Belhaven University Welcomes Joey Nelms as Chair and Assistant Professor of Film Production

JACKSON, Miss. (February 5, 2026) — Belhaven University has appointed Joey Nelms as chair and assistant professor of film production, bringing to the university an accomplished filmmaker with extensive experience in screenwriting, directing, and post-production across the global film industry.

“Joey Nelms brings a unique blend of creative excellence, industry credibility, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of storytellers,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Audrey Kelleher.  “His leadership will strengthen Belhaven’s film production program while equipping students to pursue their craft with both professional skill and purposeful vision.”

Nelms comes to Belhaven with a strong background in screenplay development, having pitched projects to Netflix, T-Street Productions, and Universal. His work has secured contracts with production companies in Los Angeles and Jackson, Mississippi. He has served as a department head on multiple feature films, working in roles including director, producer, editor, and script supervisor.

In post-production, Nelms has worked with Universal and NBC under an overall deal with E-Corp., contributing to prestige streaming projects starring Julia Roberts and Nick Offerman. His career spans both digital and celluloid film production, giving students exposure to a wide range of technical and creative approaches.

Nelms is the co-founder of the production company American Pantheon and has collaborated with major studios and production companies worldwide, including Warner Brothers, Universal, Lionsgate, and Anonymous Content. His post-production experience also includes work with leading industry post houses such as Fotokem and Keep Me Posted, Studio Post, and Margarita Mix.

Currently, Nelms is co-directing a documentary focused on maritime archaeology in the Turks and Caicos Islands, further expanding his portfolio of narrative and documentary filmmaking.

“I believe in filmmaking as an authentic human process for the curious and the adventurous,” Nelms said. “I couldn’t be more excited to be back home at Belhaven and am committed to the intellectual and artistic development of our students.”

As chair of Belhaven University's Film Production Department, Nelms will lead the program’s academic and creative direction while mentoring students preparing for careers in the film and entertainment industries.