Blue Mountain Community College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blue Mountain Community College and Wildhorse Resort & Casino are pleased to report Oregon Department of Education’s approval of an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Business Administration with a Hospitality and Gaming option.  According to BMCC business instructor Melinda Platt, this degree is the culmination of a three-year effort to provide a hospitality and gaming curriculum to support the growing workforce at Wildhorse Resort & Casino and regional tourism expansion. 

Wildhorse Human Resources Director, Lorena Thompson sees this degree as a great opportunity for Wildhorse employees to further their education and career development.  Thompson, Suzanne Clem and Melinda Platt were key players in researching and writing the gaming curriculum for the program. 

Suzanne Clem, Wildhorse Training and Employee Development Manager, is excited about the opportunities the program can provide to people interested in the hospitality and gaming industry. “Wildhorse Resort & Casino recognizes that a well-trained workforce is the key to successful business growth and productivity,” said Clem. “The degree is designed to help our employees maximize their potential and position themselves for advancement.”  Clem also sees the program as a great opportunity for Blue Mountain Community College to offer educational resources in this fast growing field.

The degree will officially roll out fall term.  Platt emphasizes that the degree is solidly based in business administration principles with specialty courses in hospitality and gaming.  Anyone interested in the program can contact Melinda Platt at 541-278-5737 or mplatt@bluecc.edu.

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