Scott Richardson
Career Highlights
- Teaching Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurship, and Hospitality Management since 2005
- Online instructor and course developer for hospitality-related business courses since 2009
- Academic researcher with published peer-reviewed articles in the British Food Journal and the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education
- Online graduate course facilitator at eCornell/Cornell University specializing in hospitality strategy, viticulture, food processing, and service excellence
- Instructional designer with expertise in eLearning development and curriculum design
Degrees/Certificates
M.Sc., Hospitality & Tourism Management, University of Central Florida
M.A., Intercultural Studies, Columbia International University
B.A., Intercultural Studies, Montreat College
Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, University of Central Florida
Graduate Certificate in Project Management & Project Leadership, eCornell, Cornell University
Certifications
Certified Hospitality Educator, AHLEI
Certified Culinary Medicine Professional (CCMP), American College of Culinary Medicine (completion 2026)
ServSafe Manager Certification (2021–2026)
Certified eCornell Facilitator
What online courses could a student possibly take from you?
FSM2005 Technology in the Food and Beverage Industry
FSM2165 Food Code and Policy
FSM3012 Advanced Menu Analysis
FSM3075 Food Service and Hospitality Strategic Marketing
FSM4081 Advanced Food & Beverage Operations and Planning
FOOD6150 Food Defense and Adulteration Prevention
What do you like most about teaching online?
Teaching online offers a unique opportunity to meet students where they are, both geographically and in their personal learning journeys. I enjoy creating an environment that encourages curiosity, accountability, and growth. When students realize they have agency over their success, it sparks a deeper level of engagement. I focus on fostering critical thinking and applying real-world scenarios to help students connect theory with practice. Sharing my passion for the hospitality industry often motivates students to find their own path within it. That sense of discovery and empowerment is what makes teaching online so rewarding.
How do you bring the industry to life in class?
I integrate my own industry experiences directly into course content and discussions, helping students relate abstract concepts to the realities of hospitality work. Whether it’s a challenge I’ve faced in restaurant operations or lessons learned in leadership, I use those moments to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and day-to-day situations. Students often tell me these connections make the material feel more relevant and applicable to their own careers.
Do you have any career advice for prospective students?
Hospitality today moves fast and demands both adaptability and emotional intelligence. If you’re entering a four-year program, start thinking like a professional from day one.
Here are four things that will set you apart:
- Apply what you learn in class to real-world settings as often as possible. Internships, part-time work, or even side projects can deepen your understanding.
- Approach every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset. Leaders notice problem solvers.
- Stay resilient. Feedback, pace, and pressure are all part of the learning process in this industry.
- Be generous with what you know. Whether it’s helping a classmate or mentoring a newer team member, hospitality thrives on collaboration.
Want to learn more about earning your Hospitality undergraduate degree online with Scott Richardson? Complete the “Request Info” form on this page or call 855-JWU-1881.
