Successor Appointed to continue Career Center’s Commitment to Student Support and Industry Connections
Charlie Adams, Ph.D., will retire from the College of Human Sciences at the end of August. He spent over 30 years of service here at Texas Tech and has impacted the lives of many students throughout his roles. Adams received a bachelor's and master's degree in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management (RHIM) from Texas Tech. He later went on to get a Ph.D. in Consumer Economics and Environmental Design.
Adams served as an associate professor and the director of career services for RHIM.
In that role, he connected students with alumni and businesses across the state and
nation. Many Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management graduates credit Adams
for their connections and ability to find jobs in the industry.
Tim Dodd, College of Human Sciences dean, shares how Adams has invested into the program over the years.
"During Dr. Charlie Adam's time at the College of Human Sciences, he has led thousands
of students to discover their passions and the path to their careers," Dodd said.
"Charlie impacted students and the hospitality industry in an incredibly inspiring
way and served as a leader that our students have found to be supportive and encouraging.
He has made a tremendous impact that we will continue to witness as his students continue
to make their marks on the RHIM industry."
Joseph Kleypas was hired as the new career center director and assistant professor of practice for the Hospitality and Retail Management department. Kleypas received his bachelor's and master's degree from the Texas Tech and is a soon-to-be graduate of the Hospitality, Tourism, and Retail Management doctoral program. He has had extensive experience in the restaurant industry that includes 15 years at both corporate and independently owned establishments.
In his new role, Kleypas will coordinate with the industry to provide students with opportunities before and after graduating from Texas Tech. He also believes he has an obligation to professional partners to provide high-quality candidates for the career opportunities they offer. Kleypas said his role is to improve students' ability to demonstrate value in the employment-seeking process and improve their potential once they begin their careers.
"The thing that I am most excited about is working with students," Kleypas said. "A university degree is not just about attaining mandated skills for the workplace but also developing the soft skills necessary to prosper, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. I truly enjoy witnessing the journey students make through the program and how these skills progress."
Kleypas had the opportunity to work with HRM faculty throughout his time in the Ph.D. program. During that time, he was mentored by many Texas Tech Hospitality and Retail Management faculty members, especially Adams.
"I have been quite fortunate in the quality of mentors I have had at Texas Tech HRM, especially my predecessor, Dr. Charlie Adams," Kleypas said. "I am honored and privileged to continue the service Dr. Adams has provided to Texas Tech and the thousands of students he has impacted."
Under the direction of Kleypas, the Hospitality and Retail Management Career Center will continue to assist students in their academic and professional journeys.
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