HTMT Student Advisory Board

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Student Advisory Board provides consultation and insights to the department chair, faculty and industry advisory board members regarding student needs. The student advisory board also gives direction in the areas of curriculum, student experiences, recruitment, and student engagement. This team of students plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the School of HTMT and ensuring the needs and perspectives of students are considered when program decisions are made.

Becoming a Member

Students interested in joining the HTMT Student Advisory Board must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and submit an online application. The application period is currently closed, but interested students are encouraged to contact Kevin Ayres for more information at kmayres@hrsm.sc.edu.

Students selected for the board are required to attend three meetings per semester as well as one qualified event and one recruiting event per semester.

In addition to enhancing the student experience, board members receive written recommendations from faculty for their application portfolios, name tags and business cards.

2023-24 Student Advisory Board

Caroline Aase (Chair)

Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
Major: Hospitality Management
caase@email.sc.edu

Dream Job Upon Graduation

A full-time position working for a hotel-development firm that focuses on creating unique and sustainable properties

I chose USC's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management because it is a program that starts on day one and guides, strengthens, and encourages you through your time in college. You will graduate knowing you got the best education, mentors, and work experiences you could ever hope for. I am so proud to have found such a welcoming home in HTMT!
Sam Koval (Vice Chair)

Hometown: Oceanside, New York
Major (Concentration)/Minor: Hospitality Management (Club Management)/Event Management
srkoval@email.sc.edu

Dream Job Upon Graduation

Banquet manager at Country Club of Buffalo

I love HTMT because of all the opportunities that are available to students. Being able to work The Masters Tournament and The Players Championship are experiences I am so grateful for and will never forget!
Micah Eargle

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Major: Hospitality Management Management
meargle@email.sc.edu

Dream Job Upon Graduation

Entrepreneur (hotelier and restaurateur)

I grew up in the hospitality industry and from a young age, I developed a servant’s mentality to lead by serving others. After learning that there was a degree in hospitality at USC, that was all she wrote. Learning about all the opportunities that the School of HTMT offers, I was head over heels. I have been blessed with the opportunity to intern at Kiawah Island, work in multiple mega golf tournaments, and attend America’s Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), the most prominent hospitality conference in the world, in Los Angeles. I am proud to be a Gamecock, but I am even prouder to soon become an HTMT alumnus.
Alyssa Flink

Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina
Major: Tourism Management
aflink@email.sc.edu

Dream Job Upon Graduation

Travel agent

I love the opportunities that USC HTMT has created for me. All the way from traveling for my internship to networking at expos and events!”
Thomas Scirebanchitta

Hometown: Allendale, New Jersey
Major: Hospitality Management
scirebat@email.sc.edu

Dream Job Upon Graduation

Sales or management within the beverage industry or a management job at a popular theme park

HTMT provided me with many unique experiences. My favorite experience would have to be my beverage management class. We learned about how different beverages are made and enjoyed around the world. We also got to learn and practice making our own cocktails.

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management