College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

2026 News Archive

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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