EVERETT, Wash. – Senior living management executive Scott Eckstein has been appointed to lead the hospitality business management program in senior living at Washington State University North Puget Sound at Everett.
Bill Pettit has been the senior-living-executive-in-residence since 2013 and will continue to be involved in advisory board and steering committee roles.
“As baby boomers head into their later years, the senior housing industry will need to train and recruit over 1.2 million new staff members by 2025,” said Pettit. “As a strong and knowledgeable leader, Scott will guide WSU in training future leaders in this industry.”
“We are all potential future clients,” Eckstein said. “Ensuring that our unique, hybrid business of care, hospitality, real estate and technology has a highly educated and prepared workforce is paramount.”
As part of the WSU Carson College of Business faculty, Eckstein will teach Introduction to Senior Living Management and begin developing it for online delivery. He will develop a new online certificate targeting senior housing industry professionals and associations.
He will form a steering committee, appoint a liaison to the advisory board and collaborate with other WSU programs in human development, nursing and psychology to build the program.
He plans to facilitate internships and graduate placement opportunities. Other priorities include exploring possible public/private research opportunities and establishing an endowment to permanently fund the position.