We are pleased to welcome the new Assistant Professor of Sport and Hospitality Business, Dr. Clarke Griffin, to our Concordia community!
Dr. Clarke Griffin is a Certified Food and Beverage Manager from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. He has extensive industry experience, including working with:
- Marriott as a Sous Chef at the Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel in St. Louis, MO, and the Marriott Washington Center in Gaithersburg, MD
- Executive Chef and Assistant General Manager with Franklins Restaurant and Brewery in Hyattsville, MD
Dr. Griffin’s teaching experience includes Assistant Lecturer in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management at Southern Illinois University (2017-2019), Associate Professor of Hospitality Management at St. Louis Community College (2012-2017), and Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts/Director of Foodservice at Kaskaskia College (2007-2012).
What drew you to Concordia?
It is a joy to work for a university where faith and learning grow together – and working with colleagues that share similar values and interests in student success. Of course, the campus is beautiful and the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center is amazing! I am looking forward to growing the Hospitality Business degree utilizing the Culinary Lab.
What drew you to teaching?
During my career, I have worked in restaurants (from fine dining to brewpubs), hotels, and suburban to large metro convention centers. My most recent industry job before teaching was at the Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Part of my job involved training the staff at our four outlets. I enjoyed that role, talking with employees, showing them new skills, and watching them grow as employees and advance their careers.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is hands-on, collaborative, team learning to actively engage students in a shared learning environment.
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