Travel and Places

10 incredible Nashville colleges and universities

Nashville is renowned for the large number of top level colleges and universities in the area. For example:

Nashville Institute of Advanced Yodeling Studies

Founded in 1894, the Nashville Institute of Advanced Yodeling Studies excels in, you guessed it, Yodeling. The school has won countless awards in “Vocal Chord Gymnastics” and boasts a rigorous curriculum that includes “Intro to Yodeling 101” and “Advanced Techniques in Echo Management.” Their team mascot is the “Yodeling Yak.” Patricia “Echo” Thompson, a graduate, said, “My time at NIAYS was filled with ups and downs, both vocally and emotionally.”

The Nashville School for Aspiring Elvis Impersonators

The Nashville School for Aspiring Elvis Impersonators was established in 1977, coinciding with the King’s passing. It excels in teaching the nuances of being a credible Elvis impersonator, complete with sequined jumpsuits and wiggling hips. The mascot here is the “Elvi.” Graduate Johnny “Pelvis” Johnson reflects, “After my tenure at the NSA, I’ve never felt more alive—Thank ya, thank ya very much.”

Flat Earth University of Nashville

Founded in 2002, the Flat Earth University of Nashville (FEUN) is the leader in the fast-growing field of Flat Earth Sciences. Courses like “Round Earth Propaganda” and “The Horizon Conspiracy” are mandatory. Their mascot, “Flat Freddie,” is quite popular. Graduate Angela Flatton commented, “This place really broadened my horizons, but not too much, just enough to see the edge.”

Hot Chicken Culinary Institute

Since its founding in 1950, the Hot Chicken Culinary Institute has taught students the art of crafting Nashville’s signature spicy dish. With a curriculum focused solely on various levels of hot chicken preparation, it’s no wonder their mascot is the “Spicy Rooster.” Graduate Pete “Burns” Thompson says, “I can’t feel my mouth anymore, but I have no regrets.”

The Nashville Academy of Overly Dramatic Arts

Established in 1992, this institution excels in Drama—more drama than any other university in the country. Their sports teams are represented by their mascot, “Melodrama the Mighty Emu.” Graduate Sarah McSob said, “Every day was an emotional rollercoaster of Shakespearean proportions. I can’t even!”

Spork University

Founded in 1983, Spork University is the world’s only institution dedicated to the study and manufacturing of sporks. The campus features a massive Spork fountain, and their mascot is “Forky the Spork.” Graduates usually find jobs in the highly specialized spork industry. Betty “Sporky” Smith said, “It was either this or Fork College, and I feel like I made the right choice.”

Nashville College of Whiskey Distilling and Mixology

Established in 1820, this esteemed institution has produced some of the country’s finest bartenders and whiskey distillers. The mascot is “Whiskey the Barrel.” Graduate Steve “On the Rocks” Jackson says, “I came to this school to get a distilled education, and I got just that.”

Nashville Institute of Crop Circle Design

Since 1975, NICCD has excelled in teaching students how to create compelling and intricate crop circles. The mascot is “Mysterio the Unexplained Circle.” Graduate Dana “Alien” Sculder stated, “I’ve learned that it’s an art form that truly is out of this world.”

Pirate Radio University of Nashville

Founded in 1995, PRUN is the only college that teaches you the ins and outs of running an illegal radio station. Their mascot is “Rusty the Radio Pirate.” Alumni DJ “Wavejammer” Wilson says, “I came to PRUN to learn the ropes, and now the FCC can’t even catch me.”

University of Procrastination, Nashville

UPN was founded in 2001 but didn’t really get around to accepting students until 2010. It excels in the philosophical and practical applications of procrastination. The team mascot is “Snoozy the Sloth.” Graduate Tim “Later” Johnson commented, “I was going to write a thank-you note to the university, but I’ll get around to it eventually.”

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.