<p>A somewhat unconventional academic journey led Clinical Associate Professor Brian C. Barker to the Tisch Center, where he currently spearheads the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/aas-in-hospitality-management.html">AAS in Hospitality Management</a> program, a role supported by the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. We recently spoke to Barker about the program, teaching, and what’s next for the hospitality industry.</p> <p>“I am deeply passionate about the intersection of social impact and hospitality—both in theory and in practice,” states Barker, who earned his BS in Business and Hospitality Management from Bethune Cookman University, his MA in Multicultural &amp; Organizational Communication from DePaul, and his PhD from Iowa State. “My research demonstrates a strong link between socially responsible organizations and increased revenue generation. This passion, together with the impact of my nonprofit work, led me to the NYU School of Professional Studies.”</p> <p>Barker shares that it is a bit ironic that he is now a teacher, since school wasn’t a top priority for him until he attended college. His hard work there led to a position with Four Seasons as an assistant manager immediately following graduation. He soon became front office manager. Barker then pursued his master’s at DePaul, leveraging his expertise and hotel experience to manage facility operations for the university’s residence halls.</p> <p>There, Barker oversaw a large student population, many of whom expressed interest in pursuing careers in hospitality. DePaul did not have a formal hospitality program at time, so Barker took it upon himself to launch a student hospitality association. Shortly afterward, the university established a hospitality program, where he was invited to teach full-time. “Though I had never taught before, I was honored and went on to lead the College of Business in teaching evaluations. Since then, I haven’t looked back,” he shares.</p>

<p>Barker also leads a nonprofit (which he co-founded with a former NYU professor) that partners with major industry leaders such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Davidson Hospitality, and JLL’s Tourism Division. “Together, we work to expand access to college and professional opportunities for high school and college students. This mission closely aligns with my role as executive director of the apprenticeship and workforce program at Tisch, creating powerful synergies between both efforts,” he adds.</p> <p>Barker looks forward to welcoming the first cohort of AAS in Hospitality Management students to this fledgling program, and shares that the AAS has secured partnerships with the American Hotel &amp; Lodging Association Foundation and the National Academies Foundation (NAF). While AAS programs are newer to SPS, “over the past year, we have built several key partnerships that will support our recruitment efforts and help us reach the students we aim to serve.”</p> <p>Looking into the future, Barker predicts that, “leading organizations will find ways to increase profitability by aligning with values-driven, or conscious, consumers to co-create value in the marketplace. The Tisch Center is committed to preparing our students to adapt and thrive no matter what curveballs the future may bring.”</p> <p>Barker is enthusiastic to help shape tomorrow’s leaders in the hospitality industry. “There are many segments and skills one can bring to the hospitality industry. At the core of all these areas, however, the most critical skill you must bring is care,” he says. “Great leaders not only have a strong education but also possess a genuine desire to care for those around them.” He invites prospective students to, “bring the care, and we will help you learn the skills and sciences needed to master this business.”</p>