2022 News Archive

December 2022 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management faculty, staff and alumni for December 2022!

Congratulations, HRSM Class of 2022 December Graduates

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management congratulates all members of the December 2022 graduation class!

Prohibition-era beer laws persist to the present

Craft beer is big business but that doesn’t necessarily mean business is booming.In fact, for many of the nation’s smaller brewing operations, competing with established large-scale “macrobreweries” is a David and Goliath story — and the laws are stacked in Goliath’s favor. But Scott Taylor Jr. and his colleagues at the Wine and Beverage Institute at USC School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management are working on the first of three papers exploring the negative impact of Prohibition-era laws on competition within the alcoholic beverage industry.

Student highlights from the graduating class of 2022

As December 2022 commencement approaches at the University of South Carolina, faculty and staff of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management nominated students for special recognition.

HRSM professor helps grow sport, entertainment management program

Andy Gillentine was on the path to his career goal of becoming an athletics director at a large university — until he found himself teaching in a college classroom as a graduate student in Mississippi.

College of HRSM Student Spotlight: Kayla Shannon

Kayla Shannon, a senior sport and entertainment management major, is serving as vice president of campus relations this year, works part-time at Colonial Life Arena and has done internships with the New York Mets, Learfield and Gamecock Hockey.

Purpose, passion and pinot

Wine is poetry in a bottle. Each glass conveys a story of crisp tartness or velvety luxury and College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management instructor Emilio Guerra narrates those stories. Guerra transports students to another world with every class thanks to his enthusiasm, passion and flair for storytelling.

USC tourism management researchers find travel anxiety is down

The arrival of the holiday season means traveling time for many Americans, and tourism management researchers at the University of South Carolina say travelers are less anxious about the journeys now than they have been in nearly two years.

Win an experiential learning trip to New York Fashion Week in Spring 2023

Two University of South Carolina Department of Retailing students will receive scholarships to travel to New York City and attend New York Fashion Week events from Feb. 9-12, 2023.

Tepper Scholars Program welcomes third cohort

The 2022-23 academic year has had a great start at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, thanks in part to the arrival of the newest cohort of Tepper Scholars. The four freshmen join the top-ranked Department of Sport and Entertainment Management and its most prestigious scholarship program.

November 2022 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management faculty, staff and alumni this month!

With loss prevention issues on the rise, South Carolina retailing students are earning industry certifications

Seven University of South Carolina students earned not only good grades but also a valuable certification from a national organization during fall semester--preparing them to tackle industry issues as they enter the job market.

USC Hospitality Management student wins life-changing scholarship

University of South Carolina hospitality management student Sarah Locke has won the Statler Foundation's $25,000 Scholarship of Excellence. Locke is the fourth University of South Carolina student to win the prestigious scholarship, underscoring the impact of the school's highly ranked hospitality management degree program.

College of HRSM announces 2022 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards

Four University of South Carolina alumni have been recognized by the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management for their leadership and accomplishments in their field.

Queasy to easy: 10 hacks to enjoy thrill rides

There is no need to worry about going green and missing out on magical family memories at the fair. Scott Smith, assistant professor at the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management and coaster enthusiast, has 10 tips that can help calm the squeamish stomach and get back to the hair-raising fun.

October 2022 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Read all the latest news and notes from our students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Business of football

Cutting-edge academics, deep industry connections and top-tier faculty combine to create a first-class training ground for football industry leaders in HRSM’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, recognized as one of the best and biggest programs of its kind.

UofSC Master of Sport and Entertainment Management program ranked No. 5 worldwide

The University of South Carolina's master's degree in sport and entertainment management is one of the best graduate degree programs in the world--ranked No. 5 globally in the 2022 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings.

Gamecock iHub brings innovative retail education and products to UofSC

With its second year now underway, the store has exceeded all expectations and its future is bright both as a business and as an experiential learning facility for retailing students.

UofSC Masters Tournament Job Expo being held Wednesday, Sept. 28

Students interested in working one of the most prestigious events in all of sports are invited to attend the UofSC Masters Tournament Job Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from noon to 4 p.m. in Close-Hipp.

Teed up for success: UofSC program offers premier opportunities in golf tourism

At the most prestigious professional golf tournaments across the United States, students and alumni from the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management are leading the business operations of a billion-dollar industry.

HRSM wrapping up largest team expansion in history

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is wrapping up the largest team expansion in the history of the college.

September 2022 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Read all the latest news and notes from our students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Industry mogul Sheila Johnson to teach leadership at UofSC

Students in the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management will have an exclusive opportunity to learn from renowned executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila Johnson beginning this fall semester.

UofSC ranked among best hospitality and tourism management schools for 4th consecutive year

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is ranked among the top 10 schools in the country in hospitality and tourism management.

