by Charis Marshal, Student Public Relations Writer
In the lobby at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Cedarville University junior Abigail Foster helps families check in, solve travel problems and find small ways to make a big trip feel personal.
Foster, an accounting major from Orlando, Florida, has combined her creativity, leadership and passion for serving others in roles at both Cedarville and Walt Disney World. After working with Cedarville’s Campus Experience team, she is now participating in the nationally recognized Disney College Program, taking a gap semester from her undergraduate coursework to gain professional experience in hospitality management and guest services.
Cedarville Campus Experience training prepares Foster for Disney
Her work under Brian Burns, the director of campus experience at Cedarville, prepared her for her current role at Pop Century, one of Disney's value resorts that serves thousands of visitors each week.
“Many of the things Brian taught us are similar to the things they teach us at Disney World,” said Foster. “Both Disney and campus experience teach ‘guestology.’ We don’t call them ‘customers.’ We call them ‘guests,’ and we try to say the guest’s name three times during an interaction.”
Disney College Program internship dates and role
Foster began the program on January 12, 2026, with the largest group of students to date, and her internship will conclude on May 14, 2026. As a concierge, she manages check-in and check-out procedures, assists guests with reservations and travel questions and helps create what Disney refers to as “magical moments” — personalized gifts or interactions designed to enhance the guest experience.
“Working for campus experience was much like my job at Disney,” said Foster. “One day over the summer, I had to unlock over 50 doors for summer camp kids in the span of three hours. I have learned to be efficient and do my job correctly despite working in a busy environment.”
Accounting professor supports career development opportunity
Lindsay Howell, assistant professor of accounting and Foster’s academic advisor, encouraged her to pursue the Disney College Program as a career development opportunity.
“I'm proud of Abigail for making the decision to step away from campus and to take advantage of the opportunity that the Disney College Program provides,” said Howell. “It shows her maturity and initiative to fully develop herself from not only an academic perspective but also from a career readiness perspective. Internships and study programs like the Disney College Program give the students hands-on experiences in the real world that reinforce the concepts we discuss in the classroom.”
By taking two online classes, Foster is able to live at her parents’ home in Florida, commute to Walt Disney World and remain on track to graduate.
Living out faith at Disney while representing Cedarville
Beyond professional growth, Foster has enjoyed the opportunity to live out her faith in a global workplace. Her Disney name badge identifies her as a student from Cedarville University, which she hopes will prompt gospel conversations with coworkers and guests.
“Throughout the program and as I talk about church and what's been going on in my life, I hope people will notice there is something different in my life and ask me about it,” said Foster. “I want to plant seeds in their hearts and be open to answering questions. But I’m hoping to be a light for Christ to the people at Disney.”
Faith, hospitality and service in a global workplace
Through hospitality, excellence in the workplace and personal faith, Foster represents Cedarville University at one of the world’s busiest tourism destinations, allowing her to demonstrate the love of Christ and create magical moments for everyone she encounters.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
