Umbreit Named Taco Bell Distinguished Professor by WSU Business

PULLMAN, Wash. — W. Terry Umbreit, professor and director of the School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University, is the new Taco Bell Distinguished Professor in the College of Business and Economics.

“Terry’s impact on hospitality education has been tremendous, reaching into every corner of our program here at WSU and literally spreading around the globe,” says CBE Dean Eric Spangenberg. “As the Taco Bell Distinguished Professor, Terry’s world-class professionalism and vision will continue to make increasingly significant marks on the hospitality industry, which is one of the largest industries in the world.”

“This is a great capstone to my career and I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Umbreit said. “It is special to me to receive one of the first college-wide distinguished professorships  —  it was established at WSU in 1989.

“Over the years I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with Taco Bell Corp. to promote career opportunities in the quick-service segment and conduct research in multi-unit operations. I appreciate the confidence expressed in me by the college and look forward to continuing my efforts to enhance research and student education in the hospitality and tourism field.”

His distinguished professorship started with a gift from the Taco Bell Corp., headquartered in Irvine, Calif., to the hospitality school at WSU. Its purpose is to honor a renowned professor who is a master teacher and has strong ties to the industry.

Umbreit joined WSU’s hospitality faculty in 1975 and has led the hospitality school for 22 of those 30 years. He has recruited several renowned professors to join its faculty, and curriculum revisions have kept HBM students on pace with industry demands. Under his directorship, the school has earned a reputation for its leadership and program innovation. The school, the fifth oldest in the country, is traditionally ranked in the top 10 programs in the nation. It has partnered with academic institutions in the state, nation and abroad, and students have enjoyed a high placement rate upon graduation. In fact, the school was ranked number one recently by recruiters for the career services that it provides to its students.

His peers have honored Umbreit with the highest recognition in his field. He received the Howard B. Meek Award from the international Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education in 2001, recognizing his lifetime contributions and outstanding service to hospitality education. In 1992, the national council honored Umbreit with its achievement award in recognition of significant and innovative contributions to the field.

Umbreit’s research focuses on multi-unit restaurant management, performance appraisal and operational effectiveness. He has been ranked among the top 12 percent of the most cited hospitality faculty in the world. He was instrumental in getting the hospitality program redesignated as a school within the College of Business and Economics in 2002.

His career has also been filled with service to the industry, from academic activities to appointments with professional organizations, committees and programs. He served as chair and president of national Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, as a trustee of the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association, and as president of the Washington Restaurant Association Education Foundation, a philanthropic organization that he helped found in 1995.

Umbreit earned a doctorate at WSU in higher education administration. He has a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University and two bachelor’s degrees, one each from Michigan State University and DePauw University.

The Indiana native is married to Julie Umbreit, an author and screenwriter. His son, Ben, lives in Chicago, and daughter, Amy, in Orlando, Fla.