It takes a special university to make students feel like a part of its community without ever setting foot on campus. 

Anthony Jaeger, senior and online student in the department of hospitality leadership at Missouri State University, found Missouri State to be among those with this specialty. 

He shares how his journey to academic success and connections forged at the university will soon lead him to a future in Marriott International’s Voyage program.  

Building foundations 

Jaeger began attending MSU as a transfer student in the fall of 2020.  

“Missouri State offered the convenience of taking all my classes online at an affordable price,” Jaeger said. “Although, this just scratched the surface of making the university the right fit for me.” 

Jaeger rooted his educational experience in MSU’s hospitality leadership program. 

He found the program to be the perfect place to build his education.  

“The hospitality leadership program gave me a foundational understanding of hotel management and what it takes to be a part of successful operations,” Jaeger said. 

Explore the hospitality leadership program

Staying connected with social media 

As an online student, Jaeger stayed connected to MSU by engaging with the active social media presence of the university and its community. 

This allowed him to connect with classmates and professors at a moment’s notice. 

Among those Jaeger formed the deepest connection with is his advisor, Katie Tucker. He credits her with shaping his path to academic progress.  

“Whenever I asked for assistance with a scholarship or an application, she always seemed to have the right words,” Jaeger said. “Her encouragement helped me keep moving forward as a student.” 

Beginning the award-winning program 

Jaeger will graduate in summer 2022.  

While already working at Marriott International as a guest services representative, Jaeger will begin the Voyage program following his graduation.  

The award-winning global leadership development program provides a year-long pathway program for recent college graduates.  

“In the program, I will work in various hotel departments for mini-rotation periods to learn how they operate, starting with the front office at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C.,” Jaeger said.  

“The program will allow me to access management and senior leadership for mentorship opportunities, as well as to connect with other Voyage participants.” 

Learn more about the Voyage program

Continuing on to career success 

As a Voyage participant, Jaeger will have the opportunity to be streamlined into management positions within Marriott International at the end of the program.  

In looking ahead toward a bright future in the hospitality industry, he is grateful for his time at MSU as the place where his journey in the field began. 

“The hospitality leadership program helped me find ways to thrive in the field now and in the future,” Jaeger said. “The education provided at Missouri State, mixed with my current work experience, set me up for success and will lead me to what I hope will be a fruitful career.”