Rapper, Actor And Entrepreneur Ludacris To Be Artist-In-Residence At Georgia State University

Updated at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday

Rapper, actor and entrepreneur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges can add artist-in-residence to his resume as he takes on the position at Georgia State University.

The university announced Tuesday that Bridges will mentor students and work with professors at the Creative Media Industries Institute this fall. The Atlanta-based artist and former student of the university will focus his teaching on entrepreneurship in the music and film industries.

Institute Executive Director Brennen Dicker said they are very excited about the news and what it will mean for students’ understanding of media entrepreneurship.

“You know, it’s such a mystery, especially in film and television. How do people get their first steps in? How do the doors open?” he said. “And I think it’s a great opportunity for Chris to tell them his story.”

Bridges, who attended Georgia State for two years, will guest lecture, participate in workshops and take on music and media projects with students and faculty.

Hey @ludacris, time to update your PantherCard! We’re excited to welcome Chris Bridges back to campus this fall as an artist-in-residence in @cmii_gsu. That’s #TheStateWay! https://t.co/mrMNXETPAE pic.twitter.com/ODj5tnuTz5

— Georgia State University (@GeorgiaStateU) October 15, 2019

Dicker said one student, Derek Jackson, first invited Bridges to campus.

“He kept on coming down and wanted to know more about the institute. This really was a connection with the students directly. This wasn’t with the faculty or myself. The students were the ones that impressed Chris,” Dicker said.

The creative institute was founded in 2014 and is intended to prepare students for careers beyond the scope of traditional degree programs. The program connects students with Atlanta’s booming film, music and video game industries.

“All of the artists-in-residence that we have right now are very active, not only being here at the Institute but also helping, whether it’s through internships or actually working with the students directly,” he said.

The volunteer commitment is for two years.