Dr. Edward Merritt

Dr. Ed Merritt is a professor at The Collins College at California State University (Cal Poly Pomona). Prior to entering the academic world, he spent more than 20 years in senior-level positions where his primary focus was resort and club development and management.

Education and certification. Dr. Merritt completed doctoral studies at Cornell University (PhD) in Hotel Administration and Organizational Behavior, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Pepperdine University, and undergraduate studies (BS) at the University of Alabama. Additionally, Merritt is thought to have been the first person to obtain industry executive certification in all four areas of hospitality management: Certified Club Manager (CCM), Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Foodservice Management Professional (FMP), and Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE).

Teaching. Dr. Merritt has been a professor at The Collins College at Cal Poly Pomona since January 2000 where he has taught bachelor and master’s degree level courses in leadership and strategic management. He has been recognized for excellence in teaching by the College as professor of the year five times and last year by the University as outstanding advisor of the year.

Service. Professor Merritt has served as a faculty member for the Club Managers Association of America’s executive education programs at Cal Poly Pomona and Cornell University, served on the Master Club Manager Academic Council, and teaches in the club industry Certification Review Course for continuing education. Additionally he serves as a commissioner for the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), which oversees college program accreditation, and as a past board member of the National Restaurant Association’s Certification Review Board, which oversees more than 500,000 certifications annually. He also served the University as a board member of the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation. He was interim dean at The Collins College during the 2013-2014 academic year.

Research, scholarship, and consulting. Professor Merritt is the author of seven books on business management, as well as more than 200 academic and industry publications and presentations. Research and consulting interests include leadership, strategy, and survey methodology. Prior to becoming Interim Dean, Professor Merritt consulted in hospitality organizations located throughout the world.

Industry experience. Dr. Merritt has held senior management positions in a well-rounded variety of settings. As VP/COO and General Manager of Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, the largest gated community in Southern California, he oversaw the planning, development, and management of the 36-hole residential resort club from start-up to mature. As VP/COO and General Manager of Sawgrass, he managed an equity conversion and transition of the world-famous destination from resort to private club. As Vice President and Managing Director of Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, he directed operations for an oceanfront resort hotel, spa, and club community of over 4,000 member families. As President of Merritt & Goodloe, Inc., he founded and managed operations for the firm’s locations, served as principal real estate broker, as well as provided integrated turnkey services to client hospitality companies opening in Florida.