Georgia State University

Georgia State’s Hospitality School Welcomes Their New Director

Georgia State University’s Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration is stepping into a new chapter with the appointment of Dr. Benjamin Lawrence as their new director. Effective as of July 1st this year, Lawrence took the reins from longtime leader Debby Cannon, who served as director for 23 years and will now return teaching full-time.

“Ben Lawrence is a dynamic leader with the knowledge, passion, and vision to advance our internationally renowned School of Hospitality,” said Richard Phillips, Dean of the Robinson College of Business.

Lawrence has been a part of the Georgia State family for years. He joined the university in 2018 and currently holds the Aziz Hashim Professorship of Franchise Entrepreneurship. He also has a joint appointment with the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute, making him a key figure in both hospitality and entrepreneurial education. He is well-qualified, holding a Ph.D. in marketing from Boston University, an MBA from Texas A&M, and a B.S. in hotel administration from Cornell. Before GSU, he was a member of the faculty at Cornell University.

The Cecil B. Day School is the oldest, largest, and only dual-accredited (AACSB and ACPHA) hospitality school in Georgia. It’s also ranked among the top 20 hospitality programs in the U.S. by CEOWorld Magazine. With Lawrence’s leadership, students can expect even more opportunities to engage with industry leaders, participate in cutting-edge research, and prepare for careers that blend business savvy with service excellence.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the Day School into its next chapter,” Lawrence said. “For over 50 years the school has built a legacy of academic excellence, industry engagement, and a strong commitment to student success. I’m excited to build on that momentum by fostering interdisciplinary research, enhancing the career readiness of our students, and expanding our role as a vital partner to the hospitality industry in Georgia and beyond.”

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