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.
“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, Dimond Family Dean of 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.
The Nolan 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.
Kate Walsh, Dimond Family Dean of the Nolan School, 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.
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.
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.
We believe in creating a welcoming, equitable community. That’s hospitality in its truest sense. The Nolan School Office of Diversity and Inclusion helps develop boundary-pushing leaders who serve humanity, embrace diversity, and foster community. The work we do falls under three main pillars:
Academic and career success begins with a safe and inclusive environment.
Hospitality means opening doors for everyone. We support our diverse students through initiatives like Accelerator Scholars, which helps first-generation undergraduates thrive at the Nolan School. Students also have access to school- and college-wide resources.
Becoming a compassionate, culturally competent leader begins with awareness.
The Nolan School’s curriculum is rich with diversity-related courses and learning experiences. For example, our First Gen Career Treks take students on multiday trips to explore professional opportunities and meet with hospitality executives.
Regardless of who you are, you are part of the Hotelie network.
Our close-knit community includes student groups, open to all students, like the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and Women Leadership in Hospitality. You’ll also connect with diverse alumni and industry leaders through a range of school-wide events such as seminars and conferences.
At the SC Johnson College, we are deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where every individual is welcomed, valued, and supported. While each of our schools has its own dedicated Office of Diversity and Inclusion, tailored to meet the distinct needs of their students, all offices operate under the shared foundational values of the college. Through a range of events, activities, and initiatives, we strive to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for students from all backgrounds, ensuring that the entire college community thrives in an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration. Learn more about diversity and inclusion initiatives across the college.
“The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is great at supporting students in whatever way the student needs. Whether it’s a new headshot, professional clothing, both personal and professional connections, fun, or just some friendly advice, they have it all!”
—Faith Taylor ’24
Read the latest Cornell Business News stories about the Nolan School and the incredible work our community does on campus and
beyond.
Dyson professor, Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, discusses the need for increasing public investment in agricultural research and development.
Jason Cho ’27, Nolan School, helps propel the Cornell Pickleball Club to unexpected heights in its inaugural season.
Career Corner: Consultant JJ Myron pivoted from a sales, marketing, and operations role to advising clients on how to achieve their strategic goals.
The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business combines the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. Each school adheres to the college’s mission and values. Under these guiding principles, our students benefit from the college’s comprehensive business capabilities as well as each school’s specialized industry depth, expertise, and successful alumni networks