2024 Honors and Awards: Honoring Industry Leaders and Achievements in Scholarship

Florida State University's Dedman College of Hospitality hosted its 2024 Honors and Awards dinner and ceremony on November 7 at the Dunlap Champions Club. The event brought together alumni, students, donors, and friends in a celebration honoring this year’s Hall of Fame and Emerging Professionals inductees, while also highlighting the generosity of donors and the outstanding accomplishments of scholarship recipients.

Hall of Fame

Two accomplished alumni were inducted into this year's Hall of Fame, an honor celebrating those who exemplify the values of excellence, leadership, and dedication that define the Dedman College of Hospitality. Established in 2022, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have achieved extraordinary success in their careers while making meaningful contributions to the college’s mission. This recognition replaced the college’s former Alumnus of the Year award, with all previous recipients being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Chris Burr ('82) serves as Director of Nontraditional Development for Dunkin’ Brands U.S., overseeing the strategic placement of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins in diverse, nontraditional locations. His purview includes military bases, airports, universities, lodging establishments, grocery chains, and major retail environments.

With over three decades of expertise in the hospitality industry, Chris brings a depth of experience and an unwavering commitment to growth and innovation. Since joining Dunkin’ in 2006, he has helped to bring the brand into new, high-traffic areas, broadening the brand’s reach and adapting to evolving consumer needs.

Prior to his role at Dunkin’ Brands, Chris served in a variety of leadership positions across several top-tier hospitality and franchising organizations. As Channel Manager for Lodging, Gaming, and Entertainment at Yum! Brands, he played a vital role in expanding brands like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC, Long John Silver’s, and A&W into entertainment and hospitality venues. Earlier, Chris worked at Choice Hotels International, where he held positions such as Director of Franchise Sales for Clarion Hotels and Brand Director for Sleep Inn and MainStay Suites.

Chris’ comprehensive background across franchising, development, and brand management has made him a trusted leader known for his dedication and strategic approach. An alumnus of Florida State University, Chris graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from the College of Business in 1982, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the field. He now resides in Virginia Beach, VA.

Jane Boyd Ohlin, J.D. ('79) has been an integral part of the Dedman College of Hospitality at Florida State University since 1989, where she has held various key positions. Currently serving as the Director of Strategic Development, she focuses on advancing the college’s international academic programs and special projects. From 2008 to 2015, she led Dedman as its director, overseeing a pivotal period of growth and development that strengthened the institution’s faculty and student culture, and laid the foundation for its long-term success.

Dr. Ohlin’s academic journey began at Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration in 1979. After gaining hands-on industry experience, she pursued her Juris Doctor at FSU’s College of Law, graduating in 1986. She balanced her legal expertise with a passion for hospitality, co-authoring the award-winning 8th and 9th editions of the textbook Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Law: A Preventive Approach.

As an educator, she is most proud of her years teaching law, finance, senior services management, services management, introduction to hospitality, and leadership and ethics. Her most memorable moments were those spent leading the Leysin, Switzerland program for many years, where she introduced over 500 hospitality students to European travel and culture.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ohlin has been dedicated to providing students with enriching educational experiences. She teaches courses in hospitality law and service management, encouraging students to engage in study abroad opportunities, build professional networks, and seek mentorship from industry leaders. Her legacy is one of leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student success.

Emerging Professionals

Three alumni were selected for the 2024 Emerging Professional Award. This award acknowledges notable achievements of recent graduates within the past decade. Other criteria include the individual's display of commitment to the hospitality industry and an exceptional promise for future success.

La’Quana Cooper (’19, ’21) earned her bachelor’s in hospitality administration and management and her master’s from FSU’s College of Law. While completing her degrees, she gained experience as an office manager and project coordinator with Anderson & Associates Construction. Cooper began her hospitality career with Doubletree in Nashville, working in security and sales, before joining Henderson Park Inn. There, she climbed the ladder of success within the industry and took on various roles, including Operations and Lofts Club Manager, Executive Assistant, General Manager, and Human Resource Manager. Currently an Assistant General Manager, Cooper recently accepted a new position with the Department of Defense, underscoring her continued professional growth.

Nicole Oreo ('16) has built an impressive career within the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, where her tenure spans over nine years in hospitality management. Rising through multiple roles, Nicole now serves as the Senior Event Manager for Catering, bringing expertise in managing complex, large-scale events. Her journey with Disney has also included leadership positions as General Manager of Shula’s Steak House and Cabana Bar & Beach Club. Nicole graduated from Florida State University with degrees in Business Marketing and Hospitality Management. She continues to set high standards of professionalism, embodying both the spirit of innovation and dedication to exceptional guest experiences.

Jack Walker ('20) has quickly risen through the ranks in the marina management industry, showcasing both versatility and dedication to excellence. Beginning his career with an internship at the Manhattan Yacht Club in 2019, where he managed upper deck operations and contributed to marketing efforts, Jack quickly found his footing in the field. In 2020, he joined Suntex Marinas as a Manager in Training, further developing his leadership and operational skills. In 2022, he became General Manager at the Bayshore Landing Marina, where he managed day-to-day operations and guided his team to success. Today, Jack combines industry knowledge with hands-on experience, positioning him as a valuable leader in the marina industry.