College of Entertainment and the Arts

George Shinn College of Entertainment and the Arts

Mike Fernandez, Dean, George Shinn College of Entertainment and the Arts
Melissa Forte, Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies in Entertainment & the Arts

Core Faculty

Steve Taylor, Director School of Theatre & Cinematic Arts, Assistant Professor of Film

Melissa Forte, Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies in Entertainment & the Arts

Mike Nawrocki, Associate Professor of Film

Larry Brown, Professor of Theatre

Tony Bancroft, Director of Grad Animation certificate

Carlos Hooper, Director of Grad UI/UX certificate

Charles Long, Assistant Professor, Animation

Mike Meredith, Chair, Associate Professor, Animation

In addition to core faculty, distinguished practitioners with expertise in the field will teach selected classes.

Program of Study

Creative Industries Leadership Concentration for the Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, (MBA) (3 courses required):

In a collaboration between the College of Entertainment and the Arts and the College of Business, the Creative Industries Leadership concentration prepares MBA students to lead organizations operating in creativity-driven sectors such as media, entertainment, design, technology, arts, and related fields. This concentration integrates advanced leadership theory, strategic management, and ethical decision-making with an emphasis on innovation, cultural impact, and value creation in dynamic and interdisciplinary environments. Students in this concentration develop the analytical, communication, and strategic leadership skills necessary to manage creative talent, align creative outputs with organizational strategy, and navigate the unique challenges of industries where innovation, intellectual capital, and intangible assets are central to success. Consistent with Lipscomb University’s Christ-centered mission, the concentration emphasizes integrity, stewardship, and purpose-driven leadership while incorporating experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to practice. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles that influence organizational performance, industry advancement, and positive societal impact.

CEA 6003 , Strategic Leadership in Creative Industries Capstone
CEA 6013 , AI in Creative Industries
CEA 6023 , Creative Industry Ecosystems

All other graduate programs for the College of Entertainment and the Arts are pausing enrollment. Current students should consult the graduate catalog that they enrolled under for program information.