The College of Charleston has officially established its first named school, the Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism. This new institution, housed within the college's School of Business, is made possible by a significant investment from the Bennett family, founders of the prominent Bennett Hospitality group.
The launch marks a major development for the university's rapidly growing hospitality program, aiming to create a world-class educational hub in a city renowned for its tourism industry. The new school is expected to elevate the program's prestige, attract leading educators and students, and drive innovation in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- The College of Charleston has opened its first-ever named school, the Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism.
- The school was established through a major investment by Michael and Amy Bennett of Bennett Hospitality.
- It will operate within the college's existing School of Business and aims to become a top-tier program.
- Student enrollment in the hospitality program has been steadily increasing, with over 250 students currently studying in the field.
A Strategic Investment in a Core Industry
The establishment of the Bennett School represents a strategic move to bolster an academic program that directly supports Charleston's most vital economic engine. The city is consistently ranked as a top global travel destination, making the study of hospitality and tourism particularly relevant.
College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu highlighted the city's unique position in a statement about the launch.
“With Charleston’s long and storied tradition as one of the world’s great hospitality and tourism destinations, there is no better home for a top-tier program studying this dynamic, multibillion-dollar industry,” he said.
The investment from the Bennett family is intended to enhance every aspect of the existing program. University officials state the funds will be used to increase engagement with industry executives, recruit top-tier faculty, and provide new resources for research and innovation.
Who are Michael and Amy Bennett?
Michael and Amy Bennett are the founders of Bennett Hospitality, a Charleston-based company known for developing and managing a portfolio of luxury hotels, restaurants, and commercial properties. Their work has significantly shaped the modern landscape of Charleston's hospitality scene, making their investment in its future workforce a natural extension of their legacy.
Responding to Growing Student Demand
The creation of the named school comes as student interest in the hospitality and tourism management program is on the rise. As of last December, the program served more than 250 students, a number that has been trending upward annually.
Of those students, 148 are declared majors in hospitality and tourism management. This growing enrollment signals a strong demand for specialized education in the field, which the new school is designed to meet. The enhanced resources and prestige are expected to attract even more high-caliber students to Charleston.
Enrollment at a Glance
- Total Students: Over 250
- Declared Majors: 148
- Trend: Increasing year over year
Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business, has been instrumental in the planning process. The goal was to finalize the school's structure in the first quarter of the year for an official launch in the fall semester. This timeline has been met with the recent debut ceremony.
Future Development and Vision
A New Physical Home
While the Bennett School is now officially established, its physical presence is set to evolve over the next few years. The school will be part of a new building planned for the School of Business, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and faculty.
This long-term vision ensures that the infrastructure of the Bennett School will match its ambitious academic goals. The new facilities will likely include modern classrooms, collaborative spaces, and technology designed to simulate real-world hospitality environments.
Elevating Charleston's Educational Standing
The ultimate objective is to transform the College of Charleston into a leading institution for hospitality education, not just regionally but nationally. By leveraging the city's status as a living laboratory for tourism, the school can offer students unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and networking.
The partnership with Bennett Hospitality provides a direct link to industry leaders, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the changing demands of the multibillion-dollar tourism sector. This collaboration between academia and industry is seen as a critical component for the school's future success, preparing graduates to become the next generation of leaders in the Holy City and beyond.