

At Belmont, we place great value on the holistic development of our students, believing that true leadership begins with steadfast character and a heart for helping others. This semester we introduced the SOUL framework, a Christ-centered approach to character formation, well-being and leadership that encourages our community to thrive holistically.
Inspired by 3 John 1:2, SOUL calls us to Seek excellence (with humility), Offer gratitude (with joy), Unleash hospitality (with love) and Live the dream together (with hope). This framework is set within a foundation of wisdom, the pursuit of which is essential for cultivating both healthy lives and effective leadership.
3 John 1:2: Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. Throughout the fall semester, we’ve seen this framework coming to life again and again. For starters, we received the great news of a $4 million grant from the Kern Family Foundation to establish The Belmont Formation Collaborative. The venture will focus on character development, purpose and the entrepreneurial mindset to create an even more transformative campus ecosystem.We also had plenty of gratitude to offer, as this fall saw Belmont opening the Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation, marking the 10th anniversary of Belmont Law’s inaugural class and celebrating 50 years of our Social Work program. Hospitality was unleashed as the campus and community gathered to welcome our inaugural class of medical students to the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, and we were delighted by the attendance at our third annual Hope Summit.
Our semester wrapped up with an ideal example of what it means to live the dream together when more than 600 of our student musicians — alongside alumni Ashley Cooke, Cody Fry and Dwan Hill — performed at “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville.” This beloved holiday concert is streaming globally for the first time via Amazon Music and Prime Video.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading about all these initiatives in the pages to follow, and that your own soul will be nurtured with the peace and promise that each new year brings.
Cheers,
Greg Jones
The Belmont Board of Trustees added six new members for the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Pictured left to right: community member Anna Thornton; Principal of BLVD Capital and alumnus Jim Darter; Board Chair Milton Johnson; President Greg Jones; Villanova Professor of Marketing and Belmont alumnus Jeremy Kees; Warner Chappell Nashville President & CEO and alumnus Ben Vaughn; Founding CEO of SwitchPoint Ventures Ray Guzman; and Staff, Executive Services at LBMC and alumna Mackenzie Gimbel.
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Belmont University is a Christ-centered community. The University faculty, administration and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics, and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies, programs, or activities; its admissions policies; or employment. Consistent with applicable civil rights law, the University seeks employees of Christian faith who are committed to the mission of the University. The University has appointed the Chief Human Resources Officer/Deputy Title IX Coordinator to serve as coordinator of non-discrimination compliance for staff and faculty. The Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator serves as coordinator of compliance for Title IX (sex discrimination) issues and questions for students. Inquiries or complaints related to sex discrimination (including sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and/or pregnancy) or other forms of discrimination/harassment (e.g., race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, military service) should be directed to: Meg Arnold (Employee Issues/Complaints), Director of Human Resources and Interim Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Fidelity Hall, Room 426, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.6172. Email: meg.arnold@belmont.edu. Carly Elliott (Student Issues/Complaints), Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Freeman Hall, 3rd Floor, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, Phone: 615.460.6894. Email: carly.elliott@belmont.edu
In June, Belmont opened its Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation — a revolutionary step for health care education in Nashville.
Housed in the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine building, the 60,000-square-foot facility brings together students from various health care programs for collaborative, hands-on training.
The Center features 24 exam rooms, eight highfidelity hospital rooms, a health assessment lab and multiple skills labs with virtual reality capabilities. Lifelike manikins and standardized patient actors simulate real-world health care scenarios to prepare students for today’s complex and collaborative health care environment.
“I cannot overstate how transformative this new facility will be for the learning experiences of our students across health care disciplines,” said the Center’s Director of Education Beth Hallmark.
“They are getting incredible training that will pay dividends when they enter their careers, ready to provide truly exceptional patient care.”
Inman College of Nursing hosted its inaugural Nursing Innovation Summit this fall, bringing together nurse leaders, educators and innovators from across the region to address industry challenges in health care and nursing.
