Morgan Squires honored by Southwest and BTN Group at Business Travel Hall of Fame dinner in New York City
Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management (RHIM) student, Morgan Squires, recently received the prestigious Gary Kelly Texas Travel and Hospitality Scholarship. This scholarship was presented by Southwest and BTN Group awards recipients $5,000 for the Spring 2024 semester to pursue academic studies. Squires was honored at a Business Travel Hall of Fame dinner in New York City.
At the event, Squires gave a few remarks about her time at Texas Tech University and her experience in the RHIM program. She said she enjoyed going to New York and meeting industry professionals.
“Going up and giving my speech and being able to talk about the TTU RHIM program is something I never saw coming my way, but I enjoyed because I got so many questions from influential people about our program,” Squires said. “I am also so grateful as this scholarship will help me continue my education at TTU.”
Squires is a senior on track to graduate in August of 2024. She wasn't originally a RHIM major, but after seeing how much her roommate liked the program, she decided to inquire about the degree. Squires visited Charlie Adams, Ph.D., office, where he encouraged her to pursue a career in hospitality. Adams is a former Hospitality and Retail Management associate professor and director of career services for RHIM. He eventually helped Squires get started in the program.
“Dr. Adams saw something in me that I did not see in myself,” Squires said. “I knew I wanted to serve people but I did not know I would enjoy serving people like I do in hospitality.”
The Hospitality and Retail Management faculty and staff are dedicated to the success of students. Squires said the most impactful parts of the program include hands-on experience, professional networking, and, most importantly, the faculty.
“I love how much the professors care about the people in the program,” Squires said.
Students are prepared for success after completing their degree because of the professional instruction by industry experts. After graduation, Squires plans to pursue a career in food and beverage. Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management is a unique degree that allows students to accept a variety of hospitality jobs.