Following an extensive international search, I am delighted to announce that Dr. Statia Elliot has been named Director of the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, effective August 1st, 2014.
A faculty member at the University of Guelph since 2007, Dr. Elliot's career includes 10 years of management and consulting experience within the hospitality and tourism industry, including as Director of Marketing for the Manitoba Department of Tourism.
A highly effective and innovative teacher, Statia has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level in a variety of subject areas, including "Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management", taken by all of the School's incoming majors, as well as "Hospitality and Tourism Marketing" at the graduate level. A proponent of applied learning, one recent pedagogical innovation had students analyze actual reservation data from hotels in the Niagara area, in order to develop targeted promotional campaigns.
Dr. Elliot is also known as an effective researcher, having published many refereed publications and conference presentations, as well as several book chapters and technical reports. Research topics of note include wine identity, culinary travel, and destination image.
A proven administrator, Statia has served in several senior administrative roles, including in her current position as President of the Executive Board of Directors, for the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Canadian Chapter.
In reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Elliot offered, "I'm honoured to be taking on the directorship of the School. It's a School with such a strong past, and I believe that together with our stakeholders, we have an exciting future ahead. I plan to engage our industry and alumni, not only in curriculum development, but in research directions to support hospitality, food and tourism management."
Other immediate priorities will include overseeing the search for two additional faculty positions, with a focus on hotel operations.
Dr. Elliot has a BComm and MA in Economics from St. Mary's and McMaster respectively, and a PhD in Management from Carleton University.
Please join me in congratulating Statia most sincerely!
Thank you to members of the selection committee, which included: faculty members - Mike von Massow, Chris Choi, and Tanya MacLaurin; staff - Brigid Flucker; student - Stephanie Walker; Chair - Stephen Kosempel; and alumnus - Jeff Hyslop. Thank you also to all of you who attend the various presentations and wrote in with your reflections and advice. Your input was most appreciated.
Last but certainly not least, please also join me in thanking Dr. Joe Barth for serving as Director in an acting capacity for the past two years. Dr. Barth has contributed much to the management of the School and the College during this time and will be greatly missed. Joe's willingness to serve in this role has been most appreciated!
Julia Christensen Hughes, PhD
Dean
College of Business and Economics
