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College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

2026 News Archive

The power of passion, preparation and people: Chris Mueller's journey as a hospitality leader

University of South Carolina hospitality management alumnus Chris Mueller shares how passion, preparation and relationships helped take him from waiting tables in Columbia to leading the 1,424-room Hilton Orlando after a career spanning more than three decades at Disney and Hilton.

August 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management celebrates August 2026 achievements, including faculty awards, student accomplishments, alumni career milestones and national media recognition showcasing the impact of the HRSM community.

Gamecock iHub's new home offers even easier access for campus community

Gamecock iHub has opened its new location in USC's Close-Hipp building, expanding access to Apple products, technology support and hands-on retail internships for students.

Fevzi Okumus brings bold vision as new director of USC's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

New School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Director Fevzi Okumus outlines a bold vision to elevate USC through innovation, student success, industry partnerships, research excellence and global impact.

College of HRSM honors Derek Stevens with Visionary Innovation & Leadership Award

The University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management honored Circa Resort & Casino owner and CEO Derek Stevens with its 2026 Visionary Innovation & Leadership Award, recognizing his transformative impact on hospitality, entertainment and student career development.

Curiosity meets innovation: HRSM advisor Martiez Moore uses AI to put students first

HRSM academic advisor Martiez Moore is transforming student advising by using artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks, allowing him to spend more time providing personalized guidance to students.

Watanabe leads World Cup Diplomacy Summit at the United Nations

University of South Carolina professor Nicholas Watanabe brought his expertise in sport management and soccer economics to the United Nations, leading discussions on artificial intelligence, fan engagement and the future of global sport at the World Cup Diplomacy Summit.

July 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The July 2026 edition of news and notes highlights faculty research, student internships, alumni career achievements, media recognition and academic awards across the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

From Day One to Augusta to St. Andrews: Kaila Regan's remarkable journey

University of South Carolina hospitality management graduate Kaila Regan turned a chance opportunity on her first day of college into an international scholarship, prestigious golf industry experiences and a career shaping the future of hospitality and golf.

HRSM students earn prize at hotel owners' conference competition

University of South Carolina hospitality management students Regan Lightfoot and Sophia Scimemi earned the People's Choice Award at the 2026 AAHOA Collegiate Championship after advancing to the finals of the national Hotel Turnaround Competition, showcasing their expertise in hotel operations, asset management and strategic decision-making.

Summer '26 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 2026 photo contest.

Spring 2026 College of HRSM honors list

Congratulations to all of the HRSM students who made the Spring 2026 Dean's and President's Lists!

June 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The June 2026 edition of HRSM news and notes highlights faculty achievements, student internships, alumni career milestones and national media recognition across the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Out of the park: alumna Michelle Delloso shatters with her brain and her bat

From All-American softball standout to trailblazing sports executive, Michelle Delloso's journey shows how the University of South Carolina helped launch a career that broke barriers for women in sports on and off the field.

On the court and the ice: HRSM alumni thrive in NBA and NHL

From the NBA and NHL to major arenas and front offices across the country, HRSM alumni are turning classroom connections, internships and hands-on experiences into successful careers in professional sports.

Global opportunities: Incognitus partnership opens door to Australia for sport and entertainment management students

A decades-long partnership between Incognitus and the University of South Carolina's David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management is creating life-changing international opportunities, including internships and full-time careers in Australia for Gamecock students.

University of South Carolina researchers study firefly tourism at Congaree National Park to support regional economic development

University of South Carolina researchers are helping uncover how the annual firefly phenomenon at Congaree National Park can support sustainable tourism and regional economic growth through interdisciplinary research.

HRSM partners with the Transformational Travel Council to launch Certified Transformative Tourism Program

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management has partnered with the Transformational Travel Council (TTC) to launch the Certified Transformative Tourism Executive Education Program — a comprehensive professional development series designed to position tourism and hospitality organizations at the forefront of the transformation economy.

Fast-tracking success: Savannah Miller's journey to a master's degree

Savannah Miller made the most of every opportunity at the University of South Carolina, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in just five years while building an impressive resume of leadership, industry experience and academic achievement.

Congratulations, HRSM Class of 2026 May Graduates

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management congratulates all members of the May 2026 graduation class!

Cierra Pinckney honored for outstanding student advocacy

Cierra Pinckney's commitment to student success has earned university-wide recognition as the recipient of USC's Outstanding Student Advocacy in Advising Award. Through mentorship, encouragement and a student-first approach, she has made a lasting impact on HRSM students navigating their college journey.

May 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

From faculty awards and published research to student internships and alumni career milestones, HRSM’s May 2026 News and Notes highlights the accomplishments making an impact across the university and industry.

