The School of Hospitality and Sports Business' strategic planning efforts were used to shape the school's vision and values from the very beginning. Those efforts maximized the use of advisory board members, industry leaders, university alumni and academic professionals through focus groups to create a unique and innovative program that will ultimately provide a comprehensive educational experience preparing students for leadership opportunities of today and the industry challenges of tomorrow. ​​

The importance of hospitality is undeniable to many nations and localities. It is the business of travel and tourism. Hospitality is rooted in social engagement and is in alignment with DePaul University's founding principles, ​which are focused on the goodness and kindness to others. ​

Students aspiring toward leadership positions in hospitality will enter a dynamic industry filled with endless opportunity, benefits and reward. While there are clear attractions to working in the industry — interacting with people, travel and the satisfaction of working in service — understanding the unique challenges of serving people is critical to success in a competitive environment. Today's hospitality leaders must deal withcomplex factors such as globalization, sustainability, new business and financial models, and rapidly changing consumer demands. ​​