Dr. Priscilla Bloomquist earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, an M.S. in Hospitality/Tourism from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Ph.D. in Educational Management from NMSU. After starting her academic career at Stout, she relocated to Las Cruces in 1988 to assist in starting what is now the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.
Since coming to NMSU, she has been responsible for securing over $1 million dollars in grants/contract work through the NM Tourism Department, US Forest Service, NM Department of Economic Development, NM State Parks & Recreation and was the Project Director on three USDA education grants. She also secured a $150,000 donation from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation to equip the 100 West Cafe's kitchen.
Priscilla has completed faculty internships with Marriott International Inc., Red Lobster (Darden Restaurants, Inc.), Jason's Deli Inc., Primm Valley Casino/Resorts and Harvey's Resort and Casino. She was also honored to be selected to serve as a founding member of the Walt Disney World College Program Advisory Board.
Her commitment to teaching, in the areas of tourism and hospitality law, is reflected in the numerous awards she has received including: College Distinguished Service Award; Hospitality Educator of the Year, NM Restaurant Association; Donald Roush Award (two-time recipient); Professor of the Year, Greek Community (two-time recipient); Outstanding Faculty Member, Fiestas Latinas; Patricia Christmore Excellence in Teaching; and College Distinguished Teaching Award.
She is currently working on a customer service training program for the Cooperative Extension Service.
