Edition #15

October 9, 2024

Wednesday Wrap-up:

 Top Three Things You Need to Know

1) Spotlight on Excellence: Meet Our

Academic Advisory Committee!

In the coming months, we will showcase the remarkable members of our Academic Advisory Committee (AAC). These distinguished professionals are trailblazers in their fields, making significant contributions to both their institutions and the broader academic community.

Each week, we’ll introduce a different AAC member, sharing their expertise, achievements, and how they are helping to shape the future of the industry. We’re excited to highlight their journeys and celebrate the lasting impact they’ve made.

To see the full list of our AAC, please visit this link.

We currently have almost 80 of the top educators, internship coordinators, and career services specialists from across the globe.

This week's newsletter features Christine Cleaver from Temple University and Dr. Fang Shu from Florida International University.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our AAC!

2) Spotlight on Our Academic Advisory Committee: Christine A. Cleaver

We are proud to feature Christine A. Cleaver, an esteemed member of our Academic Advisory Committee. Christine holds a non-tenure-track appointment at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management (STHM) in Philadelphia, PA. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Event and Entertainment Management curriculum, a program she designed to address the evolving needs of the industry.

With over 25 years of experience spanning event management, marketing, production, and leadership, Christine has built a reputation as a dynamic educator and industry leader. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, creating an engaging classroom where students can directly apply their learning skills to real-world scenarios. Christine takes great pride in mentoring and coaching her students, investing deeply in their personal and professional development.

Reflecting on her decision to join the Academic Advisory Council for Hospitality Internships, Christine shared, “My decision to join the Academic Advisory Committee for Hospitality Internships.com stems from my deep passion for bridging the gap between academia and industry. As someone committed to shaping the future of the hospitality field, I believe in the importance of providing students with real-world experiences that complement their academic learning. By working with this committee, I aim to foster meaningful connections between educational institutions and industry leaders, helping students gain valuable insights and opportunities to prepare them for successful careers.”

In addition to her classroom success, Christine is recognized for her contributions to the academic community. She is a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Faculty Senate Outstanding Faculty Service Award at Temple University. Christine has also spearheaded initiatives like the Knowledge Industry Partner Program and the Literacy Module Series, further solidifying her commitment to student and industry advancement.

Christine’s dedication to both education and the event industry is clear in her ongoing pursuit of professional growth. She is currently working toward her EdD in Higher Education, which she is expected to complete in May 2025. Students, colleagues, and the broader event management community continue to feel her impact as a leader, mentor, and facilitator.

Her favorite quote, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me, and I learn," perfectly reflects her teaching approach and belief in the power of active learning.

We are thrilled to have Christine A. Cleaver's expertise and passion contributing to our Academic Advisory Committee!

Feel free to connect with Christine Cleaver on LinkedIn

3) Introducing Dr. Fang Shu:

A Visionary Leader on Our Academic Advisory Committee

We are honored to spotlight Dr. Fang Shu, an integral member of our Academic Advisory Committee. Dr. Shu is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where he teaches accounting, finance, research, and interdisciplinary courses, including philanthropy, as part of the FIU Honors College. As a Notable Global Learning Faculty member recognized by FIU Global, Dr. Shu is committed to advancing education through diverse and impactful learning experiences.

Reflecting on his involvement with Hospitality Internships, Dr. Shu shared, “Finding quality paid internships can be challenging for students, and industries often face difficulties finding well-qualified interns with the right skills. I am excited that Hospitality Internships is addressing this gap by creating a mutually beneficial solution for students, institutions, and the industry. As a faculty member at Florida International University, I am honored to serve on the Academic Advisory Committee and contribute my expertise and resources to support their mission.”

Before transitioning to full-time teaching in 2018, Dr. Shu served as FIU's China Programs Manager for six years. During this time, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the admissions and career development team in China, focusing on recruitment, enrollment, event planning, and job placement for Chinese students at FIU’s Miami campus. His deep understanding of global education systems has allowed him to bridge the gap between different cultures and industries, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and globalized education.

Dr. Shu’s contributions extend far beyond the classroom. He has served on numerous boards and committees, including as Vice Chair of the Asia Committee at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and as Paper Review Chair of the 29th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Currently, he serves as the Marketing Director for SECSA-CHRIE and the Faculty Advisory of the Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) Honor Society FIU Chapter. In his role as Executive Vice President of the Florida Asian American Restaurant Alliance, Dr. Shu works to support and advocate for the Asian American restaurant community, driving educational and leadership initiatives that foster growth and success in the industry.

Dr. Shu's extensive experience in higher education includes developing leadership training programs, such as the Executive Leadership Program and the Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) Program at Tianjin University of Commerce. He also spearheaded the Faculty Teaching Pedagogy Program and the Chaplin Student Immersion Program at Shanghai University of Engineering Science. Additionally, he leads the Honors China Program and the Hospitality in Japan Program, further expanding global learning opportunities for students.

His research interests in economic impact, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), philanthropy, leadership, and education are reflected in his scholarly contributions. Dr. Shu has published six research articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented nearly 20 papers at various conferences. His commitment to research and education highlights his dedication to addressing critical social issues and making a positive impact on the world.

We are proud to have Dr. Fang Shu as part of our Academic Advisory Committee, where his expertise and global perspective continue to shape the future of hospitality education.



Feel free to connect with Dr. Shu on LInkedIn