Khalid Ballouli joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in 2011 after receiving his Ph.D. in sport management from Texas A&M University. In 2018, Ballouli was appointed Ph.D. program director and became associate director for the department in 2024.
Kim Boone is the director of special events for the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. A native of upstate New York, she earned a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management and a minor in Business from the University of South Carolina in 2002.
Natasha T. Brison joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in fall 2024 after spending two years as an associate professor and seven years as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University. Brison's extensive academic career includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in sport sales, marketing aspects of sport, and sport management. Her research interests focus on sport marketing, brand management, athlete and coach branding, and the legal aspects of sport marketing.
Professor Matthew T. Brown has been at the University of South Carolina since 2005 where he serves as associate dean for faculty and staff affairs. He also teaches and researches in the areas of sport business and finance. Brown's research has led to publications in journals like the Journal of Sport Management, Sport Marketing Quarterly, Entertainment and Sport Law Journal, the International Journal of Sport Finance, and Sport Management Review.
Chris Caldwell is a sports marketing and media expert with over 25 years of experience generating more than $1 billion in revenue for Fortune 500 brands. He has worked across diverse sectors, including property, media, agency and brand roles, leveraging his expertise to drive strategic growth. Caldwell's work spans major organizations such as WWE, FOX Sports, Gatorade and the University of Florida Athletic Association, where he led innovative marketing campaigns and partnerships.
Tarlan Chahardovali is an assistant professor with the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management and joined the University of South Carolina in the fall of 2022. Her research interests are grounded in improving diversity, identifying structural inequities, policy making and gender equity in sport. Her current line of inquiry focuses on athletes’ labor and demand in sport markets with a special focus on the value of women’s labor/women’s sport and the gender pay gap in the sport industry.
Kun Chang joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in fall 2024 after earning a Ph.D. in sport management from Texas A&M University where she demonstrated exceptional prowess in both teaching and research. Chang's educational journey has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence and a focus on understanding the complexities of fan behavior in esports and sport data analytics.
Murray Cohn joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina as an executive in residence in fall 2024. Cohn is the president and owner of MC Sports Sales Training & Consulting Inc., where he has been increasing revenue for sports and entertainment organizations since 2015. He provides strategic business planning, sales training and recruiting services to over 200 sports and entertainment properties. His clients include teams across major leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS, as well as entertainment partners like Feld Entertainment and the Harlem Globetrotters.
Prior to graduating from the University of Georgia (UGA), Tena Crews taught at the secondary and technical school levels teaching business and technology courses. After graduating from UGA, Crews served as the technology coordinator developing the first schoolwide network at an elementary school and then began her higher education career in 1996 at Ball State University (BSU). She then continued her higher education career at the University of West Georgia and the University of South Carolina continuing to teach business and technology courses.
Matthew Dunn has logged more than 20 years of independent live event promotion through his own company, Syracuse Shows LLC, but he has also worked in multiple different ventures within the industry across his 20-plus years of experience. Dunn has expertise in live event promotion and production, entrepreneurship in the music industry, music industry marketing and promotion (including digital media and social media marketing), record company operations (including both major and independent label functionality), artist management and development, branded entertainment, and research methodology.
John Grady teaches graduate courses in sport law and risk and security management. At the undergraduate level, he teaches courses in business law and risk management. Grady's research interests focus primarily on the legal aspects of the business of sport.
Paul Graham graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1989 and is an adjunct professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. After a successful career as tour manager for Hootie and the Blowfish, Graham took over the reins as the tournament director for the band’s Monday after the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, one of the most popular tournaments in the country.
Keshav Gupta serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina. Gupta received his Ph.D. in business administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University and his B.Tech in electrical and electronics engineering from Delhi Technological University in New Delhi, India.
Michael T. Hargrave is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in consumer marketing and sport management. He has a robust background in leading promotional initiatives and driving brand development for Fortune 200 companies, marketing agencies, and professional sport franchises. His expertise spans sponsorship selection, strategic planning, and team building, making him a significant asset in the sport marketing industry. Hargrave began teaching in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management as an adjunct in 2021 before joining it full-time in fall 2024.
Jessica Harris attended Winthrop University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in theatre. Before joining the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management (SPTE) in 2013, Harris worked in several other departments on campus, including Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate Admissions.
Joseph L. Herman, II, joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. Herman II is regarded as an emerging scholar and educator in the field of sport management with an extensive academic background after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Florida, his master's from Texas A&M University at Commerce and a bachelor's from the same institution. His commitment to education and athletics is evident from his time as a scholarship student-athlete at Texas College, the place he began his educational journey while excelling in both academics and football.
Yongjin Hwang received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sungkyunkwan University, after which he moved to the United States to become an audio engineer. While working in the recording studio, Flux Studios, in New York City, Hwang completed a master’s degree in music technology at NYU. As a result of his educational experience, Hwang decided to combine the two degree subjects together as a doctoral student at USC in the Department of Sport and Entertainment, where he now serves as an assistant professor with the department.
A native of Ohio, Todd C. Koesters received his bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University and a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School where he served as president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
A native of North Dakota, Haylee Uecker Mercado received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Coaching from Minnesota State University Moorhead, her Master of Science in Sport Management from Old Dominion University and Ph.D. (2008) from Florida State University. Prior to getting her Ph.D., Mercado worked for the athletic department at Old Dominion University as the director of promotions during the construction and opening of the Ted Constant Convocation Center, during which time she was a finalist for Employee of the Year. In addition to being an associate professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, Mercado serves as the faculty director for the Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies (BAIS) in services management degree program.
