Impactful Educator

A man leans against a railing at the water's edge. He wears a blue suit and behind him, the Science World museum is visible in the Vancouver skyline.

Photo: Martin Dee

Jarrett Bachman, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management

By Mary Ann Bautista

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people reach their potential and explore opportunities for growth,” says Jarrett Bachman (he/they), professor of hospitality and tourism management at FDU’s Vancouver Campus. The campus — with its “small classes, intimate learning environment and spirit of educational innovation” — allows him to do that.

Since joining FDU in 2016, Bachman has advocated for unique experiential-learning activities such as field courses, professional development and immersion programs. “These experiences have a more lasting impact on students,” he says.

Prior to his appointment in June 2024 as the interim director of the International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management (ISHSTM), Bachman taught and developed new hospitality courses, traveled with students for the graduate Services Management field course and assisted with the graduate program’s Special Project (thesis) development.

In his new role, Bachman is fortifying the groundwork for student success. “We have incredible faculty and staff with experience and passion for hospitality, sports and tourism,” he says. “By facilitating our faculty’s success, we ensure our students’ success.”

There are plans to expand ISHSTM’s degree programs, giving students the opportunity to explore emerging fields such as health care hospitality.

According to Bachman, improving the patient experience in hospitals, walk-in clinics, physician offices and senior-living facilities is a crucial area of study. ISHSTM is also working on a sport-medicine specialization within its B.A. in sport management degree that will provide a pathway for students to go into the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Charting the course for ISHSTM’s future is fulfilling and reminds Bachman of why he pursued a career in hospitality. “It’s about making people’s lives better — through positive guest experiences, supporting people as they learn about different cultures and working with colleagues to achieve a common goal.”

Bachman has been resilient and attributes his achievements to support from the mentors who shared their kindness, emotional intelligence, innovative ideas and advocacy. “They continue to be my guiding lights,” he says. It’s a role that he wants to fill in his students’ lives. “Society can sometimes forget the human part of our day-to-day lives. Considering the perspectives and feelings of the people you interact with makes such a difference in being more effective as a professional and happier as a person.”

*Bachman is currently serving as interim associate provost for the Vancouver Campus, effective December 1, 2024.