Overton Named Honorary Professor By MTSU

Gary Overton, who holds the plaque commemorating his designation as Honorary Professor, is surrounded by MTSU students after his talk on campus.

Sony Music Nashville‘s Gary Overton has been dubbed an Honorary Professor by Middle Tennessee State University‘s Department of Recording Industry. He was surprised with the presentation Sept. 17, after his talk with 250 MTSU students as the debut speaker in the department’s new Chair’s Speakers Series. Overton graduated from the college in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Industry Management, and was recently inducted into the school’s Mass Communication Wall of Fame.

“Gary Overton is one of the most successful graduates in the 40-year history of the Department of Recording Industry,” said Beverly Keel, the department’s chair. “He has been so generous with his time, guidance and advice that we were eager to bestow this rare honor on Gary. The students are still buzzing with excitement about his talk here and were inspired by his words of wisdom and encouragement. He is a wonderful ambassador for MTSU and country music.”

Currently the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Nashville, Overton previously spent 15 years as Executive VP & General Manager of EMI Music Publishing’s Nashville division, where he was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations. During his tenure there, the company earned Publisher of the Year honors from ASCAP, BMI, and/or SESAC 12 times. Prior to that, Overton managed Alan Jackson and also served as head of A&R for BNA Entertainment and VP of Warner/Chappell Music.