Nashville, TN — The Gospel Industry Coalition (GIC) College Division announced the successful completion of its inaugural Student Focus Group, conducted on April 20, 2026. The study — the first structured, student-focused research effort of its kind in collegiate gospel music — surveyed 39 college gospel choir members from institutions across the United States.
The focus group, hosted virtually by GIC College Division Chair Darryl Izzard and introduced by GIC President Dr. Teresa Hairston Jackson, achieved a 100% survey completion rate with an average response time of 5.9 minutes. The session was designed to gather firsthand insight from students about their experiences with gospel music on campus, the opportunities they seek, the barriers they face, and what they need to grow as artists, leaders, and professionals in the gospel music industry.
Among the key findings: 100% of respondents see value in direct access to gospel industry professionals — the only survey category with zero respondents rating it "not valuable." Additionally, 79% said yes to joining or shaping GIC student initiatives, with 0% saying no. The campus gospel choir was identified as the primary gospel music home for 90% of respondents, confirming the College Division's chapter-based organizational model.
"This data tells one story," said Izzard. "This audience is mission-aligned, musically committed, and ready to be organized. GIC College Division arrives at precisely the right moment."
The findings will directly inform the College Division's 2026–2028 Programs Playbook, a five-pillar strategic framework spanning Industry Access, Career Pathways, Campus Events & Performance, Content & Community, and Recruitment & Leadership. The first programs are scheduled to launch during Stellar Week in August 2026.
The GIC College Division operates as a program of the Gospel Industry Coalition, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit www.giccollegedivision.org.