Belmont ATL Expands Belmont's Entertainment Industry Presence in the South

Newest Belmont USA location brings experiential learning to Atlanta's entertainment hub 

Belmont USA's newest study away program, Belmont ATL, is concluding its inaugural semester, offering students immersive experiences in one of the South's most dynamic entertainment markets while strengthening the University's commitment to experiential learning. 

The program, which combines internships with coursework, follows the success of similar initiatives in New York City and Los Angeles, providing students hands-on experience in Atlanta's thriving music, media and entertainment industries. 

Vision and Leadership  

"The vision behind creating the Belmont ATL program was to provide our students with immersive, real-world experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting," said Dr. Eric Holt, assistant professor of music business at Belmont. "Atlanta, with its rich Black culture and music history, emerged as a perfect location to expand these opportunities specifically. Our goal was to enable students to engage directly with the city's unique cultural landscape and dynamic industries, fostering both personal and professional growth." 

Building on this vision, the program's on-site leadership emphasizes Atlanta's strategic importance as an entertainment hub. 

"Atlanta is a central hub for business, entertainment, music, media, sports and tech," said Richard Dunn, Belmont ATL onsite program manager. "This enables students to work with professionals and organizations that lead their respective industries, building their confidence and preparing them for their future careers. Atlanta's blend of Southern hospitality and global business influence creates a one-of-a-kind learning environment." 

Inaugural Class and Internships  

The program's first cohort includes four students working across various sectors of Atlanta's entertainment industry: 

Zelena Kilgore, a junior songwriting major, serves as a marketing intern at Patchwerk Recording Studios, where she focuses on finding networking events to promote studio services and increase community involvement. "Atlanta always has opportunities going on in the city to build relationships and career growth," Kilgore said. "My advice to future students who are interested in the Belmont ATL program is to get involved with Eventbrite. There are so many opportunities with the events in Atlanta; you never know who you will meet." 

Kavarious Finch, a senior media production major, contributes to digital content creation at LVRN (Love Renaissance) record label. "Being in Atlanta has truly been a game-changer for me," Finch said. "I've had the chance to assist with photoshoots, work closely with industry professionals, contribute to exciting projects and build valuable connections. I've also found a strong sense of community here. It's been amazing to connect with people who share similar interests and values and to experience Atlanta's rich culture through such an authentic lens." 

Senior music business major Tanner McDermott interns in marketing at The Masquerade concert venue. "My experience in Belmont ATL so far has been awesome!" McDermott said. "My internship is going well and I'm learning so much already from that as well as our weekly class every Monday night. Our location right outside of the Georgia Tech campus has given me the opportunity to go out and explore their campus and there's plenty of food and grocery places within walking distance of our apartments." 

Makenzie Baugh, a senior media production major, focuses on outreach initiatives at Healing Souls Counseling. "My experience with Belmont ATL has been incredible so far," Baugh said. "My internship has been amazing — I love my supervisor and am genuinely excited about the chance to make a meaningful impact. I've attended a few networking events and one of the highlights was Publicis Groupe's 15th annual Multicultural Talent Partnership. It was my favorite event so far, as I had the chance to join their talent pool and connect with early-stage recruiters." 

Academic and Cultural Integration  

In addition to taking online Belmont courses, students also participate  in "Entertainment and Culture in the ATL," an onsite course exploring the relationship between Atlanta's community and its industries. The course covers topics ranging from the city's influential music scene to its expanding TV and film industry. 

Program Impact and Future Growth 

According to Siobhan Harren, assistant director of Belmont USA, proximity to industry professionals has been crucial to the program's success. "Outside of our planned programming, so many opportunities organically arise for students to meet and network with other college students and professionals working in the industry," she said. "Spending a full semester in Atlanta helps students learn so much about the city, their industry and, overall, themselves." 

Belmont USA plans to expand the program to accommodate 10-15 students by fall 2025. "Belmont ATL exemplifies the dynamic opportunities we offer students to integrate fully into a city's professional landscape," Holt said. "From a brief one-week experience during Maymester to a full semester in the Belmont ATL study away program, students can 'test the waters' of living and working in a vibrant city like Atlanta. Even if they choose not to settle in Atlanta post-graduation, they will have significantly expanded their professional networks and gained practical experience — all while still undergraduates."