Belmont University’s new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, launched by the University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business and the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, has tapped industry veteran and licensed clinical social worker Debbie Carroll as its executive director.
Carroll was most recently vp of entertainment and specialized services at Onsite Entertainment and previously spent more than 20 years as vp of health and human services at MusiCares.
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Carroll will also hold the position of CMA endowed chair as part of a $3 million gift from the Country Music Association to the new center. Two million dollars of that will go towards the creation of the chair and the executive director position, while the remaining $1 million will go toward programming. The $2 million will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge at Belmont, for a total of $5 million.
“I’m honored to step into this role and help lead a transformative initiative that places mental health at the heart of the entertainment industry,” said Carroll in a statement. “This Center represents a powerful opportunity to build a culture of care, resilience and innovation for artists and professionals across music, film, television and beyond. With Belmont’s deep commitment, and CMA’s visionary support, we’re poised to make a lasting impact, starting in Nashville and reaching far beyond.”
Belmont University Center for Mental Health in Entertainment
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The Center will address the critical need for mental health research, education and resources in the entertainment industry. It will serve both students and industry professionals.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern added, “As a trade association, it’s our responsibility to care for the people who make this industry thrive. Supporting their well-being has always been central to CMA’s mission, and through years of investments and partnerships, we’ve seen how access to care can change lives. This collaboration with Belmont allows us to take that support a step further—transforming advocacy into meaningful, long-term change. With a leader like Debbie Carroll guiding this work, we’re helping ensure a stronger, healthier music community for generations to come.”
Brittany Schaffer, dean of Curb College, said, “Our partners, like CMA, know a thriving entertainment industry begins with healthy, supported individuals connected by community. This center will invest in today’s leaders and creators, prepare the next generation to confidently navigate challenges, and serve as a model for how our industry can care for its own. Debbie Carroll has long been the trusted voice on mental health in entertainment—her wisdom, compassion and proven leadership have shaped the vision for this Center from the spark of the idea, and I have every confidence in her as our inaugural CMA Endowed Chair & Executive Director. With Debbie at the helm, we have the opportunity to forever change culture.”
