Featured Faculty spotlights EHHS professors who share their background, experiences, interests, and advice for students. Mandy Ulicney is a lecturer in the School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration.
What subject(s) do you teach?
Hospitality and Event Management
What inspired you to follow your chosen path of study?
I worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years. My career started at a young age, working in restaurants and bars that my parents owned. I then went on to become the general manager of a country club. I loved my job and especially loved training employees and helping them grow their careers, which is what led me to teaching.
What's one of your favorite memories from your student days?
Without a doubt, the best part of my time as a student was being involved in the student organization, Hospitality Management Society. The organization allowed me to have hands-on, event planning experience, develop my leadership skills, and it afforded me the opportunity to travel to the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago. That show and that city made my love for the hospitality industry so much stronger!
What do you think every student should experience in college?
They NEED to get involved with a student organization. The leadership skills, networking, and connections that are made are invaluable.
What academic or career advice would you give to students?
Enjoy your time in college! Show up for class, participate, and do your work, but don’t over stress about the grades. So many college students place an enormous amount of pressure on themselves. When you get into your career continue to make connections with people in your industry. Go into every position with a great attitude and a desire to continue learning. Once you have reached a place in your career where you are no longer learning, move on to the next great opportunity.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love sharing my knowledge of the hospitality industry with students and then seeing them take advantage of the plethora of opportunities they are presented with. Staying connected with our alumni, who then become friends and mentors to our current students, is amazing! It really becomes a full circle moment.
How do you contribute to student success?
I encourage students to make friends in the program and get involved. I have found that if they feel connected to our program, they are much more likely to do well and finish with us. I also encourage them to find an internship where they can test out a potential career that they would like to try. If they like it then great, if they don’t, at least they know they can check that off the list of possibilities.
What would students be surprised to learn about you?
I still play competitive women’s softball.
What is the best and most challenging thing about being a teacher?
The best part is being able to bring out the best in each student by getting to know them and their strengths. The most challenging part is to continue to grow my knowledge and stay updated on industry trends, so I can share accurate information with students. Our industry is so broad and is ever-changing, so it can be a lot of work.
How do you show your school spirit?
I love going to Kent sporting events! My favorites are basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics.