When it comes to the hospitality and tourism industry, The Greenbrier is one of the most recognized properties in the world. And the industry overall is essential to West Virginia’s state economy.

Those two factors, along with a growing Hospitality and Tourism Management program at the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics (B&E) led to the establishment of an partnership between The Greenbrier and WVU. The partnership was officially signed by B&E and the historic resort at a ceremony Tuesday at WVU’s Erickson Alumni Center.

“The partnership between WVU and The Greenbrier is really two great partners joining together as one for the benefit of students,” said Jeffrey Kmiec, president and managing partner at The Greenbrier. “The Greenbrier continues to grow at a dramatic pace and partnering with WVU will help us fuel the growth with future leaders.”

The partnership establishes a Manager in Training (MIT) program, combining internships, experiential learning and classroom learning. The program allows students to participate in internships at The Greenbrier while continuing to take classes online at WVU. The course load and number of required hours will remain the same, but allows students to change the sequence of courses to gain the internship MIT experience.

The benefit to the resort is that the program provides a stream of management trainees. Students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management curriculum may apply for acceptance into the program.

Jose “Zito” Sartarelli, B&E Milan Puskar Dean, said the partnership is a critical next step as WVU creates programs that reflect industry needs in the state.

“The Greenbrier is one of the premier and most storied resorts in the world,” Sartarelli said. “It is truly a privilege to partner with America’s Resort. Hospitality and tourism is very important to the economy of West Virginia. We believe this program will only contribute to the future growth of this industry.”

Kmiec said The Greenbrier has plans for growth and this partnership will help provide resources for that growth.

“Human capital becomes a concern to where we will draw these additional resources,” he said. “Having a student join this program and then join us as part of our team is very appealing. We have plans for dramatic growth in the coming years and, quite frankly, we need the help. This partnership is instrumental in that growth plan.”

Sartarelli said, “The role of the hospitality and tourism industry in West Virginia is unquestionable. The MIT program allows us to grow our curriculum, cultivate this management program, and foster our land-grant mission and responsibility to the state of West Virginia.”

Kmiec explained that the resort now encompasses more than 11,000 acres and, with aggressive plans for growth, the partnership comes at a good time. He specifically mentioned the Greenbrier Classic PGA Tour event, activity surrounding the athletic training facility that hosted the New Orleans Saints training camp last year, and expanding resort offerings that demand a skilled work force.

“It’s our goal that people in the program look at and experience the vast possibilities that are available at the resort,” Kmiec said, “and that they find something they really love and then help them focus their talents.

“My hat is off to B&E for coming up with a way to prepare students through this internship program. The Greenbrier is special because of the people who work there. To create a Manager in Training program that leads the best and brightest to The Greenbrier is something special.”

-WVU-

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CONTACT: Patrick Gregg; WVU College of Business and Economics
patrick.gregg@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.5131

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