Two Students Who Took the Transfer Risk and Found their Paths in Nashville

How Seth Holland and Kelvin Chambliss turned their transfer decisions into creative momentum and career opportunities

When Seth Holland (music business, '28) first visited campus, tagging along with his sister’s orientation group, he had no idea the trip would eventually lead him to Nissan Stadium, hired as photographer for one of the biggest shows in country music history. At the time, he was enrolled at a university in Florida. But this one look at Belmont changed everything. 

For Kelvin Chambliss (motion picture production, '26), it was brief glimpses into Belmont’s Motion Pictures program that sparked his desire to transfer. Even before enrolling, he experienced the Department’s collaborative spirit, students supporting each other and welcoming him in, which made the leap feel worth taking. 

The decision to transfer can be intimidating, full of uncertainty and change. But for Chambliss and Holland, taking that step in confidence propelled them into a new chapter of strong community, creative connections and career-defining opportunities. 

Discovering Belmont 

After high school, Holland followed a familiar path: enrolling in college, building good friendships and pursuing hobbies like photography and videography on the side. A self-described hustler, he started and ran a few businesses, guided by both his gut and his faith. 

But as time went on, it became clear that something felt off.  

“When my sister was accepted to Belmont, I was feeling kind of lost,” he remembered. “My dad had offered me a full-time position at his construction business, and I was faced with a choice: take the job or move with Sophie to pursue my dreams of working in music.” 

Meanwhile, Chambliss was encountering a similar dilemma. While attending another school, he had already become active in Belmont’s Motion Pictures community. 

“Before transferring, I already knew a few students in the program and helped out on some projects,” he said. “Seeing the amount of support and encouragement from everyone in the program as they screened their work in the theater was one of the most amazing things I had ever experienced.” 

Coming aboard 

Both students described a welcoming transfer process. 

“I called many times with questions and was always given clear answers and a smooth process,” Chambliss shared. “One of the best things about Belmont is that they make you feel welcomed into the family from the moment you apply.” 

Holland found an early sense of belonging through the transfer-specific Towering Traditions cohort, a group distinct from the typical freshman orientation groups.  

“That’s where I found my community,” he said. “We were able to bond over the shared experience of transferring, and I ended up meeting a friend who would ultimately become my roommate.” 

Taking Flight 

Once he was settled on campus, Holland quickly found his place, photographing local artists and growing alongside them as their careers expanded and the stages got bigger. Among these was sophomore Carlisle Wright, a country artist whose collaboration with Holland coincided with her CMA Fest debut and an upcoming Nissan Stadium performance opening for Alan Jackson on his final tour.  

This show, featuring artists like George Strait, Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert, marks a major milestone in Holland’s career. “The thing about Belmont is that you never know who you’re going meet,” he said. “I never imagined transferring to Belmont would lead me to a photography job for a huge stadium show.” 

Reflecting his time in the Motion Pictures program, Chambliss likened the experience to a ceiling, constantly rising with him as he grew as a filmmaker. 

“The more opportunities I’ve been blessed to experience, the higher the ceiling gets,” he said. “Coming to Belmont didn’t make me feel like I had arrived, it gave me even more to chase.” 

Looking Back on the Process 

Reflecting on their respective transfer journeys, both students pointed to the warm, communal spirit of the University.  

“Coming to Belmont honestly felt like a movie in the sense that I was brought in with so much enthusiasm, support and high spirits,” said Chambliss. “The transition felt exciting, meaningful and like I was stepping into a place where I truly belonged.” 

Guided by the words of his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, Holland offered a similar sentiment.  

“If I could say one thing to students considering a transfer, it would be to follow your dreams. I know that may sound cliche, but if you trust in the Lord, He’ll put you in the right place for the right reasons; that’s what happened to me at Belmont.”