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When Emma Delahoussaye graduates from the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ of Mississippi in May, she will trade her classroom experience for a coveted spot in Marriott’s Voyage program, building on skills she developed working at and interning with .

“Working at the Inn and then interning with Omni confirmed that this is where I belong,” said Delahoussaye, a hospitality management major from Lafayette, Louisiana. “Those experiences helped me grow both professionally and personally, not only as an effective manager but inspiring leader.”

Originally inspired by her experiences living overseas, Delahoussaye chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Ole Miss with a clear goal in mind: to make a meaningful impact in the lodging industry. From her first semester on campus, she immersed herself in opportunities that allowed her to connect theory with practice, both inside and outside the classroom.

“Our faculty mentorship program connects students with mentors based on their career interests, providing personalized guidance and professional development,” said Cindy Choi, interim department chair and associate professor of nutrition and hospitality management. “As her faculty mentor, it has been a pleasure to witness Emma’s academic, professional and personal growth over time.

“Through her hands-on industry experience and achievement of certifications like the Certification in Hotel Industry Analysis, Emma has built a strong foundation for a successful career in hotel management.”

One of her most formative experiences came during her junior year, when she joined the staff at The Inn at Ole Miss. There, she quickly discovered a love for hotel operations and the fast-paced energy of front-line service.

That early exposure led to a prestigious internship with Omni in Fort Worth, Texas, where she applied her in a dynamic, real-world setting.

Her passion for hospitality extended beyond the workplace. Delahoussaye became a leader among her peers as an ambassador for the School of Applied Sciences, helping to recruit future students and promote the value of applied learning.

She also served with the Ole Miss Ambassadors for Southern Hospitality, connecting with industry professionals and expanding her professional network.

Delahoussaye’s story “stands as an inspiring example of how Ole Miss cultivates real-world readiness and empowers students to pursue their dreams,” said Jeffrey Pittman II, instructional assistant professor and interim undergraduate hospitality management program director.

"Everything we do as faculty and staff in the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management is focused on benefiting our students and supporting their professional development," Pittman said. “Our goal is, and always will be, to not only prepare students to become skilled and professional hospitality managers, but also to inspire them to be transformative leaders who can drive innovation and foster economic growth within the hospitality industry.”

Now, Delahoussaye is preparing for her next chapter: joining the Marriott Voyage program, a one-year, globally recognized management training initiative designed to fast-track promising graduates into leadership positions. Upon completion, she will be eligible for a mid-level management role at any Marriott property nationwide.

“My time at Ole Miss gave me the confidence and skills I need to succeed in this industry,” she said. “From professors who encouraged me, to hands-on experiences that pushed me outside of my comfort zone — it all played a role in shaping my future.”

Top: Hospitality management major Emma Delahoussaye is heading to Marriott’s elite Voyage program after graduation, building on hands-on experience from The Inn at Ole Miss and a standout internship with Omni Hotels & Resorts. The Louisiana native found her passion for hotel operations and leadership through immersive learning at the university. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services