
McGurk, Jennifer (MBA)
Mrs. Jennifer McGurk joined the School of Resort & Hospitality Management at Florida Gulf Coast University in November 2008 as the Internship Coordinator. Over the past 17 years, she has placed thousands of students in internships and professional positions, helping them gain hands-on experience and achieve their dream careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Jennifer oversees more than 400 partnerships with luxury hospitality brands, including world-renowned hotels, resorts, country clubs, and event organizations, ensuring students receive meaningful, real-world opportunities that align with their career goals.
In addition to her coordination role, Jennifer serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching courses that prepare students for success in leadership, service excellence, and professional development. She is also the Director of the Hospitality Business Academy; a summer program she founded to introduce high school students to the exciting and diverse career paths available in hospitality and tourism. Through interactive experiences, industry partnerships, and campus engagement, the program continues to grow and attract future FGCU hospitality leaders.
Jennifer is deeply committed to student engagement and professional development, serving as the Faculty Advisor for both the Hospitality Management Association (HMA) and the FGCU Student Chapter of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). In these roles, she mentors students, coordinates networking opportunities, and facilitates connections with industry professionals across Southwest Florida and beyond. Her guidance has helped countless students develop leadership skills, build industry relationships, and secure top internships and management training programs.
Before joining FGCU, Jennifer gained extensive human resources experience as the Human Resources Manager for Expo Design Center and as the founder of the Human Resources Department for Ryland Homes, Fort Myers Division. Her hospitality background includes more than seven years at the Registry Resort (now Naples Grande Beach Resort), Edgewater Beach Hotel, and Naples Grande Golf Club, where she specialized in employment and training.
Jennifer holds both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is also a proud member of SHRM Naples, the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE), and the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). Her dedication to connecting education with industry continues to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals and strengthen FGCU鈥檚 partnerships throughout the global hospitality community.
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