Hospitality and Tourism Management

Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) is a member of the Virginia Community College System and is located in historic Abingdon, Virginia. VHCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges and serves the City of Bristol, Virginia;
Washington County, Virginia; and the western portion of Smyth County, Virginia. The college offers comprehensive instruction to more than 3,000 students in occupational‑technical areas, college transfer programs, continuing education, developmental education, general education and specialized regional and community service areas.

VHCC seeks a dynamic, full‑time faculty member to provide academic leadership and deliver high‑quality instruction for a newly launched Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program. This inaugural hire will play a critical role in shaping the curriculum, establishing industry‑aligned learning outcomes, and fostering experiential and applied learning opportunities. The successful candidate will teach courses in hospitality and tourism management, mentor students, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to program development, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Additional responsibilities include advising students, participating in departmental and institutional service, and supporting recruitment and accreditation efforts. This position is ideal for an innovative educator with industry experience who is passionate about building a forward‑looking academic program that prepares graduates for leadership in the hospitality and tourism sector.

• Teach day, evening, seated, hybrid, and/or virtual courses.
• Advise and mentor students throughout the academic program and those students interested in related career paths.
• Serve as a champion for recruiting and retaining students in the program.
• Serve as Hospitality and Tourism Management program chair.
• Engage in appropriate program assessment processes and strategies.
• Actively employ effective student success strategies.
• Integrate instructional technology in courses and the curriculum as appropriate.
• Develop new courses as necessary.
• Establish and assess student outcomes and participate in Institutional Effectiveness initiatives to include assessment and program reviews.
• Record and report data as needed for potential grant funding.
• Provide leadership and service on college committees.
• Advance the college mission through involvement in college, community and professional activities that enhance the college and impact student development.
• Teach other courses matching qualifications and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Earned bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, tourism management, business, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience in the hospitality and/or tourism industry, with the ability to integrate practical, real‑world perspectives into coursework.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in hospitality and tourism management.
• Experience building relationships with local restaurants, resorts, hotels, economic development organizations, and other hospitality/tourism employers in the region.
• Demonstrated teaching or training experience with adult learners or strong potential for effective teaching in higher education.
• Expressed willingness to develop and teach courses in‑person and via distance learning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty & staff and other stakeholders important to the college.

• Earned master’s degree or higher in hospitality management, tourism management, business, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience developing and delivering curriculum aligned with program outcomes and industry standards.
• Experience using an array of instructional technologies.

• Travel required as needed by the position.
• Operation of a state vehicle required.
• Supervises employees.

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful…