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Home / Faculty / Kathleen Drohan

Kathleen Drohan

Associate Professor

JWU Faculty Since 2000

Professor Kathy Drohan

Contact Info

Email
kathleen.drohan@jwu.edu
Phone
401-598-2472
Campus
Providence

Kathleen Drohan teaches in the International Travel & Tourism Studies department.

Drohan came to Johnson & Wales University in 2000 after working 15 years in the recreation, travel & tourism, and event planning industries, beginning her JWU career as director of the travel practicum, spanning the world with hundreds of students to more than 25 countries. As associate professor in the College of Hospitality Management, her expertise is in creating university-community partnerships that provide students experiential learning and leadership- development opportunities that have direct, real-world impact. Drohan is founder or co-founder of multiple high-impact programs such as JWU’s South Africa Study Abroad program, Project S.H.E. (Sports, Health, Education), numerous project-based learning experiences with the Providence Parks Department, National Park Service, and events such as Providence’s Day One 5K. On campus, Drohan was instrumental in planning and implementing the first Midnight Madness, a university tradition that continues today, and she advises JWU’s travel club and women’s basketball. Drohan also serves on the board of directors for the nonprofit Partnership for Providence Parks.

Education

  • M.A.T., Johnson & Wales University
  • B.S., University of Rhode Island

“I joined JWU in 2000 after 15 years in the recreation, travel & tourism and event planning industries. I also specialize in eco-tourism and adventure travel.”

Teaching Interests

Sport Tourism

Adventure, Sport, Nature- Based Tourism

Geography

Voluntourism

Leadership in Recreation

Recreational Planning

Courses

  • Dynamics of Tourism and Sustainability
  • Dynamics of the Cruise Industry
  • Leadership in Recreation/ Leisure Studies
  • Outdoor Recreation Planning
  • World Geography for Tourism and Hospitality
  • Technology in the Tourism/Hospitality Industry
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Extra Curricular Roles

Faculty Advisor for the Travel Club

Faculty Advisor - Women's Basketball

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Professional Affiliations

• National Recreation and Parks Association

• Adventure Travel Trade Association


Q&A with Kathleen

At JWU, education is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. You’re not going to spend four years with your nose buried in a book, learning theories you may never get a chance to apply — you’re going to get out there and apply them, be it through internships, group projects, leadership opportunities, competitions and more.

What Is Your Favorite Teaching Moment?

My favorite teaching moment took place in the township of Khayelitsha in Cape Town, South Africa. We were participating in a month long study abroad program. I had made a connection with the co-founder of the nonprofit, Grass Roots Soccer and they were putting on a soccer tournament during world health day which was taking place the following day. My students and I were invited to volunteer to help organize the youth teams that were playing. During this day we also met someone who was organizing volunteers to help out with the Winter Olympics held in Vancouver. Many of these same students went on to volunteer for two weeks at the Vancouver Winter Olympics the following year.

These were both great experiences for my students and it taught them about the power of networking.


What Advice Do You Have For Incoming Freshmen?

Having been a freshmen advisor for many years, my advice to freshmen has always been to get involved on campus. Join a club, organization or team. It is a great way to meet friends and start networking with industry professionals .

What College Do You Teach In?

College of Hospitality Management