Norris selected to lead Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education

Norris selected to lead Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Media Contact: Terry Tush | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-2703 | [email protected]

Dr. Cortney Norris was recently named the Naifeh and RNDC Director of the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education at Oklahoma State University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Norris, an assistant professor who joined the HTM faculty in 2022, brings more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience, predominately in large-scale beverage operations with expertise in event planning and execution as well as training and development to her new role.

Norris earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management from Purdue University (2006), her MBA from the University of North Carolina (2019) and her doctorate degree in hospitality administration from the University of Houston (2022). Before transitioning into academia, she served as the director of beverage operations at several renowned Las Vegas Strip casinos, where she managed multiple venues and led a large team of employees.

"I am thrilled to leverage my skills and expertise to develop innovative programming that will enhance the experience for our students, engage our donors and enrich the broader community," Norris said. "My goal is to create value for everyone involved, from those who attend our events to those who support the beverage center."

HTM's beverage education center, which opened in 2016, serves to develop curriculum and foster research into one of the fastest-growing segments of the hospitality industry and is dedicated to exploring trends surrounding the inclusion of wine, craft beers, as well as fine teas and coffees into the business mix of restaurants and other venues.

"Dr. Norris is a well-seasoned hospitality professional who has had a long and distinguished working career in key leadership roles within beverage operations management in Las Vegas," said Dr. Brij Thapa, Carl and Marilynn Thoma distinguished professor and head of HTM. "Her extensive beverage knowledge and decades of professional experience will be major assets to further propel our beverage management program. There are only a handful of degree-based university beverage management programs, and we aim to be a major leader in developing future professionals and leaders for career placement in the U.S. and globally."

Also, as part of her new position, Norris will be working with students and sponsors in planning and implementing the school's signature events like the Wine Forum of Oklahoma, the Craft Beer Forum of Oklahoma and the Distinguished Chefs Scholarship Benefit Series.

"These outstanding events are really the best part of my job because the students get to take their knowledge from their coursework and apply it in real time, all while learning from the beverage specialists that come to the events," she said. "It is a great complement to traditional classroom learning and provides me with an opportunity to work side by side with them and watch them grow.

"Our beverage courses provide students with a profound understanding and appreciation of the global beverage industry. For those passionate about pursuing a career in this field, the beverage center offers invaluable opportunities for experiential learning through our events, specialized training with industry partners and networking with thousands of potential employers eager to recruit talented and motivated graduates. I envision the beverage center as the central hub where students can refine their skills and seamlessly transition into rewarding careers upon graduation."

To learn more about the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, visit the website.

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