Pulse August 2017 | Page 38

DEDICATED CONTRIBUTOR 2017 ISPA CONFERENCE & EXPO Dr. Mary Wisnom Dr. Mary Wisnom defines what Scholarship, served ISPA it means to be a “dedicated on many ISPA DEDICATED contributor.” Her work with committees and CONTRIBUTOR the recent ISPA Academy taskforces, and AWARD would alone grant her that been an all- title, but Wisnom has also around supporter RECIPIENT spent her entire career working of ISPA’s mission. towards a better and brighter future Join us in thanking her for the spa industry. Wisnom is a for her invaluable contributions to our Professor and Spa Management community. Coordinator for the School of Resort and Hospitality Management in the Lutgert When did you first hear about ISPA College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast and what prompted you to join? University. She boasts over 30 years of When I was first managing club and passionate experience in the hospitality resort spas, there was no ISPA. I would industry as a practitioner and educator. have loved the resources and know-how Through that passion, Wisnom has of ISPA back then. In 1991, I left the edited spa textbooks, supported the industry to pursue my doctorate at nomination of several students pursuing Michigan State University and become a the ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi teacher. After teaching for several years Dr. Wisnom's work with the ISPA Academy has given members an invaluable resource in spa management. at Central Michigan University, I learned a colleague was developing a new resort and hospitality program at Florida Gulf Coast University and it was her plan to have a spa management component. Knowing my background, she encouraged me to apply. Excited by the opportunity to develop a spa management curriculum, I researched different professional associations that could help me in my new task and I discovered and joined ISPA. Why is giving back to ISPA so important to you? It’s in my nature to give back to those that have given me so much. It is hard to imagine teaching spa management without ISPA. Without ISPA’s research and resources, it would have been nearly impossible to convince my university to approve a spa management program. Without ISPA’s publications, it would (CONTINUED ON PAGE 38) 36 PULSE ■ August 2017