Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management – START FALL 2026

Position Summary

Proudly standing as the nation’s oldest HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has been a stalwart and highly respected institution of higher education since our founding in 1837. For over 185 years our alumni have emerged as leaders and left their mark on the social, economic, and political history of Philadelphia, the surrounding region, the nation, and the world. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney University is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility.

Here at Cheyney, we value scholarship, diversity, integrity, respect, and service. We are committed to maintaining a vibrant educational community that is dedicated to promoting scholarship and lifelong learning for its students, offering wide student access to resources to ensure an opportunity for all to acquire an education, encouraging freedom of thought and freedom from discrimination by ensuring a respectful environment, and provide outreach and service to external and constituent communities, demonstrating their understanding of the importance and value of service.

We’re looking for exceptional individuals who share our values, embrace our mission, recognize our potential, and covet the opportunity to continue to move our historic University forward. CU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

Cheyney University — America’s first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) — invites dynamic and experienced hospitality professionals to join our Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management (HRTM)program. We seek an innovative, student-centered educator with a passion for teaching, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders for success in a global industry.

The ideal candidate brings strong industry experience in hotel operations, restaurant management, event planning, tourism development, or related sectors, paired with the ability to connect real-world application to academic excellence.

The Hospitality Management professor will instruct students according to the curriculum designed to assist students to build knowledge and clinical skills aimed at completing the Hospitality Management program. The professor must possess the ability to work with students from different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The professor is responsible for establishing a positive and welcoming classroom environment, where all students could learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in areas such as hospitality operations, service management, human resources, cost control, lodging management, food & beverage, or tourism.
• Integrate industry best practices, technology, and experiential learning into course instruction.
• Advise and mentor students on career development, internships, and leadership opportunities.
• Engage in curriculum development aligned with ACPHA accreditation and industry standards.
• Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and community organizations to enhance student experiences.
• Participate in departmental service, recruitment, and university-wide initiatives.
• Develop and update course curricula and instructional materials.
• Assess student performance through examinations, assignments, and projects.
• Advise and mentor students on academic and career goals.
• Coordinate with industry professionals to provide students with internship and job opportunities.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the hospitality industry.
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with other employees, clients, and the public.
• Work effectively as a team contributor.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and outside organizations.
• Maintain professional development through industry engagement, research, or certifications.
• Comply with college policies and directions regarding student testing, record keeping, providing grades on a timely basis, evaluating student performance and maintaining availability for student assistance and counseling, etc.
• Experience working with non-traditional students is strongly preferred.
• Some evening and occasional weekend hours may be required in addition to travel to various industry conferences and/or events.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Business, or a closely related field.
• Significant industry experience (minimum 3–5 years) in a managerial or leadership role within the hospitality or tourism sector.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence and student success.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred:

• Teaching experience at the college or university level.
• ACPHA, CHRIE, or related professional affiliations.
• Experience with online learning platforms (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, D2L Brightspace).
• Active professional certifications (e.g., CHA, CFBE, ServSafe, CMP, etc.).
• Evidence of scholarship, service, or community engagement.

Skills:

The incumbent will also display:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, as well as other office software applications
• Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines
• Ability to collaborate and build working relationships with faculty and staff
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong commitment to the delivery of student-centered academic advising
• Flexible Schedule to accommodate class schedules; classes will generally run 3 to 5 days per week
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills required
• Must possess a strong sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Knowledge of current educational methods and strategies, including learner-centered instruction, assessment, evaluation and collaborative techniques and strategies that address closing the gap in student access and achievement across race, gender and disability
• Skill in the use of educational technology and alternative delivery methods
• Knowledge and ability to infuse multicultural perspectives into course content and delivery
• Skill in communications and human relations with populations having diverse socio-economic and racial backgrounds, as well as individuals with disabilities
• Ability to interact with business and industry to establish partnerships
• Curriculum Development
• Hospitality Management
• Customer Service Excellence
• Business Administration
• Research and Data Analysis
• Mentorship and Advising
• Public Speaking

Instructions for Applying

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter detailing teaching philosophy and industry experience.
2. Current curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Three professional references.
4. (Optional) Evidence of teaching effectiveness or industry certifications.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Diversity Statement

Cheyney University an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.