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Dr. Cary C. Countryman

Associate Professor
Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management

B-3-261 Mackinac Hall
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401

TEL:  (616) 331-8828
FAX:  (616) 331-3115
E-mail: countryc@gvsu.edu

EDUCATION:

A.A., Educational Administration, Everett Community College
B.A., Policial Science/Public Administration, Washington State University
M.B.A., Marketing, Hospitaity/Tourism Information Systems, Washington State University
Ph.D., Hospitality/Tourism Marketing and Consumer Behavior, Purdue University

Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), American Hotel and Lodging Association

TEACHING AREAS/INTERESTS:

HTM 373 - Hospitality Information Analysis
HTM 495 - Hospitality Management

EXPERIENCE: 

Dr. Countryman grew up in the hospitality and tourism industry.  Working with his family, he helped restore a Queen Ann Victorian mansion converting it into a bed and breakfast, which his family still owns and operates.  The bed and breakfast is located in Washington State and is listed on the National Historical Register.  In addition, the mansion also houses an art gallery, framing shop and a graphic arts studio.  As a young man, he also worked with his father in the graphic arts company.  During this time, several successful marketing and promotional campaigns were produced for hospitality and tourism related organizations. 

Cary has over 15 years of teaching experience in the fields of marketing, small business management, hospitality and tourism, information systems and operations management.  Before joining the faculty at Grand Valley State University, Dr. Countryman taught at Brigham Young University – Hawaii, the University of Houston, Purdue University, the College of Eastern Utah and Washington State University.  Besides teaching, he has also been involved with consulting and research including international projects.  These include hotel feasibility studies, cultural attractions, marketing campaigns, food service operations, website design and the use of technology from both an educational and business perspective.

Along with his hospitality and tourism experience, Dr. Countryman has a technology background and worked for several years as a computer programmer and technician for small businesses, governmental organizations and educational institutions.  He has been actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America in providing training and leadership in many different Scouting programs and activities for over 30 years.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH:

Phelan, K. V., Christodoulidou, N., Countryman, C. C. & Kistner, L. J. (in press). To book or not to book: The role of hotel web site heuristics. The Journal of Services Marketing.

Christodoulidou, N., Brewer, P. & Countryman, C. C. (2007). Travel intermediaries and metasites: A comparison of customer perception. Information Technology & Tourism, 9(3/4), 227-243.

Countryman, C. C. & Jang, S. (2006). The effects of atmospheric elements on customer impression: The case of hotel lobbies.  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 18(7), 534-545.  HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD 2007, EMERALD LITERATI NETWORK.

Countryman, C. C. & Horton, B. (2006). Qualities and characteristics club managers look for in entry level supervisors.  International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration, 7(2/3).

Countryman, C. C., Venegas, T. & DeFranco, A. (2005). Controller: A viable career for hospitality students.  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 17(7), 577-589.  Selected to be included in the 5th Edition of HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS (2010) by O’Fallon and Rutherford, published by Wiley.

CURRENT RESEARCH:

"Cultural influences and impact on web site design"
"Applying SERVQUAL to higher education"

 PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE:

• Awarded the District Award of Merit (2010) by the Hukilau District of the Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America.  Given for outstanding service to the District and Scouting.
• Awarded the Silver Beaver (2010) by the Aloha Councill, Boy Scouts of America.  Given for distinguished service to youth.

Page last modified July 15, 2011