The University of Utah announced a $25 million gift from The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation to establish the J.W. Marriott, Jr. Institute. This initiative will transform how students across disciplines develop leadership skills rooted in hospitality principles.
This Institute represents a student-centric approach to hospitality education beyond traditional classroom learning. Inspired by Marriott’s enduring legacy of service, ingenuity, and excellence, the Institute will be a multidisciplinary hub providing co-curricular programs that integrate hospitality principles into diverse academic fields, such as business, healthcare, design, technology, engineering, and more. The Institute emphasizes and elevates the customer experience by integrating it into nearly all industries and career pathways.
This Institute will eventually provide dynamic programs ranging from global internships and leadership development to campus-based hospitality training and industry-sponsored projects. And these experiences will provide students with real-world skills, industry access, such as offerings from The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, and resume-defining opportunities.
Marc Brown, the inaugural executive director, will oversee these efforts as the Institute transforms the University of Utah’s campus into a living laboratory where students can work directly with on-campus businesses, events, and services to solve real challenges and create value through hospitality.
The University of Utah is driven by a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, strong industry partnerships, and a proven ability to engage students at scale through programs like the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. Hospitality builds on its strong foundation, shaping how the University cares for patients, designs services, and creates human-centered experiences. As Utah prepares to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the University stands at the forefront of innovation and global opportunity, ready to lead on the world stage.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are redefining hospitality not simply as an industry but as a mindset that empowers leaders in every field to create exceptional experiences and drive meaningful impact by honoring the values that have long defined the Marriott name—excellence, integrity, and service to others. The Marriott family’s deep connection to the University of Utah, with J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. as a proud alumnus and long-time supporter, is a testament to their enduring commitment to expanding opportunities for all people. We are deeply grateful for their visionary leadership in establishing this pioneering Institute, which will carry Bill Marriott’s legacy forward and prepare our students to lead in the evolving experience economy.”
– Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah
“The J. W. Marriott, Jr. Institute represents our commitment to attracting and developing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Through this Institute, we aim to inspire students to carry forward Bill’s legacy of visionary leadership, integrity, and service and to elevate hospitality as a leadership philosophy across the global economy. We envision a future where students from all academic backgrounds gain the hands-on experience and relationship-centered outlook needed to excel in their careers. By equipping students with adaptable leadership skills, service excellence, innovation capabilities, and customer experience expertise, the Institute will build a talent pipeline uniquely prepared to lead in environments where people care for people.”
– Mieka Wick, CEO of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation
“My dad is proud to be a University of Utah alum and to have a hospitality institute established in his name is a source of pride for him and our entire family. We know every student who walks through the doors will develop the mindset and the skill set to be the next generation of leaders around the world – not only in hospitality but countless other industries that also benefit from a commitment to excellence in service.”
– David S. Marriott, Trustee of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International
