Alumni Story

Build the relationships, put in the work, and craft a reputation now that you want to carry with you in the future.”

A campus visit was all it took for Dustin to know Catawba was the school for him. “I chose Catawba College because I truly felt seen from the minute I stepped on campus. I could tell the Catawba community was more than just an academic institution; it was a family.”During his visit, he met the people with whom he would work and study if he came to Catawba. “From one-on-one interactions with the chair of the music department, to getting to meet students and obtain an understanding of what student life was like, Catawba truly went the extra mile to make it known that my presence on campus wasn’t wanted for the numbers, but they wanted students that were going to uphold the pillars of the campus and I was extremely impressed from the beginning.”

[Catawba’s pillars are scholarship, character, culture, service.]

Passionate about music since the sixth grade, when he was a high school sophomore, Catawba attracted Dustin’s attention. “The music program was putting on an event in which various choirs across the state come and work with clinicians to learn music and then perform at night. It was an amazing event.”

As a brand-new freshman, Dustin discovered that Catawba stood out, in a very good way, from a lot of other schools. “At many other institutions I looked into, the most prestigious performance opportunities were reserved for the upperclassmen, but at Catawba, I was performing my first week on campus.”  Dustin appreciated the chance to dive into real-world experiences. He had the opportunity to create music charts for performers to play music that he’d composed and to learn the art of choral conducting and leading rehearsals, along with everything in between. “Catawba’s music program truly prepared me for every avenue that I could’ve potentially pursued in my post-academic endeavors.”

Graduating in 2019, Dustin entered the field of music professionally. He started out performing around the Carolinas on the weekends while teaching choral music to middle schoolers. “I was in my second year of teaching when I made it onto American Idol. After returning home, I decided that it was time to pursue my music career with my undivided devotion.” For Dustin, that looked like finishing the school year teaching, then forming a duo called kindred with his niece, Ryleigh Madison. The two signed with a booking/management agency and opened for artists in both country and Christian music such as Terri Clark, John Berry, Montgomery Gentry, and Jason Crabb. After two years, Ryleigh decided to further her academic career. Dustin opted to audition to be a featured vocalist for Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywood.  Dustin explains, “To my surprise, I got a call the day after my audition offering me the lead male vocalist position in their show ‘Forever Country.’” He adds, “It has been a true joy working with so many talented individuals on a daily basis and to get to learn from some of the industry’s most experienced individuals.”

There’s a saying to the effect that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Dustin attests to the truth of that, “Well, I have to say, when your passions are your job, then you really don’t feel like you’re working. My hobbies include songwriting, playing piano, and performing…all of which are parts of my job.” By any definition, it sounds like Dustin is living a good life, one that fits him. But there’s more, he elaborates, “To go along with that, there’s nothing I love more than spending time with my family, traveling, and I’m actually a huge theme park fan!”

Looking back, Dustin voices satisfaction with his experience as a student at Catawba. “I truly feel as if I grew so much during my time at Catawba in every aspect. I was challenged, pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, and did my best to be there for others when they needed me. I tried daily to truly embody scholarship, leadership, culture, and service–not only for myself, but as a first-generation student, I wanted to make my family proud, and I believe I accomplished that.” He advises students, “Build the relationships, put in the work, and craft a reputation now that you want to carry with you in the future.”