Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) received a significant donation of lighting equipment valued at over $18,000 from alumnus Shane Smith, representing a global entertainment technology company. Coordinating with Michael Forbes, director of technical systems for MTSU's Department of Media Arts, Smith secured the donation consisting of more than 70 pieces of audiovisual equipment, including LED, strobe, and color mixing capabilities. This donation aims to enhance student training in setting up stage and studio productions, addressing a need identified by Smith to further the education of media and entertainment students at MTSU.

 

The donated equipment, now located in Studio 1 in the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building, is already being utilized by media arts students for various projects, including TV shows and promotional videos for athletics. Forbes emphasized the significance of this donation in providing students with the skills and tools necessary for careers in the entertainment industry, such as lighting programming and design for concerts.

 

LMG Inc., known for supporting large specialty events worldwide, expressed its commitment to education through this partnership with MTSU. As an MTSU alumnus, Smith attributes much of his career success in the live events industry to his time at the university and hopes to see the creative ways in which MTSU will utilize the new lighting equipment.

 

MTSU's Department of Media Arts, recognized as the largest and most comprehensive program for creative media production in the state and region, offers a wide range of electronic and digital media courses, preparing students for careers in live event and entertainment industries. Recent graduates have had opportunities to work with renowned celebrities such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and more.

 

For more information you can visit https://mtsunews.com/alumnus-lighting-equipment-donation-2024/