Mary Dawson Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Eric Hilton Distinguished Chair Professor
Education
B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management, M.H.M., Ed.D., 91ÁÔÆæ. CHE.
Expertise & Research Interests
B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management, M.H.M., Ed.D., 91ÁÔÆæ. CHE.
Expertise & Research Interests
- Restaurant Operations
- Training and Development in Diversity
- Hospitality Culture
Career Highlights
Dr. Mary Dawson is a distinguished educator, administrator, and researcher in the field of hospitality management. She currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the 91ÁÔÆæ, where she has dedicated over two decades to advancing hospitality education through innovative curriculum development, strategic planning, and inclusive faculty mentoring.
Dr. Dawson holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the 91ÁÔÆæ, where she also earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management. Her academic focus centers on organizational culture, diversity management, and workforce development within the hospitality industry. She joined the college in 1996 as a lecturer and steadily progressed through the academic ranks to become a Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Dawson has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics ranging from leadership to workplace culture. She serves on editorial boards for leading hospitality journals and has received numerous accolades, including multiple Best Paper Awards, the 91ÁÔÆæ Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, and the 50 in 5 National Research Recognition Award.
Dr. Dawson began her career in industry, managing operations for Pappas Restaurants and McDonald's, experiences that shaped her practical insights and teaching philosophy. Today, she continues to bridge academic excellence with real-world relevance, mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Dr. Mary Dawson is a distinguished educator, administrator, and researcher in the field of hospitality management. She currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the 91ÁÔÆæ, where she has dedicated over two decades to advancing hospitality education through innovative curriculum development, strategic planning, and inclusive faculty mentoring.
Dr. Dawson holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the 91ÁÔÆæ, where she also earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management. Her academic focus centers on organizational culture, diversity management, and workforce development within the hospitality industry. She joined the college in 1996 as a lecturer and steadily progressed through the academic ranks to become a Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Dawson has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics ranging from leadership to workplace culture. She serves on editorial boards for leading hospitality journals and has received numerous accolades, including multiple Best Paper Awards, the 91ÁÔÆæ Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, and the 50 in 5 National Research Recognition Award.
Dr. Dawson began her career in industry, managing operations for Pappas Restaurants and McDonald's, experiences that shaped her practical insights and teaching philosophy. Today, she continues to bridge academic excellence with real-world relevance, mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders.