Universal Destinations & Experiences has teamed up with the University of Central Florida to launch the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation.
Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation
Universal is investing $10 million towards the school’s creation. The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is a “catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.” It’s located in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
With the new school and existing School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model “that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.”
“The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
“UCF was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright said. “This collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences.”
The Universal and UCF partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside UCF faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. The lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space and students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs.
Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:
- Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
- AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
- AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience
“Together with UCF we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent — and the next chapter will be even better,” Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences John Sprouls said of their ongoing partnership with UCF. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”
“Rosen College has long been a global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” said UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Dean Cynthia Mejia. “By strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences.”
Universal is UCF’s first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner and the first to enter into a master research agreement with UCF.
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