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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

2024 News Archive

PGA and college sports veteran Gary Sobba joins USC

Renowned sports executive Gary Sobba has joined the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management faculty, bringing decades of experience from the PGA Tour and college athletics to prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

Innovation takes center stage at 2024 SEVT Conference

The 2024 SEVT Conference at the University of South Carolina brought together industry leaders, students and innovators to celebrate milestones, explore the future of sport and entertainment management, and connect the next generation of professionals with career opportunities.

Two USC colleges join forces to tackle the future of the sports industry

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is teaming up with the College of Information and Communications to explore graduate programs and professional development for the sports industry.

November 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Explore the November 2024 edition of HRSM News and Notes, showcasing the latest achievements and updates from USC students, faculty, staff and alumni, including prestigious internships, certifications, career advancements and impactful presentations.

Panthers' owners offer VIP experience for USC Tepper Scholars

USC's Tepper Scholars experienced a VIP day at a Carolina Panthers game, meeting with team executives and the Teppers. They explored sports management insights, field activities and premium game access. This visit emphasized the program's focus on mentorship, networking and personal growth beyond financial support.

HRSM student builds sports industry career through high-impact experiences

Sports are in Jarett Mayfield’s blood. Born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina — nicknamed Football City, USA for the number of professional athletes the city produces — Mayfield is a distant cousin of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore and Miami Marlins pitcher Xzavion Curry. His brother is a production assistant for the NBA. Now, as a senior sports and entertainment management major in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Mayfield is poised to forge his own path in the sports industry.

University of South Carolina alumnus helps lead the way in ticketing for big events

The sport and entertainment management industry offers an incredible array of roles and paths to career success. University of South Carolina alumnus Brannon Desseyn found his niche early, leading to a career as a leader with the world's most prominent ticket sales platforms.

Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award: Armen Shaomian

As a classically trained piano prodigy growing up in Sweden, Armen Shaomian didn’t have what most might consider a traditional childhood. His first concert was at age 9. By 12, he had sold out the Stockholm Royal Concert Hall, where he performed three concerts in the role of Mozart. Today you can find Shaomian at the University of South Carolina, where he works as an associate professor of sport and entertainment management.

Garnet Apple Award Winner: Scott Smith

His colleagues call him The Spatula. Scott Smith has a knack for recruiting hospitality majors. Time and time again, unwitting students in Smith’s Introduction to Hospitality Management class experience The Spatula firsthand.

October 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Discover the latest achievements from HRSM students, alumni, faculty, and staff, including notable awards, promotions, publications, prestigious internships, and exciting new job placements!

Sport and Entertainment Management students learn on the job at MLB All-Star Game

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is a showcase for the best in the national pastime. It's also a showcase for current and future leaders off the field, including University of South Carolina Department of Sport and Entertainment Management students and alumni.

University of South Carolina launches cutting-edge Master of Retail Innovation Degree Program

The University of South Carolina's Department of Retailing has expanded, offering a new program beginning this semester. The Master of Retail Innovation degree is designed to prepare graduate students to advance their careers as leaders of the industry.

Retail Week set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 4

The University of South Carolina's Department of Retailing is hosting its third annual Retail Week Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, with events scheduled each day for students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Former Ralph Lauren leader joins University of South Carolina Department of Retailing faculty

The University of South Carolina Department of Retailing proudly welcomes Vincent Dell'Osa, former president of Ralph Lauren Retail, North America, as an executive in residence. 
A longtime supporter and advocate of the Department of Retailing, Dell'Osa is committed to sharing his deep industry insights with students and faculty.

University of South Carolina Master of Sport and Entertainment Management program ranked No. 6 globally

The University of South Carolina's master's degree in sport and entertainment management is again being recognized as one of the best graduate degree programs in the world -- ranked No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 6 globally in the newly released 2024 SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings. The MSEM program continues to grow, attracting top students who go on to tremendously successful careers.

Hospitality and Tourism Week set for Sept. 16-20

The University of South Carolina's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is hosting its inaugural Hospitality and Tourism Week September 16-20, with events scheduled each day for students, faculty and staff.

September 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

University of South Carolina partners with Oak View Group for professional development class

Students in the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management have an extraordinary new opportunity to learn from industry leaders alongside esteemed faculty members. The Professional Development with Oak View Group class, offered for the first time this semester, is led by Instructor Matt Dunn and Associate Professor Nick Watanabe in partnership with Oak View Group.

USC alumnus Zach Watson completes 29029 hiking challenge

Sometimes a job is more than just a job, and a hike is much more than just a hike. University of South Carolina two-time alumnus Zach Watson has long been aware of the former. This summer, he experienced the latter firsthand as he climbed the 1600-foot Snow King Mountain trail in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 19 times in less than 36 hours.

Apply to win an experiential learning trip to New York Fashion Week

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. 13-18, 2025.

Carolee Moore's legacy of love and leadership lives on through new HRSM scholarship

Carolee Moore dedicated her life to caring for others, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met. Now, her legacy continues to inspire future leaders in the hospitality industry through the newly established Carolee Ettline Moore Endowed Scholarship at the University of South Carolina.

