STRIVING FOR A
MULTISPECIES WORLD

I am Professor and the Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Appalachian State University.  I founded the NC Tourism Extension Program in 2000 and have worked with rural communities in NC and beyond for 30 years.  My research interests have historically focused on topics relevant to rural communities, such as foodie segmentation, craft beverages, agritourism, cultural and heritage tourism, ecotourism, & tourism entrepreneurship, however, now I solely focus on animal ethics and animal welfare.  I am currently enrolled in graduate studies at Lewis & Clark Law School.  I anticipate graduation in 2026 with an Animal Law Masters of Study in Law (MSL).