UWL’s Hospitality College Welcomes New Deputy Dean with Focus on Industry-Relevant Education, Get the Details Here

It is with great pleasure that the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London announces the appointment of Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis as its new Deputy Dean. This is quite a new chapter that signals great industry experience with a focus on applied learning at the helm of students’ meaningful outcomes in this college. Definitely, under his stewardship, the future direction of the College would likely be influenced, especially regarding hospitality education and student employability.

A Lifelong Connection to the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Professor Pantelidis’ connection to hospitality and tourism is deeply personal and goes beyond professional experience. Growing up in a family involved in hotels and restaurants, he has firsthand knowledge of how hospitality can be rooted in community and authenticity. This early exposure to the industry shaped his understanding of service encounters as more than just transactional experiences. Instead, they are personal, authentic, and driven by a strong sense of community.

This foundation in hospitality has influenced his entire approach to education and leadership. Professor Pantelidis views hospitality and tourism not only as industries but as ways of creating meaningful connections with people. This personal experience provides him with a unique perspective on the importance of creating memorable, high-quality experiences for guests, whether in a hotel, restaurant, or tourism setting.

Real-World Experience at the Heart of Education

Professor Pantelidis has built his career in the hospitality and tourism sectors, accumulating professional experience across various roles in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. He firmly believes that theory becomes truly powerful when applied in real-world settings, a philosophy that has shaped his approach to teaching and leadership. This focus on applied learning ensures that students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills needed to succeed in the competitive hospitality and tourism industries.

His leadership is driven by a strong emphasis on critical and creative thinking, encouraging students to approach problems with innovative solutions. As Deputy Dean, he will continue to push for an education system that not only prepares students for their future careers but also helps them understand the “why” behind the practices they will implement in real industry contexts.

The Vision for LGCHT Under New Leadership

As he settles into his new role, Professor Pantelidis has already identified key priorities for the future of the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism. His approach involves a “community-assisted audit” that places staff and student perspectives at the center of the college’s strategic direction. This method ensures that decisions made at the college level are reflective of the needs and expectations of both the students and the faculty.

Strengthening community cohesion and communication will be central to his strategy. This effort will be coupled with enhancing the overall staff and student experience, ensuring that everyone at the college feels engaged, valued, and supported. Additionally, Professor Pantelidis aims to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant by incorporating employability, scholarship, and sustainability across all programs.

Developing Key Partnerships and Focus on Professional Practice

Professor Pantelidis has highlighted the importance of developing partnerships with both industry and educational institutions. By expanding collaborations with businesses and schools, the college can ensure that its programs are aligned with evolving sector needs and provide students with real-time case studies and live projects. This not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also prepares them for careers in industries that are continuously changing due to advancements in technology and sustainability.

A central part of this strategy is ensuring that the learning experience is authentic and deeply connected to professional practice. From live laboratories to industry-led projects, Professor Pantelidis emphasizes that students should engage with real-world situations to build confidence and capability. These experiential learning opportunities allow students to see the direct impact of their work and give them valuable insight into the challenges they will face in their future careers.

Adapting to the Future of Hospitality and Tourism

The hospitality and tourism industries are undergoing significant changes, driven by factors such as digital transformation, sustainability, and regeneration. As Deputy Dean, Professor Pantelidis understands the importance of ensuring that education evolves alongside these changes. He believes that educators have a responsibility to prepare students not only for the current state of the industry but for the careers and challenges that may arise in the future.

Adapting to new trends such as sustainability in tourism, the rise of digital technologies, and the increasing demand for personalized travel experiences will require new approaches to education. Professor Pantelidis is committed to ensuring that the college remains at the forefront of these developments, preparing students for the rapidly changing landscape of global hospitality and tourism.

Encouraging Lifelong Learning and Career Development

In line with his forward-looking approach, Professor Pantelidis encourages students to embrace lifelong learning and remain adaptable to the evolving industry landscape. He advocates for students to stay curious and open to new ideas, as this will enable them to thrive in a profession that is dynamic and constantly changing. By cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement and curiosity, students will be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that the future of hospitality and tourism will present.

Through mentorship and development programs, the college aims to support students as they embark on their careers, ensuring that they are well-prepared for success in the global tourism and hospitality industries.

A New Era for Hospitality and Tourism Education at UWL

The appointment of Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis as Deputy Dean of the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism represents a new chapter for the institution. With his deep roots in the hospitality sector and a forward-thinking approach to education, he is well-positioned to lead the college as it continues to shape the future of hospitality and tourism education.

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