NEMACOLIN HOSPITALITY INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY LAB
Where Hospitality Meets Innovation and Learning
The Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab is a partnership between West Virginia University and Nemacolin, one of the nation’s premier luxury resorts. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality and tourism by empowering students to tackle real-world challenges, solve industry-specific problems, and develop the skills needed to excel in one of West Virginia’s fastest-growing economic sectors.
Located in the heart of WVU’s Hardy Family Hospitality and Tourism Program in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, the lab aligns with WVU’s land-grant mission to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of West Virginians. By combining academic rigor with hands-on experience, the Nemacolin Lab prepares students to lead in the dynamic hospitality industry, contributing to the prosperity of communities across the state and beyond.
What We Do
The Nemacolin Lab connects students with opportunities to create innovative solutions for the hospitality and tourism industries while helping businesses and communities thrive.
Our work has included:
- Enhancing visitor experiences through data-driven insights and operational improvements.
- Improving restaurant operations and catering sales for key partners.
- Supporting digital marketing and analytics projects to help hospitality and tourism businesses engage with their audiences more effectively.
- Tackling industry challenges such as optimizing workflows, improving customer service, and reimagining local tourism opportunities.
- Preparing students for successful careers by developing expertise in key areas of hospitality, including customer relationship management, sustainability, and leadership.
Through a focus on innovation and collaboration, the Nemacolin Lab helps students transform ideas into impactful outcomes.
How We Do It
The lab achieves its mission through a blend of experiential learning, strategic partnerships, and student leadership.
Key elements of our approach include:
- Experiential Projects: Students engage in consulting projects that address real-world problems, such as enhancing digital tools, developing visitor engagement strategies, and optimizing hospitality operations.
- Student Leadership: Programs like the Van Scoy Fellowship and Nemacolin Ambassador Program allow students to gain hands-on experience as consultants, team leaders, and project managers.
- Collaborations: Partnerships with Data Driven WV and other WVU labs enhance the lab’s interdisciplinary approach, ensuring that students gain exposure to diverse fields and perspectives.
- Strong Industry Connections: Through our close partnership with Nemacolin and other key hospitality and tourism leaders, students gain unparalleled access to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities.
Who We Serve
The Nemacolin Lab serves as a resource for:
- Students: Offering hands-on experience and skill-building opportunities that prepare them for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism industries.
- Alumni: Creating pathways for mentorship, collaboration, and the opportunity to give back to the WVU community.
- Businesses: Providing innovative solutions to real-world challenges while fostering future talent pipelines.
- Recruiters: Connecting organizations with highly skilled, workforce-ready graduates trained in the latest hospitality trends and practices.
Why It Matters
Tourism is one of West Virginia’s most vital and rapidly growing economic sectors, generating billions of dollars annually. The Nemacolin Lab contributes to this success by:
- Developing innovative solutions to enhance the state’s tourism industry.
- Empowering students with the skills needed to meet the demands of a global economy.
- Supporting the land-grant mission of WVU to drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for all West Virginians.
Through this work, the lab helps position West Virginia as a leading destination for hospitality and tourism excellence.
Student Leadership
Van Scoy Fellows
The Van Scoy Fellows are advanced student consultants selected for their leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills. These paid positions offer students the opportunity to work on real-world projects, partnering with businesses and community organizations to develop innovative solutions for the hospitality and tourism industries. From enhancing guest experiences to optimizing digital operations, Van Scoy Fellows gain hands-on experience while making a measurable impact in the field.
Nemacolin Ambassadors
The Nemacolin Ambassadors are emerging leaders who develop foundational skills in hospitality and tourism through active participation in the lab’s initiatives. These paid roles provide students with practical experience in customer engagement, operational improvement, and community-driven solutions. Ambassadors contribute to impactful projects while building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry.
Get Involved
The Nemacolin Lab offers multiple ways to engage, whether you are a student, alum, business, or recruiter.
- For Students: Participate in consulting projects, join as a Van Scoy Fellow or Nemacolin Ambassador, and gain industry-specific skills that prepare you for success.
- For Alumni: Mentor students, collaborate on projects, and contribute to the growth of West Virginia’s tourism industry.
- For Businesses: Partner with the lab on innovative solutions to enhance your operations, improve customer experiences, and boost marketing efforts.
- For Recruiters: Access a pipeline of workforce-ready graduates trained in leadership, analytics, customer service, and operations management.
Meet the Director
Dr. Meridith Balas, Director of the Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, brings a unique blend of regional insight and global expertise to her role. A Fayette County native—Nemacolin’s backyard in the Laurel Highlands—she understands the resort’s significance to the local community and its role in driving tourism and delivering distinct experiences in hospitality.
Dr. Balas has extensive experience in quality customer service, recreation management higher education, and large-scale event planning, including her time working with Walt Disney World. As a faculty member in WVU’s Hardy Family Hospitality and Tourism Program, she mentors students through experiential learning and research-driven projects, preparing them to solve real-world challenges and excel in the hospitality industry.
Contact Us
For more information about the Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, opportunities to collaborate, or student involvement, please contact us through the Director, Meridith Balas.