The University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management invites accomplished entrepreneurs to serve as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). We seek individuals with a distinguished record of entrepreneurial leadership, innovative thinking, and a strong commitment to advancing the hospitality and experience economy.
Term: Academic Year (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Overview
The EIR program is designed to strengthen the college’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by enriching the experiences of our students, supporting faculty initiatives, and fostering deeper connections with the broader industry community. This program serves as a vital bridge between academic learning and real-world entrepreneurial practice.
As an EIR, you will make a meaningful impact by mentoring emerging innovators, enhancing industry engagement, and inspiring the next generation of leaders within the hospitality and experience sectors.
Appointment Information
This is a volunteer position. In accordance with UCF policy, all selected participants must complete the University’s Volunteer Services Agreement.
Volunteer Services AgreementKey Responsibilities
1. Student Mentorship and Guidance
- Host virtual and/or in-person office hours to provide one-on-one or small group mentorship.
- Offer practical guidance on startup development, business strategy, and entrepreneurial problem-solving.
- Support student organizations (such as the REIgKNIGHTS Entrepreneurship & Innovation Club) through coaching, project feedback, and competition advising.
2. Teaching, Knowledge Sharing, and Program Development
- Deliver at least one guest lecture, workshop, or seminar per semester.
- Share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the hospitality and experience sectors.
- Collaborate with faculty on entrepreneurship-focused curriculum, experiential learning initiatives, and applied research projects.
- Contribute to program development by providing an industry-informed entrepreneurial and executive perspective.
3. Industry Engagement and College Participation
- Participate in panels, advisory boards, networking events, and college forums.
- Serve as an ambassador for Rosen College, building connections with entrepreneurs and industry leaders at regional and national levels.
- Recommend and engage industry professionals as mentors, judges, or sponsors for student initiatives, including the Rosen College Innovators’ Cup.
- Support and/or sponsor key events, such as the Rosen College Innovators’ Cup, that promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Attend major college events, including graduation ceremonies, to celebrate and support student achievement.
Impact
Through your leadership and engagement, you will enhance experiential learning opportunities, strengthen the culture of innovation within Rosen College, and expand its connectivity within the regional, national, and global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Program Leadership
Faculty liaisons for the EIR program will coordinate activities, scheduling, and support your engagement with students and college programs.
Current Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
Mr. Dave Buckalew
David Buckalew is the Owner of Buckalew Hospitality, a leading provider of temporary staffing for meetings, events, and conventions across the United States. Since founding the company in 2005, David has built a reputation for excellence in event staffing, client service, and hospitality leadership.
A proud 2005 graduate of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, David remains deeply involved in the industry. He is an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE), and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Visit Orlando. In 2024, David established an Entrepreneurship Scholarship at UCF and in 2026 was named the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Rosen College.
Based in Orlando, Florida, David is married with three children. Outside of work, he enjoys running, traveling, networking, and attending live sports and concerts.
Ms. Alona Mason
Alona Mason is a hospitality sales leader, entrepreneur, and author with extensive experience in hotel operations, sales, business development, and relationship management. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management and currently serves as a Director of Sales in the Orlando hospitality market.
Throughout her career, Alona has developed a reputation for building strong partnerships, identifying new business opportunities, and approaching challenges with creativity and a solutions-focused mindset. Her background in both hotel operations and sales provides her with a well-rounded understanding of the guest experience, operational performance, revenue growth, and the importance of developing strong teams and lasting relationships.
Beyond hospitality, Alona is an entrepreneur and self-published author. Her works include This Is a Job, Not a Prison Sentence, which brings humor and perspective to the realities of the workplace, and Frump and the Importance of Character, a six-book children’s series centered on the values of honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, integrity, and leadership.
Across her professional and creative endeavors, Alona is passionate about leadership, meaningful connections, and finding innovative ways to make a positive impact.