Message from the Director of Education

Dr. Ruth A. Smith, CHE, MIH.
Bethune-Cookman University
[email protected]

Greetings to the Esteemed ICHRIE Academic Community,

As we embrace the changing seasons across the globe, whether the crisp autumn air or the warm rays of spring, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude to connect with you. On behalf of the ICHRIE Education Committee, I bring greetings and a message of purpose and ambition for the next eight months.

This academic year holds incredible promise for ICHRIE's Education Committee’s mission to advance pedagogy and elevate hospitality education standards globally. Our dynamic and dedicated Education Committee—comprised of myself and the Directors of Education from each of our six federations—is driven by a shared vision of Igniting Pedagogy and Propelling Teaching and Learning to new heights within ICHRIE. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to this passionate and inspiring team of leaders representing our six federations:

Dr. Daniel Leung, Director of Education, APac CHRIE

Dr. Amanda Miller, Director of Education, Euro CHRIE

Dr. Pei Liu, Director of Education, Central CHRIE

Dr. Forest Ma, Director of Education, NENA CHRIE

Dr. Eun-Kyong (Cindy) Choi, Director of Education, SECSA CHRIE

Dr. Smita Singh, Director of Education, West CHRIE

Together, we are committed to enhancing the pedagogical landscape and delivering value to every ICHRIE member through innovative educational initiatives that align with the Teaching and Learning objectives of ICHRIE’s Strategic Plan:

Provide membership with resources that support best practices in teaching and learning.
Provide membership opportunities to glean insight from industry partners to ensure students are industry-ready and the curriculum is industry-relevant.
Increase member satisfaction and engagement.
Provide membership with resources pertaining to current trends in higher education.

Starting November 2024

We are thrilled to introduce two flagship programs to inspire, connect, and empower ICHRIE’s hospitality educators worldwide.

Federations On Fire – Spark Inspiration with the Power of Collaboration!

This initiative celebrates the remarkable pedagogical achievements across our six federations. "Federations On Fire" will showcase each federation's most creative and impactful teaching strategies, learning activities, and engagement techniques. This series aims to ignite passion and innovation, bringing forth the best practices that define hospitality education worldwide. Prepare to be inspired by your peers as we shine a light on the trailblazers in our academic community.

Pedagogy On-The-Go – Quick, Actionable Teaching Tips on the Fly

In our fast-paced academic world, staying ahead is essential. "Pedagogy On-The-Go" delivers short, practical academic tidbits designed for educators on the move. This series will feature trending pedagogical approaches, valuable resource links, and insights from our members, providing fresh, innovative teaching ideas ready for immediate implementation. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for energizing your teaching and keeping your curriculum dynamic and relevant.

Join Us in Igniting the Future of Hospitality Education

We look forward to this exciting year and encourage you to join us as we work to reignite our passion for pedagogy and elevate the standards of excellence in hospitality education. Together, we will meet ICHRIE’s strategic objectives and set new benchmarks for success in hospitality academia. Let us, as one ICHRIE family, lead the way in crafting transformative learning experiences for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

With warm regards,
Ruth A. Smith, ED. D, CHE, MIH
Director of Education, ICHRIE