Timing is Everything: With Southern Illinois Tourism on the Rise, the New Hospitality Management Program at JALC is Starting at the Perfect Time

Published on August 28, 2024

With construction underway at a new sports complex in Marion, southern Illinois will soon experience a surge in tourism, and John A. Logan College is poised to make a significant impact with the launch of its new Hospitality Management program. The timing of this initiative could not be more ideal, as the region’s growing appeal to visitors aligns perfectly with the college’s goal of preparing a new generation of professionals to meet the demands of a thriving industry.

In recent years, southern Illinois has seen a notable increase in tourist activity, driven by its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and burgeoning local events. With attractions such as the Shawnee National Forest, local wineries, golf courses, Walkers Bluff Casino, and various cultural festivals drawing more visitors each year, the region’s hospitality sector needs skilled professionals to enhance service quality and efficiency.

Recognizing this opportunity, JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet asked the College’s Academic Affairs staff to develop a comprehensive Hospitality Management program to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this dynamic field. The program, which officially begins this fall on October 8 during the second eight-week session, will cover various topics, including hotel management, event planning, food and beverage operations, and customer service excellence.

“We already have a tremendous draw for tourism built around the outdoor industry, our incredible winners and all of the wonderful festivals and events, and the new sports complex will attract travelers from all over the country,” said Overstreet. “This will require more lodging and dining opportunities and event planning. We recognized this and wanted to develop a program to train people for management and leadership opportunities in these industries.”

John A. Logan College recently hired Dr. Eric Beckman as the lead instructor for the program. Beckman has extensive teaching and industry experience. He is excited to be at John A. Logan College to help start the program and is enthusiastic about its launch.

“Southern Illinois is on the cusp of becoming a major destination for travelers, and we must have a skilled workforce ready to meet this demand,” Beckman said. “Our new program is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience and a solid academic foundation to help them excel in various aspects of hospitality management.”

The curriculum will feature internships and real-world projects in partnership with local businesses, offering students valuable industry experience while contributing to the growth of the regional tourism sector. Additionally, the program will include guest lectures from industry professionals, workshops on emerging trends, and opportunities for networking within the hospitality community.

Beckman added that the program is particularly beneficial to the local industry because students will complete essential certifications and licenses while in the program.

“Our students will already have the ServSafe certification in sanitation and alcohol handling. Employers will not have to wait or pay for employees to get this. They will be ready on the first day of employment.”

Local business owners and tourism experts have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a timely boost for the area’s economic development. “The hospitality industry is crucial to the success of our local tourism,” said Mike Monchino, Principal member of Monchino Management, LLC, with more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. “With JALC’s new program, we can expect to see more well-trained individuals joining our workforce, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall visitor experience and drive more business to our local establishments.”

The program’s launch comes as Southern Illinois invests in infrastructure improvements and promotional efforts to attract more visitors. With these combined efforts, the region aims to solidify its status as a premier travel destination and capitalize on tourists’ growing interest.

As the first group of students prepares to embark on their journey in hospitality management, the college and the community look forward to the positive impact this new program will have on the local economy and the tourism industry.

Prospective students and interested parties can visit the college’s official website or contact the instructor directly for more information on the Hospitality Management program at JALC.

Contact: Eric Beckman, Ph.D., MBA, CHE, CMP
Phone: (618) 985-2828 ext. 8632
Email: ericbeckman@jalc.edu
Website: www.jalc.edu