Oklahoma State University

School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

School Head Position Announcement

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of School. The preferred start date is Spring 2026, though an earlier or later start may be negotiated. The search will remain open until the position is filled. HTM is housed within the AACSB-accredited Spears School of Business, one of the largest and most successful units at OSU. In 2024, HTM was ranked 8th nationally and 22nd globally, reflecting its academic excellence, strong research culture, and long-standing industry partnerships. Established 88 years ago, HTM is one of the oldest and most respected hospitality and tourism programs in the United States. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees and engages students, alumni, and industry leaders through a robust portfolio of academic programs, signature events, and professional collaborations. We seek a visionary leader who will guide HTM’s next chapter of growth and global engagement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong record of scholarship, leadership and administrative experience within an R1 university setting.

Position Responsibilities

The Head will report to the Dean of the Spears School of Business and will:

• Provide visionary leadership and clear communication to foster a collegial, and forward-looking academic culture.
• Lead the development and implementation of a strategic vision that drives continuous improvement in academic programs, research, and external engagement.
• Advance HTM’s national and international prominence through faculty development, student success, and high-impact research.
• Collaborate with faculty to support and mentor their professional growth and career development.
• Participate in and support the recruitment of outstanding candidates for the undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. programs.
• Oversee the operations of HTM, including budgeting, personnel management, program development, and external relations.
• Support efforts within Spears to maintain AACSB accreditation.
• Represent HTM in a broad range of internal and external activities, including development and alumni relations, student placement, and engagement with both industry and academic organizations.  
• Collaborate effectively with departments, programs, units, and administrators across Spears and OSU.
• Serve as an active member of the Spears Executive Committee and contribute to advancing the Spears mission.
• Balance multiple demands of the position while continuing personal growth and development. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Earned doctorate in hospitality, tourism or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and professional service at a level that qualifies for appointment with tenure, preferably at the rank of full professor.
• Highly effective communication, interpersonal and leadership skills as evidenced by the ability to engage with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and the business community.
• Academic experience, preferably in a leadership position that demonstrates planning, program development, evaluation, problem solving, external relations, and collaboration skills.
• Relevant industry experience preferred.
• Experience creating and sustaining a culture of openness, and collaboration.

Academic Environment

Founded in 1937, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) within the Spears School of Business is one of the oldest and most prestigious hospitality and tourism educational programs in the nation. It has evolved into a business-focused, high-caliber academic program, consistently ranked among the top 10 HTM programs in the United States and within the top 25 worldwide based on research productivity. The School offers a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as master's and PhD programs.

HTM is renowned for its commitment to superior learning, research, service, and outreach in a professional and caring environment. This mission is achieved through excellence in delivering theoretical constructs supported by practical experiences in state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. The curriculum emphasizes quality, innovation, and industry-based applications at all educational levels, working closely with hospitality industry professionals to integrate current events and future trends. The School also hosts numerous signature events that attract individuals and alumni from across the country to campus, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is one of eight departments in the Spears School of Business. Spears is AACSB accredited and one of the largest and most successful units at OSU, offering a full range of academic programs at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. The Spears School of Business actively supports students and faculty with a variety of resources, including the Eastin Center for Career Readiness, the CAGLE Center for Study Abroad, the Center for Executive and Professional Development, and significant resources dedicated to the development and delivery of online curricula.

OSU is a modern land-grant institution with an interdisciplinary approach to programs that prepares students for success. Through leadership and service, OSU is preparing students for a bright future and building a brighter world for all. As Oklahoma's only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research, and outreach. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system.  The main campus is in Stillwater, a city of about 50,000 residents situated approximately 65 miles from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and approximately 250 miles from Dallas and Kansas City. OSU Stillwater has more than 24,500 students on its campus, representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Stillwater is a diverse and welcoming academic and cultural community. Students and staff of OSU comprise about half of the city's population. Stillwater has been described as “America’s Friendliest College Town,” and has been listed as one of Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live. Stillwater boasts a historic downtown, a superb campus, highly rated public schools, and a regional airport with direct flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth. The city offers a variety of activities on campus and in the community, including music, drama, art, speakers, recreation, and sporting events. Examples include the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, the Colvin Center, and the Seretean Wellness Center for physical education and recreation. Nearby lakes, walking/biking trails, and local/state parks are popular with students and faculty.

Additional Resources

• School of Hospitality and Tourism Management - https://business.okstate.edu/departments_programs/htm/
• Spears School of Business - https://business.okstate.edu/
• Oklahoma State University - https://go.okstate.edu/
• OSU interactions with the Stillwater area - https://go.okstate.edu/about-osu/visit-stillwater.html
• Information about the Stillwater area - www.visitstillwater.org

Applications and Nominations:

Applications received by August 15, 2025, will receive priority consideration; however, application review will continue until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted online at jobs.okstate.edu.

Candidates should submit the following materials: letter of interest; statement of teaching, research, and service/outreach; summary of prior teaching evaluations; curriculum vitae; and list of three references.

Questions regarding this position or nominations, including the name, address, phone number, and email of the individual you are nominating, may be directed to:

Dr. Teresa Lightner

Associate Dean of Business Intelligence

William S. Spears Chair in Business Administration

Spears School of Business

370 Business Building, Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK 74078

Phone: 405-744-7627

Email: Teresa.Lightner@okstate.edu