Many of our students possess a profound dedication to creating extraordinary and unforgettable experiences, much like you do. At Dedman College of Hospitality, we view our mission as transforming your potential into a thriving career in hospitality management. We have served as the launchpad for thousands of graduates who have gone on to lead, own, and revolutionize the hospitality industry. Here, you'll uncover their inspiring journeys.
Victoria Madsen
Being a part of the Dedman College of Hospitality has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. First and foremost, the incredible teachers at Dedman stand out because they are not only knowledgeable but genuinely invested in our success and development. They go above and beyond to support us, providing guidance and resources that extend far beyond the classroom.
Equally inspiring are my fellow students. It’s amazing to be surrounded by individuals who share a profound passion for hospitality. Everyone here is driven by a desire to make a positive impact in the industry, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Working alongside people who have such dedication and vision pushes me to be better, to think bigger, and to contribute meaningfully to this field we all love.
Dedman College truly is an extraordinary place that fosters not only learning but a genuine sense of community and purpose. I am proud and grateful to be part of such an inspiring environment, where every day brings new opportunities to grow, connect, and dream big about the future of hospitality.
Hunter Henson
As a freshman at Florida State, studying hospitality as a major never crossed my mind. Starting as a Business Real Estate major, I didn’t believe I would find the same enjoyment in real estate as I did in hospitality. I realized I wanted to pursue a major where I could change someone's day how I did at the restaurant, which led me to the Dedman College of Hospitality.
Before I made the switch, like most people, I had no idea the amount of resources Dedman offered. In my junior year, with the help of one of my professors, I was fortunate enough to secure an internship at a luxury 5-star hotel in Raleigh, NC. Without the help of my professor and the guest speakers who attend Dedman classes, I would’ve never had this opportunity. Whether you want to go into hotels, country clubs, or another type of hospitality, Dedman is like no other at helping students create these connections. The Dedman College of Hospitality also offers a semesterly career expo where companies set up booths to pitch to students, which is another great example of the resources offered.
Besides the connections and resources being easily obtainable, the Dedman College of Hospitality has around 600 students, creating a tight relationship between the students, teachers, and staff at Dedman. Having classes with familiar faces each semester allows you to build connections more easily and start building your reputation as a professional. With most classrooms being smaller, creating a relationship with the professors is made simple and never intimidating with the selfless professors Dedman has.
The multiple student organizations offered through the Dedman College of Hospitality is another benefit of the Dedman College of Hospitality. For my final year, I have the pleasure of being a member of the Dedman College of Hospitality Student Leadership Council, a group of 10 students on a mission to help the college recruit new students and expand on campus. This is just one of the great organizations Dedman offers students to become a part of. Others include the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Eta Sigma Delta hospitality honor society, and more.
Growing up, I had never thought about working in hotels as a career, but thanks to Dedman, I was able to find right where I was supposed to be. As I complete my senior year, I can be in connection with multiple companies to pursue after I receive my degree due to the faculty and staff at Dedman and the countless opportunities and resources at the tip of the student's fingers. As I start my career in hospitality after school, I hope to one day make an impact on future hospitality leaders as my teachers have for me. With the help of the Dedman College of Hospitality, I feel more than prepared for what is to come in my future. Go Noles!
Cameron Bonnette
As a 2020 high school graduate, figuring out my pathway for college was a roller coaster. With many opportunities to bowl competitively with different universities, my options were open. Understanding the risk of Covid-19 has brought me great awareness which influenced my decision to choose community college instead. As a competitive bowler who was the team captain for my high school and bowled national youth tournaments, I was devastated to give up bowling but understood that I had a passion for sports.
Adjusting to the virtual world of learning, I decided to take the slow route of college by taking less classes a semester. During this time, I started to work with different companies such as Dunkin' Donuts, HomeGoods, and Skechers. As time approached for me to transfer, I started to seek programs in different universities that would favor sports. Taking tours of many different campuses around Florida played a major part in my decision but Florida State University stuck out to me the most. Understanding that Sports Management is one of the more difficult majors to get accepted in, I knew that I needed to join a different major for me to become a transfer student at Florida State. Hospitality has never been on my mind as a major to pursue, in fact I didn't even know what the major consisted of. When doing research and talking with numerous faculty and staff members from Dedman College of Hospitality, I was introduced to Recreation and Tourism Management and knew it was the right career pathway for me.
During my time as a Recreation student, being blessed with many opportunities is an understatement. I have been a part of different registered organizations such as the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Recreation and Tourism Student Association, and Dedman College of Hospitality Student Leadership Council. Within these registered organizations, I've had the chance to visit many different companies that exposed students towards different career pathways and day to day functions within different companies. One of the most memorable trips that I’ve been a part of was the trip to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facility. I was also selected for a fall internship with Seminole Sports Properties as a Gameday Hospitality Intern. This amazing internship allowed me to assist with corporate hospitality set up and to connect with members who were attending FSU sporting events. Overall, Florida State Dedman College of Hospitality staff members go out of their way to assist students in becoming the best that can be for their career choice. I am so happy and thankful that I have chosen to be a part of Florida States Dedman College of Hospitality.
