From mountain climber to academic innovator--- Heidi Sung,
Ph.D., Associate Professor in St. John’s University’s Hospitality
Management and Tourism program, is constantly striving to reach new
heights.
Born in Seoul, South Korea Dr. Sung says she always had a passion
for travel and adventure. After graduating from college and
beginning a career as a mountain climber, Dr. Sung says she felt
inspired to start her own adventure travel company. She then moved
to Nepal and founded the Universal Alpine Service which became the
first Korean tour service in the market.
Her interest in travel and tourism continued to grow, so Dr. Sung
headed to Purdue University to earn her doctoral degree in tourism
management and marketing. While working towards the graduate
degree, her fascination with hospitality and tourism education
increased. Her research efforts were specifically aimed at building
a bridge between academia, industry and the community. She knew
becoming a professor in hospitality management would provide her
the opportunity to stay connected to the industry while remaining
dedicated to producing quality research.
That led Dr. Sung to St. John’s in 2004, when she became an
Assistant Professor in the recently established Department of
Hospitality, Tourism and Sport Management. She became the program’s
director from 2005 to 2009, and ever since then the Hospitality
Management program has developed into an engaging, enriching
experience for students, with a curriculum that’s filled with
hands-on training, innovative classes, field trips and
internships.
“I thoroughly enjoy my research but the most gratifying part of
being a professor is watching my students succeed in the
hospitality industry. When my students begin exciting careers as
restaurant owners, hotel managers and travel planners it’s proof
that the balance between providing them with a framework and giving
them practical experience truly does work.”
Although Dr. Sung admits it is very difficult to get an A in her
classes, her new courses in “
Wine Appreciation and Management” and “
Cruise Operations Management” are undoubtedly popular. With an
ever increasing number of students enrolled this semester, the
program is a budding success.
“I create classes that expose students to the various areas
within hospitality and tourism, so that means taking my cruise
management students on a cruise, or having students visit local
wineries and vineyards during the wine appreciation class. Through
academic excellence and professional development, my students are
equipped to make a difference in many areas. I believe professors
should strive to raise the bar in academic standards. It’s very
rewarding and I take a lot of pride in it.”
If you are interested in this degree program, please contact Glenn Gernster, Chair of the
Division of Hospitality, Tourism, and Sport Management.