Cutting the ribbon for The Scarlet Hotel on May 6 had double meaning for Rebecca Ellers. Not only did the occasion mark the grand opening of the brand new 154-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel located on the Nebraska Innovation Campus, but it also served as the launch of Ellers career in the hospitality industry.
Ellers, front desk manager at the Scarlet, graduated on May 14 with a degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (HRTM). While in Nebraska, she also studied theater arts, leadership and communications.
As front desk supervisor, Ellers manages a team of ten people. It is his responsibility to understand and be able to facilitate the tasks required of each position within the front desk department. Before opening, Ellers had to take Marriott training and worked on establishing standard operating procedures for her department and helping other departments at the property. She started working at The Scarlet in January, as part of her graduation internship for the HRTM program.
“As The Scarlet Hotel begins to welcome guests through our doors, I am very excited to put my education into action and provide the best guest experience possible,” Ellers said. “I have studied and understood the ‘book knowledge’ necessary for the industry, completed several experience internships, and now I can put them into play together.”
By combining classroom instruction with experiential learning, Nebraska HRTM The program is known for meeting industry needs while allowing students to tailor the program to their interests. During Eller’s time as HRTM as a student, she worked at two hotels, a bed and breakfast and recently interned at the August National Golf Club during the masters tournament.
“My experience in HRTM program has prepared me for my current role by encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone with the opportunity to study abroad, various internships, and bonding during hands-on experience in my classes,” Ellers said.
from Nebraska HRTM program will soon have an even more significant presence at the hotel. The College of Education and Humanities is actively fundraising to complete the academic space within The Scarlet, which will become the program’s new home. The space will include 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.
Ellers is confident that the program’s move to The Scarlet will further bolster its strong reputation.
“The Scarlet Hotel offers a unique opportunity for students to have a front row seat to see how an upscale boutique hotel is run,” she said. “There is over 78 years of hospitality knowledge between the General Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, Food and Beverage Manager and Executive Chef. Students can gain knowledge from every top leader of varying backgrounds without having to leave Lincoln, Nebraska! »
Learn more about the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program and how to support its future.
