The University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards. The winners were recognized at an awards ceremony April 28 in front of their peers and colleagues.
Donald Pollard — Harry E. and Carmen S. Varney Distinguished Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Department of Retailing Instructor Donald Pollard, Jr., the 2026 recipient of the Harry E. and Carmen S. Varney Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award.
Pollard is described by his students as a dynamic and transformative educator who brings unmatched passion, authenticity and real-world relevance to the classroom. His courses are immersive, hands-on and intentionally designed to prepare students for careers in retail, giving them opportunities to develop portfolios, create products and engage in the kind of work they will encounter in the industry.
Students consistently emphasize Pollard’s ability to create an open, engaging classroom environment where ideas are explored freely and creativity is encouraged. Through active discussions, real-time feedback and honest, constructive critique, he challenges students to think deeper, push beyond their limits and take ownership of their learning. His teaching style not only builds confidence, but also fosters critical thinking and professional growth.
Beyond the classroom, Pollard is a deeply committed mentor who invests in each student’s success. He is known for connecting students with an extensive network of industry professionals, opening doors to internships and career opportunities while providing guidance on portfolios, career direction and personal development. Students value his honesty, accessibility and the genuine respect he shows them as emerging professionals.
Above all, students highlight the lasting impact Pollard has on their lives — not only as a professor, but as a mentor who helps shape their futures. His ability to inspire, challenge and support his students makes him an exceptional educator and a highly deserving choice for Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations also to the other finalists: Carol Como of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Taylor Ramp of the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.
Lori Pennington-Gray — Patricia G. Moody Distinguished Researcher of the Year
Lori Pennington-Gray, professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and endowed chair and director of the Richardson Family SmartState Center for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development, is the 2026 recipient of the Patricia G. Moody Distinguished Researcher of the Year award.
Pennington-Gray’s long list of achievements make her a richly deserving recipient. She has 27 published articles in the last five years alone, with 16 in A-rated journals and seven more in A+ journals. She has won $420,284 in external grant funding and $2,007,500 in internal grant funding. She has delivered 15 invited presentations and keynotes.
The award is the most prestigious recognition of scholarly achievement given by the college. Any full-time faculty member of the college with evidence of quality research within the previous four years may be nominated by their peers. A peer review committee reviews each nomination across criteria including the research impact and importance, creativity, authorship, grant funding, and journal rankings for published work.
Marketa Kubickova and Steve Taylor — Brian J. and Linda L. Mihalik Global Scholar
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Associate Professor and HRSM Interim Faculty Director of International Affairs Marketa Kubickova and David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management Senior Instructor and Internship Director Steve Taylor have been named co-recipients of the Brian J. and Linda L. Mihalik Outstanding Global Scholar Award, recognizing their exceptional leadership in advancing global engagement, experiential learning and international scholarship within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Together, they exemplify the college’s commitment to preparing students for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
Taylor’s work spans some of the most prominent global sporting events, including multiple Olympic Games, world championships and collaborations with organizations such as Formula 1 and The Open Championship. His sustained involvement at the highest levels of international sport and event management brings unparalleled industry insight into the classroom while positioning HRSM within elite global networks. Through study abroad experiences and industry connections, he provides students with firsthand exposure to international sport systems and career pathways.
Kubickova has transformed global learning opportunities across the college through strategic leadership, program development and international partnerships. She has led study abroad programs throughout Europe, expanded access to global experiences for a broader range of students and played a key role in establishing new initiatives through the Office of Global Learning. Her mentorship has guided students to success in international competitions while strengthening HRSM’s presence on the global stage.
Together, their combined impact has elevated the college’s global reach, strengthened international partnerships and created meaningful opportunities for students to engage with industries worldwide. Their work reflects a shared commitment to innovation, inclusion and excellence in global education—hallmarks of distinguished recipients of the Mihalik Outstanding Global Scholar Award.
Christopher Raines — Staff Member of the Year
IT Consultant Chris Raines plays a key part in the daily operations of HRSM, providing essential technology support that keeps faculty and staff connected, productive and able to do their jobs. Serving every corner of the college, he delivers steady, reliable responses to a constant stream of needs—ensuring classrooms run smoothly, meetings stay on track and deadlines are met.
As HRSM has grown, Raines has remained a dependable presence, combining deep technical expertise with an ability to quickly diagnose and resolve even the most complex issues.
Raines is known for his approachable, patient and service-driven mindset and his impact is felt every day. For his unwavering commitment, responsiveness and vital role in keeping the college running at its best, Raines is a deserving recipient of Staff Member of the Year.
Omid Oshriyeh — Outstanding Doctoral Student Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Ph.D. student Omid Oshriyeh, the 2026 HRSM Outstanding Doctoral Student Teacher of the Year.
Oshriyeh is recognized for his exceptional impact as an instructor across courses in hospitality and tourism marketing, hotel management and sustainable tourism. Known for his strong command of the material and thoughtful course design, he consistently connects theory to real-world application. His commitment to innovation in teaching is further demonstrated by earning a competitive Teaching Resource Development Grant from the University of South Carolina’s Center for Teaching Excellence.
Students describe Oshriyeh’s classroom as engaging, supportive and highly interactive. His energy, clarity and use of real-world examples make complex concepts approachable, while fostering an environment where all students feel comfortable participating. Many highlight his encouragement, patience and genuine care, particularly for those navigating new academic or cultural environments.
Beyond the classroom, Oshriyeh is a dedicated mentor who invests deeply in student success. He regularly seeks feedback, provides individualized support and challenges students to grow with confidence. His passion for teaching and commitment to student development make him a deserving recipient of the Doctoral Student Teacher of the Year award.
Mina Kim — Outstanding Doctoral Student Researcher of the Year
Congratulations to School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Ph.D. student Mina Kim, the 2026 Outstanding Doctoral Student Researcher of the Year.
Kim has served as a student researcher with the Richardson Family SmartState Center and the University of South Carolina Institute for Clean Water.
Her impressive resume already includes six publications, four as first author. She has also delivered 13 regional and international presentations and has worked on three externally funded grant projects.
Originally from Busan, South Korea, she holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Tourism and Convention.
Her research focuses on tourism sustainability, with a particular emphasis on understanding the psychological and behavioral traits of tourists who engage in either sustainable or unsustainable practices.