Introduction to Hospitality along with Hospitality/Travel/Tourism, Safety/Sanitation and Hospitality Customer Service are among the new courses Alexander teaches.

   After 32 years of teaching elementary music and art, this year is Alexander’s first year teaching at a university. Introduction to Hospitality goes in depth about table etiquette, place settings, catering and cooking.

   “One thing many people don’t know is that the pineapple is the universal symbol of hospitality,” Alexander said.

   Super Service Book, written by Val and Jeff Gee, intrigues Alexander because it concerns information on how to give immense customer service as well as being a good customer.

   “The book is not our textbook but it is a really great read, and I will use some information from it for the class,” Alexander said.

   Bed and Breakfast’s are growing more common in the southern region and are bringing in large amounts of business. The Trotter House of Monticello will be used as an internship for UAM students.

   Preliminary food competition begins this fall. Students will get a taste of food preparation in terms of working for catering services as well as careers.

   Alexander works with Paul Smith of Paul’s Catering Service out of Monticello; Smith is the Hospitality instructor at McGehee.

   Fourteen students are enrolled in the hospitality course this fall. Students will have super service projects for schools, which will reward them.

   Alexander mentioned an inspirational quote she favors - “Education…enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” 

   “We are extremely pleased to have Mrs. Alexander on our faculty. She comes to us with over 30 years of teaching experience as well as being an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. Her passion for the Hospitality Services program is evident by the energy she brings to the classroom and the leadership role she has taken to assist with implementing the program,” Vice Chancellor Linda Rushing said.