JTC 24: A Warm Welcome

Kristen Derting's interest in hospitality management began when she took a culinary arts class in high school in her hometown of Salem, Oregon. She found her interest grew as she worked alongside her teacher and mentor in leading events and finding more ways to be involved with the program.

Derting was preparing to enroll in culinary school, but that plan evolved when she was offered an athletics scholarship to the University of Mississippi. On her official visit as a recruit for the Ole Miss rifle team, she toured Lenoir Hall, where the hospitality management program is housed, and immediately knew that she would love the program. 

As an undergraduate, Derting was not only a student-athlete, but also a first-generation college student, and she worked hard to balance school, athletics and her personal life. Her hard work paid off when she earned her bachelor's in hospitality management in 2023.

She enrolled in the online Master of Science in Hospitality Management program and discovered that working in a fully online graduate program helped with that balance. She says the online classes worked well for her life.

"Because I have been balancing this schedule for five years now, it has become very easy, and I have learned how to fit everything I need into busy weeks and weekend with traveling and competition," Derting said.

Her instructors were a huge help in managing her time, and Derting appreciates that almost all of them got to know her by name and worked with her on assignments when she had conflicting competition schedules. 

"I don't think there are many programs where the professors get to know you as well as they do in hospitality management," Derting said. "Many of my professors kept up with my rifle competitions and even emailed me after seeing my teammate and I as scholar athletes at the football game.

"This program also lets you get to know your professors as well."

The relationships she forged with fellow students also made an impact on Derting, and she values the opportunity to be part of a community of students from all across the country. She's especially appreciative of the native Mississippians with whom she connected, who taught her about the area and showed her "Southern hospitality."

Being a first-generation college student made the community and sense of belonging Kristen discovered at Ole Miss integral to her success. She acknowledges that pursuing both her degrees wasn't without its challenges and represents a huge accomplishment for her.

I don't think there are many programs where the professors get to know you as well as they do in hospitality management."

She conquered many challenges as an undergraduate, both in the classroom and on the range. While earning her bachelor's degree, Derting was a major part of the Rebels' success in rifle, helping the team advance to four consecutive NCAA Championship appearances.

She was named to numerous all-conference and All-American teams, including being a first-team All American in smallbore in 2021 and first-team All-American in air rifle in 2022, both by the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association. She also was a CRCA Scholastic All-American for four straight years, 2020-23.

Derting, who also enjoys playing ukulele, is especially proud that her achievements are paving the way for her younger brother to follow in her footsteps to attend college, as well. 

Megan Black, graduate enrollment manager for the School of Applied Sciences and academic adviser for the hospitality management master's program, worked with Derting as she progressed through the curriculum.

"Kristen has shown a great deal of commitment to the program and diligence in completing all requirements in a single year," Black said. "Taking courses at a full-time pace while also fulfilling commitments as a student-athlete is a feat, and Kristen has impressed me with how well she's handled all her responsibilities.

"Kristen has been eager, hard-working and a joy to work with since she was admitted to the program – she'll make an excellent hospitality management professional."

Derting is confident that earning her master's degree will set her apart from her peers and help advance her career path. Following a summer internship with Graduate Hotels, which her professors had encouraged her to pursue, Derting has developed an interest in the hotel and convention center industry.

Her focus is on front-of-house operations and managing hospitality organizations.

Throughout her time at Ole Miss, Derting has maintained her enthusiasm for her academic pursuits, often sharing with her family and high school mentor about all she's learned. Now she's looking forward to pursuing her passion as a professional.

See more photos from Kristen Derting's Journey to Commencement