To the HRSM College Family:

Please allow me to introduce myself as the Dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management. Although the college name has changed several times over the years, the rich tradition of support of our students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, friends, colleagues, and business partners continues. I pledge to continue this tradition and maintain the standards of student, industry and faculty driven curriculum that have so united this college throughout the years.

Education is essential in taking South Carolina to the next level in the global playing field. Our college impacts the largest sectors that drive the economy in South Carolina; Hospitality, Tourism, Retail and Sport and Entertainment Management make up a large portion of the state’s economy. I hope you will join us in igniting the fire of excellence that can be sparked through our joint efforts to take this college, our students and these industries to new heights.

There is much excitement over the opportunities that we have in front of us. We are starting a Ph.D. program for the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. This will allow us to attract a more diverse group of students and faculty, further our research agenda in these areas and increase our national and international reputations. The Department of Sport and Entertainment Management will have a new chair and are looking forward to the Sport, Entertainment, and Venues Tomorrow conference in November. The Department of Retailing has received a grand gift of in-kind software once again from BIGResearch. They also expect to get a large gift in software from JDA. The software is of utmost importance to the industry and our students in Retail. The software is so successful in setting our students apart that we are expanding its use and making it available to undergraduates. The Technology Support and Training Management program has worked with numerous partners to develop the Consortium for Enterprise Systems Management in Innovista to grow IT talent across the region. IBM and Blue Cross Blue Shield are bringing in other partners to make the dream a reality. I will be sharing these opportunities and more when I travel the state and region to meet you all this fall. Please join us if you have the opportunity or come to campus to visit.

We can make a difference in South Carolina’s future but we need your help in the effort. Join us in a classroom, send a meaningful gift, mentor a student, hire an intern, join one of our boards, or participate in our speaker series and career nights. There is a place for you at the college. I would love to hear from you about how you would like to help move our college forward.

Please join us for the annual Homecoming Party at McCutchen House October 23. I am looking forward to my first Homecoming as a Gamecock!

My door is open. Please come for a visit.

Warmest regards,


Brian J. Mihalik
Dean
College of Hospitality, Retail, & Sport Management