Belmont University is teaming up with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises for the new semester of Dolly U. This program, which started in 2025, offers hands-on courses inspired by Parton’s career and entrepreneurial spirit. Students from various fields—like entertainment, business, and communication—are diving into real-world projects that blend creativity and community.
This semester features exciting initiatives like the Billy the Kid Makes It Big Touring Production. Belmont’s Theater Department will adapt Dolly Parton’s children’s book into a live show that will tour elementary schools in Davidson and Williamson Counties next spring.
“Dolly’s journey teaches us about character and innovation. Our Dolly U courses let students apply those lessons,” says Sarah Cates, Belmont’s VP for strategic initiatives. Students learn not just about excellence but how to create it in vibrant projects, such as marketing the Dolly: A True Original Musical soundtrack and designing experiences for the upcoming SongTeller Hotel.
Recently, Belmont celebrated a successful run of Dolly: A True Original Musical at the Fisher Center, where President Greg Jones presented Dolly with a commemorative gift. The custom ceramic bowl, crafted by Audry Deal-McEver, symbolizes growth and the collaborative spirit of the partnership.
Courses for Spring 2026:
Entertainment Marketing and Promotion: Students will create strategies for marketing the musical soundtrack, applying real-world techniques to promote a Broadway launch.
Partnership Marketing in Music: Led by experts from Dolly’s marketing agency, students will investigate sponsorship and collaborative projects tied to Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum.
Emerging Dolly Initiative: This course focuses on communication strategies for educational outreach in Dolly U programs.
Dollyology: Students will analyze Dolly’s career to understand how to build authentic and purpose-driven brands.
Customer Relationship Management: Students will design strategies to enhance customer experiences connected to the Life of Many Colors Museum and the upcoming hotel.
Recent trends show that university partnerships with artists are growing. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicates that students increasingly seek real-world experience in their education. This helps them stand out in a competitive job market. Parton’s influence in this context not only benefits students but also enriches the wider Nashville entertainment community.
For more insights into Dolly Parton’s impact on education and entrepreneurship, check out this report from the National Endowment for the Arts.
