Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Ryan Maloney, Hospitality Management Director

For Dr. Ryan Maloney, his passion for people is at the heart of hospitality management. His career has taken him across the country and in numerous settings. From restaurants to resorts, Dr. Maloney has cultivated his skills in the hospitality industry. Now, in his role as Hospitality Management Director at the University of Cincinnati, he’s able to share his excitement for hospitality with a new generation of students.

We had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Dr. Maloney about his background, how it shapes his teaching philosophy, and his advice for online students.

After working at a local hotel during his college years, Dr. Maloney’s career began with a bang: an internship at multiple Walt Disney World resorts in Orlando, FL, followed by positions with Marriott International in Philidelphia and the Ritz Carlton in Boston after graduation. From there, his transition to the restaurant industry led him to various roles within family-run restaurants, corporate establishments, and craft breweries.

After completing his master’s degree, he pursued his PhD in Hospitality Management in Lubbock, TX. Now, landing in the world of education, he leads the Hospitality Management program at UC. In some ways, though, this is a natural extension of Dr. Maloney’s work in the industry.

“My favorite part of hospitality is working with people,” he said. “The change from working in hotels and restaurants to working with students is subtle in the sense that people want to be here. The demographics of my clientele might change, but so much of what I enjoyed about hospitality is present in the world of academia.”

Though Dr. Maloney first moved to Cincinnati sight-unseen, he quickly fell in love with the city. “The hospitality industry here is booming, exciting, and full of local influences,” he remarked. It makes UC the perfect environment to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals.

He speaks highly of all that UC offers its online hospitality management students. As a former online student himself, he even wishes that he’d had access to the same resources. From on-demand access to information to increased support systems, he’s impressed with UC’s flexibility and dedication to the online experience.

“It gives students a chance to learn at their own pace while offering them the same benefits available to any UC student,” he said. “The small class sizes, accessible professors, and big school resources are in place to help students achieve any goal they have.”

While the program covers a wide range of topics, Dr. Maloney’s goal for students is straight-forward: he wants students to learn not just what to think, but how to think. In the hospitality industry, “every situation can require a different response,” he explained. My goal is to give students confidence when handling these situations, regardless of who they’re interacting with and in what facet of hospitality.”

Though leading an academic program is no easy feat, Dr. Maloney brings an infectious enthusiasm to the curriculum. He teaches every hospitality course, some of which include:

• Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Industry
• Room Division Management
• Managing Technology in the Hospitality Industry
• Introduction to Hotel and Lodging Operations Management
• Food and Beverage Management

Another major aspect of the program is an emphasis on case studies, which are woven into every hospitality course. Taught by Dr. Maloney and other industry professionals, these case studies reflect the daily experiences and challenges of many people working in hospitality. From there, students also take relevant business coursework like accounting, composition, human resources, and marketing.

Dr. Maloney describes himself as taking a hospitality approach to the act of teaching. He wants to meet students with excitement and eagerness, just like he’d interact with a guest or patron. Whether it’s his physical office door or a zoom link, he also maintains an open-door policy. And because he wants students to connect with each other, he also encourages them to post in weekly discussion threads.

The support he’s received from UC has also had a monumental impact on his teaching philosophy. “The university has provided me with all the tools I need to build my courses the way I want and see fit,” he shared. Through UC’s encouragement, he’s also gotten involved in the hospitality community within the Cincinnati region. This has helped him build professional relationships in the area which can then be leveraged into student opportunities.

When asked what his research interests were, Dr. Maloney spoke passionately about craft beer tourism, his dissertation topic, and horror tourism. He particularly enjoys how hospitality research lends itself to trying new things. Whether it’s visiting unfamiliar cities or dining at new restaurants, he enjoys exploring the constant innovations within the hospitality industry—and then bringing those influences back to the classroom.

Dr. Maloney prepares his students for the workforce by emphasizing soft skills. “This is the ability to interact with others, learn how to express empathy, and focus on what the guest needs.” No two guests are the same, and hospitality professionals have to approach every interaction differently.

What careers are available to hospitality management graduates? According to Dr. Maloney, the sky is the limit. Graduates may find themselves working in a variety of settings, such as:

• Major hotel chains
• Restaurants
• Breweries
• Casinos
• Wineries
• Event centers
• Travel agencies
• Wedding planning

By equipping his students with soft skills, which are key to customer service, Dr. Maloney sets them up for success. He also encourages students to stay open-minded. “You will get a great first job, but that doesn’t have to be your career if you find other things you’re truly passionate about. Hospitality offers a wide variety of options for everyone.”

What advice does Dr. Maloney have for future students? “Enjoy this time,” he answered.

Ultimately, your degree is more than just the piece of paper you obtain at the end. Your education is about learning, exploring new interests, and taking advantage of every opportunity at your disposal.

“Enjoy your interactions with your classmates and instructors,” he added. “Enjoy the chance to deepen your knowledge of this fascinating industry.” Hospitality professionals stand out when they truly enjoy talking to others for a living. If you’ve got that down, you’re sure to thrive.

We’re so grateful that Dr. Maloney took the time to talk with us about his work. If the field of hospitality management excites you, then what are you waiting for? You can begin your journey in this exciting industry today.

UC’s online Applied Associate of Business in Hospitality Management and Certificate in Hospitality Management are designed with your busy life in mind. With Dr. Maloney at the helm, you’ll graduate with both hands-on experience and valuable knowledge.

If you still have questions, you can contact your Enrollment Services Advisor today. These dedicated online staff members are committed to helping you navigate your UC experience!