Jerry Agrusa

Dr. Jerry Agrusa is a Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's School of Travel Industry Management, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism education. He has held leadership roles as Chair/Professor at the University of North Texas, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and the University of Louisiana, where he held Endowed Professorships.

• Doctorate in Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University

Dr. Agrusa's research focuses on hospitality management, tourism policy, and sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region. His work has been cited by major media outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Notable scientific awards include:

• 2017 Na Poʻe Paʻahana “Hospitality Educator of the Year” (HLTA)
• Fulbright Senior Specialist grant recipient
• Designated “Tourism Expert” by the Asia Productivity Organization (APO)

Dr. Agrusa has received a Fulbright Senior Specialist grant for international collaboration. He has presented research in over 25 countries and serves on editorial boards for multiple tourism journals, including the International Advisory Board of the China Tourism Research Journal.

Professional affiliations include:

• Board of Directors for the Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association (HRA)
• Past Board of Directors (1997–2023) for the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA)
• Past President of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Hawaiʻi Chapter