DENTON (UNT), Texas — CEOWORLD Magazine has named the University of North Texas hospitality program among the best in the world. In its "Top 50 Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools" list for 2015, the UNT's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management was ranked No. 31 out of 300 private and public hotel management schools. Approximately 18,000 hospitality professionals were surveyed for the listing.

"This latest accolade is an affirmation of the work we do at UNT to prepare students for hospitality careers," said Judith Forney, dean of the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, which houses the degree program. "We're student centered in a way that gives students practical experience they'll need to thrive in their careers – things like the student-run restaurant, which gives them hands-on expertise in managing a hospitality business; study tours that allow students behind-the-scenes looks at innovative companies; and courses shaped by insight and recommendations from industry partners that serve on our advisory board."

Founded in 1985, UNT's hospitality and tourism management program is one of the largest and best-known in the U.S. and prepares students for top and executive-level roles in the industry.

"Our industry is truly global in nature," said Young Hoon Kim, interim chair of Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. "This ranking, which lists UNT among many of the world's most renowned programs, is a result of strategic planning that reflects our mission to educate students for leadership positions abroad and closer to home. It also highlights our aim to advance the profession through excellence in teaching, research and service."