The U of A hospitality management program was represented at the Arkansas Hospitality Association's Stars of the Industry luncheon in Little Rock in May.

Kelly Way, a long-standing faculty member and leader of the program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science's School of Human Environmental Sciences, was honored as a finalist for Industry Educator of the Year.

Conway High School teacher Leslee Tell was named the winner, with Way's support.

"I'm thrilled for Leslee," she said. "High school educators are often the unsung heroes of our industry pipeline, and it's wonderful to see her receive the state-level recognition she deserves."

For Way, the highlight of the event was celebrating the success of her former students.

Four U of A hospitality management alumni were nominated across different award categories: Haley Lynn Dooley and Songmin Han, both of Motto by Hilton, Miranda Smith of Turpentine Creek and Jeff Allison of Bordino's.

"Seeing our alumni honored for their impact in the hospitality industry is the greatest reward of all," Way said. "Being part of their journey during their college years is a win I'll always cherish."

Allison was a finalist for the Salut au Restaurateur award, Dooley a finalist for the Rising Star award and Smith a finalist for Tourism Employee of the Year.

She also extended gratitude to the hospitality faculty who traveled to Little Rock in support of the event.

"Our program's strength lies in the community we've built — faculty, students and alumni alike," she said.

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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. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.