“Nurses can drive change and are responsible for it,” said Dr. Oriana Beaudet, VP of innovation at the American Nurses Association.
The summit featured spotlights on nursing innovators and a panel on nursing education and leadership. Two featured speakers — Dr. Oriana Beaudet, VP of innovation at the American Nurses Association, and Rick Rekedal, Belmont’s chief creative officer and executive director of the Creative Arts Collective — led interactive sessions that encouraged creative thinking and collaboration to reimagine the nursing profession, inspiring attendees to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
By encouraging nurses to reimagine their profession and proactively take on leadership roles, there becomes a path for a more resilient and adaptive workforce, better equipped to tackle the evolving challenges of modern health care.
CREATOR ECONOMY 101:
In a world where TikTok trends shape music charts and YouTubers command audiences rivaling television, the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business is staying ahead of industry trends with its new Intro to the Creator Economy course. Co-taught by Creative Artists Agency executives Andrew Graham and Chris Wittine, the course bridges traditional education and the digital landscape.
The creator economy, now a $250 billion industry, is projected to reach nearly half a trillion dollars by 2027. In class, students explore content monetization, talent management and brand relationships in digital media.
“If you’re a student studying media and entertainment in any form, you need to understand how these platforms work, how distribution and monetization work and how all of this is upending the monetization rules that have existed for the last century,” said Graham.
By bringing industry leaders into the classroom, Belmont is not just teaching about the creator economy — it’s preparing the next generation to shape it.
Belmont University is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Bridges to Belmont scholarship program, now known as Bell Tower Scholars. The initiative, supported by alumnus Milton Johnson and his wife Denice, began with 27 students from four Metro Nashville Public Schools in 2013 and has expanded to include 200 students from 12 schools (50 in each class). More than 425 scholars have benefited from full tuition, fees and support.
Opening in early 2025, Little Bruins Preschool will provide faith-based early childhood education for children ages 3–5. The preschool will be open to children from Belmont employee families, local residents and those served by The Store, a nonprofit combating food insecurity.
“Our vision is to create a model for early childhood education that focuses on whole-child development — cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual,” said Belmont President Greg Jones. “The preschool will leverage Belmont’s unique strengths, including our dedicated education faculty, health sciences programs and renowned arts and music offerings. We believe this initiative will also eventually provide practical learning opportunities for Belmont students in those programs.”
The Little Bruins Preschool will be fully integrated into Belmont’s infrastructure, benefiting from the University’s resources, facilities and support services. Lynn Applin has been appointed as the director, bringing expertise to create a nurturing environment where childlike wonder can flourish.
Assistant Provost Carshonda Martin emphasized, “The program seeks to empower students’ passions to have an impact on the world through their education by creating an environment of academic achievement, community service, social engagement and personal formation.”
The program’s success is evident in its 98% retention rate and 76% six-year graduation rate.
Scholars have contributed more than 120,000 community service hours and studied abroad in 15 countries.
The emotional impact from the Bell Tower Scholar community is profound. Scholar Emilia Sanabria shared, “They are just the most true and authentic connections that I’ve ever made in my entire life.”
In August, Belmont celebrated 38 years of Towering Traditions with another successful Welcome Week. This cherished annual event, which began in 1986, continues to set the foundation for the freshman experience.
This year, more than 1,600 new Bruins were greeted by nearly 350 enthusiastic student volunteers and campus leaders. TT leaders moved
new students’ belongings into their new residence halls, accompanied by cheers and excitement, and reassured anxious parents that their freshmen were in good hands.
Throughout Welcome Week, new students participated in campus tours, group activities and informative sessions. The festivities culminated with Opening Convocation where President Dr.
Greg Jones introduced a new initiative, known as SOUL, challenging the campus community to Seek excellence, Offer gratitude, Unleash hospitality and Live the dream together.
With a 98% satisfaction rate among students and their families, Welcome Week continues to serve as an unforgettable start to the Belmont journey for incoming students.
