Students returning to Concord University in January engage in a unique learning experience made possible by a $5000 Campus Compact LINK grant. The service learning grant connected the McDowell County Economic Development Authority with Dr. Susan Williams, Associate Professor in Recreation and Tourism Management, who specializes in heritage tourism development.
“The grant will allow students to test their knowledge in the field. This hands-on experience combined with community service is a lesson that will never be forgotten,” explained Dr. Williams. “We will work with the town of Kimball and McDowell County Economic Development Authority to develop a business plan and a marketing plan for the Houston Company Store.”
The Houston Company Store holds historical significance for McDowell County and is an architectural gem of West Virginia’s coal field heritage. “The Cultural Tourism class will learn to balance historic preservation and tourist consumption,” said Williams. “Additionally, they will learn how architecture is a visual representation of culture and history and why preservation is as much a social science as it is bricks and mortar.”
Students from across West Virginia, the United States, and many international locations, including Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Russia will offer input and opinions that are invaluable to the process. “It’s a win-win situation for both the students and the community,” says Williams.
Concord University was one of the first institutions to offer a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recreation and Tourism Management. The program prepares leaders with theoretical and practical experience in tourism planning and promotion; parks and resort management; sports management; and hospitality management. For more information, contact Dr. Susan Williams at (304) 384-6026, or swilliams@concord.edu.
