University of Lynchburg, Forth Valley College, and Royal Rum Society Announce International Partnership to Expand Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits Education
June 2, 2026
New collaboration extends the Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits to learners across Europe while strengthening global connections in hospitality, distilling, and spirits education.
Master Rummelier® Greg Hill and Jamie Allan of Forth Valley College finalize partnership details in Barbados, establishing a new international pathway for rum and sugar cane spirits education.
The University of Lynchburg's Professional Development Institute (PDI), Forth Valley College in Scotland, and the Royal Rum Society have entered into an exclusive partnership designed to expand access to one of the world's most distinctive educational programs focused on rum and sugar cane spirits.
The collaboration will extend the reach of PDI's Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits to learners across Scotland and Europe while strengthening connections between higher education, hospitality, distilling, and the global spirits industry.
The partnership reflects growing international interest in the pioneering program, which has attracted participants from across the United States and around the world, including Canada, Thailand, and Turkey.
"This partnership represents an important step in extending the reach of a unique program that has resonated with learners well beyond the United States. We've seen strong interest from individuals seeking a deeper understanding of rum and sugar cane spirits, and this collaboration allows us to better serve that global audience."
— John A. Zinn III, Executive Director, Professional Development Institute
Why This Partnership Matters
While Scotland is internationally recognized as the home of whisky, rum has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most globally significant spirits categories. This partnership creates new opportunities for rum education and spirits education by connecting academic learning with industry expertise.
The collaboration also reflects a growing demand for specialized professional and lifelong learning opportunities that connect learners directly with subject-matter experts and global industry networks.
By bringing together a university-based professional education division, one of Scotland's leading colleges, and the Royal Rum Society, the partnership creates a unique international learning community centered on one of the world's most influential distilled spirits.
About the Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits
The Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits is an innovative online course developed by Master Rummelier® Greg Hill, founder of the Royal Rum Society.
Delivered online and designed for working adults, the 10-week certificate program offers flexible access for enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, distillers, distillery workers, beverage industry professionals, and lifelong learners seeking to deepen their knowledge of rum and related industries.
Students gain insight into the origins of rum, production techniques, regional styles, global markets, and the cultural traditions that have shaped the spirit's evolution across centuries and continents.
Building a Global Rum Education Community
Since its launch, the program has evolved into an international learning community that has become a recognized leader in rum education.
"Since 2017, the Rummelier® program has experienced remarkable growth, with graduates now representing more than 40 countries worldwide," said Greg Hill. "Our partnerships with the University of Lynchburg and Forth Valley College have significantly enhanced the program, allowing us to deliver a deeper, more comprehensive study of sugar cane spirits while creating valuable networking opportunities for students, enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike."
The partnership will help further expand that global community by creating new pathways for participation throughout Scotland and Europe.
Why Forth Valley College?
Forth Valley College is one of Scotland's leading institutions for skills and training, recognized for its strong connections to industry and its commitment to workforce-focused education.
The College offers extensive programs in hospitality, brewing, distilling, and industrial biotechnology, including pathways that support progression into university-level brewing and distilling degrees. Its state-of-the-art facilities include a fully operational glass distillation plant that supports hands-on learning and applied industry training.
Through the new partnership, Forth Valley College will promote and support the Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits for learners across Scotland and Europe.
Expanding Access Across Europe
"FVC are renowned for our industry-led approach to skills and training, so the opportunity to partner with two esteemed institutions in the University of Lynchburg and the Royal Rum Society made complete sense," said Jamie Allan, Global Partnership Manager at Forth Valley College.
"With Scotland known as the home of whisky and world-famous hospitality, we are excited to offer learners across Europe this innovative course, which will equip them with the key skills and knowledge to support their role in, or their passion for, the burgeoning global rum and wider distilled spirits sector."
Looking Ahead
The partnership represents an important milestone in the continued growth of the Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits and reinforces the University of Lynchburg's commitment to workforce development, lifelong learning, and global engagement.
"This program reflects our approach to professional education," Zinn said. "It combines subject-matter expertise, practical learning, and access to a broader community of learners and professionals."
As interest in rum and sugar cane spirits continues to grow worldwide, the collaboration will provide new opportunities for learners to connect with industry expertise, international perspectives, and a global network of fellow enthusiasts and professionals.
Learners interested in this unique online rum course and the internationally recognized Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits can learn more by visiting the program page.
Learn More About the Certificate
The next cohort of the Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits through the University of Lynchurg begins September 14, 2026.
Registration opens July 1, 2026.
Registration and start dates for Forth Valley College will be available soon.
Interested in learning more? Visit the program page to explore the curriculum, meet the instructor, and stay informed about upcoming enrollment opportunities.
About the Professional Development Institute
The Professional Development Institute (PDI) at the University of Lynchburg provides flexible, workforce-aligned, noncredit certificate programs designed to support lifelong learning, professional advancement, and personal enrichment. Through partnerships with industry leaders and subject-matter experts, PDI delivers practical education that helps individuals and organizations adapt to emerging opportunities and changing workforce needs.
About Forth Valley College
Forth Valley College is one of Scotland's leading colleges, serving students across three state-of-the-art campuses in Alloa, Falkirk, and Stirling. The College offers more than 1,000 courses spanning vocational, technical, professional, and higher education pathways and maintains strong partnerships with employers and universities throughout Scotland and beyond.
About the Royal Rum Society
The Royal Rum Society is an international organization dedicated to advancing rum education, appreciation, and professional development. Founded by Master Rummelier® Greg Hill, the Society supports enthusiasts and industry professionals through educational programs, events, certifications, and global networking opportunities focused on rum and sugar cane spirits.