Cynthia Mejia has been appointed the interim dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which ranks among the best programs nationally and internationally.
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Mejia joined Rosen College as an assistant professor in the Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management in 2013, bringing engaging teaching methods and robust course offerings to prepare students for success in the industry.
Appointed interim chair and associate professor of the department in 2019, Mejia already has the experience and acumen needed for her newrole.
麻豆精品 S淚nterim dean Mejia brings great enthusiasm about the hospitality industry to our college, 麻豆精品 S� Associate Professor of Foodservice and Lodging Management Tammie Kaufman says. 麻豆精品 S淪he has been very proactive in developing relationships within the community and was a dynamic leader as chair of the FLM department. 麻豆精品 S�
Mejia says her top priority as interim dean is to maintain Rosen 麻豆精品 S檚 excellence in teaching, research and service while stewarding the institution through the permanent dean search. She also aims to foster industry partnerships that contribute to the college 麻豆精品 S檚 success, and to lead through service.
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Meija holds an undergraduate degree in biochemistry (California Polytechnic State University), a master 麻豆精品 S檚 in hospitality management (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and a doctorate in hospitality administration (Texas Tech University). Beyond her academic training, her experience across roles in hotel and food and beverage operations translates to her new role, she says.
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A Vision for the Future
As she embarks on her new leadership role, Mejia’s passion for education, people and excellence shines through, offering an inspiring vision for the future of Rosen College.
In addition to being an educator, Mejia 麻豆精品 S檚 research areas are influenced by her extensive industry experience, including hospitality human resources, technology adoption, cross-cultural management, well-being and organizational behavior. She also conducts scholarship of teaching and learning research to explore the best uses of technology in teaching, advancing the field of pedagogy within hospitality.
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Despite a misconception about the hospitality industry only offering low-level jobs, Mejia says the industry is among the largest industries in the world based on gross domestic product.
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To help students inspire students to pursue advanced studies and a career in hospitality, Mejia shares her industry knowledge at engagement events at local high schools and community gatherings.
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Mejia 麻豆精品 S檚 contributions to Rosen College go beyond the classroom, and even borders. Her activities include editorial roles in academic journals and committee memberships for several prestigious organizations, such as the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Technology and the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.
麻豆精品 S淒r. Mejia is the colleague that one dreams of. We are honored to have her leadership acumen to guide us, 麻豆精品 S� Associate Professor Denver Severs says. “She embodies the UCF Rosen College three pillars of service, professionalism, and leadership. 麻豆精品 S�
She 麻豆精品 S檚 co-chaired events and been involved in leadership forums, reflecting her commitment to the broader academic community. In Summer 2017, she co-instructed the first Rosen College study abroad program to China, introducing students to the food and societies of Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou and Xi 麻豆精品 S檃n.
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