November 2004

The California State University publishes a statewide impact report that identifies hospitality as one of four significant industries related to job growth in California. Others included agriculture, engineering and entertainment. This study spurs discussion on how the CSU can support these industries.

June 2005

The CSU convenes the Partnership with Hospitality and Tourism Forum at Cal Poly Pomona on June 2, 2005. The forum focused on key issues facing the hospitality and tourism industries and the CSU's partnership role in preparing the future workforce. Participants included the Chancellor and industry leaders.

November 2005

The CSU convenes the 2005 Hospitality Summit in Los Angeles to present results of an internal study of hospitality management programs at a number of CSU campuses.

December 2007

Cal Poly Pomona President J. Michael Ortiz, appoints Dr. Andy Feinstein to the post of Dean and James A. Collins Distinguished Chair of the Collins College of Hospitality Management.

May 2008

Dean Feinstein presents a follow-up report on the state of hospitality management education in the CSU to President Ortiz. Based on the findings of the Hospitality Summit and subsequent research, this report calls for a new Hospitality Management Education Initiative (HMEI).

June 2008

Chancellor Reed appoints Dean Feinstein to the post of CSU Director of Hospitality Management Education.

May 2009

The inaugural meeting of the CSU Hospitality Industry Advisory Board is held in Long Beach, California. The meeting is followed by a joint networking lunch with the advisors and the universities’ program leaders.

That same afternoon, the inaugural meeting of The CSU Hospitality Management Program Leaders Committee is held to discuss opportunities for increasing collaboration and synergies between CSU programs, the industry, and California community colleges.

October 2009

HMEI launches the “Adopt-a-Campus” program. Its goal is to familiarize advisory board members with campus programs via site visits and guest lecturing.

May 2010

A total of 134 new articulation agreements for hospitality coursework were added during the 2009/2010 academic year. These agreements allow students to receive automatic transfer credit for lower-division courses completed at a community college.

The 2010 CSU economic impact report is released. This report again highlighted the important role that the hospitality plays in the California economy.

June 2010

The second annual board meeting was held on June 1st. Advisors provided industry insights on retention strategies in support of the CSU's graduation initiative.

November 2010

HMEI launched “Take a Student to Work Day” in which students shadow advisory board members for a day. Its goal is to expose students to the various careers in the hospitality industry as well as form connections between students and industry leaders.

January 2011

HMEI hosted the CSU African American Initiative’s Southern California Board’s meeting for their annual Super Sunday outreach event.

April 2011

The annual HMEI board meeting took place in Sacramento followed by reception for legislators.