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Few individuals bridge the gap between academia and industry as seamlessly as Dr. Eric D. Olson in events, hospitality, and tourism. As I reflected on our recent podcast episode, I was captivated by his ability to integrate innovative teaching, collaborative partnerships, and global perspectives to inspire change. Dr. Olson’s journey provides a powerful blueprint for fostering innovation and creating meaningful impact across disciplines. I was fortunate to work and collaborate for many years with Eric, which was an absolute joy!
A Journey Rooted in Innovation and Learning
Dr. Olson’s career trajectory—spanning over two decades—is a testament to the dynamic opportunities within the hospitality field. From his early days at Walt Disney World Resort to his current role as Chair and Professor of the Rita and Navin Dimond Department of Hotel Management at Metropolitan State University of Denver, his career is marked by a consistent focus on experiential learning. His tenure at Disney shaped his philosophy of immersing leaders in frontline roles, a practice he continues to champion through academic initiatives at MSU Denver.
At the Hospitality Learning Center, students experience a unique ecosystem combining academic classrooms, a functioning hotel, a restaurant, and a brewery. This innovative approach ensures that students gain hands-on experience while studying, preparing them for real-world challenges in the hospitality industry.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Dr. Olson firmly believes in the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry. His philosophy is reflected in initiatives like the faculty internship program at MSU Denver, where educators immerse themselves in industry roles to stay attuned to evolving trends. This approach ensures that curricula remain relevant while fostering collaboration between educators and professionals.
A particularly innovative example of this philosophy is the brewery operations program at MSU Denver, where students not only brew beer but also market and sell it through the campus restaurant. Supported by industry partnerships and named after brewing pioneer Charlie Papazian, the program showcases how academia can align with local industry strengths to provide transformative learning experiences.
Global Perspectives Through Fulbright
His Fulbright Scholar experience in Vietnam profoundly shapes Dr. Olson’s global outlook. While there, he taught customer experience courses, researched the tourism ecosystem, and engaged in cultural exchange. His reflections on Vietnam’s innovative pivot to domestic tourism during the pandemic were particularly inspiring. The country’s ability to rapidly develop infrastructure, such as new airlines and family-focused attractions, is a model of adaptability.
Dr. Olson’s insights highlighted the role of academia in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem. His work demonstrated how higher education institutions could serve as platforms for dialogue and innovation, bringing together government officials, entrepreneurs, and educators.
The Power of Relationships in Hospitality
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Olson emphasized the importance of relationships in driving innovation. Whether through informal networking events or structured advisory councils, he stressed that trust and planning are essential to successful partnerships. His strategy of mapping engagement pipelines—inviting professionals as guest speakers and onboarding them as advisory council members—showcased his long-term vision for building collaborative ecosystems.
In sharing these insights, Dr. Olson also reflected on the human essence of the hospitality industry. He described it as a field that brings people together through events, dining experiences, or travel. His anecdotes from Vietnam—where simple gestures like a smile or a shared meal transcended language barriers—beautifully illustrated this principle.
Innovative Teaching and Collaboration
Dr. Olson’s innovative approach to education extends beyond traditional methods. For instance, his use of virtual reality in the classroom exemplifies how technology can enhance learning. Faculty and students at MSU Denver engage in virtual environments, exploring cutting-edge topics in hospitality and tourism.
Additionally, the department’s focus on open educational resources (OER) and AI research underscores its commitment to reducing barriers to education and preparing students for future challenges. By embracing collaboration, Dr. Olson and his team continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in hospitality education.
Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals
Dr. Olson offered invaluable advice for students and young professionals aiming to make a meaningful impact in hospitality and tourism. He emphasized the importance of joining professional associations, which provide opportunities for networking, skill development, and career advancement. He highlighted the field's inclusivity for students unsure about pursuing hospitality, noting that roles span human resources, engineering, marketing, and beyond.
Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Olson shared how his early career at Walt Disney World introduced him to the diverse opportunities within hospitality. He encouraged individuals from all academic and professional backgrounds to explore the industry, emphasizing its capacity to unite people and foster innovation.
Defining Innovation: A Framework for Value Creation
When asked how he defines innovation, Dr. Olson describes it as creating value for stakeholders—whether students, industry professionals, or community members—to address challenges or seize opportunities. He emphasizes that true innovation requires a new framework, perspective, or paradigm. It is not merely about developing new products but about reimagining possibilities through collaboration and creativity.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Olson’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, collaboration, and global engagement. His ability to integrate academic rigor with practical application and his unwavering commitment to fostering relationships set a powerful example for others. For those aspiring to make an impact in hospitality, Dr. Olson’s story reminds them of the endless possibilities within this vibrant and inclusive field.
Reflecting on our conversation, I was reminded of the heart of innovation: the connections we make, the perspectives we embrace, and the value we create. Dr. Olson’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of education and industry working together, inspiring us all to dream bigger, innovate boldly, and collaborate meaningfully.
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