For release: March 9, 2012
For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901-678-2843

Students from the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality & Resort Management at the University of Memphis outperformed their peers at the 23rd National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) annual conference and career fair held recently in Washington D.C. More than 1,000 students from 57 universities attended the conference.  

The U of M’s NSMH chapter was named Chapter of the Year and received awards for best publicity, best newsletter, and best membership drive. The chapter also placed third in the chapter exhibit competition. The UofM was the only university to receive three first-place chapter awards.

Students also excelled in job placement opportunities, receiving management trainee job offers from the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (the premier lodging company) and Sodexo Inc. (a leader in institutional food service operations). Others are in the final interview/negotiation process for management trainee positions with industry leaders such as Loews Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Corporation, Marriott International, and Starwoods Hotels and Resorts.

Chapter officers for the University of Memphis NSMH are Brittany Jones, president; Rebecca Smith, secretary; Craig Cerrito, treasurer; Glyn Vandenberg, public relations chair; David Leyva , social events chiar; and Mellissa Smith , service chair.

Dr. Leonard A. Jackson, the group’s faculty adviser, has helped the students achieve their national prominence in only three years.

More information about NSMH, including membership in the organization, is available from Dr. Jackson by phone at 901-678-5504 or via email at ljcksn11@memphis.edu.