Wfitten by Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU's College of Media & Entertainment

Nashville, TN - Six students from Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment had the opportunity of a lifetime by attending the 58th annual CMA Awards in downtown Nashville. They were accompanied by Department of Recording Industry professor Odie Blackmon, thanks to the efforts of an alumna who made it happen.

The plan to attend this year’s Country Music Association Awards was a year in the making. It began in 2023 when the association’s CEO, Sarah Trahan, invited Blackmon and some students to attend a backstage panel for last year’s show.

“The CMA has a long history of supporting students, teachers, and education,” said Blackmon, who teaches commercial songwriting and collaborates with multiple artists on their tunes.

Fast forward to this year’s show, and Blackmon’s former student, Devin Ford, who now oversees social media for the Country Music Association, reached out to him via social media. She expressed her desire to secure tickets for some MTSU students.

“It’s so important to provide students with opportunities like this since it offers valuable exposure to the music industry and helps guide them in their career paths,” Ford said.

Blackmon mentioned that the six attendees were chosen based on their hard work, diverse backgrounds, and love for country music.