Recent Stories

a man wearing a ball cap and T-shirt that reads South Carolina 7 sits on a boat in the Cooper River

SC 7 Expedition aims to protect beautiful places in Palmetto State

August 02, 2022, By Alexis Watts

Despite the brutal mid-July heat enveloping Congaree National Park, there were big smiles and cheerful chatter as dozens trekked several miles through the old growth bottomland hardwood forest – stop No. 4 on a monthlong tour of seven of South Carolina’s natural wonders. The tour is part of the South Carolina 7 Wonders Expedition, a 350-mile hiking, rafting and kayaking journey designed to highlight precious natural resources while also bringing greater awareness to the impact of global climate change.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Service, Student Voices, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Students and alumni working at hotel, people dining in background

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. The ShanghaiRanking’s 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects — Hospitality & Tourism Management places South Carolina No. 1 among Southeastern Conference universities, No. 9 in the U.S. and No. 18 worldwide.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

professor Khalid Ballouli shows some of his professional baseball cards

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Dance Marathon students with Cocky

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.

Topics: Students, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Susan O'Malley

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

A student taking notes in class.

Intriguing class offerings for spring 2022

November 10, 2021, Cam Adams

While the fall semester is far from over, it is time to start thinking about registering for spring 2022 classes. In addition to the essentials all students need to satisfy graduation requirements, we found a few classes open to all majors that you might want to look into.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications

archival image of marjorie weber sitting at a desk in education classroom circa 1969

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. 

Topics: Students, Alumni, History, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, College of Pharmacy

A student taking notes in a classroom

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.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, School of Music, College of Nursing

Display rack of Apple products at the University of South Carolina's Gamecock iHub store

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.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Experiential Learning, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

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.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Ten soldiers pose beside a plane in a World War II archive photo.

Documenting UofSC alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice

May 27, 2021, Megan Sexton

James Hull works in the Office of Veterans and Military Services at the University of South Carolina, certifying veteran education benefits for students. He also has taken on a project that combines both his love of history and his military service: Documenting every UofSC student or alumni who died while serving in uniform over the past 120 years.

Topics: Alumni, Research, History, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

shawnese cleveland class of 2021

Class of 2021: Shawnese Cleveland

April 20, 2021, Craig Brandhorst

First-generation college student Shawnese Cleveland started her academic career as a political science major, intent on going to law school one day and perhaps working in government. After watching the event staff do their thing during a women’s basketball game at Colonial Life Arena, the Georgia native changed her mind and changed her major. Now, following back-to-back campus internships, the sport and entertainment management major is kicking off her career at a Las Vegas resort.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

graphic drawing of the coronavirus molecule

COVID-19 impact: Sports and entertainment

March 22, 2021, Allen Wallace

Tom Regan and Nick Watanabe are associate professors of sport and entertainment management in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. We talked to them last year about the pandemic’s potential economic impact on the sport and entertainment industry. We caught up with them this spring to find out how things are going and what it will take for the industry to bounce back.

Topics: Faculty, COVID-19, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

empty dining room with the alps in the background

COVID-19 impact: Changes in tourism

March 18, 2021, Craig Brandhorst

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked members of the university community to share their expertise about how the coronavirus has affected all facets of life and offer insights on ways to move forward. Simon Hudson, a professor of tourism in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, speaks about COVID-19’s economic impact on the tourism industry.

Topics: Faculty, Research, COVID-19, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Maxcy Monument on the Historic Horseshoe with sunlight streaming through the trees.

Character Counts: 2020 in Review

December 18, 2020

It’s been a year — but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty to celebrate, recognize and honor at the University of South Carolina in 2020. UofSC rose to each and every challenge this year and raised the bar for the year to come.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Diversity, Recognition, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, COVID-19, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, School of Law, Medicine (Greenville), School of Music, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work, South Carolina Honors College, University Libraries

A photo grid with headshots of the 9 students featured in a gallery highlighting stories of student resilience throughout the pandemic.

'Campus Conversations' reveal student resilience

November 27, 2020, Caleigh McDaniel

Students have have faced many challenges due to COVID-19, and their stories of resilience have become prominent topics in our weekly "Campus Conversations." Check out these students who have adapted to and overcome obstacles brought on by the pandemic.

Topics: Students, Initiatives, Recognition, Healthy Carolina, COVID-19, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, Arnold School of Public Health

Image of megaphone

COVID-19 and the retail sector

October 29, 2020, Chris Horn

Retail sales in the U.S. account for about one-half of personal consumer spending and nearly one-third 
of the country’s gross domestic product. But COVID-19 and its accompanying ripples — social distancing, 
lockdowns, layoffs and changes in consumer behavior — have unleashed turmoil in the retail sector. 
Jeff Campbell, an associate professor and chair of the retailing department in the College of Hospitality, 
Retail and Sport Management, offers his perspective on the current landscape in retailing and what 
lies ahead.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Kjana o

'Go big or go home'

October 08, 2020, Page Ivey

Kjahna O knew from the time she was a young girl, growing up in Southern California, that she wanted to be involved in football. After earning her master’s degree in the sport and entertainment management program at the University of South Carolina, O earned a spot with the Atlanta Falcons, helping that team find the best college players to round out its roster each year.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Experiential Learning, graduate-studies, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

man wearing a face covering walks in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background

Covid-19: Tourism update

July 16, 2020, Craig Brandhorst

As the coronavirus threatens health and upends daily life throughout the world, UofSC Today is turning to our faculty to help us make sense of it all. While no one can predict exactly what will happen in the coming months, our faculty can help us ask the right questions and put important context around emerging events. Simon Hudson, a professor of tourism in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management and author of the new book "COVID-19 and Travel: Impacts, Responses and Outcomes," keeps us up-to date on the pandemic’s travel sector impact.

