I originally came to Belmont to pursue a career in the music business. Growing up in Nashville, the music industry always felt like a natural path, and Belmont was the place where that world and a strong business education intersected. I began in the Music Business program before eventually transitioning into a general business track through the Massey College of Business as I got closer to graduation.

Nashville itself was also a major factor. I’m from here and have always loved this city, so attending Belmont allowed me to stay connected to the community while building relationships and exploring career opportunities. Belmont’s proximity to the industries that shape Nashville made it an exciting place to learn and grow.

My experience at Belmont was very personal and formative. One of the things I appreciated most was the size and culture of the university. It had a small, intimate feel that made it easy to build relationships and feel connected to the campus community.

At the same time, Belmont exposed me to a much broader world. I grew up in a rural environment, so being surrounded by students from different backgrounds, perspectives, and ambitions was incredibly valuable. It gently opened the door to experiences and ideas that I hadn’t previously encountered.

I also worked throughout my time in school, which meant I wasn’t heavily involved in extracurricular activities. In many ways, that balance between school and work helped ground my education in the real world. Belmont and Massey gave me a strong foundation in business while also expanding my perspective on what was possible professionally and personally.

One memory that still stands out is the first time I stepped inside a working recording studio while at Belmont. Seeing how the music was made behind the scenes was fascinating. I also remember a private performance Brad Paisley did for students, which felt like a uniquely Belmont experience given the university’s connection to the Nashville music community.

On the academic side, one of the concepts that stuck with me most was entrepreneurship. I happened to be part of some of the earlier classes in that area at Massey, and that mindset resonated with me in a way that few other subjects did. It reinforced the idea of looking for opportunities, thinking creatively about business problems, and being willing to take initiative.

Beyond specific classes, Belmont also taught me the value of listening to different viewpoints. I came from a rural background, and being surrounded by people with very different perspectives challenged me in a positive way. That experience helped shape how I approach business today. I try to lead with kindness, remain curious, and avoid assuming my perspective is always the right one.

Today I work in healthcare advisory as a Business Development Director with RSM US, where I partner with hospitals and health systems across the country. My role focuses on connecting healthcare leaders with resources and expertise that can help them solve complex operational and financial challenges, particularly in areas like finance transformation, automation, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle performance.

Interestingly, my path into healthcare was not originally planned. I initially expected to pursue a career in the music industry. However, like many students, I realized that path often required unpaid internships, which simply was not feasible for me at the time. I took a job in healthcare to pay the bills, and over time I discovered a field where I could build a meaningful career while helping organizations that serve their communities.

Since then, my career has evolved from operational roles into a more strategic, relationship-driven position where I help connect ideas, people, and solutions across the healthcare industry. In many ways, the foundation I received at Belmont and Massey played an important role in that journey. The entrepreneurial mindset, the emphasis on relationships, and the exposure to diverse perspectives all continue to influence how I approach my work today.

Thank you, James, for sharing your story, your support of Massey and your mentorship to current students!