The K-State Olathe hospitality management program has continued to grow in the last year, under the direction of Dr. Brett Horton, Professor of Practice. Brett is excited about the future of the program and stated, “We at K-State Olathe are working to educate the next generation of hospitality leaders. The students Work in KC, Live in KC, and are completing their degree’s in KC. It is an honor to lead a robust discussion weekly with a talented group of hospitality leaders”, Horton said.
Here is a snapshot of a few students currently completing their hospitality management degrees through the Olathe program.
Chrissy Zemencik is the owner/operator of Cake Loft, a local bakery. After graduating with a baking and pastry certificate from Johnson County Community College, she continued her education, eventually planning to turn her in-home business into a self-sustained brick and mortar bakery in Olathe, KS.
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ynor Gallardo is working his way through a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. When the Marriott Kansas City Downtown furloughed him from his kitchen supervisor position, he turned to Brookside Poultry Company for a short while until he landed a position with Indian Hills Country Club in an assistant management position. He is combining his culinary apprentice degree with front-of-house experience to realize his goal of become a general manager.
Celeste Buchanan debated continuing her degree, but ultimately believes that completing her bachelor’s degree will make her more promotable at either Silas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream or another restaurant operation in the greater Kansas City-area. Celeste is a great example of the K-State Olathe student taking it one step, class, and day at a time. When she is not in class, she is coaching track at her high school alma mater, St. James Academy in Lenexa.
Myron Petersen is the assistant general manager at Home2 Suites Kansas City Downtown, a part of the True North Hotel Group. Myron is a proud father, student, and full-time leader in Kansas City. Myron noted the hardest thing about the whole pandemic was laying off 80% of the hotel staff to keep the business viable for the long-term. Myron is active in the Greater Kansas City Hotel & Lodging Association and offers great insight into operating a limited service hotel property.
Robyn Buckley is a foodservice manager at the Argosy Casino a part of Penn National Gaming. Going back to school is part of her long-term plan of opening her own restaurant/catering operation and providing her son, Max, with the opportunity to earn his own college diploma. Robyn is the typical full-time mom, full-time employee, and full-time all-around outstanding student (and class mom) at K-State Olathe. Robyn’s perspective makes the class so much richer.
K-State is a diverse and inclusive group of hospitality leaders growing their careers and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management. These five and the other 20 plus students in the program bring energy, questions, and inclusive ideas to the classroom. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining Brett and this group of students in the fall, reach out at hortonbw@k-state.edu.