College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

2025 News Archive

December 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Honors for faculty, great jobs and summer internships for students and promotions and other big career steps for alumni are all included in the December edition of HRSM News and Notes.

Excelling from day one: Allison Maloney shines while completing degree in just 2 ½ years

Sport and entertainment management student Allison Maloney graduates in just 2 ½ years while gaining standout experience with Gamecock Athletics and building a fast-rising career in collegiate baseball.

Top draft pick: Jaidyn Rancourt prepares to launch her career in the NBA

Jaidyn Rancourt transformed her confidence and skills through USC's sport and entertainment management program, ultimately earning a coveted post-graduation role with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Woman in sport: Caitlin Cassidy tells others' stories while starting her own

University of South Carolina sport and entertainment management student, Caitlin Cassidy has already built an impressive career story by working the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and major Gamecock events, helping pave the way for more women to thrive in the sports industry.

More than fans: How HRSM students turned the Ryder Cup into a career experience

HRSM students from all three departments turned the 2025 Ryder Cup into a powerful hands-on career experience, gaining real-world skills, industry access and inspiration from alumni leading the global event.

Matt Garrick: HRSM roots from Columbia to Singapore

An HRSM alumnus who now leads Asia-Pacific operations for Feld Entertainment returns to campus to share career insights, global perspective and advice for the next generation.

Filling the food security and sustainability gap on campus

Feed the Flock, a new initiative led by the University of South Carolina's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, transforms surplus food into ready-to-eat meals for students facing food insecurity while teaching hospitality students about sustainability and community impact.

November 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management celebrates the achievements of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni, highlighting national media features, research excellence and career milestones across the HRSM community.

HRSM Alumni Spotlight: 5 Questions with Isabel Stroth

University of South Carolina alumna Isabel Stroth shares how her passion for fashion led her from studying retailing in Columbia to earning a master's at Polimoda in Florence and working with Dries Van Noten at Paris Fashion Week.

From West Ham to world hotels: HRSM alumnus Ayo Akinsete thriving as hospitality industry leader

From West Ham to world hotels, USC alumnus Ayo Akinsete has built an international career as a hospitality leader and chief operating officer of The Dean Hotel Group, bringing Southern hospitality to luxury properties across the globe.

Chase Confidence: Retailing student inspires the next generation of girls to ride waves and chase dreams

University of South Carolina College of HRSM retailing student Chase Barclay is inspiring young girls to find courage and joy through her entrepreneurial venture, Chase Confidence, which blends skateboarding, surfing, and empowerment.

From Gamecock to Yellow Jacket: College of HRSM alum chosen to lead Georgia Tech Athletics

University of South Carolina alumnus Ryan Alpert, a graduate of the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, has been named vice president and director of athletics at Georgia Tech, marking a major milestone in his dynamic career in college sports leadership.

University of South Carolina names Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in honor of David and Nicole Tepper

The University of South Carolina has named its Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in honor of David and Nicole Tepper following a $5 million gift that will sustain the Tepper Scholars Program and establish new faculty positions in sport leadership.

October 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

From award-winning research and new faculty publications to exciting student internships and alumni career milestones, the October 2025 edition of HRSM News and Notes highlights the latest achievements across the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management community.

College of HRSM student one of 18 nationwide to earn prestigious scholarship

USC hospitality management student Josie Anaya has been named a 2025 US Foods Scholar, earning a $20,000 scholarship and national recognition for her passion and future in the culinary and hospitality industries.

USC extends partnership with Qatar's Hamad Bin Khalifa University

The University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management and Hamad Bin Khalifa University have extended their top-ranked joint master's degree partnership, preparing students in Qatar and beyond for global careers in the sport and entertainment industry.

Building on success: Darla Moore School of Business and HRSM leverage thriving partnership to create new combination degree

The Darla Moore School of Business and the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management have expanded their partnership at the University of South Carolina to offer students more opportunities to pair business education with sport, entertainment, hospitality, and retail management.

September 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The September 2025 edition of HRSM news & notes celebrates the achievements of students, faculty, staff and alumni making an impact in hospitality, retail, and sport and entertainment management around the world.

