Dr. Wei Wang Named 2025 Champion of Tourism Education by Mississippi Tourism Association and Louisiana Travel Association

Thu,
09/04/2025 – 01:53pm

Dr. Wei Wang, associate professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, has been
named the 2025 Champion of Tourism Education by the Mississippi Tourism Association
(MTA) and the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA). The recognition honors individuals
for outstanding contributions to Mississippi’s tourism industry and for advancing
education that shapes the future of the hospitality and tourism workforce.

“I am truly grateful to receive this award,” said Dr. Wang. “It is a privilege to
work with students who represent the future of our industry, and I take seriously
the responsibility to uphold the highest academic standards in preparing them for
success.”

Wang has long championed innovative teaching methods, interdisciplinary collaborations,
and student mentorship at Southern Miss, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for
careers in hospitality and tourism. Since joining the university in Fall 2014, Wang
has been devoted to advancing student success through teaching, mentorship and research.

“I believe the growth and success of students in the classroom are highly dependent
on the quality of the instruction they receive,” Wang shared. “I apply high-impact
practices such as experiential learning and service learning to achieve effective
learning outcomes.” Wang went on to share that she enjoys the mentorship aspect of
teaching and prepares students to be ready for life by supporting them as they seek
internships, assisting with resume development, and connecting them to opportunities
at career fairs and other professional networking events.

“We are so proud to honor Dr. Wei Wang as our 2025 Champion of Tourism Education,”
said Danielle Morgan, executive director of the Mississippi Tourism Association, who
praised Wang’s impact. “Dr. Wang’s dedication to advancing tourism education in Mississippi
is extraordinary. Through her passionate leadership, innovative teaching, mentorship,
and commitment to student success, she has helped prepare the next generation of hospitality
and tourism professionals to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing industry. Her
work not only strengthens our state’s talent pipeline but also reinforces the vital
role education plays in the future success of Mississippi tourism. We are honored
to recognize her significant contributions to tourism education.”

Chris Landry, president of the Louisiana Travel Association, echoed Morgan’s remarks,
highlighting Wang’s regional influence. “Dr. Wang has been a tireless advocate for
students, a bridge between industry and academia, and an unwavering force in preparing
future leaders to thrive in our ever-evolving field. Her passion for advancing tourism
in our region is unmatched, and I’m honored to present her with this award on behalf
of the Louisiana Travel Association and the Mississippi Tourism Association.”

Over the last decade, Wang has received widespread recognition, including several
Best Paper Awards and honors for teaching, research, and mentorship such as Provost
Faculty Fellow, Multidisciplinary Research Award, Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence
Awards, Louis K. Brandt Research Award, Joseph A. Greene Excellence in Teaching Award,
Business Advisory Council Research Awards and Honors College Mentor of the Year Award.

Visit our website to learn more about the Southern Miss Hospitality and Tourism Management program.