Robin M. Back, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Academic Policy
Dr. Robin M. Back is the Assistant Dean for Academic Policy for the College of Undergraduate Studies and a tenured Associate Professor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. In his role as Assistant Dean, Back is responsible for undergraduate academic policy, grade appeals, and dual enrollment at the University of Central Florida.
Having formerly served as Interim Chair of the Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management, Back has over 25 years of experience in the retail, travel and tourism, and food and beverage industries in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Massachusetts, a Master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey, a Bachelor’s degree in Institutional Management from London Metropolitan University, and a Certificate in Internet Technologies from New York University.
Dr. Back’s experience includes management positions with companies such as Harvey Nichols of London, Avis Rent-a-Car, and Budget Rent-a-Car International, as well as extensive experience in wine and beer sales, marketing, brand management, and education. He is an elected Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, and his professional memberships include the Academy of Management and the American Association of Wine Economists.
Dr. Back has authored journal articles for several top academic journals in his field and has presented research papers at many international conferences. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, and the Journal of Vacation Marketing, and serves as a reviewer for a number of highly ranked academic journals. His research interests are in the area of consumer behavior and marketing, with a primary focus on wine tourism within the greater context of agritourism and gastronomy tourism, and the wine industry in general. Dr. Back teaches a variety of beverage-related courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and brings his extensive industry experience and a truly global perspective to his classes.