The University of Montana welcomed a new professor to the Entertainment Management Program at the School of Business Administration this semester. Executive Director Mike Morelli brings 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry and hopes to continue growing the entertainment management program while teaching on campus.

"I was running a performing arts center off in the wilds of Ohio. There was a lot of business with William Morris and Clint Mitchell. Clint is one of the founding members [of the program] and we got into a discussion about the opening that was here," Morelli said. "He said, 'Well you should think about that,' so I took a look and thought, 'My goodness, I should think about that.' So I applied and the rest was history."

Morelli said the program started through alumni who had previously worked for UM productions or other industries in Missoula—Low and behold, the entertainment management program was established.

"In one of the classes right now, the students have formed into groups and they've found local artists to develop," Morelli said. "They'll work on the branding of those artists, developing their careers and helping them with recordings and video/audios. They'll also have a gig or two around town, culminating in a big performance at the Top Hat. That is a hands on, real world experience for students."

Looking forward, Morelli hopes to partner with departments across campus and offer courses that benefit students from such areas as performing arts, fine arts, media arts, journalism and sports and nonprofit organizations.

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