Alistair Williams, Ph.D.
Career highlights
- Earned doctorate in hospitality marketing
- International senior management experience in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and Asia
- Instructed hospitality, tourism and leisure at universities in Great Britain, France and now the U.S.
- Author of numerous articles and books focused on contemporary hospitality marketing
Degrees
B.Sc., Sheffield Hallam University, UK
M.Sc., University Huddersfield, UK
Ph.D., Leeds Beckett University, UK
What online courses could a student possibly take from you?
HOSP3050 Hospitality Strategic Marketing
HOSP4060 Hospitality Strategy Design and Execution Seminar
FSM2055 Beverage Appreciation
FSM4070 The Business of Alcohol Distribution, Retail, and Sales
What do you like most about teaching online?
Teaching online is very different from teaching in a traditional classroom. You need to find mechanisms to help students learn without face-to-face interaction and live discussions. As the technology evolves, you have the opportunity to modify the courses and the ways in which they are delivered, and I enjoy that flexibility.
What strategies do you use to keep students engaged?
I try to make sure I communicate regularly with students through announcements and emails. I contact students who may be disengaging from the class. I try to give good feedback on all pieces of assessment. I try to ensure that I am available on their timetable as much as is possible, knowing that they choose online because it better suits their busy lifestyles.
How do you bring the industry to life in class?
I try to do the same as I do in a traditional class by posting articles, news and other media that is up to date and relevant to their studies. If I read something I think is interesting, I hope they do, too, and I encourage them to post anything they think will interest their peers.
Do you have any career advice for prospective students?
My advice would be don’t be afraid to try something different. Always be flexible, be willing to travel, be willing to put yourself out there, and value yourself always.
Want to learn more about earning your degree online with Alistair Williams? Complete the “Request Info” form on this page or call 855-JWU-1881.