Graduation Spotlight: Worth’s real-world experience with Dolly Parton Exhibit, music industry projects training ground for career
Kim Chaudoin |
When Sean Worth first stepped foot on Lipscomb University’s campus, something just felt right.
“I only looked at a few colleges, but when I first came to Lipscomb’s campus, it felt so creatively alive,” said Worth. “I knew it was right almost immediately when touring.”
That initial spark ignited a college experience filled with unique and exciting moments, culminating this May with Worth earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design through Lipscomb’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts. But his time at Lipscomb was defined by far more than coursework. Worth, who hails from Warrington, Pennsylvania, immersed himself in a wide range of creative and leadership roles — experiences that not only shaped his talent but also opened doors to the music and entertainment industries.
One of the most unique and high-profile opportunities came in fall 2023, when Worth was named student art director for Dolly Parton & the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones, a one-of-a-kind fashion exhibition held on campus in collaboration with Parton’s team in conjunction with the release of her book, “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones.”
“I will never stop talking about the experience of art directing the Dolly Parton and the Makers exhibition,” Worth said. “Most graphic design students don’t graduate with real-world work and experience, let alone for Nashville’s biggest celebrity. This does not go unnoticed, and I still can’t believe I got to do that.”
From initial design mockups to promotional materials, Worth helped shape the visual identity of the exhibit — work that included a billboard along Nashville’s I-65, product designs for the exhibit gift shop and the creation of a special-edition T-shirt featuring a photo of Parton in a butterfly dress from her Behind the Seams book.
The project also taught Worth how to navigate the intricacies of large-scale creative work, from budgeting to managing approvals with Parton’s creative team and Lipscomb leadership. The experience has already paid dividends. “Since the exhibition, I’ve been able to do some freelance projects for Dolly Parton and her upcoming business ventures,” he said.
But Worth’s Lipscomb story didn’t stop there. In January 2025, he was selected to serve as creative director for the debut album rollout for River & Rail, CEA’s Imagine House’s first record label client. Worth directed his first music video for the project, an effort that earned Best Music Video and Best Music Video Cinematography at Lipscomb’s 5 Minute Film Festival this spring.
“That was a moment I never could’ve had without putting myself out there,” said Worth, who also completed internships with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Universal Music Group’s °1824 team. “Everyone here says that the professors are ‘always in your corner,’ but truly, I would have never gotten to the places I did without them pushing me to the forefront of some insane opportunities.”
In addition to his design work, Worth made his mark on campus his junior year as he co-directed the sweepstakes winning Singarama show in 2024.
“I was so grateful to have won alongside Emmie Huffines, Pi Delta and Phi Nu,” he said. “Directing was an incredibly rewarding experience and allowed me to try new things and meet so many new people. One of my favorite memories here for sure.”
He also served as creative director for Singarama this spring, social coordinator of Theta Psi social club, vice president of the CEA Student Advisory Board, a member of the President’s Student Advisory Council and a member of the 2023 and 2024 Quest Teams.
“As part of the Quest Team, I was able to meet new students with my same aspirations, and help them grow through their first two years here,” he said. “I just want to give back to a place that’s given so much to me,” he said. “I don’t think I could’ve been prepared better.”
For Worth, Lipscomb’s influence went beyond his unique experiences and professional preparation. It also deepened his faith.
“I believe that my time at Lipscomb reinforced the idea of God always having a plan for you, no matter what,” he explained. “The transition into college was so jarring, and I felt that nobody talked about that. If I wasn’t immediately having the best time, it felt like I was doing something wrong. I now know that’s not the case at all. Everyone experiences this transition differently, but keeping my faith and sticking with it got me to this point.”
Looking ahead, Worth said he plans to stay in Nashville and work in the music industry, focusing on album packaging, promotional design, music videos and content creation. Whether through freelancing or future full-time opportunities, he is confident his time at Lipscomb has set the stage.
“This is the place to learn while doing it,” said Worth. “And I’ve been blessed to do just that.”
Photos: Kristi Jones