Matthew Leimkuehler

Matthew Leimkuehler serves as an Assistant Professor at Middle Tennessee State University's School of Journalism and Strategic Media within the Interdisciplinary Media (Media and Entertainment) program.

As a Nashville-based music journalist with over a decade of professional experience, Leimkuehler has established himself through bylines in prestigious publications including GQ, Forbes, The Tennessean, USA Today, American Songwriter, and the Nashville Scene. His industry expertise directly informs his academic work, where he teaches Feature Writing and Reporting courses while providing students with practical journalism experience.

Professor Leimkuehler has developed innovative teaching approaches, notably leading a summer course to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival that gives students hands-on field experience in music journalism. He also serves as faculty advisor for Sidelines, mentoring student journalists at MTSU's student-run newspaper and media outlet, thereby bridging academic instruction with real-world media production.

His professional background in Nashville's music scene combined with his academic role positions him as a valuable resource for students pursuing careers in entertainment journalism and media production.