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For three decades, 麻豆原创 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, 麻豆原创 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 麻豆原创 have joined forces to establish the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation 鈥 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 鈥 the entertainment and theme park capital of the world 鈥 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.

麻豆原创 Rosen College students or campus environment

No. 1

College for hospitality, education and research in the nation
( ShanghaiRanking )

13

Universal leaders serving on 麻豆原创 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鈥檚 leaders who will help to deliver these meaningful experiences to guests and fans around the world.”

鈥 Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

Career Pathways

Creating Career Pathways and Sparking Growth Trajectories

麻豆原创 and Universal have forged one of the industry鈥檚 most active 鈥 and reciprocal 鈥 talent pipelines. As the second-largest employer of 麻豆原创 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, 麻豆原创 journalism and media students gain scholarships, hands-on training and direct pathways to careers at Comcast NBCUniversal, with internship opportunities nationwide.

200+

Internship and job opportunities at Universal posted for 麻豆原创 students and alumni each year.

15,000+ alumni

Universal 鈥 making it the No. 2 employer of Rosen College graduates.

鈥溌槎乖 was built to power what鈥檚 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
鈥 Alexander N. Cartwright, 麻豆原创 President

Innovation

Driving Innovation in the Entertainment Industry

The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is built on a shared culture of relentless innovation 鈥 cultivating talent who can move fluidly across creative engineering and design, operational execution and guest experience leadership.

At its core is the Hospitality Technology Lab, a state-of-the-art creative and experimental space featuring augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, simulation, service robotics and advanced production technologies. The lab functions as a sandbox where students, faculty and Universal professionals collaborate, test bold ideas and prototype next generation experiences. It reflects the best of both partners 鈥 Universal鈥檚 decades long legacy of storytelling and game-changing technology, and 麻豆原创鈥檚 longstanding commitment to future-forward education and industry-defining research.

Technology and immersive experience lab at 麻豆原创

Top 10

Most innovative public university in the nation. (U.S. News & World Report)

2025

麻豆原创 received the Innovative Institution Award from EAB.

TIME

Universal Epic Universe named among 罢滨惭贰鈥檚 2026 World鈥檚 Greatest Places.

鈥淩osen College has long been the global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving. 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.鈥
鈥 Cynthia Mejia, dean of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Student Support

Investing in the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Universal鈥檚 commitment to developing exceptional talent runs deeper than programs and partnerships. Through more than $2.6 million in scholarships and funds that enhance the student experience, Universal has made a lasting investment in the students who will define the future of the global experience and entertainment industry.

These scholarships remove financial barriers for high-potential students 鈥 ensuring that the next generation of creative minds, operators and innovators can access a world-class education and step confidently into careers at the forefront of the industry.

麻豆原创 students supported through scholarships and industry partnerships

鈥淥ur longstanding partnership with 麻豆原创 creates meaningful opportunities for students and our industry, and this next evolution builds significantly on that strong foundation. Together, we鈥檙e creating a distinctive academic home that will help prepare future leaders and expand pathways into careers across themed entertainment and hospitality.鈥
鈥 John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations and Experiences

Regional Impact

Together, We鈥檙e Driving Central Florida鈥檚 Future Prosperity

As 麻豆原创鈥檚 first entertainment sector Pegasus Partner, Universal is expanding investments that will serve as a powerful catalyst for the region鈥檚 workforce, strengthening industry-academic collaboration and supporting the next generation of global experience leaders. This includes scholarship opportunities for local and out-of-state students.

麻豆原创 will develop programs tailored to Universal鈥檚 evolving workforce needs, equipping employees with the skills and capabilities to lead in a rapidly changing industry.

Both organizations will work together to co-develop curriculum, advance applied research and shape a talent pipeline built for the future.

The Pegasus Partners Program

麻豆原创鈥檚 Pegasus Partners Program represents the launchpad from which world-changing collaborations have taken flight. It鈥檚 where intent meets action, and grand ideas have become grander realities. This elite group of partners accounts for some of the most intentional, meaningful and impactful partnerships that 麻豆原创 has forged to date.