Belmont University’s fall 2024 speaker series brought inspiring voices to campus through two partnerships with the Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation and Parnassus Books. The AWC Family Foundation Lecture Series hosted screenwriter Randall Wallace (“Braveheart”), psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud (“Boundaries”) and former MLB pitcher R.A. Dickey, each exploring themes of resilience and personal growth.
Parnassus Books presented Malcolm Gladwell discussing “Revenge of the Tipping Point” with
President Dr. Greg Jones; former NIH National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins exploring “The Road to Wisdom” with Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine Dean Dr. Anderson Spickard; and actress Riley Keough discussing her co-authored memoir with Lisa Marie Presley, alongside Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. These events offered insights from remarkable careers in film, psychology, sports, literature and entertainment.
President Dr. Greg Jones is back for season two of The Hope People podcast, bringing new inspiring conversations with leaders, innovators and changemakers who are living lives fueled by hope. New episodes will be released every other Wednesday through February 2025.
COLLEGE OF ART STUDENTS TRANSFORM RED GROOMS’ VIBRANT WORKS INTO CAMPUS EXHIBITION
A spring semester course bloomed into a fullfledged art exhibition as students in the Watkins College of Art’s inaugural Museum Studies class gained real-world curatorial experience, bringing the vibrant works of Nashville-born artist Red Grooms to campus.
Led by Professor Tom Williams, the students worked with collector Walter Knestrick, a close friend of Grooms, in partnership with the Tennessee State Museum to develop proposals, select works and bring their vision to life to adorn the walls of the Leu Art Gallery on campus this fall.
Senior art history major Gwyneth Cunningham noted the project’s value for aspiring curators.
“It’s something you can’t really learn until you’re actually doing it. Having this experience at the undergrad level is incredibly valuable,” she said.
The exhibition both enhanced students’ professional development and also highlighted Nashville’s art scene, as Grooms’ work offered visitors a playful take on viewing everyday life.
“We’ve always had a beautiful, dynamic and exciting art scene here in Nashville, and we have some incredible artists who’ve come from here,” Cunningham added. “This project shows it’s possible to pursue an arts career here, just like in bigger cities.”
WINNING STREAKS AND SERVICE
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A
Belmont student-athletes continue to embody the gold standards of consistency, integrity and work ethic.
The 2024–25 men’s and women’s basketball seasons commenced in early November with the Bruins keen on keeping a one-of-a-kind streak alive. Heading into the year, Belmont is the only school in the country with nine consecutive 20-win seasons in both men’s and women’s
basketball, and its eyes are set on double digits.
In the community, Belmont student-athletes logged 7,518 hours of community service during the 2023–24 school year, according to Helper Helper. The fourth-most among all NCAA Division I institutions nationally, the Bruins’ estimated economic impact of their community service totaled nearly $240,000.
LAUREN CAMPBELL PARTNERS WITH NEW HOPE GIRLS TO EMPOWER RESCUED GIRLS
Lauren Campbell (’24) is serving in the Dominican Republic for nine months through her Lumos Travel Award-funded initiative. Partnering with the New Hope Girls organization in La Vega, Campbell supports girls rescued from sexual exploitation.
Inspired by her “Writing in the Community” class, she’s currently applying her English major and publishing minor skills to write a book about the organization’s work, refine its website copy and improve its branding. Despite language challenges, Campbell has found joy in experiences like witnessing a girl’s first birthday celebration at summer camp. Through her Lumos Travel Award, she is turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact, fostering positive change globally.
In December, “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville” made its historic debut on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, and more than 600 student musicians shared their talents with a global audience for the first time. The 90-minute holiday spectacular, featuring traditional carols to classical masterworks, represents months of careful orchestration behind the scenes — and years of evolution for one of Belmont’s most beloved traditions.
GLOBAL AUDIENCE:
“Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville” is available for a global audience to stream Dec. 11-Jan. 6 on Prime Video. Visit belmont.edu/christmas for more information and content around the making of Christmas at Belmont.
