Retiree achieves dream of becoming a Gator with Online Tourism and Hospitality Management Master's
August 15, 2024
For UF alum Clifford Bussard¸ the online Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management program meant an opportunity to achieve his life-long dream of becoming a Florida Gator. Enrolling in the program during his retirement, Clifford discovered the degree offered more to him than simply joining the Gator Nation.
Through the online Tourism and Hospitality Management program, he discovered a newfound passion for the industry that inspired him to come out of retirement. After graduating, Clifford accepted the role of President and Business Development Director for the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce —a position he credits to the skills and knowledge gained from his online master’s degree in tourism and hospitality management.
UF’s online graduate program in tourism and hospitality management provides a prestigious degree that is both cost-effective and convenient allowing students to study from anywhere in the world at any stage of life. The asynchronous format is ideal for nontraditional students who need to balance their careers and personal responsibilities. The program’s diverse online learning environment brings together students from various backgrounds, enriching the educational experience with multiple perspectives and prepares them for success in a globalized tourism and hospitality industry.
Given the accessibility and flexibility of the online Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality program, Clifford was able to pursue his UF degree while enjoying the pleasures of living in the mountains of North Georgia.
“I had a simple, singular goal for enrolling in the online program at UF: obtain a degree and achieve a life-long goal of being an official Florida Gator. I was retired and had no significant plans.
Once I was in the program, however, my objectives gradually evolved. I found the coursework immensely challenging and the complexities of Tourism and Hospitality Management intriguing. By the time I completed my practicum at the local visitor's bureau, I was hooked.
The opportunity to make a real difference in my local community persuaded me to reconsider my professional future. When I was asked to be a candidate for President of the Rabun County (GA) Chamber of Commerce, I couldn't say no. And it was my combination of professional experience and my newly minted UF degree that got me the job. I am so grateful to the online program. It not only allowed me to realize a long-time dream, but also reignited my interest in being a difference-maker in my community. All from the comforts of my basement office in the North Georgia Mountains. Go Gators! - Clifford Bussard
----
ABOUT THE ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
The 100% online, instructor-led Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management is designed for busy, working professionals or those just getting started in their careers.
This program allows you to earn your degree and apply what you learn in the classroom to your current and future work environments. Using real data from top industry experts, graduate students develop resource-based views and comprehensive strategies for managing and leading tourism and hospitality organizations. Students will also obtain a holistic perspective of environmental concerns that impact visitation to sensitive areas, including how to build sustainable initiatives into a business model and how to use unique faculty-developed tools to better respond to these issues.
Ignite your tourism and hospitality career with our streamlined admissions process.