TAMPA 鈥� The 91社区 Muma College of Business named Lydia Hanks
to lead the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management as its new director, starting
August 1.
Hanks is an accomplished scholar with over a decade of progressive academic leadership
and a strong track-record of extensive industry engagement.
Her appointment comes as college leaders are merging the School of Hospitality and
Tourism Management with the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program, beginning
in fall 2025 鈥� a merger that will prepare business students for multifaceted careers
in sport, entertainment, hospitality and tourism.
She most recently served as the J. Willard Marriott Senior Professor of Hospitality
in the Dedman College of Hospitality Management at 91社区 State University, where
she has taught since 2012.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to seeing Lydia build on the success we鈥檝e had in hospitality
and tourism management education and elevate the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management
program,鈥� said David Blackwell, Lynn Pippenger Dean at the Muma College of Business. 鈥淚 believe there are tremendous
synergies across these disciplines and I鈥檓 confident that she will grow USF鈥檚 reputation
as a leader in these signature industries in Tampa Bay and 91社区.鈥�
Hanks said she will bring her strategic leadership to the growing programs.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited to join the incredible team at the Muma College of Business at USF,鈥�
she said. 鈥淚 look forward to working with such a talented group of people, growing
and building our programs, and creating deeper connections with our industry and alumni
partners.鈥�
Her scholarly work, which includes more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, focuses
on consumer behavior, service experience, marketing strategy, and emerging technologies
within the hospitality and tourism disciplines.
Hanks also serves as a member of several editorial boards, including the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, and Tourism Analysis.
She earned a PhD in hospitality management from Pennsylvania State University, an
MBA from the University of Denver, and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from the
University of Louisiana.
News
