U.S. Education official visits with Academy of Hospitality and Tourism leaders

September 13, 2022 (Volume 46, Number 2)
Article by Brian Vernellis

seven people standing near vertical banner in a hallway, banner indicates NAF Be Future Ready

At left is Amy Loyd, U.S. Department of Education assistant secretary, who toured the NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Ottawa Hills High School. Paul Stansbie, associate dean in the College of Education and Community Innovation, is fourth from right.

Photo Credit: courtesy photo

Amy Loyd, U.S. Department of Education assistant secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education, visited Grand Rapids on August 30 to learn more about the NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Ottawa Hills High School.

The college-career prep academy opened in fall 2019 and is a partnership with Grand Valley's Hospitality and Tourism Management Department, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Experience Grand Rapids, and AHC+Hospitality.

Loyd met with Paul Stansbie, associate dean in the College of Education and Community Innovation; Justin Clement, NAF legislative affairs consultant; Jordoun Eatman, vice president of engagement and inclusion for Experience Grand Rapids; and Rodney Lewis, executive director of high school support for Grand Rapids Public Schools.

“We set the academy up pre-COVID, and we lost a lot due to attrition from the industry,” Stansbie said. “We’re looking to reimagine the academy. This is version 2.0, and Dr. Loyd wanted to learn more about what we’re doing.”

Loyd’s visit coincided with Grand Valley visit of another Department of Education official on August 30.

Under Secretary James Kvaal stopped at the Allendale Campus to talk with President Philomena V. Mantella and students who have participated in GVSU initiatives like REP4, the HBCU/HSI Consortium and K-12 Connect. Kvaal also toured the DeVos Center of Interprofessional Health.