Hamm Named Instructor, Adviser of Bumpers College Hospitality Program

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Dede Hamm has joined the faculty of the hospitality innovation program in the Bumpers College's School of Human Environmental Sciences.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dede Hamm has joined the faculty of the human nutrition and hospitality innovation program at the University of Arkansas' Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences after previously working at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Rogers.

Hamm was operations director of the culinary arts and hospitality management program at NWACC. In the Bumpers College's hospitality innovation program, she will serve as an instructor of undergraduate courses, as student adviser, as undergraduate coordinator and faculty adviser of student clubs.

"We are elated to have Dede Hamm join the hospitality innovation faculty as an instructor," said Kelly Way, associate professor of human nutrition and hospitality innovation, and assistant director of the School of Human Environmental Sciences. "Dede has an immense amount of industry and teaching experience, and truly brings a great deal of knowledge with her. Ensuring we have the right faculty in the right teaching assignment is imperative to the success of our students. Just like setting a table, all items must be in the exact place to maximize the dining experience. Having Dede join us to teach the lodging, meetings and events courses allows us to 'set our table' and maximize the learning experience and outcomes for our students. She is an ideal fit, and I honestly can't be more thrilled she's here on campus."

Prior to serving as operations director of NWACC's culinary arts and hospitality management program, Hamm was program coordinator and associate professor. She has also held management positions with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and with Embassy Suites.

"I couldn't be happier about joining the hospitality program team in the U of A's Bumpers College," said Hamm. "It's exciting to know we'll be working with students who are truly passionate about hospitality. The team is amazing and I feel very lucky to be here."

Hamm earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida in 1996 and a master's degree in tourism and travel administration from New York University in 1998.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.