Lara provides leadership and oversees the staff support activities and operations of the School of Hospitality Management by working closely with and supporting the Director of the School.
In his role, Ben will work with the SHM staff and faculty to engage industry, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders in advancing the School’s teaching, research, and service mission. Central to the role is leading support for Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society.
My research and teaching is focused on 1) better understanding why people do what they do at work and 2) how to leverage that knowledge to improve organizational performance and employee well-being.
Mr. Lawson has an academic background in Nutrition and Business Management. His work experience includes various roles within the healthcare industry. Before joining Penn State, he managed healthcare food services as a General Manager with Sodexo.
Professor of Hospitality Management
Chair, Sustainability Council
Summary Statement
My research focuses on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, internationalization, diversification, franchising, and top management team from the strategic perspective.
Ms. Madrid supports undergraduate students’ academic success and advises on course scheduling. She brings a wealth of experience in counseling and working with first-gen students.
Marriott Professor of Lodging Management
Professor-in-Charge Graduate Program
Summary Statement
My research focuses on social media, service recovery, Servicescape, prosocial behaviors, emotions, cross-cultural research, healthy eating, and wellness
My research and teaching are focused on revenue management and profit optimization across all types of hospitality assets including hotel guest rooms, restaurants, function space, spas, and golf.
Professor of Hospitality Management
Director of the Hospitality Real Estate Strategy Group
Summary Statement
Professor O’Neill conducts research, outreach and teaching in the areas of real estate, asset management and strategic management in the hotel industry, and serves as director of the Hospitality Real Estate Strategy Group.
Managing communications and marketing needs for the College of Health and Human Development. Serving as the Lead Communicator for the School of Hospitality Management and the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management.
Marvin Ashner Endowed Director and Associate Professor, School of Hospitality Management
Summary Statement
Serving as the Marvin Ashner Director is both a privilege and honor. My role includes leading the faculty, administration, and staff in the success of our School's community of scholars, students, alumni, and industry partners.
George Ruth has extensive experience in both restaurants and hotels in both front and back of the house operations. He teaches a variety of courses ranging from Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry, to Advanced Food Production and Service Management.
Professor of Hospitality Management
Associate Director & Professor-in-Charge of Undergraduate Programs, SHM
Director, Food Decisions Research Laboratory
Affiliate Faculty, Teaching and Learning with Technology
Affiliate Faculty, Rock Ethics Institute
President, iAHFME
Faculty Senate, Senator
HHD Faculty Council secretary
The central focus in my work has been to understand and enhance individual well-being, performance, and retention in the workplace with an emphasis on the hospitality industry.
Graduate MPS Program Coordinator
Assistant Teaching Professor
Summary Statement
Ms. Walker has a broad range of experience in the hospitality and travel industry. She has a background in hotel sales & marketing, meeting planning, and travel management.
Elizabeth M. King Early Career Professor
Assistant Professor
Summary Statement
My research focuses on organizational training and design, employee well-being, human resource management, and crisis management with an emphasis on the foodservice industry.
