One of the most anticipated theme parks in the world is about to open its gates — and right next door, the No. 1 hospitality and hotel management school on the planet is preparing the talent who will shape its future.
Universal’s Epic Universe is expected to draw millions of visitors from across the globe, setting a new bar for immersive entertainment and redefining the guest experience. Less than a mile away, the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management — newly ranked as the best in the world by CEOWORLD magazine — is training the next generation of leaders who bring places like Epic Universe to life.
Located in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, Rosen College offers everything a student could want to thrive academically and graduate with a strong competitive edge to start or advance in their career, including faculty with decades of industry experience and expertise in theme parks, hotels, event management, entertainment and other fields.
“The Rosen College’s recognition as the No. 1 hospitality program in the world demonstrates the excellence of our world-class faculty and industry partners,” says Rosen College Dean Cynthia Mejia. “Our faculty bring unrivaled industry experience to the classroom, are research and thought leaders in their disciplines, and prepare our students to lead and innovate in the field. With the opening of Epic Universe and so many other opportunities available to our graduates here in Orlando, Rosen College students are uniquely positioned to succeed in their careers of choice.”
As tourism and attractions evolve with the latest technologies while still emphasizing the human connections of hospitality, Rosen College graduates are shaping the future of the industry at some of the world’s most iconic destinations. They are helping Florida continue to break records for the number of visitors to the state — 142.9 million in 2024.
“Orlando is proud to be the No.1 hospitality program in the world, and we congratulate UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management on this well-deserved recognition,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With hospitality at the heart of our region’s economy, having a top-ranked institution like Rosen College in our backyard ensures a strong pipeline of talented, passionate leaders who will drive innovation in our industry for years to come. Many of our Visit Orlando team members are proud Rosen alumni, and we see firsthand the caliber of professionals the college produces.”
CEOWORLD surveyed 250,000 graduates, industry professionals, employers and recruiters to help produce the rankings. The rankings take into account academic reputation, job placement rate, perceived global brands influence, and recruiter and employer feedback, among other categories.
“UCF Rosen College is located in the epicenter of the attractions industry and thus is able to provide an exceptional educational experience in the classroom alongside practical application of learnings in world-class attractions,” says John Hallenbeck, vice president of attractions operations for Universal Studios Japan and co-chair of the UCF Rosen College Theme Park and Attraction Advisory Board. A longtime advisor to Rosen College, Hallenbeck also assisted in developing the school’s theme park and attraction management degree program.
“The partnerships that UCF Rosen College cultivates with leaders at attractions and other organizations involved in the industry provide expert mentors that are motivated to help students excel to become the next generation of industry professionals.”
The Rosen College was previously ranked the No. 1 hospitality program in the United States and among the top five in the world. The college offers six undergraduate degrees, three master’s programs and the only doctoral program specifically in hospitality management in Florida, as well as several undergraduate and graduate certificates.
Rosen College students are required to complete three internships, designed to build skills such as effective communication, resume development, leadership and exceptional guest service.
Here are a few Rosen College alumni’s takes on what makes the program the best in the nation:
Successful Rosen College Alumni: Faculty ‘Make All the Difference’
“Rosen College distinguishes itself through its cutting-edge curriculum, strong industry connections, and hands-on learning opportunities in the heart of Orlando,” says Arthur Hudnell ’15, director of operations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “The Rosen College offers students unique chances to engage with leading hospitality companies worldwide, thoroughly preparing them for careers in the industry.”
“Many of the professors I had the pleasure of learning from during my time at Rosen have remained trusted mentors and sounding boards,” says David “Woody” Woodstein ’14, co-founder of LW Capital Consulting, an asset management firm overseeing 13 hotels. “Their real-world experience and continued engagement with alumni create a lifelong network of support. They offer invaluable third-party insights and guidance that continue to shape my approach to challenges and opportunities in the industry.”
Maxwell Glorit ’15, who manages education programming for IAAPA Expo, the largest global conference for the attractions industry.
“Even 10 years after graduation, I’m still finding new opportunities through UCF — whether it’s mentoring students, speaking on campus or learning from the next generation of leaders about where the industry is headed.” Rick Powell ’10, owner/operator of Chick-fil-A in Mt. Dora, Florida
“The Rosen College is the No. 1 hospitality program in the world because of its world-class faculty, challenging curriculum and prime location in the hospitality capital of the world. The environment it creates — where like-minded students can connect, grow and network — makes it truly special.”
“The true value of a Rosen College education is that it makes you more experienced, more educated, more prepared and more competitive than most other candidates.”
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