When The Scarlet Hotel opens next July on Nebraska Innovation Campus, students in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program will have the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and gain hands-on experience in a world-class setting.

The 154-room Marriott Tribute property, on the corner of Transformation Drive and 21st Street, will include a full-service restaurant, coffee shop, sandwich shop, fitness facility, rooftop bar and additional high-end features to ensure an outstanding guest experience.

Lincoln native Tyler Pramberg, a junior majoring in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management, sees the hotel as a great way for future students to explore career paths while gaining confidence.

“Being able to have a hotel on campus with a tangible work environment where students can learn is a great opportunity,” he said. “I think it will make it much easier for them to continue down the path of becoming a hospitality professional.”

Pramberg, who aims to own a hospitality management business, said he thinks The Scarlet will help students understand more about the importance of customer service.

“It’s important for those in the hospitality industry to anticipate the needs of others and be able to articulate them to a team in order to help people have a special time,” Pramberg said.

As the only hotel on campus, The Scarlet will be owned, operated and managed privately, with the academic space managed by the College of Education and Human Sciences. That space will feature state-of-the art classrooms and demonstration rooms that will allow students to deepen their understanding of the commitment to service excellence required in the hospitality industry. A learning kitchen will also support the teaching of expanded culinary offerings for those studying the food and beverage facet of the industry.

By combining classroom instruction with experiential learning, Nebraska’s HRTM program is known for meeting the needs of the industry while allowing students to tailor the program to their interests. Program leaders believe the Scarlet Hotel will only strengthen that reputation.

“The Scarlet is a game changer for our Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program,” said Sherri Jones, dean of education and human sciences. “I’m thrilled for our students who will get to leverage this hotel as a learning laboratory by gaining invaluable skills that will increase their competitive advantage in the industry.”

The hospitality industry is the third-largest revenue generator in Nebraska and one of the largest industries in the world. In the United States, the hospitality industry represents over $1.6 trillion in economic output and 1 of every 10 jobs. Students in the hospitality management major have six emphasis areas to choose from: hotel management, club management, event management, food and beverage management, tourism, and human resources.

Sarb Sukh Preet Singh Randhawa, a junior hospitality, restaurant and tourism management major from India, said the hotel internships and other hands-on learning opportunities to be offered at The Scarlet will help future students decide which areas they want to pursue.

“I think The Scarlet will broaden the exposure to different departments, which will help future students choose what area they want to specialize in,” said Randhawa, who’s looking forward to a career in the industry because he enjoys interacting with people.

Fundraising efforts are underway for the $3 million academic space. To learn more about the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program and how to support its future, click here or call 402-472-3867.