#MyMTStory: RIM 50th

What are top memories in the RIM/Recording Industry program?

We asked alumni to share some of their best memories for MTSU’s unique Recording Industry Department, formerly known as RIM, as the program celebrates its 50th birthday.

Chandler Brown (’19)

I learned invaluable lessons about songwriting, musicianship, and the industry as a whole from the great Odie Blackmon. He is still to this day one of the most influential people in my life, 5 years after graduation. He single-handedly made my time at MTSU worth it, and helped shaped me into the writer/artist I am today. Forever grateful for my time in the Commercial Songwriting program.

Derek Harville (’16)

I learned so much from Professor Deborah Wagnon's courses. Her unlimited depth of knowledge and wisdom from her remarkable career in Entertainment Law made for the best resource during my studies in RIM. My business savvy/legal mind grew tremendously from taking her courses.

Every course I took had masters of their craft for Professors. Amy Macy, Matthew O'Brian, Beverly Keel, Paul Fischer, Melissa Wald all were excellent in teaching their respective areas of expertise with decades worth of experience. Every class helped shape my understanding of how the music business works as a whole.

Vic Larnerd (’83)

When I entered the RIM program at MTSU, I never figured I'd get to shake hands with Johnny Cash... … the first time I ever heard Stevie Ray Vaughan was hanging out at the Haynes House, if that counts. That, and being part of the first cpl of RIM Music albums. So many talented and creative classmates. Doc Hull was brilliant. He could get college kids like me to comprehend case study. That's borderline miraculous. Hal Newman always had the funniest stories in class. Then there was Student Programming/Special Events Committee....I'm not certain if some of those stories are printable.

Mike Defibaugh (’79, ’81)

OG: Geoff Hull and Christian Haseleu

Geoff Hull always made his classes relevant, personal, and often entertaining. Chris was the consummate audio professional. Whatever you needed to learn, he would teach you

Matt Collins

It was Nathan E Adam hands down!

Tammy Baugh Gibson

Bo’s motto for ARMS… if you have a head on your shoulders you have ARMS by your side and too many great Grammy watching party memories!

Doug Jernigan (’91)

While in the program, I worked at the Center for Popular Music. I also did an internship at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum research library. From that I became a Reference Librarian and had a wonderful 28year career at Meridian Community College. I enjoyed my time at MTSU and it means a lot to me. I met a lot of good folks while there, including entertainers like John Prine, by being involved in student organizations.

If you know someone like my son Joseph Jernigan, aka Shuqualak Slim, who is a musician and or interested in being in the entertainment industry, I recommend the MTSU College of Media and Entertainment. Not only will they get a good education but will have some good experiences as well. Always True Blue.