College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, After 25 years leading the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (Payne School) at SDSU, I am more energized than ever by what we are accomplishing together. Today, we educate 20% of all hospitality and tourism management students in California. While many programs face enrollment challenges, the Payne School continues to grow thanks to our commitment to student success and personalized learning. We continue to innovate in the classroom and beyond. As artificial intelligence transforms industries worldwide, the Payne School has emerged as a leader in AI education and innovation. Rather than simply adapting to change, our faculty and students are helping shape the future of hospitality and tourism. As we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary during the 2026-27 academic year, we look forward to sharing exciting programs and milestones that highlight the achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni. None of this would be possible without philanthropic support. Your generosity helps expand opportunities, foster innovation, and prepare future industry leaders. Thank you for investing in the Payne School and our students.
Carl Winston Director of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Support Philanthropic support during FY25-26 strengthened the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management by expanding student opportunities, supporting applied research, enhancing facilities, and increasing industry engagement. Funding provided resources for student awards, study abroad experiences, executive-in-residence programming, and experiential learning opportunities that support student success. The impact of these investments is reflected in the school’s continued growth and outcomes. Enrollment has grown from 13 students in the program’s first year to approximately 500 students today, representing an estimated 20% of all hospitality and tourism management students in California. The school maintains a 99% career placement rate, with graduates securing positions and management training opportunities throughout the hospitality, tourism, recreation, and events industries. Philanthropic funding helps ensure students receive a career-focused education while strengthening the school’s reputation as a leader in hospitality and tourism management education.
Bob Payne (’55) was instrumental in developing the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, helping graduates like Paris Landen (’12) excel in their careers.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Fiona Mary Gmeiner, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management Fiona Mary Gmeiner exemplifies the leadership and determination that define the Payne School. As a hospitality and tourism management student focused on sustainability, she embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to prepare for a successful career. At SDSU, Fiona served in leadership roles within the Meetings and Events Student Association, including president; worked as a peer advisor; studied abroad in Prague; and represented the Payne School at the 2025 SDSU Evening of Philanthropy. She also gained professional experience through internships with The US Grant Hotel and SD Meetings & Events. Reflecting on her growth, Fiona shared, “It taught me to let go of my perfectionism, strengthening my ability to accept mistakes and move forward with resilience.” These experiences helped her build confidence and strengthen her leadership skills. After graduation, Fiona plans to explore the global hospitality industry before pursuing a career in client engagement. Her advice to future students is to take risks, embrace failure, and make the most of every opportunity.
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[My time at SDSU] taught me to let go of my perfectionism, strengthening my ability to accept mistakes and move forward with resilience.
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Student Spotlight
Flynn Murray, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Student of Recreation Administration Flynn Murray exemplifies the leadership and dedication that define the recreation administration program. As a recreation administration student with an emphasis in recreation systems management, he has focused on preparing for a career centered on serving communities through recreation and public service. During his time at SDSU, Flynn was actively involved in the Recreation and Tourism Student Association for more than three years, including serving as president. In this role, he organized activities, supported fellow students, and strengthened his communication, leadership, and timemanagement skills while balancing a full academic course load. Reflecting on his experience, Flynn shared, “The time commitment was heavy, but it was worth the struggle. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become a better leader.” Through these experiences, Flynn developed a strong appreciation for teamwork and collaboration. After graduation, he hopes to continue working in parks and recreation, helping communities in need and creating meaningful impact. He credits Jason Hemmens for his mentorship and encourages future students to get involved and take advantage of every opportunity.
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The time commitment was heavy, but it was worth the struggle. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become a better leader.
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Student Spotlight
Tara Spencer, Class of 2026 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management Tara Spencer is an outstanding graduate student in hospitality and tourism management whose capstone project focused on improving employee onboarding and training at the Raleigh Convention Center. She developed an Adaptive Training Model designed to strengthen team preparedness, address knowledge gaps, and create a more supportive work environment. The model includes personalized training timelines, regular knowledge checks, and enhanced safety protocols. By formalizing training processes, the project aims to improve employee retention, strengthen team cohesion, and support operational success. Reflecting on her experience, Tara shared, “The Hospitality & Tourism Management program at SDSU has helped me see my organization from a leadership perspective and better understand what makes me a stronger manager.” Through the program, Tara developed leadership skills that helped her grow professionally and personally. As she continues her career in venue and event management, she hopes to build on her passion for leadership and operations. Her family and friends describe her as responsible, patient, and committed to serving others.
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The Hospitality & Tourism Management program at SDSU has helped me see my organization from a leadership perspective and better understand what makes me a stronger manager.
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Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Statistics of Interest The School maintains a 99% post-graduation placement rate, with graduates receiving job offers or entering management training programs upon completion of their degree programs. The Payne School educates approximately 20% of all hospitality and tourism management students in California. The School serves approximately 500 students. Over the past 25 years, the School has grown from an inaugural cohort of 13 students to one of the largest hospitality and tourism management programs in California. The School offers undergraduate degrees and online master’s programs that support career advancement in hospitality, tourism, and event management. Recent Highlights During FY25-26, the School strengthened its leadership in hospitality education by integrating artificial intelligence concepts into coursework and industry engagement activities, preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving global industry. The School also continued to grow enrollment while maintaining its strong focus on experiential learning, professional development, and career readiness. Students gained hands-on experience through internships, industry projects, study-away opportunities, and leadership roles in student organizations, such as the Meetings and Events Student Association and the Recreation and Tourism Student Association. As the Payne School approaches its 25th anniversary during the 2026-27 academic year, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are preparing to celebrate a quarter-century of innovation, industry leadership, and student success.
Placement Power
Payne now educates 20% of California’s hospitality and tourism management students and maintains 99% placement.
Career-Ready
AI-driven coursework and real-world experiences are preparing future hospitality leaders.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Brandon Mastromartino, Ph.D. Title: Assistant Professor College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Achievement: Named to Global Gaming Business Magazine’s “25 People to Watch in 2025” list. The honor recognizes emerging leaders shaping the future of the gaming industry and highlights his contributions to research on sports betting, consumer behavior, and responsible gaming. As director of the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming, Dr. Mastromartino combines research, teaching, and industry collaboration to create meaningful learning experiences for students. His work helps connect students with emerging trends, industry leaders, and applied research opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in hospitality, tourism, sports, and gaming. He shared the following: Being part of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has provided an incredible opportunity to bridge academic research with real-world industry impact. Through the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming, we are helping students develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving sports, gaming, and entertainment industries. What excites me most is working with students who are curious, engaged, and eager to tackle complex challenges while contributing to important conversations about consumer behavior, responsible gaming, and the future of the industry.
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Being part of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has provided an incredible opportunity to bridge academic research with real-world industry impact.
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Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu