Championship Run: 2024 year in review
December 16, 2024
From a national championship and record research funding to a major engineering gift and a host of academic awards, 2024 was a banner year for USC.
Stories for Faculty and Staff
Class of 2024 December graduates
November 20, 2024, Megan Sexton
As the December Class of 2024 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
Sara Bako
November 08, 2024, Craig Brandhorst/Photos by Kim Truett
As division president for London Times, a subsidiary of dressmaker Maggy London, Sara Bako is living two of her biggest dreams at once: She and her family live in New York City, and she works in the retail industry. But the ’04 retail management graduate is far from finished.
HRSM student builds sports industry career through high-impact experiences
October 22, 2024, Hannah Cambre
Jarett Mayfield, a senior sport and entertainment management student, has built a solid foundation for his future career in sports, thanks to opportunities at the University of South Carolina.
Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award: Armen Shaomian
October 14, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Associate professor of sport and entertainment management Armen Shaomian can’t help but give 100 percent. In addition to teaching students the business side of entertainment, he also guides them as faculty director of the Preston Residential College for Leadership.
Garnet Apple Award Winner: Scott Smith
October 07, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
As a 2024 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation recipient, Scott Smith has a knack for identifying future hospitality workers and leading them toward their dream careers.
Garnet Apple winner: Khalid Ballouli
July 31, 2024, Page Ivey
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.
Clean Water Institute partnering with state to do more comprehensive water quality monitoring
July 17, 2024, Chris Horn
In its first year of operation, USC’s Institute for Clean Water has launched a partnership with the state Department of Environmental Services to provide detailed analyses of water samples collected across South Carolina.
2024 hurricane faculty experts list
May 01, 2024, Laura Morris
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2024 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.
Class of 2024
April 25, 2024, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2024 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
Rwandan native makes sacrifices to build his career -- and his country
April 02, 2024, Allen Wallace
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.
Sam Todd appointed associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs
January 31, 2024, Hannah Cambre
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.
HRSM student wants to make fashion more sustainable
January 08, 2024, Téa Smith
Sophia Dudley, a fourth-year fashion merchandising and digital innovations major at USC, has spent her time at the University of South Carolina balancing her responsibilities as a student and owner of SuperThrifty, a multichannel thrift store. SuperThrifty grew from a hobby sparked by her interest in sustainability to a thriving business that has informed what she wants to do in the future.
USC researcher studies the growth of sports gambling
January 04, 2024, Megan Sexton
Stephen Shapiro, a sport and entertainment management professor at USC, looks at the characteristics of those who gamble on sports, how much money they wager, and how the increase of gambling can change how people consume sports.
Class of 2023 December graduates
December 07, 2023, Megan Sexton
As the December Class of 2023 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
HRSM professor Danny Morrison passes on wisdom gleaned from decades in sports industry
October 16, 2023, Megan Sexton
Danny Morrison, former president of the Carolina Panthers and a sport management professor at USC, draws on his long career in athletics to inspire and educate the next generation of sport professionals
Carolina Trustees Professorship Award: John Grady
September 26, 2023, Megan Sexton
John Grady, a sport management professor and researcher, was selected for the Carolina Trustees Professorship award, presented to faculty members who are committed to teaching excellence in any phase of the university's educational mission.
Wildfires are a severe blow to Maui's tourism-based economy, but other iconic destinations have come back from similar disasters
August 11, 2023, Rich Harrill
Major wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui have killed dozens of people and caused heavy damage, particularly in the historic town of Lahaina, as of Aug. 10, 2023. Research professor Rich Harrill, an expert on hospitality and tourism, explains how such events affect places like Maui in the short and long terms.
Sport management professor brings experience, network to USC students
July 26, 2023, Megan Sexton
Bill Sutton, a professor of practice in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, brings his half-century of experience and connections in the sports industry to students at USC.
USC students gain wide exposure to sports industry through summer baseball internships
July 07, 2023, Allen Wallace
Students from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management are learning all about minor league baseball this summer at teams throughout the Southeast and beyond. Providing these hands-on opportunities is a priority for USC’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, which emphasizes real-world experience and career development alongside classroom instruction.
USC staff sign on for study abroad
July 06, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
Each year, close to 2,000 University of South Carolina undergrads venture overseas for once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunities. And behind the scenes, staff members are there to navigate new terrain, keep schedules running smoothly and provide emotional support when students feel stressed. USC TIMES sat down with five of them to learn more about what they do.
