Dr. Robin Back, associate professor at Rosen College, joined Central Florida Public Media’s Engage to share insights on the science behind taste and why people love or dislike chocolate—just in time for Valentine’s Day. He discussed how genetics and psychology influence flavor preferences, contributing to the $2.5 billion Americans are expected to spend on candy this year.

Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), recently released a heartfelt statement following the death of Harris Rosen, the visionary founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. Maietta expressed deep admiration for Rosen’s remarkable contributions to the hospitality sector, highlighting his dedication to excellence, innovation, and community service. “Harris Rosen was an inspirational figure and a shining example of the passion and drive that hoteliers need to succeed. His love for the industry made him the largest independent hotelier in Florida, but he showed us the true meaning of hospitality through his philanthropic work,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “His generous donation to the University of Central Florida built the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which was just ranked best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year for its hospitality management and tourism program. Harris left an indelible mark on this industry and its people that will be felt for generations. We will miss him.”

Cynthia Mejia has seen the local hospitality industry grow tremendously since she joined the University of Central Florida in 2013. Mejia, dean of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, witnessed its twice-a-year career fairs grow to more than 100 U.S. companies. The ratio of jobs to students is six-to-one and the school places as many as 98% of its students in jobs. “That’s a reason students come here, because they feel like they will have a killer job. Parents like that, too,” she told Orlando Business Journal.

The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management has been ranked the top hospitality program in the U.S. by ShanghaiRanking for the fourth consecutive year while placing top five globally. The Rosen College holds renowned distinctions for serving as a pipeline for hospitality talent, with many graduates going on to serve in administrative or corporate roles in some of the world’s biggest entertainment and hospitality companies, like Disney and Universal. An oft-lauded feature of the college’s program is its requirement for each student to complete three internships before graduation, ensuring practical industry experience.

The Rosen College of Hospitality within the University of Central Florida has been recognized once again. The school was ranked top five worldwide in the ShanghaiRankings’ 2022 list, which includes 500 top universities. This is the third time Rosen College’s hospitality program was ranked No. 1 in the nation and among the top five in the world.

Now, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is starting a $4.5 million research project that educators believe will help the next time a pandemic strikes. The research is a collaboration of faculty members across UCF with a wide range of expertises. Their effort brings together professors from UCF’s medical school and the hospitality and engineering colleges plus other areas. “It is very difficult to prevent pandemics, but what we can do is we can help communities be better prepared,” said UCF hospitality professor Robertico Croes, who is helping lead the project.