Georgia State University to Bestow Honorary Doctorate on Hospitality Industry Veteran and Philanthropist, Regynald Washington

Atlanta- Regynald Washington, a celebrated leader in the hospitality industry and committed philanthropist, is set to be honored by Georgia State University (GSU). The university plans to confer an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration on Washington at the May 2, 2024, commencement ceremony for the institution’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

A Storied Career in Hospitality

Washington’s illustrious career in the hospitality industry spans several decades and includes top positions in notable companies. He served as the president of Paradies Lagardère Dining Division, a global travel retail organization. Before this, Washington held the position of CEO at Hojeij Branded Foods Inc., a Morgan Stanley Private Equity portfolio company.

His history with the hospitality industry also includes a 12-year stint with The Walt Disney Company. During this time, he served as the vice president of worldwide food and beverage operations for Disney Parks and Resorts.

Commitment to the Restaurant Industry and Education

As well as his corporate journey, Washington has an impressive breadth of involvement in various industry bodies and educational institutions. He previously held the chairmanship of the board of the National Restaurant Association. He continues to serve as an active past chairman.

Moreover, his dedication to academia is no less significant. Washington has long-supported Georgia State University, contributing significantly to the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration. This includes a remarkable $1 million personal gift, leading to recognition of a graduate program in his name. The Regynald G. Washington Master of Global Hospitality Management program has since been providing students with scholarships and opportunities for global experiences.

An Overview of Regynald Washington’s Achievements

Regynald Washington’s industry and philanthropic contributions have been recognized at a national level more than once. With an initial start as a bus attendant in the Florida Keys at age 13, his rise to prominence is a testament to his commitment to excellence, embodying the achievements and impact that GSU strives to enable for its students.

His accolades include the 2022 “Legends & Leaders” Impact Award from The Elliot Leadership Institute, the 2019 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s Gold Plate Award, and the 2019 Georgia Restaurant Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Washington has also been inducted into the College of Diplomats of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Around Academia and Beyond

Washington currently serves as a trustee for the Georgia State University Foundation board and is also a trustee of the Culinary Institute of America. Furthermore, he holds a seat on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board of the Chaplin School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University, and sits on the board of directors for Apex Holdings.

Some of the nation’s highest educational institutions recognized Washington’s achievements and philanthropic work. He was granted honorary faculty status at Michigan State University and Purdue University, and also acted as the Lifetime Conti Professor at Penn State University. Additionally, Washington received the Outstanding Achievement Torch Award, Florida International University’s highest honor, and the Honorary Alumnus Award from Georgia State’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Further embodying his versatility, Washington, an avid music fan, serves on the board of directors for the Chicago Sinfonietta.

Dedication to the Future of the Industry

In the 1980s, Washington’s vision resulted in the establishment of the ProStart program in Georgia, a landmark two-year culinary arts program that imparts both culinary techniques and management skills to high school students. This initiative has since expanded countrywide, stimulating the educational journey of more than 145,000 students annually, and facilitating the building of careers in related fields.

The recognition of Washington is a testament to his unparalleled contribution to the hospitality industry and his unwavering dedication to education. He embodies the attributes of success GSU hopes to foster in its own students — a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a spirit of philanthropy.