In the realm of U.S. hospitality and tourism education, the demographics of faculty members reveal a striking imbalance. Despite the industry’s increasing diversity, white and male professors still hold a dominant presence, according to recent research. This disparity raises critical concerns about the voices shaping the future of hospitality and those that remain unheard.
An analysis of 862 faculty members across 57 leading U.S. hospitality programs highlighted that approximately 75% of these professors are white, with over half being male. Specifically, white males constitute 43.5% of the faculty, underscoring their persistent overrepresentation.
In comparison, Black faculty members make up only 3.7% of the total, which is significantly lower than the 14.4% representation of Black individuals in the U.S. population. Meanwhile, Asian professors account for 22.5%, a figure that exceeds the Asian demographic percentage in the country, with a slightly higher representation of Asian women than men.
Due to limitations in publicly available data, the study focused primarily on the representation of Black and Asian faculty, leaving Hispanic and Indigenous backgrounds less explored.
The study’s findings were derived from scrutinizing online faculty directories of U.S. hospitality and tourism programs featured in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Researchers classified faculty members by gender, race, and academic rank using information from university websites, LinkedIn, and other professional sources.
While this methodology does not capture all facets of personal identity, it mirrors how representation is typically perceived by students and prospective faculty. Students often notice the diversity—or lack thereof—when accessing university websites or attending classes.
The results underscore a stark disconnect between the demographics of faculty and those of both the hospitality workforce and student body. Despite heightened institutional focus on inclusivity, the tourism and hospitality education field has been slow to adapt.
The Importance of Representation
Representation in academia extends beyond fairness, impacting student success and the sustainability of the field. Studies indicate that students benefit academically when they identify with role models sharing their racial or ethnic background, leading to stronger community ties, higher retention, and greater confidence.
In hospitality programs, which prioritize service, empathy, and cultural awareness, these effects are particularly pronounced. The hospitality industry is among the most diverse in the U.S., encompassing a wide range of global operations. However, the lack of diversity among educators sends a mixed message about the industry’s values.
Leading employers like Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG have made significant investments in diversity programs, yet academia has lagged in similar efforts to cultivate diverse leadership.
The lack of varied perspectives in academia also influences the scope of research conducted. Without faculty from diverse backgrounds, crucial issues such as racialized guest experiences and workplace equity might be neglected.
Gaps in Understanding
This study offers a glimpse into the current state of faculty representation within U.S. hospitality and tourism programs. It predominantly focuses on research-intensive universities, excluding many historically Black colleges and institutions focused on teaching, which might have more diverse faculty.
The research methodology, reliant on public images and profiles, reflects how students perceive representation but does not fully account for complex identities.
Future research should aim to track changes in faculty demographics over time and delve into the experiences of educators from underrepresented groups. Identifying barriers to entry and retention in academia is crucial for fostering environments where diverse faculty can thrive.
The Research Brief is a concise summary of intriguing academic findings. Abigail Foster, an admissions specialist at the University of the District of Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law, contributed to this article.
