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Hotelie Credentials

Cornell University’s Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration offers an unrivaled business education that delivers a balance between theory and practice. This education is grounded in hospitality, the ultimate service business and an ideal foundation for leadership training. Success in any business requires strategic thinking and big-picture orientation, as well as poise, charisma, emotional intelligence, and a sincere desire to make customers and clients happy. Cornell Nolan School students learn how to tap into these characteristics—and express their unique management style—through experiential learning that complements rigorous classroom training.

The Nolan School’s four signature programs are where students apply their classroom learning in live settings among paying guests and trained staff—opportunities rarely offered to students anywhere. This combination of learning while doing, managing complex interactions, performing on-the-spot problem solving, and working collaboratively builds leadership skills and business acumen essential to successful careers.

Signature Programs

  • Hotel Ezra Cornell – Students develop their project-management skills as they plan and operate a three-day industry conference with speakers, entertainment, and food and beverage service. Students handle all aspects of the event—now in its 97th year—including marketing, IT, and sales.
  • Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series – For almost a century, this lecture series has brought thought leaders and luminaries from the hospitality industry to campus for students to learn about the latest developments in the field.
  • Hotel Leadership Development Program – Students advance their leadership skills by progressing through a series of paid positions with increasing responsibility and certifications as they learn what it takes to operate the Statler Hotel on Cornell’s campus.
  • Establishment – Our student-run restaurant provides exceptional on-the-job training in areas ranging from personnel training and management to customer relations in a live setting. Students manage both the kitchen and front of house, developing the menu and delivering great service to members of the Cornell community and the general public.