitality Day

September 15, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

RHTM Hosts Big Orange Hospitality Day

Inaugural Event Connects Students, Teachers, and Advisors with Industry Leaders

The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted its inaugural Big Orange Hospitality Day in partnership with Tennessee DECA and FBLA. The event welcomed 128 high school students and 17 teachers/advisors from across the state to explore dynamic career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The day-long program immersed students in the field through interactive activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and networking with industry professionals. More than 26 hospitality and tourism partners contributed by sharing career pathways during the networking session, hosting business tours, and providing door prizes and swag bag items for students and teachers.

RHTM Department Head, Junehee Kwon Welcomes Attendees

Highlights included exclusive tours of downtown Knoxville landmarks such as the Tennessean Hotel, Tennessee Theatre, Sunsphere Visitors Center, Hyatt Place, Maple Hall, and the Marriott Maker Space with Dogwood Arts. Students learned about each property’s operations and gained firsthand exposure to environments where hospitality professionals build their careers. The event concluded with a celebratory lunch at Covenant Health Park, generously sponsored by The 9 Group: A Knoxville Family of Hotels.

Christopher Kelley, senior coordinator of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and event organizer, emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“This event was only possible thanks to the generous support of the hospitality industry, who gave their time and showcased their passion to inspire the next generation,” Kelley said. “Our department is committed to fostering curiosity in this career field in order to serve the industry.”

Big Orange Hospitality Day reflects UT’s commitment to an unparalleled student experience and to preparing future leaders in hospitality and tourism. By connecting students with professionals and offering hands-on experiences, the event aimed to spark interest in UT’s undergraduate HTM major.

Department head Junehee Kwon opened with a question, “Who wants to work with happy people?” underscoring the excitement of a people-centered industry.

“A major in HTM includes exceptional hands-on experiences, from our Blissful Wish Wedding project to behind-the-scenes work with the Big Ears Music Festival,” Kwon said. “Our students also graduate with a built-in business minor and personalized advising dedicated to their success.”

The event was spearheaded by the RHTM Department with major contributions from the UT Conference Center, which hosted the opening session; The 9 Group, which sponsored lunch; and planning committee members Zach Buchanan (Tennessee DECA/FBLA), Angie Wilson (UT Enrollment Management), Jill Thompson (Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association & RHTM Advisory Board), Martha Axford (ABC Design & RHTM Advisory Board), and Monica Armstrong (Visit Knoxville).

If you want to learn more about UT’s Hospitality and Tourism Management major, visit our website, or contact HTM Senior Coordinator Christopher Kelley at ckelle15@utk.edu.

You can also view a photo gallery of the event here.

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

May 6, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is proud to recognize several faculty members for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Let’s celebrate their success!

Karen Boyd (ELPS)

Boyd received the prestigious Raymond H. Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award from the Association for Student Conduct Administration. With a long history of impactful leadership in student conduct and higher education, Boyd’s contributions continue to inspire and shape the field. Read more about this esteemed acknowledgement.

Leia Cain (ELPS)
Cain received the Tammy K. Renalds LGBT+ Communities Advocate Award at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet in April. She collaborates with campus partners to develop inclusive initiatives that support the success and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff within higher education.

Mary Dueñas (ELPS)

Dueñas is the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award, to be presented at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 15. She was nominated by mentee Abraham Cervantes, who shared,
“Without her encouragement and affirmation, I am certain I would not be here today. Dr. Dueñas’s mentorship has been a lifeline—guiding me through moments of self-doubt and helping me see the importance of my voice, my story, and my place in this field. Because of her, I am not just surviving in this program; I am thriving. She has given me a vision for my future that I never thought possible, and for that, I am eternally thankful.”

Lauren Irwin (ELPS)

Irwin was named as a recipient of the Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professionals Award at the College Student Educators International (ACPA) conference in Long Beach, California, earlier this year. This prestigious award honors exemplary educators in the early stages of their careers. Irwin was one of five early-career professionals recognized for their contributions to the field.

Robert Kelchen (ELPS)

Kelchen was recognized for Research and Creative Achievement at the recent Academic Honors Banquet hosted by the Office of the Provost. Earlier this year, Education Week once again named him a Top Scholar Influencer. He also serves as associate editor of Research in Higher Education, data editor for Washington Monthly magazine’s college guide and rankings, and was the 2023 recipient of the Excellence in Public Policy in Higher Education Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education’s Council on Public Policy.

Lyndsey Hornbuckle (KRSS)

Hornbuckle was honored with the “Heart and Soul Award” at the final Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year, recognizing her compassion, service, and collaborative leadership. A dedicated mentor, she is known for her unwavering commitment to student success. For the past two years, she has served as a faculty fellow in the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach, helping to advance equity, respect, and community care across the greater Knoxville area.

Youn-Kyung (Lydia) Kim (RHTM)

Kim is ranked #2 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, among top researchers in Business and Management, according to Research.com. Nationally, she is ranked #441 among her peers in the United States. Learn more about Kim’s exceptional research and scholarly work.

Junehee Kwon (RHTM)

In May, Kwon received the 2025 Pauly Award from the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association, being honored as Industry Educator of the Year. This recognition follows a series of milestones for RHTM, including HTM program accreditation and the department’s first “Blissful Wish Wedding.” Additionally, students Kylie Nayakwadi and Grace Keffer were awarded scholarships from the association.

Joshua Rosenberg (TPTE)

Rosenberg has been named the Haslam Endowed Professor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in educational data science research and program development. He has an exceptional record of research publications and has secured over $10 million in research funding. Rosenberg initiated data science programs and led the hiring of a cluster of faculty to support and expand the initiative. The five-year professorship includes an endowment to support his ongoing work. Learn more about Rosenberg’s groundbreaking research in data science.

Michael Skyer (TPTE)

Skyer has been awarded the Dr. Jon Henner Memorial Early Career Award by the Association of College Educators–Deaf & Hard of Hearing, recognizing his impactful teaching and research just a few years into his career. Since joining UT in 2022, Skyer has published over 25 works, mentored doctoral students, and led groundbreaking work in Deaf aesthetics—a design philosophy that reimagines education for Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing learners with equity at the center. Learn more about his work and impact in an article by CEHHS Student Reporter, Carly Utterback.

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.