Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Hospitality & Event Management (82844)

You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
As a major research institution, the University of Florida (UF) is leading the way by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve some of the world’s most formidable challenges. Our department embraces that innovation as we maintain a robust research agenda. Our students, faculty and staff are driving breakthroughs and discoveries to improve lives, bolster industry and create economic growth across the state.

The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM) is set apart by the opportunity for students to draw on a global perspective through programmatic offerings and in the classroom. Two thirds of the THEM faculty are international faculty, and there are currently three study abroad programs offered from the department with programs in Australia, Italy and Fiji. This international tenor within the Department fosters exceptional programming partnerships across the world in nations such as Australia, Italy, Russia, Fiji, and New Zealand. The rich cultural aspect of the department also serves as a unique opportunity for students to gain a global perspective on tourism, hospitality, and event management. Together, we are unstoppable.

The Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management
The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management is situated within the College of Health and Human Performance. There are four departments in the college, including Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, Health Education and Behavior, THEM and Sport Management.

THEM faculty drive highly ranked programs. Notable to the Department is the excellence in teaching and research, particularly in concert with graduate student success. The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute is housed within the Department and provides an internationally recognized research and education network of researchers and the tourism industry.

The Opportunity
This well-respected and dynamic, nine-month, tenure-track, and open rank faculty (assistant/associate/full professor) will work closely with the Chair and talented faculty within the department to execute strategic plans and develop a cutting-edge curriculum and lead internationally recognized research programs. These programs are centered on artificial intelligence/data analytics, crisis management, sustainable business development, and festival and event tourism at local, national, and international levels.

With creative and feasible ideas for enhancing the undergraduate experience, growing bachelor’s and master’s enrollment, and enriching the doctoral program, this open rank faculty (assistant/associate or full professor) of the Department must demonstrate a commitment to scholarly excellence. Like other current THEM faculty, the new faculty is expected to actively seek sponsored research and attend to the further development of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition, the focus on the growth of individual and group dynamics through critical thinking and experiential learning is emphasized so that students will create change in an ever-evolving industry. Graduates pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities including travel and tourism, resorts, hotels and attractions, event management, and many other options.

Joining our team presents an opportunity to engage in projects that allow for multi-collaboration between peers and colleges as we solve cross-disciplinary problems through the advancement of research and artificial intelligence.

Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management is committed to enhancing and nourishing a cultural climate that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity, inclusivity, and excellence of the academic community. Find yourself here.

The University of Florida
The University of Florida is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization comprising the top public and private institutions in North America. UF is ranked #5 of Public Universities in the United States. With an enrollment of over 53,000 students annually, UF is home to 16 colleges and more than 200 research, service and education centers, bureaus and institutes. Thousands of projects were funded, with a record $928.6 million in research awards to the University of Florida for the last fiscal year. Our campus is located “where nature and culture meet”—in the city of Gainesville, which is repeatedly cited as one of the top places to live in the U.S. Gainesville has approximately 250,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 85 miles from the Georgia border, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It has abundant wildlife, mature forests, prairies, lakes, and opportunities for many outdoor activities, with moderate temperatures almost all year round. Gainesville has an excellent school system, with a number of public schools ranked highly in the state and nation. The state of Florida has a dynamic hospitality and tourism industry that receives more than 100 million visitors annually.

Preferred Qualifications and Requirements

• A strong track record of academic with industry experience and qualifications in Hospitality and Event Management or relevant areas of study harnessing the power of data science (big data) and AI applications
• An earned doctorate
• Business analytics, data science (big data) and AI applications in the tourism, hospitality and event industries are required
• A record of scholarship befitting the leader of a distinguished college of a major university
• An exemplary record of distinction and accomplishment in hospitality, applied engineering in AI, business analytics disciplines across departments
• A commitment to enhancing and nourishing a cultural climate that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the Department
• Rich industry experiences and connections, including a record in working in the hospitality, event, tourism, or attraction industries
• Excellent teaching and communication skills, both oral and written; outstanding listening skills
• Clear devotion to students and the missions of higher education
• A seasoned scholar (at associate/full professor level)/potential to attain this highly respected scholarly reputation (assistant professor) who displays professional integrity and collegiality.
  

Interested applicants must apply online at https://facultyjobs.hr.ufl.edu/ ( reference job #82844 ) and include (1) an application letter summarizing qualifications, ongoing research, and interest in the Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five references. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to receive applications until the position is filled; however, to receive full consideration, complete applications must be received by December 6, 2021 . Send inquiries and nominations to Dr. Heather Gibson Search Committee Chair, at hgibson@hhp.ufl.edu . This is a 9-month, fulltime (1.0 FTE) position that begins August 16, 2022. UF has a competitive benefits package, and department faculty may be eligible for summer salary.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.

The University of Florida is An Equal Employment Opportunity Institution. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

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