Morgan’s Jazmen Wilkerson Named 2026 AHLA Foundation Scholar of the Year

Annual Gala Honors Frontline Hotel Workers and Emerging Hospitality Leaders

Morgan State University’s Jazmen Wilkerson, an undergraduate student studying Hotel and Hospitality Management in the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management, has been honored with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) 2026 Foundation Scholar of the Year Award. She received this prestigious recognition during the eighth annual “Night of a Thousand Stars Gala”, hosted by AHLA and the AHLA Foundation in Los Angeles.

The Scholar of the Year Award acknowledges an exemplary student who demonstrates academic excellence and embodies the future of the industry through outstanding performance and dedication to a career in hospitality. This award is one of four Stars of the Industry Awards, which celebrate hotel industry employees who go above and beyond in their roles to create exceptional guest experiences, showcasing their passion for hospitality and commitment to their property and community.

“Receiving the AHLA Foundation Scholar of the Year Award is an incredible honor that has reignited my passion for the hospitality industry,” says Wilkerson. “As I reflect on this achievement, I am reminded of how it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my studies and in my future career.”

A highly engaged student leader, Wilkerson co-created the University’s Hospitality Mentorship Program and is currently conducting undergraduate research on the use of artificial intelligence in hotels, which she plans to present at a professional conference in May 2026. As an 11-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and a licensed realtor with a unique perspective, she is positioning herself as a next-generation hotel owner and innovator.

“We are proud to recognize Jazmen as the AHLA Foundation Scholar of the Year,” said Kevin Carey, President and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. “Her commitment to excellence and leadership in and out of the classroom serves as an inspiration to us all. We’re excited to see her make a lasting impact on the future of the hospitality industry.”

The American Hotel & Lodging Association is the nation’s largest hotel association. The organization’s Stars of the Industry Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of hospitality—the talented individuals at the property level who make the industry truly special. The funds raised at their annual gala support AHLA Foundation programs aimed at recruiting and retaining the stars of tomorrow.

Congratulations to Jazmen Wilkerson for receiving this honor and exemplifying Morgan’s core values of leadership, innovation and excellence!