Coastal Carolina University's Grant Center for Real Estate and Economics has selected four students for its Real Estate Scholars program for the 2020-2021 academic year. The students are Shane DeThomasis, a finance major from Albany, N.Y.; Lionel Martin, an MBA student from Charlotte, N.C.; Alexis Sweet, a management major from Lake Villa, Ill., and Kelsey Wohlford, a marketing and management major from Princeton, W.Va.

Since 2016, four students have been admitted into the program annually upon the recommendations of a committee composed of the director of the Grant Center and the dean of the Wall College based on academic standing and responses provided in the application essay. Students accepted into the program are eligible for scholarships and are required to complete research, mentorships, and other work within the fields of real estate and economics.

"We are excited to welcome three new real estate scholars to our program and one returning scholar from last year," said Robert Salvino, Ph.D., director of the Grant Center. "These scholars will serve important roles as officers and committee chairs in our growing CCU Real Estate Club."

Sweet returns to the program for a second time after working with the Grant Center to revitalize the Real Estate Club in 2019-2020.

"My experience with the Grant Center has been incredible," said Sweet. "I have gained priceless knowledge, connections, and skills. It is an honor to work with such a great team of passionate individuals."

Under her guidance as president of the club, student membership increased and the Grant Center witnessed more participation in real estate programming at CCU.

"I look forward to the challenges we will face this year as I can ensure the Grant Center will continue inspiring students and doing amazing things for the community," she continued.

In addition to the undergraduate scholars, Martin, who earned an undergraduate degree from CCU in 2011, will be the first graduate student to join the program after the introduction of the commercial and investment real estate concentration in the MBA program last spring. His professional experience will help guide the program and Real Estate Club to greater achievements.

"The students have an interesting year ahead, navigating these times with online meetings, events, and trainings," said Salvino. "They will do well."

To be considered for the Real Estate Scholars program, an applicant must be enrolled in the commercial and investment real estate minor or MBA concentration through the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration for the upcoming year and have demonstrated participation in leadership or extracurricular activities within the last two years.

The Real Estate Scholars program scholarships are made possible through a generous donation from Tony and Carrie Grant, the benefactors and namesake of the Grant Center, and provide students with more than monetary support. Unique programs and opportunities for scholars include: membership in the CCU Real Estate Club; sponsored student memberships in two professional real estate organizations of their choice; mentoring from faculty and employers, including those on the Grant Center's advisory board; internship and research opportunities; and collaboration opportunities within CCU's speaker series, events, training workshops, and discussion groups.

ABOUT THE GRANT CENTER

The Grant Center for Real Estate and Economics serves students and professionals engaged in all facets of real estate and economics and provides market analysis, study-based scholarships, networking opportunities, internships, and technical study tours of international sites.

The Grant Center leverages the global ties of Coastal Carolina University and key partners, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and board members. It offers courses in commercial and investment real estate, publishes scholarly research, and produces applied studies for stakeholders in the region. The center also hosts the annual real estate and economic summit and awards gala, provides seminar talks on a regular basis, and consults for various private, government, and nonprofit groups.

The key mission is to support the education of its students to the highest levels of competence and professionalism and to broaden the economic base of the region, serving as a bridge between Coastal Carolina University and the wider community.

For more information, please contact Hattie Jordan, Grant Center program assistant, at hajordan@coastal.edu.

Follow the Grant Center on social media @GrantCenterCCU.