Work the 2026 Masters Tournament – Apply Now!

USC students have the chance to gain world-class hospitality and event management experience by working behind the scenes at the 2026 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

An experience unlike any other: USC at the Masters Tournament

USC students gain once-in-a-lifetime professional experience each spring working at the Masters Tournament through a long-standing partnership with Augusta National Golf Club.

HRSM announces sixth cohort of Tepper Scholars

The University of South Carolina’s College of HRSM welcomes the sixth cohort of Tepper Scholars — four standout incoming sport and entertainment management students who will receive substantial scholarships, mentorship and career development through the David and Nicole Tepper Scholars Program.

August 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The August 2025 edition of HRSM news and notes highlights recent achievements, career milestones and scholarly contributions from the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management faculty, students and alumni.

HRSM innovation study tour takes USC students behind the scenes in Las Vegas

HRSM students explored career opportunities and industry innovation during an immersive study tour of Las Vegas, visiting leaders in hospitality, sports, tourism and entertainment.

Vintage visionary: The journey of Alycia Elizabeth

USC retailing student Alycia Elizabeth is building a thriving vintage fashion business rooted in sustainability, style and self-expression.

Spring 2025 College of HRSM honors list

Congratulations to all of the HRSM students who made the Spring 2025 Dean's and President's Lists!

July 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Catch up on the latest accomplishments and updates from students, alumni and faculty at the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

HRSM takes professionalism seminar abroad

The University of South Carolina's College of HRSM expanded its hallmark Marnie Pearce Professionalism Seminar abroad, offering students a transformative study tour in Freiburg, Germany, that blended cultural immersion with professional development.

Summer '25 Work Hard, Play Hard Photo Contest!

Show how you're making the most of summer and enter to win the College of HRSM's Work Hard, Play Hard 2025 photo contest.

South Carolina scholarships shape global career for first-generation lawyer Shannon Schoultz

From first-generation college student to global corporate attorney, Shannon Schoultz's journey was sparked by a study abroad scholarship that opened the door to a world of opportunity.

June 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The College of HRSM's June 2025 news and notes highlights student internships, alumni career milestones, and faculty accomplishments across sport and entertainment management, hospitality, retailing and tourism.

HRSM and Statler Foundation partner to support future hospitality leader

Incoming USC freshman Nathan Maddox received a $10,000 Statler Foundation scholarship to pursue his hospitality management degree.

College of HRSM helps make student's Australia dream come true

Sport and entertainment management major Myrtle Yates turned her dream into reality with a life-changing internship in Australia, gaining hands-on experience with global events and a deeper sense of confidence.

Congratulations, HRSM Class of 2025 May Graduates

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management congratulates all members of the May 2025 graduation class!

College of HRSM announces new award honoring sports and entertainment visionary Tim Leiweke

The College of HRSM has established the Tim Leiweke Visionary Innovation & Leadership Award to honor transformative leaders in sports and entertainment, with Leiweke himself receiving the inaugural recognition.

May 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management highlights notable achievements, awards and career moves from its students, faculty, staff and alumni in its May 2025 edition of News and Notes.

Two sides of the same coin

Natasha Brison has practiced law and worked in the entertainment industry, starting a business as a marketing consultant for professional athletes. She also conducts research and came to South Carolina despite already earning tenure at another top institution.

2025 College of HRSM faculty and staff awards

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina honored its top faculty, staff and doctoral students during the 2025 HRSM Awards Ceremony held April 29.

Sport and entertainment management major overcomes odds to graduate on time after critical injury

William Sibley overcame a life-threatening accident and traumatic brain injury to graduate on time from the University of South Carolina with a degree in sport and entertainment management.

Greene Street Records makes its debut with student talent and industry backing

Greene Street Records, the University of South Carolina's innovative student-run label, is giving students real-world music industry experience through a unique partnership with the School of Music, HRSM and Universal Music Group.

Apply now for a fully funded trip to New York Fashion Week

Retailing majors at the University of South Carolina can apply now for a fully funded trip to New York Fashion Week 2025 through the exclusive U of NYFW experiential learning program.

