News
Staying on course: Grad earns executive degree and forges her path at Sandals Resorts International
Aug 7, 2026
From breakthrough research to world records, FIU's summer graduates are making their mark
Jul 30, 2026
Fewer cheap flights, more international suitcases – South Florida’s tourism outlook for 2027
Jul 23, 2026
Professors In the News
Larry Pimentel in Luxury Travel Advisor on Crystal Cruises’ Comeback
FIU Chaplin School’s Distinguished Cruise Executive-in-Residence Larry Pimentel shares his expert perspective with Luxury Travel Advisor on Crystal Cruises’ comeback and expansion. Pimentel discusses the brand’s renewed momentum and strategy as the luxury cruise market continues to evolve.
Professor Dale Gomez Discusses AI in the Classroom on WSVN 7 News
Dale Gomez shared his perspective on the importance of AI fluency in education and the role educators have in preparing students for a workplace where AI will increasingly be part of everyday business and decision-making.
Professor Nathan Dodge in The Washington Post: "12 rules for the hotel breakfast buffet"
Professor Nathan Dodge of the Chaplin School weighs in as a hospitality expert for his take on bad buffet behavior and the tips everyone should keep in mind when they head down to the make-your-own waffle station.
Dean Michael Cheng in The Conversation: "Fewer cheap flights, more international suitcases – South Florida’s tourism outlook for 2027"
Michael Cheng, Dean of the Chaplin School, explains what landmark global events, like the FIFA World Cup, will mean for Miami’s tourism industry in 2027.
International Wine and Food Executive-in-Residence, Jose Antonio, talks daiquiris in this article from the Caribbean Journal
Check out this article by the Chaplin School's International Wine and Food Executive-in-Residence, Jose Antonio, on the power of intentionality when it comes to making cocktails. Read as he breaks down how a simple cocktail, the daiquiri, can completely change with one variation, white rhum Agricole.
Larry Pimentel: "Luxury Hotels at Sea: Opportunity, Complexity and the Strategic Leap into the Cruise Industry"
Larry Pimentel, Distinguished Cruise Executive-in-Residence at the Chaplin School, explores the emerging trend of luxury hotel brands like The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts venturing into the cruise industry, and the opportunities and risks that come with this bold leap to sea.
Suzanne Bagnera featured in Hertelier: "TIED @ the Bay Sets the Stage for What’s Possible"
Dr. Suzanne Bagnera, Assistant Professor and Director of Hospitality Executive Education at the FIU Chaplin School, reflects on the impact of TIED @ the Bay, where students and hospitality leaders came together to explore the future of AI, technology, and innovation in the industry.
Dr. Imran Ahmad Featured for Innovative Research on Sargassum as a Food Source
FIU Chaplin School Professor and Food Scientist Dr. Imran Ahmad has been making the news for his research on the potential use of Sargassum, the brown algae you see that washes up along South Florida beaches, into a potential food source. Dr. Ahmad and his research partners have found a way to extract alginate from sargassum, a food ingredient that is used to thicken products like ice cream, soups and sauces.
Professor Gabriel Urrutia in the South Florida Sun Sentinel "5 p.m. dinner? A new wave of South Florida diners say yes to early meals"
FIU Chaplin School's Bevpreneur-In-Residence Gabriel Urrutia shares his expert opinion with the South Florida Sun Sentinel on the growing trend of early dining. Professor Urrutia discusses the shift restaurants have made to adapt to these trends.
Professor Dale Gomez Featured on NBC 6 for Bringing Technology & Innovation to FIU
Dale Gomez, Professor and Director of Instructional Technology at the Chaplin School, spoke with NBC Miami about the future of technology in hospitality during TIED @ the Bay. In this segment, Professor Gomez discusses the importance of bridging the gap between industry and academia.
Professor Gabriel Urrutia Featured in South Florida Sun Sentinel: "So South Floridians are drinking less alcohol. Why is that?"
Professor Urrutia offers insight into why South Floridians are drinking less in this article from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Professor Joe Cilli Featured in Hospitalitynet: “Artificial Intelligence-Driven Personalization: Data Design vs. Authentic Discovery”
FIU Chaplin School’s Professor Joe Cilli lends his expertise to hospitalitynet.org in this opinion piece on the future of AI in travel. As digital tools shape more personalized experiences, Professor Cilli explores the balance between innovation and authenticity in an increasingly algorithm-driven industry.
Lead Culinary Professor, John Noble Masi, in Forbes “85 Chefs Share Their Restaurant Trend Predictions for 2025"
Professor Masi shares how FIU Hospitality is paving the way in sustainable culinary practices from composting and gardening to innovative recipes using spent grains and citrus peels.
Professor Carolin Lusby on 50+ New Year’s Facts—Traditions, Spending & More
The challenge with New Year’s resolutions often lies in unrealistic goal setting and lack of a structured plan. Research suggests that only about 9% of people successfully keep their resolutions.
Mychal Milian: "How Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is Shaking Up South Florida's Hospitality Scene"
South Florida is no stranger to big-name events, but when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour rolls into Hard Rock Stadium from October 18th to 20th, the region will experience an economic shakeup unlike any other.
Professor Fang Shu Featured in Wallet Hub
Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Assistant Teaching Professor Fang Shu discusses travel rewards credit cards.
Over 1,500 students volunteered at SOBEWFF® 2024
The Green Team diverts over 41 tons of waste from landfills
FIU Hospitality unveils the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program at SOBEWFF®
Faculty Featured Podcasts
2 Barstools and a Knife
2 Spirits professors and a chef talking about what is going on in the hospitality industry and what people are drinking and eating; then, now, and in the future!
Real Advice, Real Impact: Dr. Clay Dickinson Tells All
Tune in to hear from Dr. Clay B. Dickinson—Assistant Teaching Professor and Special Liaison to the Real Estate Advisory Council at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Hollo School of Real Estate—on Suit Up Panthers, the official podcast of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board at Florida International University.
In this episode, Dr. Dickinson shares his professional journey through the worlds of hospitality, real estate, and leadership, offering valuable advice on how students can begin building meaningful industry connections early in their careers. Whether you're just starting out or planning your next big move, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to take action.
Dr. Michael Cheng, Dean and Professor, Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, FIU
Dean Cheng shares his career journey and the important lessons he learned that enabled his success, on It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast.
The Suite Spot Hotel Podcast Interviews Chaplin School Dean Michael Cheng
This past week, The Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management was the subject of Suite Spot, the Hotel Marketing Podcast hosted by Travel Media Group. Host Ryan Embree sat down with our Dean Michael Cheng to discuss what makes The Chaplin School one of The Best Hospitality Schools in the world. Check out the interview now to learn about earning a bachelor's degree or master's degree in hospitality management.
EP 58: Dr. Michael Cheng | The Future of Food and Hospitality
On this episode of Restaurant Misfits, Dean Michael Cheng speaks with Host Brett Linkletter to share exclusive insights on SOBEWFF, managing mega-events, the latest trends in hospitality, and how restaurants can better utilize data.
Program Highlights
FIU alumni Tina Vidal-Duart and Carlos Duart gift to name wine studies program at Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
FIU alumni Tina Vidal-Duart '02, MBA '04 and Carlos Duart'94, MA '99 have announced a gift establishing the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
A global conference, a divisive challenge: Hospitality student faces the fallout of “unaligned values” during group project
Asking young people from around the world to use their ingenuity to find solutions sounds easy enough. But what happens when some disagree with the premise? An FIU student writes about her experience.