In Brief: HSMAI South Florida has named Florida International University Hospitality Dean Michael Cheng as its Hospitality Legend of the Year, underscoring the industry’s acknowledgment of academic contributions to hospitality leadership and talent development.
The South Florida chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is proud to announce Dr. Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU), as the 2025 Hospitality Legend of the Year, honoring his extraordinary contributions to hospitality education and the tourism and hospitality industry.
As dean and professor of FIU’s top-ranked hospitality management program, Dr. Cheng has led the School since 2017, guiding its rise from No. 107 to No. 23 globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. The Chaplin School is now ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 3 among U.S. public universities, a testament to his vision and to the caliber of talent the School delivers to South Florida’s hospitality workforce.
“I am extremely grateful to be named HSMAI Legend of the Year and truly honored to be in the company of such amazing past industry greats,” said Cheng.
Under his leadership, Cheng developed the School’s Vision 2030 strategy, expanded its global academic and industry partnerships, and raised more than $48 million in philanthropic support. He has helped establish and grow major initiatives including the FIU Bacardi Center of Excellence, the McKibbon ’75 Alumni Experience and Professorship in Technology, the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program, and the FIU Cruise Excellence Center.
A tenured professor whose academic expertise spans competency-based learning, hospitality management, Culinology®, food product development, and food and beverage management, Cheng has been recognized among the Top 100 Most Powerful People in USA and Global Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute and named a South Florida Business Journal Power Leader in Hospitality Education for four consecutive years, from 2023 through 2026. A native of Malaysia, he is also co-author of Hospitality Today: An Introduction, the textbook used by many hospitality programs.
His dedication to mentorship and to preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders continues to ripple across the local, regional, and national hospitality ecosystem.
“We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Michael Cheng as our Legend of the Year,” said Robert Levine, Co-President of HSMAI South Florida. “Michael has elevated the Chaplin School onto the global stage, and in doing so has strengthened the entire South Florida hospitality industry. The students he has shaped are the leaders filling our hotels, restaurants, and destination organizations today.”
“Michael’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom,” added Angie Franjul-Garcia, Co-President of HSMAI South Florida. “He has built partnerships, secured resources, and opened doors that created real opportunity for hospitality professionals across our region. His legacy is one of vision, generosity, and excellence—making him a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished honor.”
The South Florida hospitality community will honor Dr. Cheng’s achievements at the 41st Annual HSMAI South Florida Awards Ceremony, to be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Dania Beach.