As the interim dean, Dr. Michael Cheng vows to focus on student success, creative thinking and innovation, while growing the building blocks that have defined the Chaplin School's academic excellence for more than 45 years Dr. Cheng's letter: I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the interim dean at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. For the last 45 years, the Chaplin School has been a pillar in the hospitality industry and an invaluable talent resource, as well as a beacon of hope for many aspiring students. So many of its graduates have accomplished great things in the hospitality industry around the world. I embrace this responsibility and will devote all my time and energy to preparing and educating those who will lead us in the future. Building upon the legacy of the leaders before me, now more than ever, we will focus on student success, the cornerstone of FIU. We’ll forge intimate industry relationships to amplify resources for the students, while we strengthen the existing relationships that make us unique and set us apart, such as our collaboration with the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. As the world evolves and the industry with it, we need to continue to evolve our curricula, in order to maintain that delicate balance between education, industry, and students. Students need to be prepared to meet industry demands. At the same time, our industry needs graduates who can lead and drive innovation and growth. The Chaplin school will build upon the model that has produced so many successful alumni over the years, but our sight is set on raising the bar. We aim to redefine hospitality education. [...]