Are Hospitality Degrees Still Worth It?
How can higher education better prepare students for the fast-paced, people-centered world of hospitality?
In this inspiring episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders speaks with Dr. Valerie Salter—Department Chair, educator, and consultant—about her career journey from working in guest service and fine dining to leading a hospitality program through accreditation and launching innovative experiential learning initiatives.
Valerie shares how her industry background has shaped her teaching philosophy, why soft skills and elevator pitches are more important than ever, and how strategic industry partnerships create genuine opportunities for students. She also delves into the process of integrating national industry certifications into coursework, leading international travel experiences, and striking a balance between academic rigor and hands-on training.
⚫Key topics include:
◾Hospitality career pathways and leadership in higher education
◾Designing meaningful experiential learning programs
◾Accreditation success strategies and team collaboration
◾Balancing industry experience with academic standards
◾The power of mentorship and professional networks
◾Innovations in curriculum, including online program development
◾Food safety research in festivals and cultural tourism Whether you are an educator, hospitality professional, or student, this episode offers actionable insights for building programs that prepare graduates for real-world success.
⚫Connect with Valerie
◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriesalterphd/
⚫Subscribe to iNNOVATION Insights News https://www.innovation-and-insights.com/contact
Dr. Valerie Salter
Educational Administrator & Instructional Design Expert | Department Chair | Program Development Leader | Food Safety & Hospital
Dynamic higher education leader and hospitality management expert with 15+ years of industry experience and 11+ years in academia, specializing in educational administration, instructional design, and project management. Proven track record of driving organizational excellence as Department Chair and Associate Professor at Northwestern State University, where I successfully led ACPHA accreditation initiatives and pioneered innovative curriculum development.
Demonstrated expertise in:
• Learning & Development: Design and implementation of cutting-edge hospitality management curricula, including international study programs and experiential learning initiatives
• Project Management: Led complex, multi-stakeholder projects including program accreditation, curriculum redesign, and cross-institutional partnerships
• Corporate Training: ServSafe certified instructor with extensive experience in food safety training and compliance
• Educational Technology: Proficient in Articulate Storyline and various LMS platforms, creating engaging online learning experiences
• Operations Management: Comprehensive background in food service operations, event management, and hospitality services
Key Achievements:
• Spearheaded successful five-year ACPHA accreditation process
• Developed and led international educational programs across Europe
• Created innovative online courses for multiple institutions including Lipscomb University and Valencia College • Built strategic partnerships between academia and industry leaders to enhance student …
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