Michael Collins

Dr. Michael Collins is an Associate Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), affiliated with the School of Resort & Hospitality Management within the Lutgert College of Business. With over 35 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, academia, and research, he specializes in corporate social responsibility (CSR), hospitality pricing strategies, service quality, and experiential learning through internships. He holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston, and a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University.

His research explores topics such as cruise pricing, destination safety, and labor market challenges. He has authored two textbooks, including Make It Count! Getting the Most from a Hospitality Internship (2017) and Delivering the Guest Experience: Successful Hotel, Lodging & Resort Management (2019). Prior to academia, Dr. Collins managed upper-upscale hotels for Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Wyndham International across locations like Chicago, San Francisco, and Myrtle Beach.

Recent articles highlight trends in internship efficacy for addressing hospitality labor shortages and the impact of cruise itineraries on pricing strategies. His work frequently intersects with industry partnerships and practical solutions for hospitality challenges.