Purdue University Northwest has a new leader for the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in the College of Business.

Kwangsoo Park is the new associate dean and director effective Aug. 1.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Park to the College of Business and to have the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in very capable hands,” said Rachel Clapp-Smith, Teddy Jacobi Dean of the PNW College of Business, in a press release. “Dr. Park brings a strong track record of building community and enhancing quality programs. He is the ideal steward of the generous support of White Lodging and will continue to grow quality programs that prepare students for fulfilling careers in the hospitality industry.”

Park will lead the school, which focuses on preparing students for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Park's most recent experience is at North Dakota State University where he served as the department head for the apparel, merchandising, interior design and hospitality management program for four years. He started there in 2012 in the College of Human Sciences and Education as a faculty member. Before NDSU, he was the program coordinator of tourism and hospitality management at Black Hills State University.

“I am incredibly excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to broaden my capacity even further,” Park said. “I will continue to operate with open and honest communication, advocate for the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and wholeheartedly support our students, faculty and staff in the PNW College of Business. Together, let's create an environment where our students thrive, and our faculty and staff find happiness and fulfillment.”

Park is the president of the Korea-America Hospitality and Tourism Educators Association.

Caption: Kwangsoo Park was named as associate dean and director of the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in PNW’s College of Business. (Provided by PNW)