Confessions of Sam Bennett

Texas Tech's Sam Bennett wishes he could make music and fears high places.

Sam Bennett, associate vice president of student affairs and director of hospitality services at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and current president of NACUFS, admits to a weakness for single malt scotch and the desire to be taller.

What is the best part about your job?

The flexibility it provides. It allows me to be involved with many facets of the industry.

What is the worst part about your job?

Time constraints. We have experienced expansion and it has created growth as we move from traditional operations to more retail locations, which makes it difficult to provide personal attention.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

On a personal level, achieving my doctoral degree. At the university, it would be overseeing the growth of a department that has experienced an increase of four times its size over the last 11 years.

If you weren’t in foodservice what would you be doing?

I could see myself as a teacher in the restaurant, hotel & institution management department.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to create music, whether through singing or playing an instrument.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn’t mind being three inches taller.

What is your greatest fear?

I have never been a fan of high places or bridges.

What is your favorite meal?

A 12-ounce prime cut rib steak, loaded baked potato and a Caesar salad with a very nice merlot.

What is your “guilty pleasure?”

Enjoying an expensive single malt scotch.