Tallahassee, Fla. – The College of Business at The Florida State University announces that the Dedman School of Hospitality will become a "stand-alone" program. Although still administered by the College of Business, the school will now operate as an independent, industry-specific school, with its own admission and degree requirements.

This is a win-win situation for both the Dedman School and The Florida State University," said Jane Ohlin, director of the Dedman School of Hospitality and the school's Robert H. Dedman Professor of Hospitality. "Students now will be able to earn a highly versatile hospitality management degree with a rigorous and relevant curriculum. The new, innovative curriculum will place an intense focus on hospitality management. For example, a graduation requirement for each student mandates 1,000 hours of work experience and a hospitality management internship."

"We feel confident this is the best move for the Dedman School of Hospitality and Florida State University," said Caryn L. Beck-Dudley, dean of the College of Business. "With tourism being the No. 1 industry in the state of Florida and the Dedman School placing nearly 100 percent of its graduates, the need is evident for this type of program. By becoming independent, the Dedman School will be able to double its enrollment, providing a larger stream of qualified graduates to this ever-growing industry."

Discussions to separate the Dedman School from the College of Business have been ongoing for several years but are now coming to fruition in light of severe budget cuts.

"We are eager to move forward," said Ohlin. "This change will allow us to provide a world-class hospitality education to more students and continue to nurture our relationships with industry leaders. This will further benefit our students in the classroom and after graduation."

Ohlin said the new hospitality management degree that will be offered by the Dedman School of Hospitality carries many positives for both students and employers:

• The classes will be taught by the same innovative, world-class faculty.
• New adjunct professors with hospitality and corporate experience will bring real-world experience to the classroom.
• The program will offer a mix of theory and practical application.
• The program will feature hands-on experiences and group dynamics.
• The program will emphasize teamwork and problem solving.
• Industry leaders will be even more involved to provide a real-world perspective.

Increasing the student population will be the No. 1 priority for the Dedman School, a goal that was hindered by the accreditation regulations of the College of Business that monitor the ratio of full-time faculty to students. The school will receive interim financial support while it grows its student enrollment and incorporates industry professionals who will foster the unique, real-world experiences benefit that the school offers. During this three-year period, an extensive fundraising campaign will be initiated, ensuring that the Dedman School will remain financially independent.

"We are glad to see some good finally come from the budget crisis," Beck-Dudley said. "We are committed to this program and look forward to its continued success."

About the Florida State University College of Business
Founded in 1950, the Florida State University College of Business is one of the nation's youngest business schools, yet it has become one of the 10 largest in the United States. It is the second largest academic unit on the Florida State campus with an enrollment of 6,107 students and boasts a distinguished full-time faculty of 108, including one Francis Eppes professorship, eight eminent scholar chairs, three university-named professorships and 30 endowed professorships. For more information, visit www.cob.fsu.edu.

About the Dedman School of Hospitality
Founded in 1947, the Dedman School of Hospitality has a long tradition of excellence in the hospitality industry. Boasting a nearly 100-percent placement rate for its graduates, the Dedman School's world-renowned faculty have received numerous awards and recognitions, as well as regularly being published in top industry journals. For more information, visit www.cob.fsu.edu/dsh

For more information, contact Dr. Jane Ohlin at johlin@cob.fsu.edu or (850) 545-2089.