Professional Experience
Eric T. Brey, Ph.D., is a Professor of Hospitality in the School of Management at University of Wisconsin-Stout, where his work focuses on leveraging consumer insights to guide the implementation of effective organizational strategy. He has been recognized as an AT&T Technology Fellow, a visiting professor for the Association of National Advertisers, and an extraordinary marketing mind by HSMAI while being quoted in international media outlets, including Forbes, Business Week, China Post, USA Today, New York Post, Washington Post, and CBS News. He has received numerous scientific awards for research published in top-tier journals, including Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and Journal of Travel Research. As a scholar-teacher passionate about supporting industry, he’s served as an expert legal witness and had the privilege of working with the American Resort Development Association, British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce, Dalhoff Thomas Design Studio, Destination Marketing Association International, Empresas Bern, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Institute of Real Estate Management, Jinling Hotels & Resorts, Methodist Hospitals, RVC Outdoor Destinations, USGA (United States Golf Association), Women’s Foodservice Forum, and numerous Distinguished and Platinum Clubs. Eric received his Ph.D. from Purdue University and advises private clubs, golf facilities, resorts, and residential real estate communities on stakeholder and organizational strategy.
Teaching Philosophy
My passion is teaching the business of hospitality because it’s all about preparing students to thrive in one of the most exciting and rewarding industries from day one. My goal is to bridge the gap between the classroom and industry, making learning exciting, practical, and directly connected to career success. My teaching approach is built on four key ideas: putting students first, creating an engaging learning experience, using technology to enhance learning (especially AI’s growing role), and developing critical thinking skills. I design classes to be flexible, interactive, and full of real-world applications so students gain knowledge they can immediately use in their careers. I also mix different teaching methods to match the diverse ways people learn. Above all, I bring industry into the classroom (and the classroom to industry through regular site visits), encouraging innovation and hands-on problem-solving. Hospitality is an exciting field, and my goal is to make learning just as dynamic—so students graduate ready to lead and succeed on day one.