USA, Los Angeles, California. February 11, 2026

AI Crash Course, an AI literacy platform for service industries, has announced an academic partnership with Virscend University, a WASC-accredited institution in Irvine, California.

As artificial intelligence reshapes service industries, the need for practical AI literacy has never been greater. Front-line teams, managers, and business owners face a rapidly evolving landscape where understanding AI is no longer optional, it is essential for staying competitive and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

AI Crash Course was built to address this gap, demystifying AI and making it accessible for working professionals who need real-world skills, not technical jargon. The platform's human-centered approach ensures that learning translates directly into workplace confidence and capability.

Academic Leadership

Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu joins AI Crash Course as Chief Academic Officer. A Fulbright Specialist and Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP), Dr. Cobanoglu currently serves as the Provost and Professor at Virscend University, Irvine, California. He previously served as Dean and McKibbon Endowed Chair Professor at the University of South Florida's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management from 2010 to 2025. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and more than 10,000 academic citations in hospitality technology education, Dr. Cobanoglu brings rigorous academic standards to every course while ensuring content remains practical and relevant.

"Education should serve human potential, not just deliver content," said Dr. Cobanoglu. "Our partnership ensures every course meets the highest academic standards while remaining practical for working professionals."

Through this partnership, learners seeking university-backed certification or continuing education credits can complete accredited courses directly through Virscend University's platform.

The Founders

Rohit Khanna (New York) is a luxury hospitality executive, AI Strategy Officer, and 2025 Perplexity AI Business Fellow whose career spans Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and The Setai. He holds an MA in International Hospitality Management from Manchester Metropolitan University and previously served as an assistant service lecturer at César Ritz Colleges Switzerland.

"The hospitality industry is at a turning point," said Khanna. "AI is transforming how we personalize guest experiences, optimize operations, and train our teams. But most professionals don't have access to education that's both academically rigorous and practically relevant. That's exactly what this partnership delivers."

Dave Upton (Sydney) is a recognized travel industry pioneer who co-founded Travel.com.au, Australia's first major online travel company, and led its AU$23 million IPO. Upton currently leads ITbyUs, delivering IT solutions to the travel sector.

A 25-Year Partnership

The academic partnership has deep personal roots. Twenty-five years ago, Khanna and Dr. Cobanoglu first met at the University of Delaware and drove from Delaware to Chicago to attend HITEC, spending the journey discussing technology, hospitality, and education.

"Some partnerships are built in boardrooms. This one was built on the open road," said Khanna. "Cihan has spent his career proving that education should transform people, not just transfer information. That's the foundation of everything we're building."

Industry Recognition

This announcement follows AI Crash Course's recent partnership with the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) and recognition by Travel Weekly for its comprehensive approach to AI education.

About AI Crash Course

AI Crash Course offers practical, human-centered AI education for travel and hospitality professionals, in academic partnership with Virscend University. Learn more at aicrashcourse.info. This new partnership offers a pathway to university-certified AI education for travel and hospitality professionals.