The Teppers’ latest investment of more than $5 million reinforces Tepper Scholars
program and establishes professors of practice in sport leadership.
Following approval by the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees earlier today,
USC proudly announced the naming of its renowned Department of Sport and Entertainment
Management as the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, recognizing a transformative gift of $5 million from The David and Nicole Tepper
Foundation.
The naming builds on a proven partnership with The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation’s
Tepper Scholars Program. The gift will create an endowment to sustain the scholarship
program in perpetuity, providing four-year support to high-achieving students each
year, combining tuition assistance with mentorship, professional development and hands-on
industry experience. Additional funding from the gift establishes the Tepper Professors
of Practice, supporting faculty focused on leadership and the business of professional
sport — bringing elite practitioner-educators into USC classrooms.
“We are honored to partner with the University of South Carolina in advancing opportunities
for the next generation of leaders in sports and entertainment,” said David and Nicole
Tepper. “By investing in students through scholarships, mentorship, and access to
industry expertise, we can help create lasting impact. It’s inspiring to see how the
Tepper Scholars have already begun shaping the future of this field, and we are proud
to build on this partnership with the University to continue opening doors for talented
students for years to come.”
“By investing in students through scholarships, mentorship, and access to industry
expertise, we can help create lasting impact.”
The department’s national profile is distinctive: it is the largest sport and entertainment
management program in the United States and now the only named sport and entertainment
management department in the country. The program ranks among the top 10 in the U.S.
for sport management (Niche), and USC’s Master of Sport and Entertainment Management
is ranked top-10 worldwide (SportsBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings) — recognitions
that reflect the program’s academic quality, industry integration and graduate outcomes.
“This visionary gift strengthens the entire College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport
Management,” said Michael Sagas, dean of the college. “By opening doors for Tepper
Scholars and bringing distinguished professors of practice to campus, it accelerates
access, elevates teaching and positions USC to lead the business of sport and entertainment
for years to come.”
The commitment of $5 million builds on the Teppers’ longstanding support of the University
of South Carolina. This new gift is in addition to more than $1.5 million in scholarship
support The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation has provided to USC since 2020.
At the university level, it marks a historic milestone with the David and Nicole Tepper
Department of Sport and Entertainment Management being the first academic department
at USC to be named at this level of philanthropic investment. The program is also
a sustained campus leader in student demand, consistently among USC’s top five majors
and No. 2 university-wide in the 2024-25 academic year — underscoring its impact on
enrollment, experiential learning and career outcomes across the university.
“We are deeply grateful for the Teppers’ transformational gift supporting student
scholarships,” said Matt Brown, department chair. “Their generosity continues to open
doors of opportunity, easing financial burdens and empowering talented students to
pursue their dreams with confidence. Because of their commitment, countless students
will be able to focus on their studies, discover their potential and carry forward
the impact of the gift for years to come.”
Since its launch in 2020, the Tepper Scholars Program has supported multiple cohorts of students who have interned or worked with organizations
such as ESPN, the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC and the NCAA, and who contribute
hundreds of hours of community service during their studies. Alumni and current scholars
are advancing across the sport and entertainment landscape in roles spanning operations,
sales, events, analytics and finance.
“The Tepper Scholars Program gave me the opportunity of a lifetime by allowing me
to gain experience in professional sports and build relationships within Tepper Sports
& Entertainment, an incredible organization,” said Ambar Ferra, Tepper Scholar alumna.
“I want to thank the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation for giving a young girl from
Puerto Rico the opportunity to shine under the brightest lights of the sports industry.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.sc.edu ’
