East Stroudsburg University Announces Executive in Residence Program

Dr. Sylvester Williams, dean of East Stroudsburg University’s College of Business and Management, announced today the return of the College’s Executive in Residence Program. ESU’s Executive in Residence for the 2025-26 academic year is Donald Pleau, general manager of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Pocono.

“This will be the second year for the Executive in Residence program, and we are thrilled to have Don as a member of our college,” said Dr. Williams. “In this role, Don will guest lecture in several courses over the year in addition to mentoring students to show them what is possible in a business career.”

Pleau has spent his entire career in the hospitality industry. Starting from humble beginnings as a dishwasher at 15 years old, he worked across the country with great achievements. Food was his first passion, eventually becoming executive chef for a Four Star Four Diamond resort hotel on the Florida Coast. Next, he moved to food and beverage director where he took a strong interest in wine and is a Certified Sommelier. After many years in food and beverage, Pleau moved to hotel administration where he now operates one of the largest non-casino resort hotels in the United States.

Pleau is a strong advocate for hospitality education and using his platform to influence local and Pennsylvania law and legislation supporting the hospitality and tourism industry.

Williams added that the Executive in Residence Program offers students mentorship with industry leaders, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience through internships facilitated by the program.

For more information about ESU’s Executive in Residence Program, visit www.esu.edu/college_business_management/executive-in-residence.

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