Caroline Ball
From a very young age, I loved organizing events. Whether it was a classroom concert in 3rd grade, a Valentine’s Day party in middle school, or our Homecoming dance in high school, I always thrived on bringing people together, creating unforgettable experiences, and ensuring every detail was just right. The thrill of planning, coordinating, and seeing others enjoy the moments I helped create ignited my passion for event planning—something that still drives me today.
When I first applied to college, I wasn’t sure what major to choose. I knew I enjoyed event planning, but it never occurred to me that I could actually pursue a degree in it. During my prospective student tour at Florida State University, I learned about the Dedman College of Hospitality, and in that instant, I knew I had found the perfect fit for my aspirations.
Once college started, I was initially overwhelmed by the large 1st year lectures in auditoriums filled with stadium seating. However, when I attended my first hospitality class, everything changed. The small, intimate setting and the genuine care the professors had for their students made me realize that I had found my place. The personal connections and unwavering support from the faculty gave me a sense of belonging, and I knew I was in the ideal environment to nurture my passion for hospitality and event planning.
Now, I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy of Law, and will graduate in Spring of 2025. My passion for leadership, inclusivity, and event planning has driven me to actively engage in various student organizations and professional experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. I have been honored with receiving scholarships, such as the James Bruce Wallace Memorial Scholarship and the John and Monica Rivas Scholarship, which recognize my commitment to academic excellence and leadership. Additionally, my study abroad experiences in both Florence, Italy, and Valencia, Spain, deepened my love for global cultures and broadened my perspective on hospitality and tourism management.
In my leadership roles within Phi Mu Fraternity, including Vice President of Sisterhood Development and Preference Day Director, I honed skills in managing large-scale events, coordinating teams, and fostering inclusivity. Being a select member of both the Order of Omega and Eta Sigma Delta has also allowed me to take pride in being among the top 3% of student leaders in our FSU community. Furthermore, internships and client services roles, such as my position as a Front Office Intern at Montage Palmetto Bluff, where I provided exceptional guest experiences, and as a Client Services Representative at Kanakuk Kamps, have given me practical industry experience. My desire to make a positive impact inspired me to help build the Dedman College of Hospitality Student Leader Council, collaborating with faculty to enhance the college’s strategic initiatives.
I am deeply passionate about mental health advocacy, student well-being, and creating inclusive environments where everyone feels heard and valued. As I aspire to become a corporate event planner, I am constantly seeking opportunities to grow, learn, and make meaningful contributions to the hospitality industry. My experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership, and I am eager to continue using my skills to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Looking back, none of this would have been possible without the kindness and support I’ve received from the Dedman College of Hospitality at Florida State University. The College’s unwavering commitment to my growth has provided me with invaluable opportunities to explore my passions, develop my skills, and build meaningful connections. From the faculty’s genuine care to the hands-on experiences that have shaped my understanding of the hospitality industry, Dedman College has been the cornerstone of my journey. I am forever grateful for their support, which has empowered me to pursue my dreams with confidence and a deep sense of purpose.
Kacie Michaud
The quote “where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves” reflects my experience with choosing to major in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Dedman College of Hospitality. Coming into FSU as a hospitality major, I was uncertain if I would be able to find my place. Most of my friends were pursuing degrees in fields like pre-med or law, which made me question whether I was on the right path. As I started enrolling in more hospitality courses and meeting like-minded individuals who had strong passions for the industry, I started to feel more comfortable with my decision.
The encouragement from supportive professors, and the numerous opportunities The Dedman College provided me with, helped me develop a deep passion for hospitality. The Dedman College professors are dedicated not only to expanding your knowledge of the industry, but also to supporting your professional growth. One of students' biggest concerns in college is figuring out what they will do after graduation. The Dedman College professors ease this process by offering useful resources such as guest speakers and networking lunches, allowing students to build connections and explore future opportunities with companies.
The sense of comfort I gained from The Dedman College motivated me to engage in every possible way. I attended several of their career fairs, which led to a fantastic internship opportunity with Driftwood Hospitality Management. This experience allowed me to apply the knowledge I had acquired from various hospitality courses in a practical setting while also helping me develop memorable professional skills and relationships.
The Dedman College does an excellent job preparing students for success by offering a broad range of opportunities, both internationally and domestically. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in a Food and Wine program in Florence, Italy. It was led by one of Dedman's most caring and knowledgeable professors, with whom I was able to build a strong relationship. Through this program, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the Italian culture and gain hands-on experience at a Tuscan vineyard, where I learned about and participated in the production of wine, food, and olive oil. This once-in-a-lifetime experience would not have happened without the ongoing opportunities and support from The Dedman College.
Never would I have imagined that The Dedman College would become my home. However, the continuous guidance from the faculty and support from the staff allowed me to develop a true passion for hospitality, revealing how a sense of belonging can often be found in unexpected places.