Jackie Flory Alumni Profile

Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management Major Thrives in Career as Spa Director

Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management (RHIM) graduate Jackie Flory earned her bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University in 2008. She currently works as the Spa Director at Mokara Spa at Omni Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas. Jackie oversees the overall function and management of the spa by providing leadership and maximizing satisfaction for all guests and team members. She also ensures that the spa remains marketable and profitable while meeting financial goals.

"I enjoy that I have had the opportunity to move and grow with Omni and live in some great cities," Jackie said. "I also enjoy all of the associates and friends that I have had the pleasure to work with along the way."

Jackie's education in RHIM helped prepare her for several different aspects of her hospitality management career. She knows how to manage a facility and hire great talent, and she learned how each department in a hotel works together. She also gained a background in accounting and profit/loss statements.

Jackie knew that she wanted to serve people in her future career after working a front desk position in high school at a high-end health club. She loved getting to interact with guests and choosing Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management as her major at Texas Tech helped set Jackie up for success in many ways.

"The interviewing class at the end of our schooling was so valuable," Jackie said. "Students should take full advantage of those opportunities and be as prepared as possible to get a great job with a company that is the best fit for them. Working at Skyviews was also very educational and eye-opening to see how much work goes into pulling off an event."

When asked what advice she would give to students considering a major in RHIM, Jackie says that being prepared and working hard are essential parts of being successful. She encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to travel and see different hotels in those cities.

"I would recommend working in restaurants and hotels during college to determine which direction is best for you," Jackie said. "There are so many different directions you can go with hotels and food service, so find the best fit early on so you can start working towards reaching your goals once your career begins!"