“This global showcase with Amazon Music is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students and faculty. It’s a moment of celebration for our entire community as we share the joy of music and the spirit of Christmas with people around the world,” said University President Greg Jones. “As viewers tune in from across the globe, they’ll see our students and alumni applying years of rigorous training and collaborative creativity in real-time, illustrating why Belmont, located in the heart of Nashville, is a premier destination for aspiring artists and musicians.”
Filmed live in front of an audience at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the production
“This global showcase with Amazon Music is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students and faculty illustrating why Belmont is a premier destination for aspiring artists and musicians.”
- Dr. Greg Jones
brings together more than 15 student choirs and ensembles, from the Belmont Chorale and Symphony Orchestra to commercial groups like Southbound and Voxology. Coordinating such a massive undertaking requires meticulous planning that begins months in advance.
Dr. Jeffery Ames, director of choral activities, leads a team that carefully evaluates the ensemble directors’ submissions for consideration. “We have to think about varying styles, tempos and logistics,” Ames noted. “It is about the musical flow — but we must also consider practical matters like how commercial ensembles with microphones will transition on and off stage.”
“It’s a puzzle,” agreed Dr. Jane Warren, who has been involved with the show since its inception and currently conducts the University Singers.
“We’ve evolved from a nice little Christmas program on campus to this major production that showcases the incredible breadth of talent at Belmont.”
The 2024 production features special appearances by acclaimed alumni Ashley Cooke, Cody Fry and Dwan Hill. Cooke, a rising country star who recently celebrated her first No. 1 song, joins Grammy-nominated composer Fry and multiple Grammy and Dove award winner Hill in returning to their alma mater for this special event.
Over the years, the production has been streamlined significantly while keeping students at
the heart of the show. Ames has been instrumental in making the process more efficient, particularly for the mass choir rehearsals where hundreds of students come together to learn the show’s opening and closing numbers.
“To get that many students to learn and memorize two full songs in just four rehearsals requires effective, efficient, masterful teaching,” Dr. Lesley Mann observed of her colleague.
Despite its new, broader platform, the core mission for “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville” remains unchanged. “We want our performance to make a difference in somebody’s life, even if it’s only for three minutes — even if it’s just a brief moment where the cares of this world are tossed away, and they’re caught up in the music, the emotion or a time of healing,” said Ames.
It’s this spirit of purpose and community that has made Christmas at Belmont more than just a holiday special — it’s become a cherished tradition that showcases the best of what Belmont University has to offer.
Visit belmont.edu/ christmas for content around the making of Christmas at Belmont.
Entrepreneur, business leader, Belmont Trustee and Vice-Chair
Cordia Harrington has given Belmont a $10 million lead gift to establish The CORD – Powerhouse. The gift supports construction of a new four-story, 29,000-squarefoot, student-focused facility designed as a dedicated campus space to foster creativity, character and innovation. This latest investment builds on Harrington’s legacy of supporting student spaces on campus, including Harrington Place Dining in the Johnson Center, which was named in her honor in 2016.
“We are profoundly grateful for Cordia’s extraordinary gift,” said University President Dr. Greg Jones. “Her investment reflects her deep commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in higher education. The CORD embodies our vision to reshape higher education, remove barriers between disciplines and create possibilities for our students to work collaboratively in unprecedented ways. This will be a transformative gathering space for students.”
“As an entrepreneur, I know that innovation happens when creative minds come together in inspiring spaces,” said Harrington. “The CORD will be that catalyst at Belmont: a place where students can collaborate, create and transform their biggest dreams into reality. This isn’t just about building a facility; it’s about creating an ecosystem where the next generation of leaders from across disciplines can develop the entrepreneurial mindset and innovative spirit needed to make a real difference in our world.”
The building’s distinctive design embodies Belmont’s commitment to traditioned innovation, with one entrance facing the historic quad and another looking toward the
University’s newest facilities on Belmont’s lawn. This represents the Institution’s dedication to honoring its heritage while embracing a dynamic and transformative innovative future.
