Rebecca Schroeder
Interim Associate Dean of University College and
Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas San Antonio
By Lainey Berkus | Photography by Suzanne Pack
Meet Bag Lady Rebecca Schroeder
Rebecca Schroeder is the Interim Associate Dean of University College and Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas San Antonio. Most notably, she is the dynamic and hands-on pioneer behind the new and first Hospitality and Events Management niche program at the University of Texas at San Antonio—this B.A. degree with a flexible and extensive curated curriculum will prepare students for careers in the thriving tourism and hospitality industries, both of which are vital to the local economy in San Antonio and South Texas. The program’s key focus areas are Management and Human Resources, Communications, Logistics & Planning, and Cultural Enrichment. A key cultural enrichment focus area component is experiential learning through internships with local industry partners.
Impressive, right?
“This comprehensive and multidisciplinary academic track is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in the growing hospitality and event management field. This program sets itself apart by offering a unique emphasis on cultural enrichment, immersing students in the vibrant heritage of San Antonio. This distinctive focus not only differentiates our graduates but also enhances their competitiveness in this fast-growing industry,” says Rebecca, who started building this program in 2021 with the support of Interim Provost Heather Shipley and others.
In addition to her work on this exciting program, Rebecca teaches multiple courses, serves as Interim Associate Dean for University College at UTSA, and is a mom and wife. Like the Energizer Bunny, she keeps going and going with immense stamina and enthusiasm for making good things happen in our educational community.
Rebecca has packed her bag and is going out into The Alamo City to knock on doors and talk with business leaders about this new program and its internship component. Her stand-out UTSA orange square vintage suitcase, with gold ornamentation and padded corners, is filled with information and props to help her showcase the nuts and bolts of this educational program. Her luggage tag proudly reads UTSA Hospitality and Events Management. Let’s unlock the digital combination and peek inside.
Tell me about the contents of your suitcase.
The items in my eye-catching case help me to tell the story of this exciting new program from the ground up. My props emphasize key points, add variety, and stimulate conversation. My items complement and motivate the message and leave a solid first and memorable impression. For example, the orange stress Lego blocks represent how a student can build their program to meet their unique objectives. For example, one student can focus on event planning, while another might choose hotel management. The emphasis on the three focus areas helps guide the students through the key areas of the program, but the broad range of courses allows them to specialize in the realm of hospitality that interests them.
All the items in my case are branded with the program’s logo, which helps keep the message in mind long after my presentation. These items include UTSA notebooks, T-shirts, hot and cold cups, stress ball building blocks, wooden backpack/luggage tags, a chart defining the program with supportive collateral, and links to our program pages. Once my presentation is over, I leave all the contents with my audience in a large University College tote.
Where do you travel with your special suitcase?
My suitcase goes with me everywhere. I am constantly packing and repacking, which is an absolute joy. My passion for this program is genuine; I want everyone to know about it and be part of it.
Hospitality embraces a massive business sector, including a diverse spectrum of companies, businesses, and experts. It encompasses economic and business activities that rely upon or contribute to travel and tourism, accommodation, food and beverage, recreation, and entertainment. The list is endless: hotels, restaurants, bars, event centers, sports stadiums, theaters, museums, arenas, event planners, entertainers, parks, libraries, airports, vehicles, fashion, ticketing, politics, and civic departments. Consider the extensive network of service personnel engaged across these enterprises, too.
Tips:
1. Meeting people face-to-face increases the excitement and significance of my presentations. I aim to make my talks informative and enjoyable, which is why I love taking my message—and some lively props—on the road. Through experience, I’ve discovered that engaging and purposeful props can elevate audience interactions, drawing more participants into the conversation. While digital presentations certainly have their place in our tech-savvy era, nothing beats the personal connection and unique rapport from one-on-one meetings.
2. Timing and delivery with props are essential when giving a presentation. Your bag or case needs to be organized so you aren’t searching for important literature or swag that you need during the face-to-face presentation. Be organized.
3. Take the time to find a “container” with a personality that enhances the presentation. I picked my case for its color, unique shape, weight, handle, and sturdiness. I have always been a “bag lady,” so it was fitting that I had to find the perfect case for our new Hospitality and Events Management program.
For more information on the program, courses, and internship opportunities, please visit https://uc.utsa.edu/programs/mdst-ba/hem/
