The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to welcome the sixth and 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.
Created in 2020, the David and Nicole Tepper Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest sport and entertainment management students and enriches their education opportunities, and ultimately, their careers. The Teppers own the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC and Bank of America Stadium. They are active philanthropists and strong supporters of access to education.
The vision for the Tepper Scholars Program is to guide and mentor each cohort so they really grow in the business and take the offered experiences and apply them in the real-world setting.
USC’s Tepper Scholars are selected based on academic merit with an emphasis on supporting student diversity and first-generation students. The scholars receive funding to cover a substantial portion of their tuition costs for four years as undergraduate students. In addition, they benefit from direct mentorship and career development opportunities with The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation and Tepper Sports and Entertainment.
Destiny Adams
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Destiny Adams graduated from South Pointe High School. She has worked part-time with C-A-T Resources since 2023, gaining experience in time management, efficiency and communication. Active in her community, Adams volunteered with several student organizations and was a member of the National Senior Beta Club, National Honor Society and Junior Civitans. With a 4.98 GPA and top six percent class ranking, she aspires to become a sports agent and eventually launch her own agency representing collegiate and professional football talent.
Anthony Blachman
Staten Island, New York
Anthony Blachman is a graduate of St. Joseph by the Sea High School, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA, served as student body secretary and earned Bloomberg certification through the Institute for Business and Finance. He was named a Student of Excellence and a National Honor Society member. A two-sport athlete, Blachman played football and rugby, helping his team win the NYC Double AA football championship while earning the scholar-athlete award. He also volunteered as a religious education instructor and food pantry worker. Inspired by the opportunities offered through the Tepper Scholars Program, Blachman aims to pursue a dual MBA/Master of Sport and Entertainment Management degree and work with a collegiate or professional sports team.
Michael Davis
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Michael Davis, originally from Calhoun, Georgia, graduated from Rock Hill High School. He has gained valuable leadership and communication skills through roles at Carowinds as a lifeguard and at The Blake at Baxter Village, along with community volunteer work. Davis was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Teacher Cadet Honor Society and several student organizations including the Athletic Training Club and Unified Champion Club. With a 4.4 GPA and service as senior class president, he is passionate about a future in the sports industry and hopes to one day work for ESPN.
Cori Johnson
Woodbridge, Virginia
Cori Johnson graduated from Forest Park High School. A devoted Washington Nationals fan, she developed her passion for sports through academics, service and athletics. Johnson maintained a 4.3 GPA, served four years on student council — three as vice president — and was a yearbook editor, National Honor Society member and Morgan Message Ambassador. She also captained her varsity soccer team and swam competitively for three years. Outside of school, she worked in food service and volunteered with underserved elementary schools. Johnson hopes to build a career in Major League Baseball.
We are thrilled to welcome the new cohort of Tepper Scholars to our program. This year, we received a substantial number of scholarship applications from individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds. This group of scholars distinguished themselves throughout the application and interview stages, and we eagerly anticipate seeing them emerge as leaders in the sport and entertainment industries.
More on the Tepper Scholars Program
The David and Nicole Tepper Scholars Program will invite applications in January 2026 for fall 2026 incoming freshmen. Students interested in applying must be admitted to the University of South Carolina’s sport and entertainment management program. More information is available on the Tepper Scholars Program page on the College of HRSM website.