The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management announces Karen Edwards will serve as the interim associate dean of academic programs. She succeeds David Cardenas who was selected to serve as the College of HRSM’s interim dean.

Edwards has been a senior instructor in the University of South Carolina’s Department of Retailing since 2006. She is also an active research author and a faculty mentor and faculty associate director for the university’s Center for Teaching Excellence.  Her new role as interim associate dean will begin July 1, 2021.

Throughout her time at South Carolina, Edwards has been recognized for her dedication to teaching and academic excellence. She is the recipient of the 2019 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation, 2017 Faculty Integrity Award, 2010-11 Harry E. Varney Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, and the 2016 Brian J. and Linda L. Mihalik Global Scholar Award.

As interim associate dean of academic programs, her primary responsibilities will be serving as the college’s academic program liaison (APL) and overseeing all academic programs and curriculum in the college. This includes the development and modifications of courses, concentrations, certificates, minors, joint / dual degrees and more. She will represent the college’s academic program needs and goals across the university as well as with the Commission on Higher Education and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Edwards will also oversee the College of HRSM’s offices of student services and student enrollment, which are dedicated to student growth, retention and success. As part of the college’s leadership team, she will assist the interim dean with employee recruitment and fundraising efforts, and will also be responsible for the college’s academic integrity, assessments and accreditations, course evaluations, student clubs, professional development, student mentorship and petitions and appeals.

Edwards earned her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law and her B.A. from Coker College. Prior to her career in higher education, she practiced law with Duff, White and Turner, L.L.C., a firm serving public school districts and colleges across South Carolina.