Khalid Ballouli joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in 2011 after receiving his Ph.D. in sport management from Texas A&M University. In 2018, Ballouli was appointed Ph.D. program director and later was named associate chair and professor.
Kim Boone is the director of special events for the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. A native of upstate New York, she earned a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management and a minor in Business from the University of South Carolina in 2002.
Natasha T. Brison joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in fall 2024 after spending two years as an associate professor and seven years as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University. Brison's extensive academic career includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in sport sales, marketing aspects of sport, and sport management. Her research interests focus on sport marketing, brand management, athlete and coach branding, and the legal aspects of sport marketing.
Matthew T. Brown is associate dean for faculty and staff affairs and professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Appointed associate dean in July 2025, he provides oversight for faculty and staff affairs, including tenure and promotion processes, human resources and graduate education. Brown has been a member of the USC faculty since 2005 and previously served for more than a decade as chair of the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. He has also held multiple interim leadership roles, including interim dean of the college and interim director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. A scholar of sport business and finance, Brown has published extensively in leading academic journals and is the coauthor of multiple editions of Financial Management in the Sport Industry.
Tarlan Chahardovali is an assistant professor with the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her research explores the impacts of structural inequalities at the intersections of economics, gender, and labor in the sport industry, employing interpretative frameworks and theories of political economy, culture, and power. Her current line of inquiry focuses on athletes’ labor and market dynamics, with a special focus on the value of women’s sport, women’s labor, and the gender pay gap in the industry.
Kun Chang joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in fall 2024 after earning a Ph.D. in sport management from Texas A&M University where she demonstrated exceptional prowess in both teaching and research. Chang's educational journey has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence and a focus on understanding the complexities of fan behavior in esports and sport data analytics.
Murray Cohn joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina as an executive in residence in fall 2024. Cohn is the president and owner of MC Sports Sales Training & Consulting Inc., where he has been increasing revenue for sports and entertainment organizations since 2015. He provides strategic business planning, sales training and recruiting services to over 200 sports and entertainment properties. His clients include teams across major leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS, as well as entertainment partners like Feld Entertainment and the Harlem Globetrotters.
Prior to graduating from the University of Georgia, Tena Crews taught at the secondary and technical school levels teaching business and technology courses. After graduating from UGA, Crews served as the technology coordinator developing the first schoolwide network at an elementary school and then began her higher education career in 1996 at Ball State University (BSU). She then continued her higher education career at the University of West Georgia and the University of South Carolina continuing to teach business and technology courses.
Matthew Dunn has logged more than 20 years of independent live event promotion through his own company, Syracuse Shows LLC, but he has also worked in multiple different ventures within the industry across his 20-plus years of experience. Dunn has expertise in live event promotion and production, entrepreneurship in the music industry, music industry marketing and promotion (including digital media and social media marketing), record company operations (including both major and independent label functionality), artist management and development, branded entertainment, and research methodology.
John Grady teaches graduate courses in sport law and risk and security management. At the undergraduate level, he teaches courses in business law and risk management. Grady's research interests focus primarily on the legal aspects of the business of sport.
Paul Graham graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1989 and is an adjunct professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. After a successful career as tour manager for Hootie and the Blowfish, Graham took over the reins as the tournament director for the band’s Monday after the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, one of the most popular tournaments in the country.
Susmit Gulavani is an assistant professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. His research focuses on sport consumer behavior, artificial intelligence, and the psychological impact of technology in sport. He applies machine learning and data analytics to examine topics like NIL, esports and sport branding. Gulavani holds a Ph.D. in sport management from Florida State University and is committed to advancing data-driven insights and ethical practices in the evolving sport industry.
Keshav Gupta serves as an assistant professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina. Gupta received his Ph.D. in business administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University and his B.Tech in electrical and electronics engineering from Delhi Technological University in New Delhi, India.
Michael T. Hargrave is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in consumer marketing and sport management. He has a robust background in leading promotional initiatives and driving brand development for Fortune 200 companies, marketing agencies, and professional sport franchises. His expertise spans sponsorship selection, strategic planning, and team building, making him a significant asset in the sport marketing industry. Hargrave began teaching in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management as an adjunct in 2021 before joining it full-time in fall 2024.
Jessica Harris attended Winthrop University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in theatre. Before joining the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in 2013, Harris worked in several other departments on campus, including Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate Admissions.
Joseph L. Herman, II, joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. Herman II is regarded as an emerging scholar and educator in the field of sport management with an extensive academic background after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Florida, his master's from Texas A&M University at Commerce and a bachelor's from the same institution. His commitment to education and athletics is evident from his time as a scholarship student-athlete at Texas College, the place he began his educational journey while excelling in both academics and football.
Yongjin Hwang received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sungkyunkwan University, after which he moved to the United States to become an audio engineer. While working in the recording studio, Flux Studios, in New York City, Hwang completed a master’s degree in music technology at NYU. As a result of his educational experience, Hwang decided to combine the two degree subjects together as a doctoral student at USC in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, where he now serves as an assistant professor with the department.
A native of Ohio, Todd C. Koesters received his bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University and a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School where he served as president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
A native of North Dakota, Haylee Uecker Mercado received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Coaching from Minnesota State University Moorhead, her Master of Science in Sport Management from Old Dominion University and Ph.D. (2008) from Florida State University. Prior to getting her Ph.D., Mercado worked for the athletic department at Old Dominion University as the director of promotions during the construction and opening of the Ted Constant Convocation Center, during which time she was a finalist for Employee of the Year. In addition to being an associate professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, Mercado serves as the faculty director for the Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies (BAIS) in services management degree program.
