Main Office
Chilton Hall, Room 331
Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #311100
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-2436
Web site: www.smhm.unt.edu
Judith C. Forney, Dean
Dee Knight, Associate Dean
Lisa Kennon, Graduate Programs Coordinator
Lea Dopson, Chair, Division of Hospitality Management
Tammy Kinley, Chair, Division of Merchandising
Faculty
Note: Effective Nov. 18, 2011, the School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management was reorganized as the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, with two departments: the Department of Hospitality and Tourism and the Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing. These organizational changes will be represented fully in the 2012–2013 Graduate Catalog.
The School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management offers graduate programs leading to the following degrees:
The School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management, in collaboration with the College of Business, offers the following dual degrees:
The programs of study for the Master of Science degrees in merchandising and hospitality management are offered as totally web-based programs as well as resident programs.
The school offers graduate academic certificates in event management , hospitality management and merchandising .
These graduate programs are designed to meet personnel needs in product merchandising and hospitality management. These two fields of study represent high growth global industries with increasing demands for highly skilled leaders who can solve complex problems, create new opportunities in very competitive markets, and have a holistic understanding of the many components that support a successful business venture. Teaching and research focus on the broad concepts of products, service, resource management, information-exchange technology and total experience management in consumer-driven global markets. Close proximity to a major apparel and home furnishings market complex, major retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, major hotels, restaurants, and food service businesses provides excellent affiliations and internship opportunities. The Dallas–Fort Worth region is the headquarters for numerous retail, lodging and restaurant companies.
The School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management operates as one unit but is organized into divisions based on the following programs.
Hospitality Management
The mission of the division of hospitality management is to educate students for management and leadership positions in the hospitality industry and to contribute to the profession through teaching excellence, research, publication, consultation and related service activities. Lea Dopson is chair of the division of hospitality management.
Merchandising
The mission of the division of merchandising is to integrate educational experiences and research that contribute to critical analyses of merchandising strategies as they relate to the development, distribution, evaluation and use of products that are fashion-oriented and undergo continuous change in the consumer-driven global market. Tammy Kinley is chair of the division of merchandising.
Degree Plan
The degree plan is developed in consultation with the student’s major professor to meet the specific student needs and career objectives.
Research
Research in the hospitality management division includes hotel and restaurant operations; legal and regulatory aspects; cost containment; and consumer issues impacting the hospitality industry. Other research interests include quality issues, managerial competencies, food safety, nutrition and dining habits of consumers, tourism, and hospitality education and administration.
Research in the merchandising division focuses on consumer-driven markets and market segmentation for fashion-oriented products. Specific emphases are on merchandising in domestic and global markets and to specific demographic segments. Additional research focuses on service quality, cross-cultural consumer analyses, non-store retailing, e-commerce, retail employee professional development, evaluative criteria, experiential retailing and tourism shopping, garment size issues, and brand quality.
Financial Assistance
Numerous scholarships are available to SMHM majors. Students may apply for financial awards from a wide range of national, state, university and school resources. Please check the SMHM web site for specific information and guidelines at www.smhm.unt.edu.
A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships and teaching fellowships are available in the school. Contact the Office of the Dean for information.
