For the City Times

In-demand program evident in Central Wisconsin

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – In response to feedback provided by its local business partners in the hospitality industry, Mid-State Technical College has announced a new hospitality management program to launch this fall. The program will be offered in full at the Wisconsin Rapids campus, with many courses also available online or at the Mid-State locations in Adams, Marshfield and Stevens Point.

The associate of applied science degree prepares students for a management career in the hospitality industry, including food and lodging facilities as well as a variety of other settings such as conference centers and sports and entertainment facilities. This program will also prepare students to coordinate tourism efforts for communities, including those related to outdoor recreation.

“We are thrilled with the announcement of Mid-State’s Hospitality Management program. Our industry is facing a labor shortage, and having trained potential employees will be an asset for area restaurants, hotels and attractions,” said Amy Scheide, co-owner of Great Expectations. Scheide added that she hopes the addition of the hospitality management program will keep passionate, food-centric young people in the community during their education, leading to a larger bank of employees and a vibrant community.

The new offering is both affordable for students and helps meet the high employment demand for hospitality professionals in central Wisconsin’s communities, according to Missy Skurzewski-Servant, dean of Mid-State’s School of Business & Technology. “Another exciting aspect of hospitality management is the variety of continuing education and customized training opportunities Mid-State can provide as an extension of the program—there will be something for everyone,” she said.

Students can pursue the Hospitality Management degree at a full- or part-time pace, and financial aid is available. For more information, visit mstc.edu/programs or contact Missy Skurzewski-Servant at 715-422-5356 or missy.skurzewskiservant@mstc.edu.