Bethune-Cookman Student Waneysha Louissaint selected for hospitality programs and scholarships

Bethune-Cookman University announces the selection of Waneysha Louissaint of Orlando, Fla., as one of 15 students from over 100 applicants to participate in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Sands Hospitality Immersion Program in Las Vegas, Nev. She is a rising senior in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and management systems.

This opportunity gave her a chance to learn from industry experts, explore top resorts and venues, and engage in hands-on activities.

"The business administration with a concentration in hospitality and management systems program offers students numerous scholarships and travel opportunities, offering them significant exposure and networking prospects,” said Dr. Ruth Smith, department chair and associate professor of hospitality management in the College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “We are thrilled to see Waneysha Louissaint excel and take full advantage of these opportunities. Her dedication and achievements exemplify our program's quality and our students' immense potential.”

In addition, Louissaint attended the 28th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership and Investment Summit and Trade Show and the 11th Annual International Multicultural and Heritage Tourism Summit and Trade Show, sponsored and hosted by the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) in Miami, Fla., from July 24-28. She was able to network with industry leaders and investors and collaborated with students from other institutions.

Additionally, Louissaint has been accepted as one of nine George Turner Scholars for 2024. This honor includes an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals Annual Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, from November 13-16. She will receive another scholarship award at this event, further supporting her academic journey.

"I am honored and extremely thankful for the support and recognition from these prestigious organizations,” said Louissaint. These experiences and scholarships are invaluable to my academic growth and future career aspirations as a business analyst and hotel owner."

For more information about the business administration with a concentration in hospitality and management systems degree program, click here or contact Dr. Ruth Smith at smithr@cokman.edu.