Education

M.A.T., Business Education, University of South Carolina
B.B.A., Business Economics, University of South Carolina
B.B.A., Human Resource Management, University of South Carolina

Background

Julia Folks joined the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management as an instructor in the Department of Retailing in August 2026 after serving as a full-time temporary instructor during the 2025-26 academic year. She teaches professional communications, using varied instructional approaches and real-world examples to help students strengthen skills they can apply in the classroom and workplace. Her teaching emphasizes engagement, individualized feedback and practical learning experiences that prepare students for professional success.

Folks brings more than a decade of experience in business, technology and career education to the classroom. Before joining HRSM full time, she taught computer applications as an adjunct instructor in the college, helping students develop proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other digital tools. She previously taught computer applications and app development at Crayton Middle School and spent eight years teaching business education at South Carolina Virtual Charter School, where her courses included advertising, sports marketing, game design, image design and editing, Microsoft Office and Google applications.

Her extensive background in online and technology-enhanced education informs her approach to teaching at USC. Folks has developed standards-based curricula for both traditional and virtual learning environments and uses learning management systems and digital platforms to create interactive course experiences. Her expertise is supported by certifications that include National Board certification in career and technical education, a South Carolina professional teaching certificate, an online teaching certificate and credentials in Microsoft Office applications.

Throughout her career, Folks has taken on leadership roles that extend beyond the classroom. At South Carolina Virtual Charter School, she served as elective and career and technical education department chair, business department chair, a school improvement team member and National Technical Honor Society adviser, among other roles. She has also served the South Carolina Business Education Association in several leadership capacities and regularly shares her expertise with fellow educators through professional conference presentations.

Folks earned both her Master of Arts in Teaching in business education and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. Her undergraduate studies included double majors in business economics and human resource management, providing a multidisciplinary foundation for her work in business and professional education. Across her career, she has focused on connecting technology, communication and career readiness to help students build skills that translate beyond the classroom.

Honors / Awards

• Middle School Teacher of the Year nominee, Crayton Middle School, 2024-25
• High School Teacher of the Year, South Carolina Virtual Charter School, 2019-20
• New Teacher of the Year Award, South Carolina Business Education Association, 2013
• Business Education Award of Merit, University of South Carolina, 2010
• Business Education Scholarship, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, University of South Carolina, 2010
• University High School Scholarship, College of Education, University of South Carolina, 2010
• South Carolina Business Education Association Scholarship, 2010

Research Interests

• Professional communication
• Business education
• Career readiness and employability skills
• Educational technology
• Online and technology-enhanced learning
• Digital literacy and Microsoft Office applications
• Curriculum development

Professional Affiliations

• South Carolina Business Education Association, member, 2009-present
• National Business Education Association, member, 2009-present
• University of South Carolina Alumni Association, lifetime member, 2020-present
• Southern Business Education Association, member, 2009-22