As Dean, sometimes I get the opportunity to do some fun and different things.  Last weekend I traveled to Washington DC to visit with Jeff Fried–a prominent local attorney/sports promoter–and to meet leaders throughout the sports business industry, including HBO Sports, the Washington Capitals and Reebok, as well as cutting-edge businesses in event planning, boxing and sports promotion. The weekend was highlighted by a boxing match between Lamont Peterson and Amir Khan, the IBF and WBA light welterweight champion. Khan was a 2 to 1 favorite to retain his title against the local hero (Peterson). After a hard fought battle, Peterson surprisingly beat Khan on a split decision. It was an amazing fight (preceded by five undercards), and showed what a great city can do through sports and effective event planning.

My purpose of traveling to Washington was to meet with Jeff and discuss with him my tentative plans to begin a Sports Business Institute at the School of Business. (Jeff will be moving to Kiawah in 2012 and expressed a strong interest in becoming closely involved in the development of the Institute. He is an icon in the sports industry, and has represented such notable athletes as Riddick Bowe–former world heavyweight boxing champion, and Phil Ivey–former world poker champion.)  The trip was part of my due diligence to evaluate the pros and cons of the proposed Institute.  All in all, the trip was both enjoyable and informative.  Jeff told me that he’s already lined up 10 world-class speakers to Charleston, once the Institute is ready to go.  Stay tuned as the Institute continues to be developed….

Another part of my week was spent meeting with faculty, congratulating those who were tenured and promoted.  These faculty are both excellent in the classroom and in scholarship, so it is crucial that the College make a longterm commitment to them.

Last night I had the opportunity to visit with SC Secretary of Commere Bobby HItt at President Benson’s home.  I knew Bobby when he was manager of Corporate Affairs at BMW.  Today (Saturday) he was the keynote speaker at our Fall Commencement ceremony and received an honorary doctorate from CofC.  It is a well-deserved honor.  I’m hoping that once he completes his responsibilities to the state, that he’ll become an Executive-in-Residence in the School of Business.  He would be an excellent mentor  to our students.