Troy University trustees on Friday created two new schools.

The College of Health and Human Services will house the School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management and offer a consolidated undergraduate degree program in the field after the Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved it at its September 14 meeting.

The new degree, a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Sport and Fitness Management, moves the leisure services studies entirely into the College, which will offer concentrations in each of the three fields.

“The new school will capitalize on natural synergies of three industry management programs under the umbrella of leisure services to provide more employment opportunities for graduates,” said Dr. Damon Andrew, dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

“This new structure will support the preparation of graduates in a defined growth industry for Alabama and beyond and it allows for the enhancement of an International Center for Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management to augment faculty research opportunities, particularly through applied industry research.”

Andrew said by 2022, it is expected that tourism will account for 328 million jobs, or one out of every 10 on the planet.

The School will also house three undergraduate minors.

Trustees also established the School of Science and Technology to concentrate efforts aimed at increasing the proficiency of students in science and technology related fields.

Programs in applied science, chemistry, physics, computer science, biology, environmental science, geomatics and mathematics will be housed in the new School.

“The creation of these two Schools have the same aim: increasing the quality of academic programs and better positioning Troy University students to pursue careers in business, education, research, government and industry,” said Dr. Earl Ingram, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

“This action by the Board clearly sets a priority for high-quality programs and high-value degrees for our graduates.”

In other action, the Board passed a resolution calling on the Legislature to make good on its promise at equitable funding for state universities and colleges. A 2007 agreement called for the university to receive additional appropriations over three years to put it at the average funding level for all state supported schools.

Only the first year’s appropriation, in 2008, has been made by the Legislature.

Also, the Board passed several resolutions commending various individuals and recent retirees, and established the Troy for Troops Center to support military affiliated students.

This article was submitted by Troy University.