Cihan CobanogluHigher Education, AI and Technology
About

My Story

From Istanbul to Irvine, with a government scholarship, a lot of curiosity, and 100 countries along the way.

I was born and raised in Istanbul. My father drove a taxi. Nobody in my family had a map for a career in American higher education, so I learned to build one.

In 1996 I came to the United States on a Turkish government scholarship to study at Oklahoma State University, where I earned my master's degree and PhD. Education changed the direction of my life, and that belief shapes everything I do today: opening doors for students, faculty, and institutions in every country I can reach.

Education is the one thing that can change a family's story in a single generation.
Dr. Cobanoglu on stage at an international conference

Along the way I taught, researched, and led. I built a research center, founded a journal, started conferences, and helped students from many countries find their own path. Today, as Provost of Virscend University, I focus on programs that connect learning with real careers, and on preparing educators and students for the age of AI.

Dr. Cobanoglu with students and colleagues
Dr. Cobanoglu giving a talk on academic publishing

Career timeline

1994
Cukurova University, Turkey. Where the academic journey began.
1996 to 2001
Oklahoma State University. Master's degree and PhD, and the start of a life in the United States.
2001 to 2010
University of Delaware. Faculty member, research, and the Room of the Future project.
2010
Founded the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology and joined the University of South Florida.
2010 to 2025
University of South Florida. Dean, endowed chair, tenured Full Professor, and founder of the M3 Center for Hospitality Technology and Innovation.
Today
Provost and Full Professor at Virscend University, President of the Association of Global Educators, and Editor-in-Chief of JHTT.

Moments along the way

Panel discussion at a conference
Large audience at a university event
Teaching a class
Dr. Cobanoglu at a conference registration desk
Panelists at an international conference
Group photo at a conference

Give back

I volunteer as Board President of Project Light of Manatee, and I share guidance for students from Turkey who dream of studying in the U.S. on the Burs page.