Next steps: Class of 2022 career moves

Here are a few highlights from the great career opportunities Class of 2022 HRSM students were able to take advantage of.

SC 7 Expedition aims to protect beautiful places in Palmetto State

Despite the brutal mid-July heat enveloping Congaree National Park, there were big smiles and cheerful chatter as dozens trekked several miles through the old growth bottomland hardwood forest — stop No. 4 on a month-long tour of seven of South Carolina’s natural wonders.

Win an experiential learning trip to New York Fashion Week

Two Department of Retailing students will receive scholarships to travel to New York Fashion Week and attend events from September 8-11, 2022.

August June 2022 student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out the latest good news from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Carolina Gamecock to Duke Blue Devil: Career spotlight with Jarett Gerald

Jarett Gerald's career in college athletics did not end when he graduated. His role only grew as he transitioned from his role as competing athlete and sport and entertainment management student, to a collegiate athletics career professional.

For sports agent Aaron Henderson, responsibility is a two-way street

In a field where careers can change in an instant and big money is always on the line, sports agent and HRSM grad Aaron Henderson understands the importance of doing the hard work. He expects the same professionalism and commitment from his clients.

Spring 2022 honors list

Congratulations to the students who made the spring 2022 Dean's and President's Lists.

William A. Sutton joins UofSC Sport and Entertainment Management faculty

The University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to welcome William A. Sutton as a professor of practice in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.

July 2022 student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The latest updates on HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff

HRSM faculty members win grant to help tourism industry recover from pandemic

A team of researchers from the University of South Carolina has been awarded a $144,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to create and deliver three state-of-the-art online training courses to serve the needs of businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector post-pandemic.

Life in Luxury Fashion - Career Spotlight with Samantha Gallagher

After graduating with a degree in retailing from The University of South Carolina at the peak of a global pandemic, Samantha Gallagher landed her dream job in the luxury fashion industry with passion and determination.

Event Management Career Success - Alumni Spotlight with Brittany Martin

Hospitality management alumna Brittney Martin came to The University of South Carolina as an undeclared major looking for the perfect career path. Today, she is an event manager for the Georgia World Congress center and manages conventions and events for some of the country's biggest companies.

Mountains to coast: Experience the Seven Wonders of South Carolina

Professor and ecotourism expert Tom Mullikin is leading a 30-day trek from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Lowcountry to spotlight South Carolina’s natural marvels, a journey that invites the public to explore the state through hiking, rafting, kayaking and diving.

HRSM professor researches topic outside his field, but inside his heart

Khalid Ballouli knows first-hand what life is like for an aspiring professional ballplayer. It was his personal experience, which included six years as a pitcher in the minor leagues after playing for the Southeastern Conference’s Texas A&M University, that led him to his 10-year research project interviewing young players and their families about their experiences in travel baseball.

June 2022 student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

From right here in Columbia to Cleveland, Houston, Little Rock and even Stockholm, HRSM students, faculty, staff and alumni are landing great new jobs, promotions and awards.

Summer '22 Work hard, play hard photo contest!

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management invites all University of South Carolina students, alumni, faculty and staff to enter their best pictures showing the moments and experiences that are making the summer of '22 memorable.

Students' data analysis helps Gamecock Athletics cultivate stronger relationships with fans

Using real-time analysis, Gamecock Athletics reviews survey data and makes adjustments to football game-day logistics to better the overall fan experience.

College of HRSM research impact and visibility

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is producing top-tier research at a level that ranks it among the nation's best.

Building a career in athletics - alumni spotlight with Kauri Black

HRSM caught up with sport and entertainment management master's program alumnus Kauri Black to hear his career insights and updates.

Veteran: retired master sergeant completes degree after 23 years of Army service

Throughout more than 23 years serving his country in the U.S. Army, Master Sgt. Eddie Farrior never lost sight of his plan to finish college. On May 7, his mission will be accomplished as he claims his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

From Career Change to Championship

Jonathan Hampton ("Hamp" to his friends) took a big risk as he neared the end of his time as an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina. It paid off with a master's degree, a chance to play an important role with a national championship team and a bright future ahead.

Congratulations, HRSM class of 2022 May graduates!

Please join us in celebrating the May class of 2022 candidates for graduation from the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

First Gamecock iHub employee graduates with retailing degree

Sarah Fowler came to the University of South Carolina and its Department of Retailing with an eye on a career in the world of fashion. As she prepares to graduate, that remains the plan, but technology has become a bigger part of her education and her future than she ever expected.

UofSC recognizes 2022 faculty award winners

Andy Gillentine's hands-on approach to mentorship and his drive to implement innovative instructional strategies in the classroom has earned him the Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year award.