Topics: Faculty, Research, COVID-19, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

David and Nicole Tepper

UofSC announces Nicole and David Tepper Scholarship to support sport and entertainment management education, diversity and COVID-19 relief

July 13, 2020, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina has announced the establishment of The Nicole and David Tepper Scholars Program in the university’s acclaimed Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. The program will provide four-year scholarships to a cohort of four incoming freshmen each year. Tepper Scholars will receive $10,000 per year toward their education and will gain access to additional enrichment opportunities.

Topics: Students, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

UofSC experts: 2020 hurricane season

May 13, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Top researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2020 hurricane season, including forecasting, disaster planning and historical perspectives. To coordinate an interview, contact the staff member listed with each expert entry.

Topics: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, School of Law, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health

UofSC faculty experts on coronavirus

March 17, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The University of South Carolina’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs has compiled a list of faculty experts who can discuss topics relevant to the coronavirus pandemic.

Topics: COVID-19, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, School of Law, Medicine (Columbia), College of Pharmacy

Models at NYFW

UofSC partnership gives students an inside look at NYFW

March 03, 2020, Allen Wallace

UofSC’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management and South Carolina Athletics teamed up with CLC, the university’s exclusive trademark licensing agency, and IMG’s fashion events division to offer three students the opportunity to attend the 2020 New York Fashion week in February for a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Partnerships, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

women's soccer celebrating with the SEC championship trophy

20 in '19

December 02, 2019, Communications and Public Affairs staff

There was plenty to be proud of at the University of South Carolina in 2019, with accomplishments from the classroom to the research lab to the athletic field.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University President, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College, University Libraries

Sam Piccione

Gamecock grad entertains the world -- one arena at a time

August 30, 2019, Bryony Wardell

Behind the bright lights, beyond the stage, Oak View Group has built a global family of companies that have become known as the leading force in the sport and live entertainment industry. It takes commitment and experience to lead one of those divisions – something University of South Carolina alumnus Sam Piccione III knows firsthand.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Uzbekistan plaza

Retailing professor wins Fulbright for work in Uzbekistan

June 04, 2019, Allen Wallace

The Fulbright program is one of the most famous and prestigious scholarship programs in the world, with 59 alumni who also have Nobel Prizes and 82 Pulitzer Prize winners. Many people in academia try throughout their career and never win a Fulbright Scholarship. Professor Mark Rosenbaum, chair of the University of South Carolina Department of Retailing, now has three.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Service, Leadership, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Andrew Super

Graduating senior leaves legacy of HOPE for people with disabilities

May 06, 2019, Allen Wallace

Andrew Super will graduate from the University of South Carolina May 11, but earning his diploma might be the second most impressive thing he has accomplished during his college career. In the past two and a half years, he has helped provide numerous free prosthetic devices for children and veterans in need, through a company he co-founded.

Topics: Students, Research, Experiential Learning, Philanthropy, Service, Entrepreneurship, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

yearly planner with a pen

Keeping it classy

April 04, 2019, Mia Grimm

Stuck on what to do with your class schedule for next semester?  We've compiled a list of cool, unconventional classes in every college.

Topics: Students, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, School of Music, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work, South Carolina Honors College

Students working at Colonial Life Arena during a South Carolina basketball game

March Madness in Columbia

March 01, 2019, Allen Wallace

This month, for the first time in almost 50 years, March Madness returns to Columbia, South Carolina, with the city chosen as a host site for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. As fan excitement builds, faculty in the University of South Carolina’s sport and entertainment management department share their expertise on what the event will mean for the city and the campus community.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Experiential Learning, Partnerships, Service, Leadership, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Miracle Kid Ellington Hewitt at Dance Marathon 2018

For the Kids

February 28, 2019, Allen Wallace

A year ago, University of South Carolina Dance Marathon made history, raising more than a million dollars for the kids at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital (then known as Palmetto Health). Just days after that success, they began working to do it again. That yearlong effort concludes Saturday with the student organization’s annual Main Event.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, School of Music, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work, South Carolina Honors College

Susan O'Malley with female sport and entertainment management students

New internship supports women in sport management

February 01, 2019, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina and Monumental Sports & Entertainment are proud to announce a new internship program for female students majoring in sport and entertainment management. The partnership will provide four paid internships per year to advance students’ career experience and develop the industry’s future leaders.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Partnerships, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Tayler Metivier

Aloha

December 03, 2018, Allen Wallace

Passion for her chosen field combined with hard work took Tayler Metivier to the place every student wants to be: approaching graduation with multiple job offers in hand. She leaves the University of South Carolina this month with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a job in Maui, Hawaii, as an operations corporate management trainee with Hyatt Hotels.

