Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management

Lecturer and Hospitality Program Director, Des Moines Campus

Office Location: CWU-Des Moines 29-368

Office Phone: 206-439-3800

Email: seeun.lee@cwu.edu

Education Background

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX: Ph.D. Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences

University of Surrey, Guildford, England: M.Sc., Tourism Management

Sejong University, Seoul, Korea: BBA, Hospitality and Tourism Management

Sejong University, Seoul, Korea: BA, English Language and Literature

Professional Certifications

Cruise Lines International Association Certification

Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics

Cvent Event Professionals Certification

Certification in AAHOA

Courses Taught at CWU

• HTE201 Introduction to Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management
• HTE272 Lodging Operations I
• HTE273 Airline Operations
• HTE292 Practicum
• HTE303 Hospitality Leadership
• HTE309 Facility Planning, Maintenance, and Safety
• HTE310 Customer Service Operations
• HTE313 Career Planning and Preparation
• HTE361 Hospitality Technology
• HTE373D Convention and Meeting Management
• HTE379 Cruise Industry
• HTE474 Lodging Operations II
• HTE484 Hospitality Law, Negotiation, and Risk Management
• HTE485 Event Administration
• HTE488 Revenue Management
• HTE489 Hospitality Capstone
• HTE494 Senior Practicum

Short Bio

Dr. Lee brings a global perspective to her teaching and research, having completed her hospitality and tourism education on three continents. Her undergraduate degree is from Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea, her Master’s Degree is from the University of Surrey in England, and her formal studies culminated with a PhD degree from Texas A&M University. Furthermore, during her undergraduate degree she lived in New York City as a study abroad student for more than one year.

Dr. Lee was born and raised in South Korea but is now a dual USA/Canadian resident. Beyond the aforementioned countries she has resided in, she has also traveled extensively with a focus on global education, collaborative research, and even some fun. She has thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and tourism field, which allows her to experience cultures and connect with people in real and meaningful ways. She brings this experience into the classroom. 

Dr. Lee’s primary responsibility is to manage CWU’s Des Moines-based hospitality program. The ability to work in collaboration with and connect students with so many cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and tourism organizations from this unique Seattle location is what Dr. Lee always dreamt of doing! She is looking forward to working with students who share her enthusiasm for hospitality and tourism!