DR. JENNIFER ELFENBEIN
Colangelo College of Business
Title: Instructor
Years at GCU: Less than one
Academic degrees: Ph.D. in Organizational Systems, M.S. in Hotel Administration, B.A. in Film Studies
Faculty scholarship (publications, scholarly presentations, fellowships, etc.): I will have a chapter published in the book "International Perspectives on Improving Classroom Engagement and International Development Programs: Humanizing Higher Education" (publication date August 2020).
Notable research in your field: Ethical engagement in volunteer tourism.
Notable employment in your field: Director of Finance, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Controller, Solstice Collection & West Paces Hotel Group
What are you most passionate about in your field? Organizational culture, responsible consumption and development, the practice of loving the stranger.
What aspect of your teaching style is the most distinctive and/or memorable? Every semester I set a goal for myself to learn every student’s name by the end of the second week. On the first class meeting I ask them to tell me interesting and unique things about themselves, which they write down on index cards. I use these as flash cards to learn their names. Students seems to appreciate the opportunity to learn more about their peers. Simultaneously, I model the importance of name recognition in hospitality service.
What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? Trail running, mountain biking, reading and vegan cooking.
What is something interesting about you that most people don't know? I am still a foodie even though I am vegan. I especially love exploring and eating Ethiopian, Korean and Indian cuisines.