HRSM Insights: Faculty experts weigh in on Prada buying Versace

University of South Carolina retailing experts weigh in on Prada's $1.375 billion acquisition of Versace, exploring its impact on brand strategy, Italian fashion heritage and the future of luxury retail.

Top-ranked MSEM program at USC expands with online and dual-degree options

The University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management celebrates its newest Master of Sport and Entertainment Management (MSEM) cohort, marking a new chapter of innovation and excellence in graduate education with flexible online and dual-degree options.

Hard work, persistence and networking lead to dream job for retailing grad

University of South Carolina Department of Retailing graduate Olivia Andrew turned her dream of living in New York City into reality, landing a coveted role as communications coordinator for Ralph Lauren thanks to hard work, campus connections and a passion for fashion.

April 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

From award-winning faculty and global collaborations to standout student internships and alumni achievements, the April 2025 edition of news and notes celebrates the latest milestones and success stories from the College of HRSM.

Danny Morrison steps into advisory role at Charlotte Sports Foundation, strengthens USC student opportunities

Danny Morrison transitions to executive advisor at the Charlotte Sports Foundation, continuing to create invaluable real-world opportunities for University of South Carolina sport and entertainment management students.

NCAA selects SPTE master's student Brycen Ritchie for elite sport management internship

Sport and entertainment management graduate student Brycen Ritchie has landed a prestigious internship with the NCAA, showcasing her drive, experience and the impact of saying yes to new opportunities in sport and entertainment management.

College of HRSM Honors the 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Awards

The University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management proudly honored the 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Award recipients at a celebration held March 21, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia, S.C., recognizing their outstanding achievements and lasting impact across hospitality, tourism, retail, sport and entertainment industries.

Sydney Lynch leading the way in tourism management

University of South Carolina tourism management student Sydney Lynch has embraced leadership, service and global experiences, excelling as an HRSM Leader, earning the President's Volunteer Service Award and expanding her passion for hospitality through study abroad and mentorship opportunities.

Stellar job performance leads to big opportunity for new Department of Retailing grad

University of South Carolina retailing alum Madelynn Welch turned her classroom and on-the-job experience into a fast-tracked career, earning a buyer/merchandiser role at Barefoot Campus Outfitter's corporate headquarters straight out of college.

March 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

This month's edition celebrates the incredible achievements of HRSM students, faculty, staff and alumni, from landing dream jobs and internships to making waves in research, industry leadership and major events in sport, entertainment, hospitality and retailing.

February 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Check out the latest achievements of students, faculty and alumni from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, including prestigious internships, industry recognitions, research publications and career advancements.

Fall 2024 College of HRSM honors list

Congratulations to all of the HRSM students who made the Fall 2024 Dean's and President's Lists!

CarolinaLIFE prepares people with intellectual disabilities for independence and success

At CarolinaLIFE, students with intellectual disabilities take charge of their futures through transformative education. Two former HRSM students, Andro Keck and Ruth Bollinger, are now thriving in their careers.

Former NBA executive joins Department of Sport and Entertainment Management as executive in residence

Former NBA executive and renowned sports consultant Murray Cohn has joined the University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management as an executive in residence, bringing decades of industry expertise and a passion for mentoring the next generation of sport professionals.

From ballet to baseball: Annika Slaby's unexpected journey

From ballet to baseball, University of South Carolina alumna Annika Slaby shares her unique journey from professional dancer to a dynamic career in sports with the Columbia Fireflies.

January 2025 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management celebrated a remarkable January 2025 with faculty and alumni achievements, internships and industry recognitions that showcased its global impact and diverse accomplishments.

Friendships beyond the fairway: The lasting impact of Monday After the Masters

Paul Graham, a beloved professor and former tour manager for Hootie and the Blowfish, has transformed the lives of his students through the Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, fostering hands-on learning, career success and enduring friendships in the world of sport and entertainment management.

From college hustler to Forbes 30 Under 30: Trevor Carlson's journey to entrepreneurial success

Trevor Carlson turned childhood dreams and a college hustle into Forbes 30 Under 30 success, building two thriving companies that are reinventing storage and automotive accessories.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.