Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

Initial review of applicants will commence October 12, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The appointment start date will be August 16, 2027. The required application documents for consideration include: a letter of intent describing how the candidate's professional/academic experiences and research profile match the position, a current curriculum vitae/resume, and a list of three professional references and contact information. Final-round candidates must submit three recommendation letters on official letterhead with physical signatures (no typed names) and an official transcript from an accredited degree-granting institution. Letters should be sent directly to the search committee chair via the previously mentioned email. Degrees earned outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a USC-approved credential evaluator. Questions may be directed to the search committee chairperson, Dr. Mark Nagel.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Posting Number - FAC00099PO26

Advertised Title - Assistant Professor

Campus - Columbia

College/Division - College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Department - HRSM Sport and Entertainment Management

Advertised Salary Range - Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

Location of Vacancy - Columbia, SC

Part/Full Time - Full Time

Hours per Week - 37.5

Position Category - Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis - 9 months

Work County - Richland

Tenure Information - Tenure-Track/Tenured

Job Search Category - Faculty

About USC

About University of South Carolina - From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement - The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at

Advertised Job Summary - The David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of College Sport Business in one of the nation's premier programs. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized program of research focused on the forces shaping the evolving landscape of U.S. college sport. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, the business and economic models of college athletics; revenue generation and distribution; athlete compensation and revenue sharing; conference and institutional strategy; governance and organizational structure; the relationship between athletics and the mission and business model of higher education; legal and policy developments affecting college sport; and the long-term financial and organizational sustainability of intercollegiate athletics. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to contribute to the College Sport Research Institute (CSRI) and its mission of advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration among college-sport scholars, and disseminating research to academics, practitioners, policymakers, and the broader public.

As a 9-month faculty member on the Columbia, South Carolina, campus, the successful candidate will develop and sustain a program of excellence in research, teach courses in Sport and Entertainment Management, pursue external funding opportunities related to research agenda, provide mentoring and guidance to students in the major, collaborate with other departmental faculty in the general mission of the unit; and serve on Department, College, or University committees as needed. The successful candidate will join a collaborative faculty committed to shaping the future of sport, entertainment, and venue management through excellence in teaching, research, service to the discipline, and industry engagement.

The University of South Carolina's David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management is a leader in the field, offering B.S., MSEM, and Ph.D. programs that prepare students for successful careers in sport, entertainment, and venue management. As the largest and first program of its kind, the department recognized for our innovative approach to education, cutting-edge research, and industry-leading faculty. The innovative curriculum and strong industry partnerships create unparalleled opportunities for both faculty and students.

If you are passionate about shaping the future generation of industry leaders in Sport and Entertainment Management and thrive in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Required Education and Experience - Earned doctorate in Sport Management, Entertainment Management, or related-field discipline by the start date of the employment (ABDs considered). Primary teaching and research interests in Sport and Entertainment in one or more of the following high-demand areas: the business of U.S. college sport, athlete branding and NIL, college sport governance. Other areas of interest include finance, analytics, marketing and sponsorship, sales, event operations, law and governance, leadership, and venue management. An active research agenda with a demonstrated ability to generate impactful, peer-reviewed research in premier outlets. Strong evidence of (or potential to attract) external funding and a demonstrated ability to deliver high quality classroom instruction.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents