GREG DESHIELDS PROFILE AS AN EDUCATOR 2025
LEGACY AND IMPACT
With Greg’s passion for hospitality and his unwavering commitment to enriching both industry and community, Greg DeShields continues to inspire emerging professionals and embodies the values of growth, grace, perseverance, and purpose. His legacy is reflected in the students he uplifts, the programs he builds, and the equity he champions across every corner of the hospitality education landscape.
EARLY FOUNDATIONS IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Philadelphia OIC – Hospitality Training Institute
Greg DeShields began his journey as a hospitality educator with Philadelphia OIC, where he played a critical role in leading workforce development initiatives for the Opportunities Inn Hospitality Training Institute. He collaborated with hospitality educators to develop curriculum and design lesson plans that emphasize industry-aligned skills and career readiness for underserved communities. This hands-on work laid the foundation for his long-standing commitment to equitable workforce development in the hospitality sector.
FIELD-BASED TRAINING AND APPLIED LEARNING
Lessons From the Field™ – Hospitality Educators Hospitality Sales Blitzes
For four years, Greg deepened his instructional approach through the Lessons from the Field™ – Hospitality Sales Blitzes program. Inspired by John Hogan’s Not So New Technique for Building Sales, this experience provided students with real-world, experiential learning focused on hotel sales and service strategy. Greg successfully integrated this technique into his teaching and leadership approach, reinforcing the value of practical, immersive education.
HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
Temple University – School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management / Fox School of Business
Greg advanced into higher education leadership at Temple University, where he served as Managing Director of Business Development for both the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management and the Fox School of Business. In this role, he led the Career Development Office, building strategic employer partnerships, mentoring students, and aligning academic programs with market needs.
Concurrently, Greg served as an Adjunct Instructor at Temple University for 13 years, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in hospitality leadership, tourism management, and career development.
As an adjunct instructor, Greg has navigated the unique challenges of part-time faculty roles with resilience and unwavering dedication.
HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
Temple University – School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management / Fox School of Business
He consistently prioritizes student success, tailoring his approach to support diverse learners and promote equity in the classroom. His commitment to teaching, student advancement, and continuous professional development is not just commendable, it is indispensable to the academic community. Through every lecture, project, and mentoring session, Greg contributes meaningfully to the learning environment, equipping students for success in both academic and professional settings.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTRUCTION
Community College of Philadelphia
Greg extended his reach as an educator by serving as an Adjunct Instructor for three years at the Community College of Philadelphia. His work focused on delivering high-quality, industry-informed instruction that helped students build practical skills and career confidence. His role also contributed to strengthening urban workforce pathways in hospitality.
ACADEMIC GUEST SPEAKING AND INDUSTRY INFLUENCE
Greg is a respected guest lecturer and presenter, having delivered educational sessions and keynote talks at several institutions, including:
- Bethune-Cookman University, Hospitality Management Program
- Boston University, Hospitality Management Program
- Cheyney University – Hospitality and Recreation Tourism Management Program
- Cornell University, Hospitality Management Program
- Johnson & Wales University
- Montgomery County Community College
- North Carolina State University, Hospitality Management Program
- Ohio State University, Hospitality Management Program
- San Diego State University, Hospitality Management Program
- Virginia State University
Greg’s presentations focus on topics such as diversity in hospitality, tourism workforce trends, and experiential learning models that prepare students for long-term career success.
CURRENT WORK: BRIDGING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY
Greg DeShields Consulting LLC – National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)
Currently, Greg is leading a high-impact educational initiative through his firm, Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC). He is developing a comprehensive asynchronous academic curriculum entitled “Bridging Academia and Industry” for the NCBMP.
CURRENT WORK: BRIDGING ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY
Greg DeShields Consulting LLC – National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)
This program is designed for junior and senior college students aspiring to build careers in the meetings and conventions industry. Emphasizing cohort-based learning, it fosters group collaboration and community building while offering the flexibility of asynchronous instruction. Students will complete assignments and access course materials on their own schedules from July through November, culminating with a showcase at the NCBMP National Conference in Portland, Oregon (November 19–22).
The curriculum aligns with NCBMP’s mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the hospitality sector and highlights the historical and current opportunities available to Black professionals in meetings and conventions.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Gregory is deeply invested in giving back to his community. He was instrumental in establishing The Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship, a fund that provides financial support to juniors and seniors enrolled in Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM). The scholarship honors students who demonstrate a strong passion for travel and tourism, reflecting the resilient spirit and ceaseless determination of Delores DeShields.
The Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship Award Ceremony was held on April 3, 2025, at Temple University, marking a significant milestone in Greg’s ongoing efforts to foster academic excellence and opportunity.
