April M. Merenda

Assistant ProfessorAssistant Professor / Industry
April Merenda held key positions within the hospitality and tourism industry over the past 4 decades, most notably being the Co-Founder of Gutsy Women Travel, LLC, the largest niche marketing company promoting travel designed for women and their unique interest. Ms. Merenda is highly regarded for her high energy and hands-on approach to business development and has solidified major industry relationships within the Hospitality industry. Merenda, daughter of an Italian immigrant family from Salerno, Italy, was born and raised in Brooklyn N.Y. and earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree and her Masters in Leadership Management at St. John’s University; where she taught as an adjunct Professor within the Hospitality Management program for 12 years while simultaneously being employed as an Assistant Dean/External Affairs for the College of Professional Studies. April is an Assistant Professor/Industry Professional tenure-track within the Hospitality Management program and brings a wealth of industry experience and networking opportunities to the classroom. She recently accepted the position of Director of International Hospitality Management M. S.

Teaching Interests

Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Customer Service and Sales, Capstone, Hospitality Management, Casino Operations, Travel and Tourism, International Destinations and Cultures, Food and Beverage, Marketing and Venues Management for Conferences and Resorts.

Research Interests

Customer Relationship Management Digital Marketing Ecotourism Culinary Arts Millennials in the Workplace How to Start a Profitable Business Revenue Management

Courses Taught

HMT
1003
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE
HMT
1009
H.M. CAPSTONE COURSE
HMT
1071
INT'L TRAVEL DEST & CULTURES
IHM
100
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MGMT
IHM
103
DELIVERG SUCCESSFUL CUST SRVCE
IHM
104
MKT & SALES IN INTRNL HOSP MGT
IHM
116
ECOTOURISM & SUSTAIN IN IHM
SPG
404
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPORT MGT