Brian J. Mihalik is a professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Mihalik is also the former dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina. Mihalik received his doctorate of education from Temple University, and two M.S. degrees with an undergraduate degree in business administration from Syracuse University.
Danny Morrison earned his B.A. in mathematics from Wofford College, his M.E. in administration and supervision from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of South Carolina (2000). In addition to serving as president of the Carolina Panthers (2009-2017), Morrison served as director of athletics at Texas Christian University (2005-2009), commissioner of the Southern Conference (2001-2005), and as senior vice president (1997-2001) and director of athletics (1985-1997) of Wofford College. Morrison also served as both a high school- and college-level mathematics instructor and sports coach earlier in his career.
A native of California, Mark S. Nagel became a faculty member in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in 2006. Prior to joining the department, Nagel was the director of the graduate sport management program at Georgia State University.
At age 29, O'Malley became the first female president of an NBA franchise as well as one of the first women in a major front-office position in major league sports. She is the former president of the NBA's Washington Bullets (now the Wizards) and Washington Sports and Entertainment. In her 20-year tenure with Washington Sports, she also ran the Verizon Center (formerly the MCI Center), the WNBA's Washington Mystics, and Ticketmaster Washington-Baltimore.
Taylor Ramp, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in sport administration, business education and marketing, joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. She successfully navigated roles in educational institutions, professional sports teams and corporate environments to establish a career defined by a commitment to excellence, leadership and a passion for sports and education.
Thomas H. Regan's work experience includes working as a staff accountant for Fox & Co., CPAs and eight years as a comptroller for a fully integrated oil and gas company. Regan has consulted with many professional organizations concerning financing venues and determining the economic benefit of facilities, events and teams.
Michael Sagas began his role as Dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina on June 15, 2023.
Armen Shaomian is an active concert pianist with an extensive background in performing arts, higher education, and entertainment management consulting. A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Shaomian joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in 2012. Additionally, he has been appointed by the Office of the Provost to serve as the Faculty Director in Residence of Preston Residential College for Leadership, USC’s only residential college.
Stephen Shapiro joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in fall 2017. He serves as interim associate dean of graduate education for HRSM, professor and director of SPTE graduate programs. Shapiro previously worked for nine years as a faculty member in the sport management program at Old Dominion University. He served as graduate program coordinator from 2012–2017. Shapiro received his doctorate in sport administration with a doctoral minor in statistics from the University of Northern Colorado. He received his Master of Science in management and Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations from the University of Central Florida.
Tyler L. Skinner joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in fall 2024 after completing his Ph.D. in kinesiology (sport management and policy) at the University of Georgia. With a robust academic background that includes a master's in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's in management from Wake Forest University, Skinner has cultivated deep expertise in sport economics, managerial labor markets and executive compensation.
Gary Sobba joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in fall 2024. Sobba is an accomplished sports marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in professional and collegiate athletics. He has a proven track record of increasing attendance and securing record-breaking marketing partnerships across multiple sports, making him a recognized leader in sports marketing and event management.
Richard M. Southall came to the University of South Carolina in the fall of 2013 and teaches and researches in the areas of sport ethics, college sport and research methods. His research has led to publications in journals such the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Journal of Sport Management, Sport Marketing Quarterly, Ethnic and Racial Studies, and Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics. Southall also serves as director of the College Sport Research Institute at the University of South Carolina.
William A. Sutton serves as an executive in residence in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Sutton is a former NBA executive, a distinguished academician and a proven sports marketing practitioner who brings a half-century of experience in the sport industry.
A native of Summerville, S.C., Steve Taylor received both his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management and Master of Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina. Before joining the faculty in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, Taylor was employed at The Citadel where he was the assistant director of Compliance and Academic Services.
Cyntrice Thomas is a renowned academic and legal expert specializing in sport law, particularly antitrust and labor laws within the sport industry. Thomas has presented her research at various conferences, covering topics such as parental leave policies in sport organizations and FTC regulations on sport endorsements. A member of several professional organizations, including the Sport Lawyers Association, Thomas combines her academic prowess with practical legal experience.
Sam Todd serves as the associate dean for faculty, operations, and international affairs and is a professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Todd came to USC in 2017 as an accomplished administrator with senior level exposure to a vast array of university matters. He has been instrumental in a number of valued, strategic achievements within the college.
Dr. Sawyer Laura Truell is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and prior industry experience with companies including Coca-Cola, Colonial Life, Monster and SCANA Energy. She has expertise in Event Management and has managed many events including the Olympic Trials (Women’s Marathon), Cartoon Network’s Smash Tennis, and the Denver Bronco’s Stadium Emergency Action Team.
Taylor Viselli began working for the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management in November 2023 and currently serves as the business operations coordinator for the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.
Nicholas Watanabe is the international graduate program director and an associate professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. He received his Master of Science in leisure studies and his Ph.D. in recreation, sport and tourism from the University of Illinois. Prior to coming to South Carolina, Watanabe served as assistant professor from 2016-2017 and assistant teaching professor from 2010-2016 at the University of Missouri.
Cheng (Grace) Yan is an associate professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her research focuses on the inter-related connections between sport, media, and society through critical theoretical lens. The subjects of Yan's work involve the power imbalances in the sport communication process, the attention economics of sport digital media, media representations of sport events and sociological implications, and digital democracy in the realm of sport.