News Summary
The University of South Florida has merged its Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program with the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management to create the new School of Hospitality and Sport Management. Launching this fall, the school aims to prepare students for the evolving job market where sports and entertainment intersect. Under the leadership of inaugural director Lydia Hanks, the merger is expected to enhance educational offerings, create more internship opportunities, and better equip students for industry demands in Florida.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) has announced the merger of its Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program with the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management to create a new academic entity, the School of Hospitality and Sport Management. This new school is set to launch this fall and aims to prepare students for the evolving job market where sports and entertainment increasingly intersect.
The merger is expected to enhance the education provided to students by leveraging the expertise of faculty from both disciplines. The school will operate across USF’s three campuses, creating more opportunities for internships in the local tourism and sports industries, which are fundamental for hands-on experience in these fields.
Lydia Hanks has been appointed as the inaugural director of the School of Hospitality and Sport Management. She noted that a younger demographic is moving to Florida, which is changing the demand for family-friendly attractions and venues, particularly in the hospitality and sports sectors. Hanks emphasized that this merger will better equip students for the realities of the industry in Florida.
David Blackwell, dean at the Muma College of Business, managed the hiring process for the new school’s faculty. The merger proposal originated from faculty discussions in fall 2024 and received approval from the USF faculty senate by the end of that semester. Implementation of the merger commenced in spring 2025, with no additional costs incurred for USF as the budgets of the existing programs will be combined.
While the new school will not offer new majors or courses immediately, it plans to develop new classes and curriculum throughout the academic year. In the meantime, students will continue to have access to classes from both the Vinik program and the School of Hospitality. Michelle Harrolle, director of the Vinik program, will oversee graduate programs within the newly formed school, while Brooke Hansen, associate director of the School of Hospitality, will assist Hanks in maintaining the curriculum.
As part of the merger, the new school will benefit from enhanced learning environments. Renovations are underway at the Sarasota-Manatee and Tampa campuses, which include improvements to ballrooms, event spaces, and food and beverage labs. The Tampa campus will see reconfigured spaces within the Muma College of Business, featuring expanded offices and collaborative project areas. However, the St. Pete campus will not receive renovations associated with this initiative.
Hanks encourages students to engage with opportunities available across all USF campuses. The school has established connections with significant industry players, including McKibbon Hospitality, Mainsail Lodging & Development, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotels, which will facilitate internship and employment opportunities for students. Additionally, partnerships are being developed with local sports organizations, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Buccaneers, and Rays, to further enhance practical training for students.
While Blackwell refrained from sharing specific details regarding new industry partnerships—citing ongoing negotiations—he indicated that further connections are in development to bolster internship offerings. Hanks expressed her enthusiasm about creating a unique program designed to equip students for a rapidly changing industry landscape.
The establishment of the School of Hospitality and Sport Management marks an important step for USF as it seeks to adapt its academic offerings to better reflect the demands of today’s job market, positioning its students for success in dynamic sectors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- USF’s School of Hospitality and Sport Management prepares students for a merging industry
- Wikipedia: Hospitality Management
- USF student builds lawn care business while managing college life
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Organization
- USF increases police presence after FSU shooting
- Google Search: USF police presence
- Here is a breakdown of USF’s undergrad tuition fees
- Google Scholar: Tuition Fees
- Empty gun case, empty ammo magazines found at USF Fine Arts Building
- Google News: USF gun incident
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