Danny Morrison earned his B.A. in mathematics from Wofford College, his M.E. in administration and supervision from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of South Carolina (2000). In addition to serving as president of the Carolina Panthers (2009-2017), Morrison served as director of athletics at Texas Christian University (2005-2009), commissioner of the Southern Conference (2001-2005), and as senior vice president (1997-2001) and director of athletics (1985-1997) of Wofford College. Morrison also served as both a high school- and college-level mathematics instructor and sports coach earlier in his career.
A native of California, Mark S. Nagel became a faculty member in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in 2006. Prior to joining the department, Nagel was the director of the graduate sport management program at Georgia State University.
At age 29, O'Malley became the first female president of an NBA franchise as well as one of the first women in a major front-office position in major league sports. She is the former president of the NBA's Washington Bullets (now the Wizards) and Washington Sports and Entertainment. In her 20-year tenure with Washington Sports, she also ran the Verizon Center (formerly the MCI Center), the WNBA's Washington Mystics, and Ticketmaster Washington-Baltimore.
Anna Patterson joined the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management in October 2025 as event manager for the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. She plans and executes departmental events, including the annual SEVT and CSRI conferences. Previously, Patterson was event coordinator for the Department of Continuing Education and Conferences, managing the University Conference Center and overseeing logistics, coordination and registration.
Taylor Ramp, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in sport administration, business education and marketing, joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. She successfully navigated roles in educational institutions, professional sports teams and corporate environments to establish a career defined by a commitment to excellence, leadership and a passion for sports and education.
Thomas H. Regan's work experience includes working as a staff accountant for Fox & Co., CPAs and eight years as a comptroller for a fully integrated oil and gas company. Regan has consulted with many professional organizations concerning financing venues and determining the economic benefit of facilities, events and teams.
Michael Sagas began his role as Dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina on June 15, 2023.
Armen Shaomian is an active concert pianist with an extensive background in performing arts, higher education, and entertainment management consulting. A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Shaomian joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in 2012. Additionally, he has been appointed by the Office of the Provost to serve as the Faculty Director in Residence of Preston Residential College for Leadership, USC’s only residential college.
Stephen Shapiro joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in fall 2017 and became department chair in January 2026. Previously, he spent nine years at Old Dominion University as a sport management faculty member and graduate program coordinator. Shapiro holds a doctorate in sport administration from the University of Northern Colorado and degrees from the University of Central Florida.
Bradley Sharples is an assistant professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. His research examines the intersection of sport, sustainability and inequality, with a focus on how global sporting events impact equitable development. Sharples has published in International Review for the Sociology of Sport and has presented his work at international conferences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh and brings extensive teaching and research experience to the classroom.
Tyler Skinner is an assistant professor with the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management and joined the University of South Carolina faculty in fall 2024. Skinner received his Ph.D. in sport management and policy from the University of Georgia, his M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania, his M.A. from Wake Forest University, and his B.A. from the University of Alabama. Skinner’s research in sports economics focuses on the impact of management on firm performance, executive compensation, and other labor issues in sport. Skinner's research has been published in academic journals such as Sport Management Review, American Behavioral Scientist, Applied Economics Letters, Journal of Economics and Statistics, and Managerial Finance. His research has also been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post.
Gary Sobba joined the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina in fall 2024. Sobba is an accomplished sports marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in professional and collegiate athletics. He has a proven track record of increasing attendance and securing record-breaking marketing partnerships across multiple sports, making him a recognized leader in sports marketing and event management.
Richard M. Southall came to the University of South Carolina in the fall of 2013 and teaches and researches in the areas of sport ethics, college sport and research methods. His research has led to publications in journals such the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Journal of Sport Management, Sport Marketing Quarterly, Ethnic and Racial Studies, and Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics. Southall also serves as director of the College Sport Research Institute at the University of South Carolina.
A native of Summerville, S.C., Steve Taylor received both his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management and Master of Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina. Before joining the faculty in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, Taylor was employed at The Citadel where he was the assistant director of Compliance and Academic Services.
Cyntrice Thomas is a renowned academic and legal expert specializing in sport law, particularly antitrust and labor laws within the sport industry. Thomas has presented her research at various conferences, covering topics such as parental leave policies in sport organizations and FTC regulations on sport endorsements. A member of several professional organizations, including the Sport Lawyers Association, Thomas combines her academic prowess with practical legal experience.
Sam Todd serves as Vice Provost and Associate Vice President of Global Affairs / Senior International Officer and is a professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Todd came to USC in 2017 as an accomplished administrator with senior level exposure to a vast array of university matters. He has been instrumental in a number of valued, strategic achievements within the college.
Dr. Sawyer Laura Truell is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and prior industry experience with companies including Coca-Cola, Colonial Life, Monster and SCANA Energy. She has expertise in Event Management and has managed many events including the Olympic Trials (Women’s Marathon), Cartoon Network’s Smash Tennis, and the Denver Bronco’s Stadium Emergency Action Team.
Taylor Viselli began working for the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management in November 2023 and currently serves as the business operations coordinator for the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.
Nicholas Watanabe is a Canteen Corporation Professor and international graduate director in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. He received his Master of Science in leisure studies and his Ph.D. in recreation, sport and tourism from the University of Illinois. Prior to coming to South Carolina, Watanabe served as assistant professor from 2016-2017 and assistant teaching professor from 2010-2016 at the University of Missouri.
Cheng (Grace) Yan is an associate professor in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her research focuses on the inter-related connections between sport, media, and society through critical theoretical lens. The subjects of Yan's work involve the power imbalances in the sport communication process, the attention economics of sport digital media, media representations of sport events and sociological implications, and digital democracy in the realm of sport.