Justin Never Misses a Game
November 11, 2026
Hospitality Management Major: Education Enhances Experience
Justin Dobbins started working in food and beverage services at age 16. Now 23, he
hopes a hospitality management certificate from Walters State will take his career
to the next level.
Dobbins works as a sanitarian culinary supervisor at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville
for the company that provides food services for the Knoxville Smokies. Throughout
the day, he checks coolers, freezers and other commercial appliances to make sure
they are set correctly, because their proper function is essential to food safety.
It’s a fast-paced job, but one that comes with rewards.
“I love the people,” Dobbins said. “I love the people who work here, and I love the
people who come here. People come to a ball game for fun, and the little things you
do make them smile.”
“I love my job, but I would like to move up one day. That’s why I enrolled at Walters
State. I am learning about different areas of the business, including marketing and
cost sourcing,” Dobbins said.
The hospitality management certificate in food and beverage provides fundamental skills
needed in the industry such as human resources and management. The certificate also
offers a culinary arts concentration. No prerequisites are required. The certificate
can be earned in one year attending full time. Dobbins, who takes two classes a semester,
will earn his certificate in two years.
Dobbins is currently taking a business class online and a culinary class on the Sevier
County Campus that meets on Monday night. He said he relies on his advisor, Joe Fall,
department head and associate professor of hospitality management, when he needs advice
or a deadline is approaching.
“Joe is great,” Dobbins said. “It’s good to know someone on campus that you can just
go see if you need him. You get the convenience of the online class, but you’re still
close to campus.
Learn more about attending Walters State here.