Columbia College announces Advisory Board for Business Program

Columbia College recently expanded their degree offerings, implementing new degree choices that impart marketable skills for graduates interested in pursuing these areas of focus. As a result, a new Hospitality and Tourism Management concentration has been added to the Business program, in addition to several other concentrations. To offer curriculum input and assist with the overall promotion of this new concentration, an Advisory Board has been selected and recently welcomed on campus for their first meeting.

“We are excited to announce the Advisory Board for this new program comprised of numerous industry leaders within the Hospitality and Tourism industry across our state,” said Dr. Carol Moore, interim President of Columbia College.

The Advisory Board for this program will review and provide feedback on the degree curriculum, addressing the evolving needs of industry organizations. This will help ensure that the College is producing employment-worthy candidates who possess the applicable job skills to make a positive impact on the industry and any of its organizations. The board members will also assist in securing valuable internship opportunities that are likely to transition into employment positions for students within this program.

“All of these individuals have been selected because of their experience, initiatives, and vision within the South Carolina Hospitality and Tourism arena,” said Dr. Moore. “We look forward to all of their contributions and efforts.”

Dr. Carole Sox has been hired by the College to develop this new program, creating a dynamic and signature opportunity for all Hospitality and Tourism Management students. She has been teaching hospitality and tourism courses for over 10 years and has significant corporate experience within a variety of areas.

The Advisory Board members include:

• Meredith G. Atkinson, Executive Director, Vista Guild
• Miriam Atria, President and CEO, Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
• Maria Chakides, Director of On Premise, South Carolina, Coca-Cola Consolidated
• Dr. Eleanor R. Glover Gladney, Human Services/ Family & Consumer Sciences Education Associate, South Carolina, Department of Education
• Cecil D. Hannibal, Executive Director North Columbia Dev. Corp., City of Columbia
• Kim Jamieson, Public Relations Manager, SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
• Twila Jones, Senior Sales Manager, Experience Columbia SC
• Jeff Hamman, General Manager, Sodexo
• Erin M. Mellen, President, Charleston Convention and Group Services, Inc.
• Kristian Nieme, Chef/Owner, Off Menu Ltd, Bourbon, and F2T Productions
• Douglas OFlaherty, Vice President, South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
• Kathy Rabune, Vice President of Marketing, IMIC Hotels
• Neal Smoak, Hospitality and Business Educator, White Koll High School, Lexington One
• Mitch Uehling, Owner and Operating Partner, MBTI, Inc. dba CiCis Pizza
• Randy Waters, Managing Member, Plex Indoor Sports- Hi-Wire in Irmo, SC and Columbia, SC; Woodlands Golf and Country Club in Columbia SC; Velocity Air Sports in Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, FL
• Olivia Young, Director of Operations and Sales, True Blue Hospitality Hotels

Columbia College, founded in 1854, is a liberal arts institution with an undergraduate women’s college and The Communiversity- coeducational offerings online, evening and graduate programs.