David Martin
Associate Professor of Hospitality Management, Auburn University
David S. Martin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management and a respected expert in consumer behavior, employee well-being, and emotionally driven service experiences. His research focuses on how guests and employees respond in high-touch, high-stakes service environments—examining what drives satisfaction, delight, engagement, and long-term loyalty.
David has published more than 30 articles in leading peer-reviewed academic journals and is widely recognized for translating rigorous research into practical insights for hospitality leaders. His work helps organizations better understand emotional drivers of experience, build stronger service cultures, and design environments where both guests and employees can thrive.
In addition to his academic work, David plays an active leadership role within the Horst Schulze School, building strong connections between academia and industry. He currently partners with nearly 100 hospitality-related companies to place students in internships and full-time roles, helping shape the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Before entering academia, David gained hands-on operational experience in both restaurants and hotels, including roles at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida; the Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. This blend of operational background and academic expertise allows him to bridge theory and practice with clarity and relevance.
Areas of Expertise
- Consumer Behavior in High-Emotion Service Environments
- Employee Recruitment, Development & Leadership
- Customer Satisfaction, Delight & Emotional Experience Design
- Tourism & Hospitality Workforce Development