The College of Human Sciences has announced Bill Ryan, associate professor and associate director of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration at Oklahoma State University, has been promoted to director of the school.

Ryan received a bachelor of science in hotel and restaurant administration, a master of science in food nutrition and institution administration and a doctorate of education in occupational and adult education from OSU.  He has been an HRAD faculty member since 1996 when he started as assistant professor. He was promoted to associate professor in 2002. 

COHS Dean Stephan Wilson said that after an extensive search which involved nominees and candidates from across the U.S. and around the world by a search and screen committee of OSU and external partners, the committee reported that Ryan is the best match for leadership.

“We are pleased to be able to have someone with Dr. Ryan’s experience lead the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration,” Dean Stephan Wilson said. “His history and leadership in the program will make for a seamless transition assuring HRAD’s progress.”

Ryan has served as HRAD associate director from 1999 to the present. In that role he has supervised the undergraduate degree program, directed the school’s labs which include the Atherton Hotel, The Ranchers Club and Taylor’s Dining Room and coordinated student recruitment and placement activities.

Ryan said he is pleased to have the opportunity to expand his leadership role. “I look forward to establishing an academic standard that leads the way for hospitality education,” he said. 

Referring to students’ internship requirements, lab experience, and study abroad programs, Ryan expects the school to become known for providing relevant learning opportunities for HRAD graduates.

“I have a goal that HRAD will become known internationally as the Center for Experiential Learning,” he said. “I look forward to working with our alumni and industry partners in developing more opportunities for our students to gain valuable hands-on experience.”

Ryan also said he intends to build on the school’s research expertise. “Research and scholarly activity are the cornerstone of this program,” he said noting the school was ranked number eight among the top 100 hospitality programs in the world by the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. “I look forward to more creative, collaborative projects across departments here at OSU and other universities around the world.”

Ryan has been recognized for teaching excellence at the graduate and undergraduate level as the recipient of the OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award in both 2006 and 2001. In 2007, Ryan received the Award for Best Research Paper at the joint conference of Asian Pacific International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education and the Asia Pacific Tourism Association.

From 1994-1996, Ryan served as assistant director of residential life at OSU where he managed the financial operations for residence halls and dining establishments.

He is a registered dietitian and a member of International Council of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Educators. He serves on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association and Oklahoma Restaurant Association.