South Carolina Renames School Department After Panthers Owners Following $5M Gift

The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to name its Sport and Entertainment Management Department for David and Nicole Tepper. The Panthers' owners gave $5 million through their foundation.

The funds will start an endowment for students and add teaching spots in the David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Since 2020, their foundation has put $1.5 million into student aid.

"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 in a statement to USC News.

This marks the first time USC has named a department based on a gift of this size. The program ranks in the top 10 nationally for sport management and its master's degree holds similar standing worldwide.

Speaking to USC News, Department Chair Matt Brown said, "Their generosity continues to open doors of opportunity, easing financial burdens and empowering talented students to pursue their dreams with confidence."

Students will get four-year aid packages that mix money for school with hands-on work and guidance. The gift also starts a new program bringing working pros into USC's classrooms to teach.

Michael Sagas, who leads the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, said per WIS the gift "accelerates access, elevates teaching, and positions USC to lead the business of sport and entertainment for years to come."

No other sport and entertainment management program in the U.S. matches USC's size. For 2024-25, only one USC major drew more students.

Tepper Scholars have worked at ESPN, the Panthers, Charlotte FC, and the NCAA since 2020. "The Tepper Scholars Program gave me the opportunity of a lifetime by allowing me to gain experience in professional sports," said program grad Ambar Ferra.

Nicole Tepper shared with Sports Business Journal why they picked USC, "I've been to a lot of different places, a lot of different universities, and they really put time and effort into it. That just draws people like Dave and I in to say, 'We want to invest, and we want to be a part of it.'"