Lauren Cole blazes a trail in new Master of Retail Innovation program

Lauren Cole makes history as the first thesis-track graduate of USC's Master of Retail Innovation program, combining hands-on experience and impactful research on sustainable fashion to launch her career.

2026 College of HRSM faculty and staff awards

The University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management celebrates its 2026 Faculty and Staff Award winners, recognizing excellence in teaching, research, global engagement and service.

Diving superstar and future leader: Sophie Verzyl shines in and out of the pool

Sophie Verzyl's historic NCAA championship caps a remarkable journey balancing elite athletics and accelerated academics, positioning her for Olympic dreams and a future in sport and entertainment leadership.

HRSM students honored for academic excellence and leadership at USC Awards Day

The University of South Carolina honored 17 HRSM students at Awards Day, recognizing exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, service and campus involvement.

USC College of HRSM launches Spur City Brewery

University of South Carolina students turn classroom innovation into reality with the launch of Spur City Brewery, a student-created craft beer brand debuting at Steel Hands Brewing.

SEVT Conference leads to dream jobs for students

The SEVT Conference at the University of South Carolina is helping students turn industry connections into full-time jobs, launching careers with top sports organizations across the country.

Senior Spotlight: Trevor Lazarus

Trevor Lazarus turned his time at the University of South Carolina into a global hospitality journey, gaining hands-on experience at the Olympics, luxury hotels and leadership organizations while building a career rooted in relationships and real-world learning.

Lessons learned: HRSM students excel in FanCompass internship

Three HRSM students leveraged hands-on learning and industry preparation to stand out and excel during a competitive internship with FanCompass, showcasing the power of experiential education.

April 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management highlights student achievements, faculty honors and alumni success stories shaping the future of the industry.

Retailing Student Spotlight: Michael Pugh

Retailing major Michael Pugh is turning data-driven insights and hands-on industry experience into a clear path toward a career in retail analytics at the University of South Carolina.

Where industry icons meet future leaders

Industry leaders from sport, hospitality, retail and entertainment regularly visit the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management to share real-world insights and inspire students preparing for careers in these dynamic industries.

From the Honeycombs to a lasting legacy: Cliff Arthur's enduring impact on HRSM

HRSM alumnus Cliff Arthur turned a chance discovery in the Honeycombs dorm cooking lab into a decades-long hospitality career and a legacy of leadership, mentorship and philanthropy supporting future students.

Dean Emerita Pat Moody reflects on three decades with the College of HRSM

Dean Emerita Pat Moody reflects on the pivotal decisions, partnerships and vision that helped transform the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management into a nationally respected program.

Senior Spotlight: Branden Miller

University of South Carolina senior Branden Miller turned his passion for leadership and live entertainment into impactful campus experiences that are shaping his future career in the music industry.

March 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

Faculty honors, student internships and alumni achievements highlight the latest successes from the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

College of HRSM honors 2026 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College Award winners

The University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management celebrates its 2026 Distinguished Alumni and Friends of the College award winners, recognizing industry leaders whose careers and service continue to shape the college and its students.

From the dance floor to the retail industry: Erin Thompson's student-athlete experience

University of South Carolina retailing major Erin Thompson balances Dean's List academics, brand partnerships and a competitive schedule with the nationally recognized Carolina Dance Team.

Magellan Scholar Research Grant awarded to Department of Retailing student Emma Hampton

University of South Carolina retailing senior Emma Hampton earned a competitive Magellan Scholar Grant to research how social media influencers shape Gen Z consumer behavior, strengthening her passion for fashion marketing and digital innovation.

February 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

February 2026 news and notes highlights recent media mentions, faculty research, student internships and experiential learning, and alumni promotions across hospitality, retail, and sport and entertainment management.

Fall 2025 College of HRSM honors list

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

Stephen Shapiro looks to build on tradition of excellence and innovation as David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management chair

Stephen Shapiro has been named chair of the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, bringing a vision focused on innovation, industry relevance and continued global excellence at the University of South Carolina.

Retailing senior Abby Foy uses experience to benefit other students as NRF president

Retailing senior Abby Foy leveraged four years of hands-on experience and leadership as USC's NRF president to guide fellow students through an immersive New York City industry experience.

January 2026 HRSM student, faculty, staff and alumni notes

The January 2026 HRSM News and Notes highlights recent achievements, career milestones and creative accomplishments of HRSM students, faculty, staff and alumni across hospitality, retail and sport management.

Master of Retail Innovation program honors first graduate

Elizabeth Moore Fox made history as the first graduate of the University of South Carolina's Master of Retail Innovation program, blending executive experience with cutting-edge innovation and technology to shape the future of retail.

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