Topics: Students, Academics, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Sport management students interning at Williams-Brice

UofSC tops U.S. in sport science for third straight year

October 19, 2018, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are making an impact around the world, and the success has earned global recognition. The programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the third consecutive year in the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Equine impact

Equine Economy

October 01, 2018, Allen Wallace

A recent American Horse Council study finds that the U.S. equine industry is responsible for about $122 billion in economic impact and 1.74 million jobs that generate $79 billion in salaries, wages and benefits. How much of that is felt in South Carolina? That’s the question University of South Carolina researchers will answer after receiving a $46,500 grant from the state agriculture department.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, Service, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

McCutchen House

McCutchen House gets cooking

August 30, 2018, Allen Wallace

Beginning Sept. 6, McCutchen House will be open for lunch Tuesday-Friday and for dinner each Thursday night. The on-campus, student-run restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences while serving as a hands-on training ground for hospitality management majors in the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Economic Engagement, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

President Harris Pastides, Dean Haemoon Oh, Huong Nguyen and Kendall Roth in Vietnam

Carolina changes the world

March 07, 2018, John Brunelli

The University of South Carolina is expanding its global reach in Southeast Asia. President Harris Pastides recently signed partnerships with three universities in Vietnam, which will allow for collaboration in teaching, research and service. Now, the Office of Study Abroad is sending a delegation of faculty and staff to the country over spring break to explore other opportunities for Carolina students.

Topics: Faculty, University President, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Partnerships, Service, Careers, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Social Work

Rachel Nesbitt

Drive for success

March 05, 2018, Allen Wallace

Rachel Nesbitt has managed employees at one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world. She has traveled the country to meet leaders in the club management industry and has built an impressive resume. One that is all the more impressive because Nesbitt is 23 years old, and just a year ago was an undergraduate student in hospitality management.

Topics: Alumni, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Recognition, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Caitlyn Jennings in Bolivia

Passport to success

February 19, 2018, Mary-Kathryn Craft

Global studies, one of the University of South Carolina’s newest and fastest growing majors, equips students to lead in our increasingly connected world. An interdisciplinary program housed in the College of Arts and Science, global studies is home to 125 undergraduates who focus on humanities paired with intensive language study and courses in professional schools.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, Arnold School of Public Health

Tori Vaeth at hotel

The 'SEARCH' for purpose

January 12, 2018, Kathryn McPhail

A cherished, childhood friendship led Tori Vaeth to study special education at the University of South Carolina. Now, the College of Education double alumna is leading a program that’s training and placing young adults with intellectual disabilities in rewarding careers.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Academics, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, graduate-studies, Diversity, Economic Engagement, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Education, The Graduate School, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Exercise science in action

No. 1! UofSC sport science programs top national rankings

December 20, 2017, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the second year in a row, and No. 4 in the world by ShanghaiRanking's 2017 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, graduate-studies, Recognition, Health Sciences, Healthy Carolina, Leadership, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Billy Buckner

Comeback win

December 12, 2017, Chris Horn

It’s been 13 years since Billy Buckner played baseball for the University of South Carolina, memorably striking out 16 batters one afternoon against Clemson and winning seven games in the 2004 season. Now, after taking several online classes and on campus, he has a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Topics: Students, Student Voices, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

The future of retailing

It's about to get personal

November 27, 2017, Allen Wallace

Imagine going shopping and having your phone or fitness tracker make product recommendations for you based on your breath or the current physical state of your body. It is not science fiction. It’s the future of retailing and health care digitization according to researchers at University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Leadership, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Lava flows in the Galapagos

Gamecocks in the Galápagos

October 16, 2017, Allen Wallace

For the second year in a row, UofSC is taking students to one of the rarest classrooms in the world: the Galapagos Islands. The cross-disciplinary study abroad program offers diverse lessons, but the overarching theme is sustainability.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Diversity, History, Partnerships, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications

Cockys Cockaboose

A roost fit for Cocky

October 02, 2017, Megan Sexton

During the years he roamed the sidelines as Cocky, Garrett Humphries was never able to take part in a beloved Carolina tradition, tailgating at Williams-Brice. He’s making up for it now – in style. Humphries owns a train car on the Cockaboose Railroad, allowing him to celebrate pre- and post-game in the shadow of the stadium.

Topics: Alumni, Leadership, Student Voices, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Senior Ben Youngblood

Senior wisdom

May 22, 2017, Megan Sexton

Freshmen arrive on campus each fall curious, excited and sometimes a little nervous about the road ahead. By graduation, they’re often completely different people. We asked four seniors at the end of their college careers about how the college experience had changed them and what it has meant to have that experience at Carolina

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Voices, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, South Carolina Honors College

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