THEM Welcomes Inaugural Department Chair: Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu

The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at the University of Florida welcomes exciting leadership changes this Summer. Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu assumes the role of our inaugural Department Chair this August 1, as well as director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute.

Dr. Fu comes from the University of Tennessee with extensive research and teaching experience, including more than 176 publications and projects with industry and government sponsors such as U.S. National Park Service, Appalachian Regional Commission, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Dollywood, etc.  Read More

Read Dr. Fu's Welcome Letter as the new Department Chair:

Sending you my warmest welcome!

It is my great honor to serve as the first permanent Chair of the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM) in the College of Health and Human Performance (HHP) at the University of Florida. 

I am excited to be leading the first department in the tourism, hospitality and event industries that is within a Top 10 public university in the U.S.  Our THEM students, faculty, and staff enjoy and embrace this prestigious identity.

THEM aims to provide innovative education, cutting-edge research, and meaningful engagement opportunities to prepare our future talented and skillful leaders who have integrity and big dreams.

Our students are passionate, and each of THEM is competitive to strive on a daily basis.  Because of our exceptional faculty team, extraordinary industry partners, and endless career opportunities, our shining alumni light the ways for generations to come. 

Together, we are strong and happy Gators.  We will keep making influential and positive contributions to our beloved communities across the globe. Please stay connected.

I am with THEM & Go Gators!

Rachel

Rachel J.C. Fu, Ph.D. CHE

Inaugural Chair & Professor