A message from Craig Youdale, Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies:
The School of Hospitality and Tourism is delighted to welcome two new full-time faculty members to our team, Ian McKnight and Patti Wallington.
Ian McKnight
Ian McKnight first joined Niagara College in 2016 as a part-time instructor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism, where he has taught courses in Food and Beverage, Accommodations, and Human Resources.
Ian brings a wealth of experience from both the education and hospitality sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University and a Teacher’s Certificate from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Certified with the Ontario College of Teachers, Ian’s teaching career has taken him around the world, from Thailand to Colombia, as well as within various communities in Moosonee and Simcoe County.
In the hospitality industry, Ian has made significant contributions, notably as a member of the opening team at Great Wolf Lodge, where he focused on restaurant and banquet operations for seven years. He also honed his skills as a Food and Beverage Manager at the Marriott Niagara Falls Hotel Fallsview and Spa, a role he held for 11 years.
Patti Wallington
Patti Wellington has been a part-time instructor at Niagara College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism since 2017 and has taught courses in Tourism, Marketing and Event Planning. She has also taught at Mohawk College since 2022 and at the Toronto School of Management since 2020.
Patti brings over 30 years of experience in both hospitality and education to her new role. She holds a Master of Arts in Business with a focus on Tourism Management from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.
Patti’s extensive career in the hospitality industry includes roles such as Front Desk and Reservation Agent at the Oakes Inn Hotel, Food and Beverage Service at HOCO Park Hotel and Venture Inn, and Operations Manager for APS Group, where she spent 20 years specializing in Brand Development, Finance, Revenue Management, and Human Resources.
We are confident that the expertise and industry knowledge that Ian and Patti bring will greatly benefit our students and enhance the educational experience within the School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Ian and Patti started their new roles on August 19.
Please join me in welcoming Ian McKnight and Patti Wallington to our full-time faculty team.
