Belmont University Expands Dolly U

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Dolly U fellows Margo Dobbs, Mackenzie Thompson, Elise Olson, Ellie Thompson and Cece Twohey. Not pictured: Rachel Phinney, Jude Whalen, Hudson Blake and Riley McConnell. Photo: Sam Simpkinsr

Belmont University is growing its Dolly U initiative with new course offerings, a fresh cohort of student fellows, and the debut of exclusive merchandise, deepening its groundbreaking partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises.

Building on the momentum of its inaugural spring 2025 semester, the Fall 2025 Dolly U curriculum will include four immersive courses that explore various aspects of Dolly Parton’s life, artistry, and the upcoming Broadway-bound Dolly: An Original Musical, which premieres this summer at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

New classes include:

– Documentary Project, led by Annie Price, where journalism students will script “Dolly: The Making of a Musical” using behind-the-scenes footage from CTK Enterprises.

– Dolly: Documentary Editing, taught by Jennifer Bergen, a motion pictures course focusing on editing the same film in collaboration with writers.

– Dolly Parton: Songteller, co-taught by Jodi Marr and Victoria Banks, exploring the songwriting craft and cultural legacy of Parton’s most impactful works.

– Market Research, taught by Dr. Brandon Holle, which includes a hands-on research project tied to the development and marketing of the musical.

In addition to the fall courses, Belmont announced nine undergraduate students as the latest Dolly U Fellows. From June 2 to Aug. 8, the fellows will be embedded in various departments of the Dolly: An Original Musical production team, gaining real-world experience in roles spanning stage management, sound, costumes, video production, music direction and more. Each will work 28–40 hours per week, contributing to the musical’s development at the Fisher Center.

This summer’s fellows include:

– Ellie Thompson (music, musical theatre emphasis, ’26): general/company management
– Margo Dobbs (fashion design, ’26): costumes
– Rachel Phinney (theatre production design, ’26): costumes
– Elise Olson (theatre & drama, ’25): costumes
– Jude Whalen (music business with production emphasis, ’27): stage management
– Cece Twohey (audio engineering technology, ’26): sound
– Hudson Blake (musical theatre, music theory, ’25): music
– Riley McConnell (theatre performance, ’27): directing
– Mackenzie Thompson (motion picture production, ’27): video

“The expansion of Dolly U marks the next chapter in our innovative partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises,” said Sarah Cates, Belmont’s VP for Imagination, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships. “By expanding both our curriculum and the fellowship program, we’re creating unparalleled opportunities for students to develop professional skills alongside one of music’s most iconic figures.”

Timed with National College Decision Day, Dolly U merchandise has also been unveiled for the first time, available exclusively through Dolly Parton’s official online store this month. Several student ideas from the spring classes helped shape the first batch of merch.

Launched in January 2025, the Dolly U partnership provides hands-on, cross-disciplinary experiences while honoring Parton’s enduring cultural legacy. With new academic pathways and industry-facing opportunities, Belmont continues to redefine applied learning at the intersection of entertainment, creativity and community impact.

LB Cantrell
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