Charlie Daniels scholarship will launch in the fall

Following the ceremony, a proud Charlie Daniels poses with friends (left to right): Beverly Keel, MTSU’s new chair of the Department of Recording Industry; Daniels; Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry general manager; Pam Matthews, executive director
of the International Entertainment Buyers Association; and Melissa Wald, Recording Industry associate professor. Photo by Vicky Tubb

Beginning in Fall 2014, music industry majors at MTSU will have a chance for financial assistance that pays homage to country music legend Charlie Daniels.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee surprised Daniels last spring with a presentation on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry that formally announced the Charlie Daniels Scholarship.

“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.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each year to a student in the Department of Recording Industry. Eligible students must major in recording industry, songwriting, audio engineering or 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 (center) poses with MTSU President Sidney McPhee and Pam Matthews, executive director of the International Entertainment Buyers Association. Photo by Vicky Tubb

“Charlie Daniels spends his life giving, so it’s an honor to have the opportunity to give on his behalf,” said IEBA Executive Director Pam Matthews. “This scholarship helps ensure his legacy will continue through the next generation of music business leaders.” MC