Chaplin School History

In early 1971, the then Associate Dean of Cornell Hospitality program, Gerry Lattin was hired to lead the School of Hotel, Food and Travel Services at the new and not yet built, first state university in Miami, Florida – Florida International University. This decision would impact the future of the Chaplin School for years to come.

In the fall of 1971, Dean Gerry Lattin moved to Miami and began designing a curriculum, hiring faculty and staff and recruiting students. This effort was based on two fundamental principles: industry-oriented faculty with executive experience and required academic credentials, as well as a scope that would be local, statewide and international. Students were recruited from Florida, across the country, and around the world.

1972

In early 1972, Anthony G. Marshall was hired as Assistant Dean but later would be promoted to Associate Dean and Dean of the school. Among the founding faculty was Mike Hurst, a restaurateur who had moved to Ft. Lauderdale to open the New River Storehouse restaurant and the Marina Bay Club. He was responsible for shaping the restaurant management curriculum. In his 27 years at FIU, he taught over 6,000 students and was a mentor to many of them. He served as Director and President of the National Restaurant Association.

1973 - First master graduating class

In 1973, a Master of Science in Hotel and Food Service Management degree was added. That same year, the first graduation was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. The first graduating class had 25 students. 

1978 - Naming

In 1978, the school’s name was changed to Hospitality Management. In that same year, the Board of Regents of the State of Florida designated the School as a Program of Distinction. This honor enabled adding additional notable faculty, including distinguished author and educator Lendal Kotschevar and the former Executive Vice President of the National Restaurant Association, Donald Greenway.

Since 1997, the school co-sponsored the annual Florida Extravaganza (later renamed South Beach Wine and Food Festival SOBEWFF®) which has become the nation’s largest wine and food event. It has served as the signature fundraising event for the school and featured hundreds of wine makers and spirits manufacturers. Hosted by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of America and FIU, the festival benefits the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Since its inception, more than $31 million has been raised in support of scholarships, state-of-the-art learning facilities and more at the school. In addition, the festival annually presents a unique opportunity for more than 1,200 student volunteers to gain experience in the field of hospitality as well as networking with industry leaders.

Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center was built to cater to the students. The lab creates the ideal setting for various beverage management courses. The classrooms in the center are equipped with the latest technology which offers students the opportunity to learn relevant skills to work in all aspects of the spirits and beverage industry. 

In July 1999, Joseph J. West was appointed the school’s third Dean, bringing a new chapter in the growth and development of the school.

2010 - Mike Hampton

In 2010, Michael Hampton was appointed the fourth dean of FIU's School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, creating new sources of growth and development for the School with the expansion of the Marriott Tianjin China program, the development of the real estate finance program and many other projects.

2010 - Carnival Student Center

Located at the university’s Biscayne Bay campus, the 2,600-square-foot space was completely renovated and repurposed to create a formal and informal gathering for students. Carnival’s gift also included endowment for scholarships, which will also increase once matched by the state.

2011 - Chaplin

In 2011, the school was renamed the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management in honor of the Chaplin family. The naming recognizes the commitment of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and the Chaplin family as passionate supporters of FIU’s hospitality and tourism education. In doing so, the goal was to continue providing cutting-edge management education for students who intend to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industries.

2014 - Carnival School Establishes Carnival Gold Scholars Program with $400,000 Donation from Carnival Foundation

FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management received $400,000 from Carnival Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation, to provide full scholarships to qualifying students on an annual basis. Dubbed the Carnival Gold Scholars program, it awards renewable scholarships, including room and board, of up to $20,000 for each incoming freshman planning to study hospitality or tourism management. The scholars are chosen based on volunteerism and proven leadership qualities, self-discipline, and advanced communication skills. As part of the award, the recipients will participate in study abroad experiences while at FIU.

Chaplin dedication

The Chaplin family was honored for the decades of support they’ve offered FIU with the dedication of a wall in their name located in the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at the Chaplin School.