A Century of Defining Hospitality

For close to 100 years, the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration has provided the most relevant, groundbreaking hospitality business education in the world.

As the first and best hospitality school in the United States, we have spent the past century defining hospitality and the leaders who shape it. From teaching to research to industry connections, we are the authority in everything hospitality—from hallowed traditions to cutting-edge innovation—and we are a community of creative, dynamic professionals united by our love of hospitality.


Headshot of Kate Walsh

Hear from Our Dean

“Students come to the Nolan School to take part in a deeply rewarding and truly remarkable educational experience. They graduate ready to rise as leaders in their enterprises, industries, and local and global communities.”

—Kate Walsh, Dean of the Nolan School


Why the Nolan School?

At the Nolan School, our students live and breathe hospitality. They graduate with a strong business acumen that is founded on a robust real estate curriculum. Collectively, our alumni are passionate and influential leaders of the industry.


Students outside Statler Hall in summer.

The Best in Hospitality Business Education: Why Accreditation Matters

The Dyson School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the organization that sets the standard for business education. Less than 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

As a founding member of AACSB, Cornell University has a long tradition of providing quality academics, retaining distinguished faculty, and delivering strong career outcomes.

Learn about AACSB

dean walsh speaking with students

Our Leadership

Dean Kate Walsh, herself a proud Hotelie, leads a diverse team of talented professionals to curate the best educational experience. Dean Walsh’s team is counseled by an advisory board of hospitality leaders and innovators from around the world—many of whom are proud Hotelies themselves.

Meet OUr Leaders


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Our History

Our impact on the hospitality management industry began in 1922. First sparked by the demands of hotel magnates and the American Hotel Association, and later funded by the hotelier Ellsworth Statler, our history makes us the first and best school for studying the business of hospitality.

Our early combination of classroom learning with hands-on experience is still the backbone of today’s Nolan School experience, and it has evolved to comprise everything from food and beverage to finance and data analytics.

More ON OUr history


students walking on campus

Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We welcome and embrace diversity of all kinds, and foster an environment that provides a supportive, inspiring, and mentor-guided career path for each individual. From the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to our diversity lecture series and affinity-group roundtables, we build our approach to diversity on the pillars of inclusion, engagement, and community.

Learn More About diversity initiatives


Exterior view of statler hotel

Our Campus

Purposely designed to encourage experiential learning and collaboration, the Nolan School campus boasts sophisticated design and function with a welcoming ambiance. Set like a gem against Ithaca’s lush green backdrop, the Statler Hotel is a full-service luxury hotel that offers lodging and entertainment to thousands of visitors while providing crucial practical experience to Nolan School students.

EXPLORE CAMPUS


Beyond the Dyson School: College-Wide Collaboration and Resources

The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management is part of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, which also includes the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. Each school adheres to the college’s mission and values. The guiding principles, combined resources, expertise, and networks of the three schools give Dyson School students an unparalleled learning experience.