Benny Pough Is Executive-In-Residence At North Carolina Central University
DURHAM, NC – Benny Pough is the former president of Roc Nation Music and executive vice president of Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. He helped shape the careers of musical artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, and Travis Scott, among others. He is also the inaugural Executive-in-Residence at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). The faculty in the Department of Mass Communication at NCCU created the Executive-in-Residence Series to bridge the gap between academia and industry. They wanted to provide students with “direct access to seasoned professionals who can offer real-world insights and mentorship.”
According to Aerial Ellis, the Wells Fargo Endowed Chair in Mass Communication, “This initiative is crucial as it exposes students to diverse perspectives, current trends, and practical knowledge that can enhance their academic experience and prepare them for successful careers post-graduation.”
Black entertainers have a profound influence on pop culture and inspire Black students. Ellis shared, “Providing HBCU students with insight into [the music industry’s] inner workings through industry leaders like Benny Pough is vital.” She added, [This type of exposure] expands their horizons, showing them diverse career paths beyond performing and showcasing the myriad of roles and career paths available beyond the stage or screen.”
This Executive-in-Residence Series empowers students to envision themselves as contributors and leaders in the industry and fosters a sense of possibility and ambition. As Ellis explained, “It communicates to students that their aspirations aren’t limited to what’s visible in the limelight but extend to the realms of production, marketing, management, and beyond.”
When Ellis was appointed to the Wells Fargo Endowed Chair at NCCU, she saw an opportunity to create connections between students and leaders from music, media, sports, and entertainment. She leveraged the endowment resources attached to her faculty position, hoping to “provide students with unparalleled access to big industry names, aligning with their interests and aspirations.” Given the “newfound prominence” of HBCUs, Ellis thought it was crucial to “capitalize on partnerships and support from organizations and leaders, cementing our institution’s position as a hub for innovation and opportunity.”
Pough was chosen as the inaugural Executive-in-Residence due to his extensive experience and achievements in the entertainment industry. As Ellis explained, “Pough’s expertise will inspire and empower students, providing them with the guidance and resources they need to thrive in the competitive entertainment landscape.”
Pough, who didn’t get the chance to attend an HBCU for college, is truly honored to serve as the inaugural Executive-in-Residence at NCCU. He wants to share his industry knowledge — gleaned from his collective tenure at Def Jam, Epic, and RocNation Music — with HBCU students. According to Pough, “I have a comprehensive plan to maximize my time with the students. I will be presenting case studies on some of their favorite artists and helping them create fictional record labels and album release campaigns.” He added, “Drawing from my background in the industry, I’ll offer practical insights into artist management, marketing strategies, and navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry.”
Pough, who is now CEO of his own company – DVERSE Media, will be building on the success of his recent music business conference, It’s Your Time hosted in Charlotte, NC, where NCCU students actively participated. Pough aims to create immersive learning experiences that blend theory with real-world applications. He stated, “By providing students with access to industry insiders and equipping them with practical skills, I hope to empower the next generation of entertainment leaders. Additionally, I’ll leverage my connections to bring in fellow industry executives as guest speakers, exposing students to diverse perspectives and fostering networking opportunities.”
Working with students and providing opportunities to them is personal for Pough. As he shared with the Brunswick Review when he was young, a promoter from Motown Records invited him to do an internship in New York, and it was life-changing. Pough stated, “In the neighborhood I’m from, there was never conversation or dialogue about internships. I didn’t know what it was.” Although the internship didn’t pay much, the support Pough received was — as he shared — “incalculable.” Pough added, “They could see something in me that I necessarily didn’t see in myself. That’s value, not knowing that people are watching you and that they’re willing to take a risk and a chance on you, even though you’re not really at that point of understanding yourself what’s required.”
The connection with Pough and other executives has the potential to open doors for HBCU students to explore their passions and pursue career avenues they may not have previously considered. Ellis shared, “It sends a powerful message that there’s a place for them in the entertainment and media industries—not just as admirers of fame and success, but as active participants and future leaders shaping the cultural landscape.” Research agrees — Black students who see people in positions they aspire to who look like them are more likely to succeed.
This article first appeared in Forbes.
Photo credits:
Benny Pough (submitted)
Aerial Ellis (submitted)