MTSU renames its College of Media and Entertainment after Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 10:15 GMT by Tennessean

Middle Tennessee State University Renames Media College in Honor of Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a move that underscores the city’s long‑standing relationship with the music industry, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) officially renamed its flagship College of Media and Entertainment as the Scott A. Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment on Friday, August 26. The decision follows a multimillion‑dollar gift from Borchetta, the founder and chief executive of Big Machine Records, and marks the latest chapter in MTSU’s storied partnership with Nashville’s music and media ecosystem.

A $5 Million Gift With a Purpose

Borchetta’s pledge—reported as $5 million—will fund a range of initiatives designed to enhance the college’s academic offerings, strengthen industry linkages, and expand scholarship opportunities. The donation will be directed toward a new center for music business studies, an endowed scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in the entertainment sector, and upgrades to the state‑of‑the‑art media labs on campus.

In a statement to the university, Borchetta said, “I’ve always believed that education is the foundation for innovation in music and entertainment. MTSU has a remarkable history of producing talent that goes on to shape the industry. I am honored to contribute to the next generation of leaders.” He added that the gift will help “close the gap between classroom learning and real‑world experience.”

MTSU’s Vice President for Advancement, Dr. Lisa K. Johnson, described the renaming as a “strategic partnership that reflects the university’s commitment to providing students with the tools and networks they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.” She noted that the college, which currently enrolls more than 4,000 students, will be one of the few higher‑education institutions in the country named after a living industry figure.

A Legacy of Innovation

The college has long been recognized for its robust curriculum that blends communications, media production, marketing, and music business. Over the past decade, MTSU has cultivated close relationships with local studios, record labels, and broadcast outlets, giving students hands‑on experience through internships, live‑project collaborations, and industry‑directed coursework.

One of the most celebrated alumni is country star Ashley Cowan, who graduated from the college’s media program in 2013 and credits the university’s industry connections for launching her career. “The real‑world experience I gained at MTSU—working with professional producers and label executives—was the difference between a student and a working musician,” Cowan said in an interview.

The renaming also signals a new era of expansion. Dean of the College, Dr. Michael R. Harrison, said the university plans to introduce a Master’s program in Digital Media Production and a certificate in Music Entrepreneurship in the coming years. “With Scott’s investment, we can offer these new programs and expand our scholarship offerings, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds can access top‑tier education,” Harrison explained.

Industry Partnerships and Campus Impact

The gift is not limited to scholarships. It also includes funding for a new “Borchetta Hub”—a collaborative space that will serve as a launchpad for student projects, featuring industry‑standard equipment and meeting rooms for networking events. The hub will host regular seminars by Big Machine artists and executives, giving students a front‑row seat to the business side of music.

MTSU’s partnership with Big Machine is part of a broader trend of universities aligning with major industry players. Similar collaborations have been seen at institutions such as the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music with the Island Records imprint, and the University of Central Florida’s College of Communications with Universal Music Group.

“Having a figure like Scott Borchetta at the helm of our college’s brand signals to the world that MTSU is a legitimate training ground for the entertainment industry,” said President Dr. Kevin C. McDonald. “It also creates a pipeline for students to secure internships and jobs that might otherwise be out of reach.”

A City’s Pride

For Nashville, the renaming is a source of civic pride. Local media executive Linda S. Foster of the Nashville Scene wrote that the move “reaffirms Nashville’s status as a global hub for music innovation and education.” Foster noted that the partnership underscores the city’s reputation for fostering talent and encouraging entrepreneurship.

MTSU’s renaming also comes amid a flurry of campus renovations, including the new Music and Media Complex that will house upgraded recording studios and broadcast facilities. The college’s facilities now boast a 12‑channel audio production suite, a full‑stage theater for live performances, and a cutting‑edge digital imaging lab.

Looking Ahead

The new Scott A. Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment is expected to launch its first cohort of scholarship recipients early next year. While the official renaming ceremony will take place at a university celebration on September 12, the university’s website says the name change will take effect for the 2025–2026 academic year.

As the music industry continues to adapt to digital streaming, immersive media, and global distribution, MTSU’s new partnership with Borchetta positions the college—and its students—at the forefront of the next wave of entertainment innovation. The move not only honors a key player in Nashville’s music scene but also provides tangible resources that will help shape the future of the industry.