Biography

Robin M. Back is assistant vice provost for Undergraduate Studies, responsible for undergraduate academic policy, academic affairs, grade appeals and dual enrollment at the University of Central Florida. Back is also a tenured associate professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Back previously served as assistant dean for academic policy in the College of Undergraduate Studies and interim chair of the Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management. He has more than 35 years of experience in academia and in the travel and tourism and food and beverage industries across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and the United States.

He holds a doctorate 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 the London Metropolitan University, and a certificate in internet technologies from New York University.

Back’s experience includes senior management positions with companies such as Harvey Nichols of London, Avis Rent-a-Car, and Budget Rent-a-Car International,  along with 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.

He has published research in top academic journals in his field and presented at numerous international academic and industry 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 consumer behavior and marketing, with a primary focus on the wine industry. Back has taught a variety of beverage-related courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.