The Happiest Lunch on Earth
June 26, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
On the last Friday before the end of classes, USC TIMES invited three staff members to lunch at McCutchen House’s Garden Grill to discuss how our work lives change — or don’t change — over the summer. George Hendry, director of the McCutchen House and senior lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, shared his thoughts on troubleshooting through teamwork. Jennifer Asouzu, assistant director for special populations and communication with New Student Orientation, talked up partnerships and first impressions. Leroy Sims, a custodial zone manager with Facilities and a member of Staff Senate, discussed employee satisfaction and how to make the USC campus the happiest place on Earth.
Danger, prestige and authenticity draw thrill-seekers to adventure tourism
June 23, 2023, Scott Smith
The tragic news of the destruction of the Titan submersible has brought attention to the thrilling, dangerous and expensive world of extreme tourism. Researcher and professor Scott Smith who studies hospitality and tourism management, writes for The Conversation about adventure tourism and why more people are drawn to the experience.
COVID gave QR codes new life
June 14, 2023, Page Ivey
After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the hospitality and tourism industries in March 2020, businesses, particularly restaurants, encouraged customers to return, in part, by offering contactless menus. One key piece of that was the QR code — a technology created by a subsidiary of Toyota as a means of tracking its manufacturing processes.
Study explores the gendered dynamics of inspirational labor in sport
May 24, 2023, Téa Smith
Tarlan Chahardovali, an assistant professor in the University of South Carolina’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, and Christopher McLeod, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, have developed the concept of inspirational labor as part of a study exploring the extra work that professional female athletes do for the future of their sports.
Dance Marathon raises $788K for children's hospital
March 26, 2023, Allen Wallace
A year of work by the the 2023 University of South Carolina Dance Marathon team culminated in a huge success: $788,645 raised to fund the Child Life program at Columbia's Prisma Health Children's Hospital, part of the Children's Miracle Network.
Michael Sagas selected as new HRSM dean
March 21, 2023, Dana Woodward
Michael Sagas will take the helm at the university’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management on June 15.
Renowned entrepreneur Sheila Johnson returns for second semester as executive-in-residence
February 24, 2023, Allen Wallace
As a partner and vice chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Sheila Johnson is the only African American woman with ownership in three professional sports teams. Students in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management are gaining unique insights from Johnson as she returns for a second semester to co-teach a class on leadership.
Fueling SC's top industry
February 17, 2023, Page Ivey
Tourism is the main driver of South Carolina’s economy, accounting for about 10 percent of jobs in the state and an estimated annual impact of $29 billion. The University of South Carolina helps keep this economic engine humming by preparing graduates of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management to take on key roles in a variety of businesses and by helping those businesses adapt and grow.
Prohibition-era beer laws persist to the present
December 02, 2022, Téa Smith
Craft beer is big business but that doesn’t necessarily mean business is booming.In fact, for many of the nation’s smaller brewing operations, competing with established large-scale “macrobreweries” is a David and Goliath story — and the laws are stacked in Goliath’s favor. But Scott Taylor Jr.. and his colleagues at the Wine and Beverage Institute at USC School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management are working on the first of three papers exploring the negative impact of Prohibition-era laws on competition within the alcoholic beverage industry.
HRSM professor helps grow sport, entertainment management program
December 02, 2022, Megan Sexton
In the years since he arrived at the University of South Carolina, Andy Gillentine has seen the size of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management undergraduate programs triple, while the master’s programs are 10 times as large.
Queasy to easy: 10 hacks to enjoy thrill rides
October 13, 2022, Alexis Watts
Scott Smith, assistant professor at the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management and coaster enthusiast, has 10 tips that can help calm the squeamish stomach and get back to the hair-raising fun.
Producing top draft picks for the business of football
October 03, 2022, Allen Wallace
Cutting-edge academics, deep industry connections and top-tier faculty combine to create a first-class training ground for football industry leaders in HRSM’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, recognized as one of the best and biggest programs of its kind.
SC 7 Expedition aims to protect beautiful places in Palmetto State
August 02, 2022, By Alexis Watts
Despite the brutal heat enveloping Congaree National Park, hikers smiled and chatted as they trekked several miles through the old growth bottomland hardwood forest — stop No. 4 on a monthlong, 350-mile tour of seven of South Carolina’s natural wonders.
