NASHVILLE — Music industry majors at Middle
Tennessee State University now have a chance for financial assistance that pays
homage to country music legend Charlie Daniels.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee surprised Daniels with a
presentation on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night that formally
announced the Charlie Daniels Scholarship at the Murfreesboro university.
"On behalf of 26,000 students at Middle Tennessee State
University, it is my honor and privilege to (announce) this scholarship that
will benefit the students in our recording industry management program,"
McPhee said, adding that the scholarship "honors one of the outstanding
musicians" in the music industry.
Starting in the fall of
2014, a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each year to a
student in the MTSU College of Mass Communication’s Department of Recording
Industry. Eligible students will be those majoring in recording industry,
songwriting, audio engineering and music business.
The International Entertainment Buyers Association
established the MTSU scholarship in honor of Daniels’ with a $25,000
endowment. The IEBA is a Nashville-based, nonprofit trade organization for live
entertainment industry professionals.
"Charlie Daniels spends his life giving, so it's an
honor to have the opportunity to give on his behalf," IEBA Executive
Director Pam Matthews said. "This scholarship helps ensure his legacy will
continue through the next generation of music business leaders."
"I am so honored," said Daniels, who has lectured
at the university in the past. "It was such a surprise. I have the
greatest respect for higher education. To be a part of somebody getting (their
education), especially in that industry ... is special to me."
Making the Opry presentation possible was MTSU alumnus Pete
Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry.
Joining McPhee on stage was MTSU student Jordan Todd, a
junior recording industry major from White Oak, Texas.
"MTSU is such a great school. I think it's awesome for
students to have an opportunity to get scholarships like this and having his
name on the scholarship is really special," Todd said. "Having that
financial aid is amazing because it allows students to focus on what they're in
school for."
Daniels has been honored by MTSU before. In 2009, MTSU
presented him with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award, an honor
presented to a businessperson who has demonstrated the best of the spirit of
America through significant contributions in government, education, and/or
civic and charitable organizations.
About MTSU
Founded in 1911 as
one of three state normal schools for teacher training, MTSU is now the oldest
and largest public university in Middle Tennessee. With an enrollment of more
than 25,000 students, MTSU is the largest undergraduate university in
Tennessee.
MTSU remains
committed to providing individualized service in an exciting and nurturing
atmosphere where student success is the top priority. With a wide variety of
nationally recognized academic degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's
and doctoral levels, MTSU takes pride in educating the best and the brightest
students from Tennessee and around the world.
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