Industry Insights Interview with Glenn Loughridge
Position: Director of Campus Dining and Athletic Concessions, Auburn University
Course: HOSP 3800 – Hospitality Information Technology (Summer 2025)
Interview Date: July 2025
Instructor: Dr. Alecia Douglas
As part of my coursework in HOSP 3800 – Hospitality Information Technology, I had the opportunity to conduct a one-on-one video interview with Mr. Glenn Loughridge, the Director of Campus Dining and Athletic Concessions at Auburn University. This conversation was not only insightful but also deeply meaningful to me as an aspiring hospitality professional. It offered a close-up look at how technology, leadership, and innovation intersect to shape the future of hospitality management in a large-scale dining operation.
Key Learnings and Takeaways
Mr. Loughridge shared how Campus Dining strategically uses platforms like Power BI to monitor student dining behavior, spot usage trends, and make data-informed decisions. One aspect that stood out to me was how they analyze leftover dining funds—not just for budget reasons, but as a way to better understand student needs and improve accessibility. This level of attentiveness reveals the role of data in creating more equitable and efficient service systems.
We also discussed the impact of mobile ordering platforms such as GrubHub and the GET app, which have become central tools for improving the guest experience. These technologies allow students to browse menus, customize meals, and manage meal plans on their phones bringing convenience, transparency, and control to the fingertips of each user. On the operations side, this shift reduces pressure on staff and increases throughput, especially in high-demand environments like food trucks and express outlets.
Another key point from the interview was the challenge of system integration. With so many platforms in use across campus, aligning them into a cohesive, efficient structure is a constant effort. Mr. Loughridge emphasized the need for interconnected systems that communicate seamlessly a reminder of how crucial backend systems are in delivering consistent, high-quality service.
Lastly, the discussion around cybersecurity and data privacy reminded me of the responsibility that comes with technological advancement. Mr. Loughridge explained how Campus Dining protects student data through encryption, two-step verification, and anonymized usage tracking. This showed me that modern hospitality requires not only technical fluency but also ethical mindfulness.
Why This Experience Matters to Me
This interview helped bring together everything I’ve been learning in class and experiencing in the field. It gave me a broader perspective on how technology drives decisions, improves operations, and enhances customer experiences from the behind-the-scenes systems to guest-facing apps.
As someone preparing to enter the hospitality industry, I know that staying informed about digital tools will be essential. More importantly, I want to be someone who understands how to use them thoughtfully and strategically not just to make things faster, but to make them better for both guests and teams.
This conversation strengthened my motivation to continue learning and evolving with the industry. Hearing directly from a respected leader like Mr. Loughridge was a powerful reminder that innovation and empathy must go hand in hand in hospitality.