For sports agent Aaron Henderson, responsibility is a two-way street
July 28, 2022, Megan Sexton
In a field where careers can change in an instant and big money is always on the line, sports agent and HRSM grad Aaron Henderson understands the importance of doing the hard work. He expects the same professionalism and commitment from his clients.
UofSC hospitality and tourism management program leads SEC, makes national top 10
July 26, 2022, Allen Wallace
For the fourth consecutive year, the University of South Carolina is among the top 10 in the country in hospitality and tourism management and No. 18 worldwide, according to the ShanghaiRanking’s 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Mountains to coast: Experience the Seven Wonders of South Carolina
June 29, 2022, Alexis Watts
Professor and ecotourism expert Tom Mullikin is leading a 30-day trek from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Lowcountry to spotlight South Carolina’s natural marvels, a journey that invites the public to explore the state through hiking, rafting, kayaking and diving.
HRSM professor researches topic outside his field, but inside his heart
June 28, 2022, Page Ivey
Khalid Ballouli knows first-hand what life is like for an aspiring professional ballplayer. It was his personal experience, which included six years as a pitcher in the minor leagues after playing for the Southeastern Conference’s Texas A&M University, that led him to his 10-year research project interviewing young players and their families about their experiences in travel baseball.
Students' data analysis helps Gamecock Athletics cultivate stronger relationships with fans
June 10, 2022, Savannah Bennett
Using real-time analysis, Gamecock Athletics reviews survey data and makes adjustments to football game-day logistics to better the overall fan experience.
Dance Marathon raises $931,016
April 12, 2022, Allen Wallace
On April 9, nearly 2,000 University of South Carolina students spent the day dancing together, closing more than a year of work with a huge success as they raised $931,016 to support the Child Life program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.
UofSC instructor inspires the next generation of leaders in sports
March 23, 2022, Megan Sexton
Susan O'Malley, the first woman to run a professional sports franchise, has brought her knowledge, insight and enthusiasm to the University of South Carolina, focusing on giving students a taste of the fast-paced field of sports and event management.
UofSC sport science programs continually rank No. 1
January 27, 2022, Allen Wallace
Many things have changed since the annual Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments debuted in 2016, but one constant remains: the University of South Carolina is No. 1 in the nation.
Hindsight 2020: The intern
September 23, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
Sport and entertainment management major Shawnese Cleveland’s internship at the Russell House was a crash course in pandemic protocols. Cleveland is one of 10 Gamecocks Carolinian magazine spoke to about how the pandemic has changed the way we work.
Gamecock family affair
August 23, 2021, Savannah Bennett
Marjorie Weber was a widow in her 40s when she decided to return to college to earn her teaching degree from the University of South Carolina where her late husband had been an education professor. She also served as a starting point for a string of family members attending South Carolina, including a granddaughter and two great-granddaughters, who are current education students. They are among the hundreds of students who follow family members to become Gamecocks each year.
UofSC hospitality and tourism management program makes national top 10
August 19, 2021, Allen Wallace
South Carolina’s flagship university continues to lead the way in preparing the future leaders of the state’s biggest industry. The University of South Carolina is again among the top 10 in the country in hospitality and tourism management.
Garnet Apple winner: Brian Mihalik
August 12, 2021, Page Ivey
Brian Mihalik uses 360-degree virtual reality technology to put his students into venues around the world — locations where many of his sport and entertainment management students hope to work someday.
New degree programs debut in Fall '21
August 12, 2021, Cam Adams
The University of South Carolina is expanding its degree offerings with 13 new programs set to launch this fall that will better prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, education, nursing, business and music among other fields.
Gamecock iHub, UofSC's Apple Authorized Campus Store, opens
August 12, 2021, Allen Wallace
The University of South Carolina’s Apple Authorized Campus Store, Gamecock iHub, officially opens for business Aug. 13 with a grand opening ceremony. It is only the second in the nation to incorporate experiential learning into its business model.
Hindsight 2020: Tourism professor says pandemic has changed travel forever
August 05, 2021, Megan Sexton
COVID has upended tourism, from the way individuals travel to the way the industry does business. Tourism professor Simon Hudson is one of 10 Gamecocks Carolinian magazine spoke to about how the pandemic has changed the way we work.
UofSC faculty experts list on the Summer Olympics
June 25, 2021, Tenell Felder
Japan will host the Summer Olympic Games July 23 to Aug. 8. Though the Olympics will be taking place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will continue to be officially branded as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. To help journalists report on the Tokyo games, the University of South Carolina has compiled a list of faculty experts.