The award recognizes an individual educator for outstanding achievement in contributing to innovative ideas, methods or programs that have advanced teaching, learning or practice in the field of hospitality and tourism education. Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional professional ability and commitment through service to the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education, and the hospitality industry.

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Barrows has worked in the hospitality industry and hospitality education in the United States and Canada for 30 years. His areas of expertise are food and beverage management, and private club management. He has published numerous articles in both of these areas. In addition, he has co-authored four books relating to the hospitality industry, most recently the ninth edition of “Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry.” He is the recipient of the University of Guelph’s Presidential Distinguished Professor Award, which he received in recognition of his contributions to teaching, research and service. He also is editor of the International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration.