Louisville Hotel Partnership Expands Investment in Hospitality Program

Additional $75,000 investment builds on prior $550,000 commitment

The Louisville Hotel Partnership (LHP) has pledged an additional $75,000 over two years to establish the Hospitality Management Program Fund within the University of Louisville College of Business. This new investment builds on LHP’s previously announced three‑year, $550,000 commitment to the University, further strengthening the partnership between Louisville’s hospitality industry and the next generation of its workforce.

Formalized through a Charitable Gift Agreement with the University of Louisville Foundation, the Hospitality Management Program Fund will primarily support students pursuing degrees in Hospitality Management through scholarships, student engagement initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and on‑site industry experiences.

This investment directly aligns with LHP’s mission to drive incremental hotel room nights into Jefferson County and support tourism‑related infrastructure that fuels long‑term economic growth. By investing in hospitality education and workforce development, LHP is helping ensure Louisville remains competitive as a destination while building the skilled talent needed to support visitor growth.

“This continued investment is about building Louisville’s talent pipeline,” said Eamon O’Brien, Chair of the Louisville Hotel Partnership. “Our industry thrives when we develop local leaders. By supporting UofL students, we are strengthening hospitality, creating career pathways, and supporting the infrastructure that allows tourism and our local economy to grow.”

This initiative comes at no cost to Louisville taxpayers. LHP is funded through a modest assessment on overnight hotel guests, ensuring that tourism dollars are reinvested directly into workforce development, industry sustainability, and community growth.

A portion of the funds may also be allocated toward curriculum development, industry collaboration, academic advising, and other programmatic initiatives designed to elevate and advance the Hospitality Management program and deepen connections between students and the hospitality sector.

“We are grateful for the Louisville Hotel Partnership’s continued commitment to our students and to the future of Louisville’s hospitality industry,” said Amy Henley, Dean of UofL College of Business. “This support strengthens our Hospitality Management minor by expanding experiential learning, industry engagement and programmatic support—ensuring our graduates are prepared to contribute immediately to one of our region’s most vital economic drivers.” 

As outlined in the agreement, the University will provide annual stewardship reports detailing the use and impact of the funds supporting the Hospitality Management Program.

Together, the Louisville Hotel Partnership and the University of Louisville continue to demonstrate how industry‑driven investment can fuel student success, strengthen workforce development, and support a vibrant, resilient hospitality industry that benefits Jefferson County and the broader Louisville community.

About the UofL College of Business:  

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.  

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