MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Luxury Laurel Highlands resort Nemacolin has opened the Hospitality and Innovation Lab at West Virginia University.
Managing Director Dustin Dent said the commitment made by the Hardy family established a quality training facility with a direct interface to the industry.
“It’s a testament to the Hardy family’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and opportunity,” Dent said. “The $7 million endowment is more than a financial contribution; it’s a beacon illuminating pathways for students who aspire to lead the world of hospitality.”
Like many other industries, Dent said there is a shortage of qualified workers in luxury settings. A native of Gilmer County, Dent brings experience from stops at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa in Moab, Utah; Crystal Mountain Resort in Enumclaw, Washington; and Snowshoe Mountain in Snowshoe, West Virginia.
“There is a lack of qualified associates to work in the luxury sector,” Dent said. “So, what we’re doing is helping the students that come out of school be more prepared to take on those real-world challenges.”
Companies within the industry have a direct link to the lab and provide opportunities for students to apply lessons to real-world situations. Rather than a “test kitchen,” Dent referred to the lab as a proving ground for students to deal with actual issues and actual businesses.
“The Hospitality Innovation Technology Lab gives students more real-world experience and allows them to work collaboratively with businesses in the area to come to solutions to problems and challenges they’re facing,” Dent said.
In addition to internships, students have the opportunity to come to work in different areas of the resort, allowing them to learn the finer points of each component to help them be better managers.
“Students have the ability to come up and shadow our associates,” Dent said. “So, we invite them up to spend a day with the front desk, spend a day with culinary, or spend a day with any of the operations on property.”
Dent said the lab will give future workers in hospitality the tools needed to have a successful career in the industry.
“The Mountaineer Spirit and Nemacolin are aligned,” Dent said. “We’re rooted in hard work, deep community caring, and genuine kindness that perfectly aligns with the heart of hospitality, and we’re excited to grow.”