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.