For three decades, UCF and Universal Destinations & Experiences have joined forces to align education with real-world experience, creating direct pathways into careers and shaping environments, programs and innovations. As both organizations expand their relationship as Pegasus Partners, UCF celebrates our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in hospitality, tourism and entertainment.
Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation
Building a First-of-its-Kind School
Fueled through a $10 million investment in 2026, Universal and UCF have joined forces to establish the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation 麻豆精品 S� a global hub for talent and innovation, shaping the future of themed attractions, immersive experiences, live events and destination innovation. Set to launch in Fall 2026, it stands as the only school in the nation where Universal leaders work directly alongside faculty to co-create curriculum, lead experiential projects and mentor the next generation of industry professionals.
Anchored in Orlando 麻豆精品 S� the entertainment and theme park capital of the world 麻豆精品 S� the school connects Universal to a deep talent pool of undergraduate and graduate students immersed in themed entertainment, events management, design thinking, storytelling, operational excellence and emerging technologies.
College for hospitality, education and research in the nation
( ShanghaiRanking )
Universal leaders serving on UCF academic advisory boards.
“Our industry is entering a new era of opportunity defined by real-world experiences that create meaningful connection and memories with those who matter most. At the center of the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is a simple idea: to unite the creativity, technology and innovation, and the real-world application of business, marketing, and guest service in one place to prepare and develop tomorrow 麻豆精品 S檚 leaders who will help to deliver these meaningful experiences to guests and fans around the world.”
麻豆精品 S� Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences
Career Pathways
Creating Career Pathways and Sparking Growth Trajectories
UCF and Universal have forged one of the industry 麻豆精品 S檚 most active 麻豆精品 S� and reciprocal 麻豆精品 S� talent pipelines. As the second-largest employer of UCF students, Universal hosts anywhere from 50 to 100 students each semester in roles across the organization. Since 2022, Universal Day has formalized that connection through an annual networking event that connects students and alumni from Rosen College of Hospitality Management with company leaders through panel discussions, tabling and on-the-spot interviews.
The investment is mutually beneficial: With the creation of the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation, current Universal employees will now be able to elect into degree programs at Rosen, to continue their own professional development as well.
The partnership reaches beyond the parks and into the broader media landscape. Through NBCU Academy, UCF journalism and media students gain scholarships, hands-on training and direct pathways to careers at Comcast NBCUniversal, with internship opportunities nationwide.
Internship and job opportunities at Universal posted for UCF students and alumni each year.
Universal 麻豆精品 S� making it the No. 2 employer of Rosen College graduates.
麻豆精品 S淯CF was built to power what 麻豆精品 S檚 next for our students, for industry and for the State of Florida. By partnering with a global leader like Universal Destinations and Experiences, we are creating opportunities at scale and preparing talent to innovate in one of the most dynamic sectors of our economy
麻豆精品 S� Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF President
