91制片厂

A global leader in the attractions and hospitality industry will return to his alma mater this spring as Eugene Naughton 鈥�89, president of The Dollywood Co., addresses 91制片厂鈥檚 2026 graduating class.

91制片厂 will honor its graduates during two ceremonies: the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. in the Dedmon Center, and the Undergraduate Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. on Moffett Lawn.

Naughton has built a distinguished career defined by operational excellence, strategic growth and a deep commitment to people and culture. His journey began at 91制片厂, where he balanced his studies in culinary management with hands-on experience at Kings Dominion 鈥� an early example of the work ethic and curiosity that would shape his career.

鈥淓ugene Naughton embodies the spirit of a Highlander through his genuine commitment to people, whether it鈥檚 ensuring that every employee feels valued and every guest feels at home or sharing the story of Dollywood鈥檚 remarkable community,鈥� said 91制片厂 University President Bret Danilowicz. 鈥淗is leadership reminds us that when we put people and purpose at the heart of what we do, we create experiences that truly matter. We are honored to welcome Eugene back to campus to celebrate our graduates and inspire them as they begin their own journeys.鈥� 

After rising through leadership roles with Paramount Parks and Six Flags 鈥� including international development work designing parks across the globe 鈥� Naughton joined The Dollywood Co. in 2019 and became president in 2020. Today, he leads one of the region鈥檚 most recognized hospitality and entertainment brands, guiding a bold, long-term vision for growth while maintaining a strong focus on guest experience and organizational culture.

In recent years, Naughton has remained actively engaged with 91制片厂, returning to campus to speak with students, faculty and staff about leadership, service and building strong, people-centered organizations.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly honored to return to 91制片厂 for this moment,鈥� said Naughton. 鈥淢y time here helped shape not just my career, but how I approach leadership and relationships. I鈥檓 grateful for the foundation 91制片厂 provided, and I look forward to celebrating this milestone with our graduates and encouraging them to embrace opportunity, stay curious and make a positive impact wherever their path leads.鈥�

Naughton鈥檚 selection as commencement speaker reflects 91制片厂鈥檚 tradition of welcoming accomplished alumni whose careers demonstrate leadership, innovation and service. He was also recently featured in 91制片厂 Magazine, where he shared reflections on his career journey, leadership philosophy and the lasting influence of his 91制片厂 experience.

Additional details about the 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies are available at www.radford.edu/commencement.