January 11, 2026

College of Charleston Launches New Hospitality School

Charleston, January 11, 2026

The College of Charleston has announced the establishment of a new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, designed to nurture future leaders in the hospitality industry. This initiative reflects the increasing demand for specialized education in Charleston’s thriving visitor economy and demonstrates the college’s commitment to enhancing local economic growth through targeted educational investments. Generous support from philanthropists Michael and Amy Bennett has significantly contributed to this new school’s mission, aiming to equip students with essential skills and credentials for management positions in hospitality.

Charleston

College of Charleston Unveils New Hospitality School

The College of Charleston has officially established a dedicated School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, poised to cultivate the next generation of leaders for the region’s booming visitor economy and beyond. This significant development underscores Charleston’s commitment to both academic excellence and economic vitality.

This civic innovation represents a forward-thinking response to market demands, driven by individual initiative and philanthropic vision. By focusing specialized resources on a critical industry, the College of Charleston is enhancing opportunities for personal achievement and strengthening the local economy, demonstrating how targeted educational investments can foster community growth effectively.

The creation of this new school is a testament to proactive engagement with the rapidly expanding hospitality sector, ensuring that aspiring professionals receive education firmly rooted in hospitality management. It exemplifies a collaborative spirit, where local institutions and private partners align to build robust pathways for future success, reinforcing Charleston’s global reputation.

A Growing Field Attracts Future Leaders

The establishment of the new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston is a direct response to a burgeoning interest among students in the hospitality sector. Currently, more than 250 students are studying hospitality and tourism management at the college. A notable 148 of these students are freshmen, indicating a strong and sustained demand for specialized education in this field. This growing enrollment highlights the appeal of careers in hospitality and tourism, reflecting a broader trend of students seeking direct pathways to impactful professions.

The new school is strategically grounded in Charleston’s global hospitality reputation. This connection provides students with immediate access to a vibrant industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional development. The program aims to provide students with education credentials vital for securing management positions in South Carolina and across the United States.

Philanthropic Vision Fuels Educational Advancement

The creation of the new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management has been significantly bolstered by the generous support of Michael and Amy Bennett. The new school is named after Michael and Amy Bennett, recognizing their substantial contribution and commitment to advancing hospitality education. Their philanthropy exemplifies the power of private partnership in driving educational innovation and community development.

Michael and Amy Bennett are recognized hospitality leaders. Their ventures include properties in South Carolina, Georgia, and Montana, notably including Hotel Bennett. This private sector leadership provides a robust foundation for the school, connecting academic rigor with real-world industry expertise. Such partnerships streamline the development of specialized programs, demonstrating how private initiative can directly contribute to public good without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.

Elevating Tourism Education in South Carolina

The new School of Hospitality at the College of Charleston is set to elevate tourism education throughout South Carolina. By focusing on comprehensive hospitality management, the school addresses the specific needs of the state’s vital tourism industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for diverse management roles within this dynamic sector, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.

This specialized educational approach ensures that graduates are not only academically proficient but also possess the practical skills demanded by today’s hospitality employers. This focus on career readiness and industry alignment is a prime example of civic innovation, where educational institutions adapt to serve the evolving needs of the community and marketplace. The College of Charleston, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is an AACSB Accredited institution that includes management, and hospitality, and tourism in its offerings.

Impact on Charleston’s Economy and Community

Charleston’s booming tourism scene stands to benefit significantly from the dedicated School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The establishment of this school directly contributes to the local economy by ensuring a steady supply of highly qualified professionals to manage and innovate within the hospitality sector. This fosters sustained economic growth and creates numerous opportunities for individual achievement within the community.

The school’s emphasis on local leadership and individual initiative aligns perfectly with Charleston’s entrepreneurial spirit. It encourages students to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to their community, reinforcing the idea that specialized education is a powerful engine for civic involvement and prosperity. This strategic investment in human capital enhances Charleston’s global standing as both a premier tourist destination and an educational hub.

A Model for Proactive Community Growth

The College of Charleston’s new School of Hospitality serves as an exemplary model for how local institutions, supported by private initiative, can proactively respond to economic needs. It underscores the benefits of limited bureaucracy in accelerating the coordination of significant projects that enhance community growth. This forward-thinking approach empowers educational bodies to be agile and responsive, creating programs that directly address industry demands and provide tangible benefits to students and the wider community.

This venture not only educates future hospitality leaders but also reinforces the importance of strategic collaboration between academia and the private sector. It is a clear demonstration that when local choice and leadership are prioritized, community engagement and participation in beneficial developments naturally increase, leading to a more vibrant and prosperous Charleston.

The new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston represents a significant leap forward for tourism education in South Carolina and a strong example of civic innovation. Through private philanthropy and a keen understanding of market needs, the college is setting a high standard for preparing students for successful careers in a vital industry. We encourage our readers to stay engaged with local educational initiatives and celebrate the power of private-public collaborations that continue to drive our community’s development and foster individual achievement in Charleston County. Supporting such endeavors ensures Charleston SC events and gatherings continue to thrive, enhancing the vibrant fabric of our South Carolina SC gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the College of Charleston?

The new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is a dedicated academic institution established at the College of Charleston to provide specialized education for the hospitality and tourism sector.

Who are the new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management named after?

The new School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is named after Michael and Amy Bennett.

How many students are currently studying hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston?

More than 250 students are currently studying hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston, with 148 of those being freshmen.

What is the aim of the education offered by the new school?

The education offered by the new school aims to provide credentials for securing management positions in South Carolina and across the United States.

What is the geographic scope of Michael and Amy Bennett’s hospitality ventures?

Michael and Amy Bennett have hospitality ventures with properties in South Carolina, Georgia, and Montana.

Key Features of the New Hospitality School at College of Charleston

Feature	Description	Geographic Scope
Name	School of Hospitality and Tourism Management	Charleston, SC
Naming Philanthropists	Michael and Amy Bennett	South Carolina, Georgia, Montana
Current Student Enrollment	More than 250 students (148 freshmen)	College of Charleston
Educational Goal	Secure management positions	South Carolina and across the United States
Foundation	Grounded in Charleston’s global hospitality reputation	Charleston, SC
Impact	Elevates tourism education	South Carolina