Lionel Thomas

Lionel.Thomas@jwu.edu

Biography and Expertise

I graduated from Purdue University in August 2007 with a Dual PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Gerontology. Prior to this, I studied at the University of South Carolina where I obtained both my M.S. and B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. After obtaining my PhD, I acquired a Master’s degree in Project Management at Keller Graduate School of Management. While furthering my education, I also obtained work experience in both retail and institutional food service. I have 10+ years of foodservice industry experience and have worked in academia for the past 20 years reaching the rank of Associate Professor and earning tenure at Saint Leo University. I also hold a Culinary Certificate from the Culinary Institute @ South Carolina, Project Management Professional Certification, ServSafe Certification, and other industry related certifications.

My background, both professionally and academically, has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate, mentor, and otherwise engage with individuals from diverse countries, backgrounds, beliefs, ages, and ethnicities. I have online, laboratory, hybrid, and face-to-face course preparation and instruction experience. My experience includes teaching a variety of courses that are part of your department’s curriculum allowing for great flexibility in teaching assignments. As a professional, I have been entrusted to be a leader in both academia (Department Chair) and the foodservice industry. These positions afforded me the opportunity to learn the importance of balancing the responsibilities of managing people, budgets, priorities, change, and adversity.

Education

Master of Project Management
Keller Graduate School

PhD
Purdue University

MS
University of South Carolina

BS
University of South Carolina