Calling All Students Interested in Working the 2025 Masters Tournament!

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers an unforgettable experiential learning opportunity each April by sending hundreds of students to Augusta, Georgia, to work the Masters Tournament. This opportunity is open to all USC students, but you must fill out our interest form to be considered.

Following passion leads to success for alumnus Corey Jones

Choosing the right major is an important step, but it's not the only part of college that can have a big impact on the future. University of South Carolina alumnus Corey Jones knows that firsthand. His 2014 degree in hospitality management has been a big part of his career, but another interest developed as a Gamecock has brought him nationwide acclaim.

August 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Discover the latest achievements from HRSM students, alumni, faculty, and staff, including notable awards, promotions, publications, prestigious internships, and exciting new job placements!

Making networking real: Focus on relationships key to stellar career for Gamecock alumnus Duane Scott, II

Almost 15 years into his career in venue management, Duane Scott, II, is a leader in his field. As vice president of booking and event operations at Toyota Center, home to the NBA’s Rockets, he calls Houston home. Still, he proudly makes known that he is always a Gamecock: a native of Irmo and University of South Carolina alumnus.

Garnet Apple winner: Khalid Ballouli

Khalid Ballouli’s path to academia took a detour through professional baseball, so it’s only natural this his teaching style is a little different. An associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Ballouli teaches undergraduate classes in sport and entertainment marketing as well as graduate-level courses in research design and business research and analytics.

Family tradition leads to thriving new business for alumna Maria Colalancia

University of South Carolina alum Maria Colalancia's life changed when she started throwing dinner parties for strangers. Her idea became The Apertivo Society, now a passionate community of thousands of New England-based members all showing up to tables full of strangers for dinner.

HRSM announces fifth cohort of Tepper Scholars

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to welcome the newest cohort of Tepper Scholars. The four incoming freshmen will join the internationally acclaimed Department of Sport and Entertainment Management and its most prestigious scholarship program.

College of HRSM introduces new hospitality loyalty strategy course

This fall semester, the University of South Carolina's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management will offer Hospitality Loyalty Strategy. Instructor Darron Kirkley created and will teach the new special topics class.

Student leadership experience leads to Disney dream job for 2024 grad

At 22 years old, just a few weeks after graduating from the University of South Carolina, Caroline Salisbury is leading a team of more than 350 people at the world’s most famous resort.

July 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

From classroom to fairway: Mekhi Gibson's impactful USGA internship

An opportunity presented to Mekhi Gibson as a University of South Carolina Department of Sport and Entertainment Management student opened the door to a prestigious internship with the United States Golf Association.

Spring 2024 College of HRSM honors list

Congratulations to all of the HRSM students who made the spring 2024 Dean's and President's Lists!

University of South Carolina alumnus Micah Kurtz selected to lead Oak Hill Academy

A relationship that took shape during his time as a student in the University of South Carolina's Master of Sport and Entertainment Management has grown, culminating in Micah Kurtz being chosen as the new president of Oak Hill Academy, one of the most prominent private secondary schools in the United States.

Preserving paradise: USC students learn about sustainable hospitality in the Galápagos

Through a partnership with USC's Education Abroad Office and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management students have a variety of opportunities to live and learn in one of the most exclusive tourism and natural heritage destinations in the world. Semester-long experiences are available as well as three-week Maymester excursions.

June 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

Knowledge management in fashion retail: key to competitive advantage and peak organizational performance

In an era where agility and innovation are paramount for success, a new study by University of South Carolina Department of Retailing Assistant Professor Md. Rafiqul Islam Rana delves into the significance of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) within the fashion retail sector. This research, co-authored by Assistant Professor Song-yi Youn of the University of Missouri, provides fresh insights into how effectively managing knowledge can enhance competitive advantage and organizational performance, particularly amid the complexities of fashion products.

Summer '24 Work Hard, Play Hard Photo Contest!

The #WorkHardPlayHard Photo Contest, hosted by 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 '24 memorable.

The power of giving: David and Nicole Tepper Scholars Program impact seen as first recipients graduate

In 2020, Carolina Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper partnered with the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management to launch the Tepper Scholars Program. It was an incredibly generous gift. Four years later, as the first students to benefit from the program graduate, it has exceeded all expectations.

Q&A with the 2024 Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Advisor Award Winners

Established in 1990, the Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Advisor Award recognizes one faculty and one staff advisor who offer quality advising to undergraduate students. The UAC sat down with 2024 award winners, Dr. Jeff Turner and Katherine Blanton, to learn more about their commitment to excellent advising practices.

Study reveals link between sporting events and local influenza mortality

A groundbreaking study published in Sports Economics Review has shed light on the impact of professional sporting events on local seasonal influenza mortality.

