Texas Tech University

Hospitality & Retail Management Interim Department Chair

Dr. Audrey McCool has stepped into the position of Interim Department Chair of the Department of Hospitality and Retail Management where she will be administering the department and taking on the Department Chair responsibilities.

Dr. McCool spent more than 40 years in the management of health care foodservice and in teaching in the areas of food service management and dietetics.

Dr. McCool previously taught in hospitality management programs at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Central Florida, and in dietetics programs at Texas Tech and the University of Maryland. We are glad to welcome Dr. McCool back to the College of Human Sciences.

Dr. McCool's hope for the future of the program is to regain status as one of the top hospitality programs in the country in terms of number of enrollment.Hospitality & Retail Management Interim Chair

"We want to grow enrollment at the graduate level as well as increase the quality of the graduate program."

Dr. McCool believes the Department of Hospitality and Retail Management and the College of Human Sciences as a whole has significant importance to the community.

Her hope is that the students will take away the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their careers.

"We've had a good track record, and part of that is related to the industry relationships we have and the efforts people have made."

Dr. Tim Dodd, Associate Dean for Administration and Finance said the College of Human Sciences is delighted Dr. McCool was willing to step in and accept the role of Interim Chairperson for the Department of Hospitality and Retail Management.

"She brings substantial experience from her career in academics as well as her work as someone who can help with transformation and transition."

Dr. Dodd said Dr. McCool quickly established a leadership team and has provided some clear priorities during this interim phase.

In the meantime, Dr. McCool and the rest of the faculty are working hard to keep the momentum going.

Dr. Dodd said the department is involved in a number of exciting projects such as the development of the curriculum and a campus in Costa Rica, reinvigorating the Skyviews restaurant lab, and continuing to help manage the growth of the Retail Management Program.

"Exciting times are ahead for the department."