Stephen Rush

Biography

Stephen Rush is Chair and Assistant Professor of Media & Entertainment Industries in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. He earned a Ph.D. in Communication & Information Sciences from The University of Alabama, a M.A. in Strategic Communication from Pepperdine University, and a B.A. in Public Relations with a minor in Computer Science from The University of Alabama.

Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Rush has worked in football recruiting for the University of Alabama under Nick Saban, where he helped facilitate recruiting events and provided creative oversight for all recruiting marketing and points of contact. He also was a Worship & Creative Director at Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, TN where he provided creative oversight, managed, and produced numerous live events and retreats/conferences a year while also working with and developing musicians and production volunteers.

In addition to this, Dr. Rush has lectured internationally on creativity, music, and their connection to society. He has also continued to work as a creative consultant and graphic designer with clients that include Land Rover, AIG, Sony, Provident Music Group, Capitol Records, and Southern Living Magazine. His current research consists of work in the areas of entertainment crisis management, media effects, and public perception in sport.

Prior to joining Belmont, Dr. Rush taught courses in Advertising and Business Management at The University of Alabama.