Defying the odds: Andee Poulos overcomes severe brain injury to graduate with honors

"It kind of feels like I'm not supposed to be here," Andee Poulos says when asked how it feels to be graduating from the University of South Carolina. Poulos has earned her bachelor's degree in sport and entertainment management, excelling in one of the best programs of its kind in the world, but on one level, she is right. She was not supposed to be here.

May 2022 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and alumni of the past month.

Crick named 2022 Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students

Collin Crick has received the 2022 Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students Award for his contribution to serving first-year students through teaching, advising and mentoring.

Leader: Yiming Qi overcomes every challenge to excel

A 7,000-mile journey from home. A new language. A new culture. A pandemic that threw new challenges at her. Yiming "Krystal" Qi's road through college has been filled with hurdles. She has not only cleared them all, but also excelled in the classroom and as a campus leader.

Sustainable Tourism, Hotel Management and Career Growth

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management sat down for a career Q&A with hospitality management alumna Laurie Savidge, director of operations at Marriott's Grande Ocean on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

2022 HRSM faculty and staff awards

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to announce the winners of its 2022 Faculty and Staff Awards. The winners were recognized at an awards ceremony at Russell House April 26 in front of their peers and colleagues.

Dance Marathon raises $931,016

On April 9, nearly 2,000 University of South Carolina students spent the day dancing together, closing more than a year of work with a huge success as they raised $931,016 to support the Child Life program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.

Tom Mullikin joins University of South Carolina as a professor of practice in tourism management

The University of South Carolina appoints very few professors of practice. The specialized position is designed for individuals who can teach from exceptional professional expertise, and the bar is set very high. Tom Mullikin, the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's newest professor of practice, clears that bar with ease.

UofSC announces new combination MBA / MSEM degree

A new graduate degree program offered by the University of South Carolina will allow students to earn Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Sport and Entertainment Management (MSEM) degrees in just two years.

April 2022 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and alumni of the past month.

CSRI Awards Ellen J. Staurowsky with Sonny Vaccaro Impact Award

The College Sport Research Institute (CSRI) at the University of South Carolina celebrated the in-person return of its annual conference by recognizing a legend in the world of college sport.

UofSC instructor inspires the next generation of leaders in sports

Susan O’Malley, first woman to run an NBA team, brings her knowledge, insight and enthusiasm to the UofSC, focusing on giving students a taste of the fast-paced field of sports and event management.

South Carolina tourism management student awarded by State leaders

Tourism management student Meghan Keeler is one of nine students statewide to receive the 2021 Tourism Student Award and scholarship for outstanding academic achievement presented by Governor Henry McMaster.

Retailing student builds success and her own businesses

Olivia Stepp is only in her sophomore year, but her entrepreneurship and drive has already resulted in an impressive resume. Hear how the retailing major turned her free time during the pandemic into an online business that generated more than $10,000 per month in sales.

Gamecock alumnus creates scholarship to help as others helped him

The road to prosperity was not an easy one for Korey Banks. The two-time UofSC alumnus remembers the hurdles he had to overcome, and the people who helped him along the way. Now he is paying forward to help current students, and those to come.

Spring break 2022 staycation ideas

Spring break is around the corner but you don't need a big budget or a big group of friends to enjoy the school break. Take the pressure off your travel planning and find some fun around campus with these Gamecock staycation ideas.

Super Gamecocks: UofSC HRSM students and alumni work the NFL's biggest game

If working in the world of sports is your goal, the University of South Carolina is the place to be. Super Bowl LVI was the latest example of the opportunities that come with being a Gamecock. While the teams on the field wore blue, gold and orange, behind the scenes was plenty of garnet and black.

March 2022 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

Wonders of the world: HRSM students reflect on study abroad trip of a lifetime

When you are earning a tourism management degree at the University of South Carolina, sometimes learning beyond the classroom means spending New Year's Eve at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

UofSC sport science programs continually rank No. 1

Many things have changed since the annual Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments debuted in 2016, but one constant remains: the University of South Carolina is No. 1 in the nation.

February 2022 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here is a brief look at just a few of the accomplishments of College of HRSM faculty, staff and alumni this month!

Fall 2021 honors list

Congratulations to the students who made the fall 2021 Dean's and President's Lists.

Gamecock Women's Soccer Star Scores High Academic Goals

Luciana Zullo's career as a soccer player at the University of South Carolina earned her countless athletic honors, but she has also kept her eye on her academic goals throughout her time on campus.

Career journey: Joanna Mueller

University of South Carolina alumna Joanna Mueller is still in the early stages of her career, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought more ups and downs than one might expect. She found a home in sustainable tourism at a company that kept others in business through the worst of the lockdowns.

January 2022 faculty, staff and alumni notes

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments this month of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of HRSM!

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management