John Zarling Honored with Prestigious Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence

Industry pioneer and Belmont alumnus recognized for notable contributions to entertainment industry and university before annual Best of the Best Showcase

Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business presented the 2025 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence to John Zarling, chief marketing officer at Results Global and Belmont alumnus, during a ceremony before the university's annual Best of the Best Showcase. 

The prestigious award –– established in 2008 in memory of music business program founder Bob Mulloy –– annually recognizes an individual who has achieved excellence in the music business and entertainment industries while demonstrating notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community.

Belmont alumnus Zarling has become a pivotal force in the industry by transforming marketing strategies for some of music's biggest names. In 2019, his entrepreneurial vision led him to co-found 615 Leverage + Strategy with Jackie Campbell — now known as Results Global. Throughout his career, his innovative approaches have driven more than 100 million units sold, 100 No. 1 singles and has generated brand partnerships in the tens of millions.

"I am deeply honored to recognize John Zarling as this year's recipient of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence," said Brittany Schaffer, dean of the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. "JZ's remarkable achievements in the music industry are paralleled only by his quiet, steadfast dedication to serving Nashville, Belmont University and the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. His impact — both visible and behind the scenes — has been profound, and no one is more deserving of this recognition."

The award recognizes Zarling's ongoing contributions to both the entertainment industry and entertainment education. Since graduating in 2001, he has maintained strong ties with his alma mater while building a successful career in music marketing and brand partnerships.

"So much of my identity today in the business and beyond, is aligned here with Belmont," said Zarling. "I couldn't be prouder to continue to be a small part of this university's story. When I look at the list of those who have been honored [with this award], I'm humbled to be named among them."

During a pre-show reception, Sarah Cates, Belmont's vice president of imagination, strategic initiatives and partnerships, presented the award to Zarling, celebrating his journey from Belmont student to industry leader. 

Zarling's relationship with Belmont has continued to evolve since his graduation, with his influence extending well beyond his own student experience.

"John has not only served the industry through his rooted character, inspired creativity and generous innovation, but he has also served Belmont," said Cates. "For more than five years, John and his business partner Jackie have taught a brand partnership course for Curb College. Over the last two years, John has been a central player in the development of Belmont's partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises."

As chief marketing officer at Results Global, Zarling leads Dolly Parton's marketing agency of record in Nashville. Under his guidance, the firm has orchestrated campaigns for Parton's New York Times-bestselling books and chart-topping music releases, including the Gold-selling album "Rockstar," which delivered the biggest first-week sales debut of her seven-decade career. 

This partnership extends to Belmont through Zarling's work with "Dolly: An Original Musical," premiering this summer at Belmont's Fisher Center before its Broadway debut.

"Because of John's spirit of generous innovation, we currently have more than 100 students participating in the Dolly U program," Cates added. "John, your fingerprints are creating the transformative experiences that this generation of Bruins will talk about the rest of their lives. 

Zarling joins a distinguished list of past recipients including legendary music publisher Donna Hilley, Grammy Award-winning artist and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, Curb Records/Publishing owner Mike Curb, Sony/ATV Music Publishing president Troy Tomlinson, Grammy-winning writer/producer Gordon Kennedy and Grammy and Academy of Country Music award-winning engineer/producer Chuck Ainlay.

The award ceremony honoring Zarling preceded Belmont's Best of the Best Showcase, a 25-year tradition that has become a legendary stage for the next generation of music industry talent. The showcase features performances by winners of the university's genre-based showcases along with four songwriters who won the Writer's Showcase. Past participants include artists such as Hailey Whitters, Brad Paisley, Ashley Cooke, Josh Turner, Judah and the Lion and Bren Joy.