DMI students (L to R) Johnathin Thompson, Jamarcus Brown, Marion Cork, Louise Word and Josey Spivey at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Students from Delta State University’s Delta Music Institute (DMI) recently returned from Los Angeles after serving as official representatives of GRAMMY U, gaining firsthand experience during one of the music industry’s most significant weeks of the year.
DMI students (L to R) Louise Word, Jamarcus Brown, Josey Spivey, Marion Cork and Johnathin Thompson visited several music industry landmarks while in Los Angeles for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, including the famous Capitol Records building.
While in Los Angeles, DMI students worked at a variety of pre-GRAMMY events, assisting with event operations, engaging directly with entertainment professionals and observing industry standards at the highest level. The experience provided meaningful exposure to the pace, expectations and professionalism required within the national music landscape. In addition to their hands on responsibilities, students connected with professionals across multiple sectors of the entertainment industry, building relationships and gaining practical insight into career preparation. The visit also included opportunities to explore the cultural and creative environment of Los Angeles, offering valuable context for the industry they are preparing to enter.
Representing DSU were Johnathin Thompson of Moselle, Josie Spivey of Southaven, Marion Cork of Indianola, Louise Word of Greenville, and Jamarcus Brown of Lexington. Throughout the trip, each student served as an outstanding ambassador for the university and the DMI, demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and preparedness in every setting.
DMI Director and Entertainment Industry Studies Chair Richard Tremmel said experiences like this underscore the value of applied learning and professional engagement. “Our students represented Delta State with excellence and returned with expanded industry insight and meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their careers,” Tremmel said.
Housed within the College of Business and Aviation, the Delta Music Institute offers Mississippi’s only Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Industry Studies. Through experiential opportunities such as GRAMMY U participation, students gain real world experience across the technological, creative and business dimensions of the entertainment industry. The Delta Music Institute continues to provide innovative, industry connected opportunities that prepare students for careers in music, media, and live entertainment.
For more information about the Entertainment Industry Studies program, visit dmi.deltastate.edu.