May 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

Fostering Innovation: Recognizing Innovative Faculty

Each year since 2016, the Center for Teaching Excellence has awarded the Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation that acknowledges USC faculty who consistently demonstrate a commitment to enhancing teaching practices and implementing innovative strategies to enrich student learning experiences. Two College of HRSM faculty members, Khalid Ballouli and Scott Smith, were among this year's winners.

Congratulations, HRSM Class of 2024 May Graduates

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management congratulates all members of the May 2024 graduation class!

2024 College of HRSM faculty and staff awards

The University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to announce the winners of its 2024 Faculty and Staff Awards. The winners were recognized at an awards ceremony April 23 in front of their peers and colleagues.

Class of 2024: Caroline Sunderlage

The University of South Carolina Class of 2024 will walk across the commencement stage in May with memories of close friendships, a world-altering pandemic, newfound passions, and supportive mentors and faculty. Hospitality management major Caroline Sunderlage took a little time to share some of what made her Carolina experience special.

USC Department of Retailing collaborates with Delivering Good to enhance social impact through research

In a collaboration aimed at maximizing social impact, students and faculty from the Department of Retailing at the University of South Carolina dedicated a Friday afternoon to present their research findings to nonprofit organization Delivering Good, which provides people impacted by poverty and tragedy with new merchandise donated by retailers and manufacturers.

Inside the rink: HRSM students score big with Gamecock Hockey

The University of South Carolina's popular club hockey team is providing a number of HRSM students invaluable first-hand experience of what it takes to run a sports team.

Cool Classes Fall 2024

The College of HRSM has three classes included in this year's edition of Cool Classes! Among the trio for the Fall 2024 semester are The Summer Olympic Games (SPTE 330), Coffee, Tea and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (HTMT 373), and Wedding Planning (HTMT 362).

Rwandan native makes sacrifices to build his career — and his country

Aaron Gaga was born in 1987 as an unwelcome refugee in Uganda, his parents having fled his native Rwanda because of conflict. Thirty years after the Rwandan genocide, he is now a graduate student in the University of South Carolina’s highly ranked Master of Sport and Entertainment Management program, pursuing his master's degree in an effort to advance his career and help his country continue to rebuild.

April 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

College of HRSM announces 2023 and 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards

The 2023 and 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards celebrate professionals, organizations and friends of the College of HRSM who are making an impact in their careers and helping to advance the college's mission.

USC's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management opens new beverage management facility

The Beverage Education Laboratory is a new learning environment led by USC's top-ranked School of Hospitality and Tourism Management within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

March 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

February 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out all the latest accomplishments from HRSM students, alumni, faculty and staff including awards, promotions, publications and prestigious internships and new jobs!

Fall 2023 College of HRSM honors list

Congratulations to all of the HRSM students who made the fall 2023 Dean's and President's Lists!

Madelyn Gilliam leveraging opportunities at HRSM to build impressive resume

University of South Carolina senior Madelyn Gilliam's drive and ambition, along with opportunities offered by the university's Department of Retailing, are allowing her to build an impressive resume even before graduation.

Sam Todd appointed associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs

The Office of the Provost has named Sam Todd to a two-year appointment as associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs effective Jan. 29. Todd has worked for the University of South Carolina since 2017 and most recently served as associate dean for faculty, operations and international partnerships in the College of HRSM.

Retailing students experience NYC with industry leaders as their guides

The first semester of 2024 began with tremendous excitement for more than three dozen students in the University of South Carolina Department of Retailing. They spent most of that week in New York City, attending the National Retail Federation (NRF) national student conference and meeting industry leaders in private opportunities available only to USC students.

Delivering Good partners with University of South Carolina Department of Retailing on industry philanthropy, sustainability and innovation

The University of South Carolina's Department of Retailing is giving students the opportunity to make a difference in the world through a new partnership with national nonprofit, Delivering Good. The collaboration will include education, research, career development and community outreach components, bringing together leading retailing scholars and students with a nonprofit that is converting surplus into social impact.

Learning from the best

Students in the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management will now have an opportunity to learn from three sport industry legends and numerous other leaders, all in one class. The new class, "From the Desk of the President," will be co-taught by Danny Morrison, Susan O'Malley and Bill Sutton, all faculty members in the department and longtime friends.

HRSM student wants to make fashion more sustainable

Retailing student Sophia Dudley has spent her time at USC balancing her responsibilities as a student and as owner of a multichannel thrift store, SuperThrifty.

USC researcher studies the growth of sports gambling

Sports gambling has changed drastically from the days of placing a bet at a Las Vegas casino or finding a neighborhood bookmaker taking wagers on the weekend’s games. So who are these people gambling a few dollars here and there, or risking thousands every week? And what does the explosion of sports gambling and fantasy sports mean for the games? Enter Stephen Shapiro, a sport and entertainment management professor at the University of South Carolina.

January 2024 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Trevor Lazarus accepted an internship offer with NBC Universal, Caroline Salisbury accepted a full-time offer with The Walt Disney Company, Erica Lake received the Southern Star Award and Nick Watanabe was named associate editor for European Sport Management Quarterly.

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