The CORD will serve as a creative incubator and maker space where students from all disciplines can collaborate to solve real-world problems, gain hands-on experience with industry partners, and leverage emerging technologies like augmented and virtual realities and artificial intelligence to drive transformation. The facility will be equipped with advanced broadcast technology to connect people around the world, including a content capture space visible to passersby.
The CORD will serve as a signature interdisciplinary space at the center of Belmont’s campus, intentionally connecting the University’s entertainment corridor, academic spaces, student formation areas and health care hub. The stateof-the-art facility will feature multiple spaces for student collaboration and creativity, including:
• A performance venue showcasing student talent on stage and behind the scenes
• Dining outlet designed to foster conversation
• Collaboration space for students in creative disciplines including film and animation
• Advanced recording capabilities throughout the facility, extending Music Row’s presence onto campus
Beyond the initial impact on campus facilities, Harrington’s gift is designed for lasting influence on students’ lives and will support the existing Harrington Scholarship for International Studies and Student Missions Fund, expanding opportunities for future generations of Belmont students.
Known affectionately as “The Bun Lady,” Harrington is the founder and CEO of CROWN Bakeries, a Nashville-based enterprise that has grown into one of the nation’s leading commercial bakery operations. Starting with just $587 to launch her first business venture in real estate, she built a remarkable career that included owning McDonald’s franchises before founding
Tennessee Bun Company, now CROWN Bakeries, in 1996. With her husband Tom and children –– Beth Westjohn, Aaron Wilkinson and Belmont alumni Ryan Wilkinson and Tyler Wilkinson –– the bakery expanded. In 2019, Arbor Capital invested to grow CROWN. Today, the bakery employs more than 2,700 associates in nine facilities, exemplifying the kind of entrepreneurial success story The CORD aims to inspire in future generations of Belmont students. The building will be built next to Potter Hall. Construction will begin in spring 2025 with target completion by August 2026.
Under University President Dr. Greg Jones’ leadership, Belmont is developing diverse leaders of character who embody a Christ-centered vision of servant leadership. Dr. Jones unveiled the new SOUL framework at Opening Convocation in August. This blueprint for cultivating holistic wellbeing and leadership is rooted in biblical principles, designed to inspire a flourishing community.
Anchoring all four SOUL principles is the pursuit of wisdom — a cornerstone of higher education, healthy life and effective leadership in today’s complex world. The principles are paired with a biblical virtue that the Belmont community will continue to reflect on together.
To further implement these values, Belmont secured a four-year, $4 million grant from the Kern Family Foundation to establish The Belmont Formation Collaborative. The venture will coordinate formation efforts and expand pathways for character development through mentoring programs, workshops, new courses and more.
Additionally, the University secured a three-year, $800,000 grant through Wake Forest University’s Educating Character Initiative to launch the “Leading with Character and Purpose” initiative. This program will establish benchmarks in character development, integrate leadership principles across the curriculum and engage students in networks that foster virtuous living.
“At Belmont, we are continuously searching for ways to expand and deepen our efforts to develop leaders of character in our students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Nathan Webb, executive director of formation and leadership development. “We want our community members and graduates to both be skilled professionals and also individuals of integrity who are prepared to make positive contributions to the world.”
These initiatives represent a holistic approach to character formation and leadership development at Belmont, ensuring students, faculty and staff are equipped to transform the world with a clear sense of purpose.
Inspired by 3 John 1:2, Soul encourages Belmont students, faculty and staff to:
• Seek excellence through humility
• Offer gratitude with joy
• Unleash hospitality with love
• Live the dream together with hope for the future
50 FUTURE PHYSICIANS BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY AS THOMAS F. FRIST, JR. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OPENS ITS DOORS
Belmont’s Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine welcomed its inaugural class of 50 students this summer, marking a historic moment for Nashville’s newest medical school. Selected from 1,368 applicants, the diverse cohort represents 13 states and 35 undergraduate institutions with impressive academic credentials and extensive medical and community service experience.
The class participated in the College’s first White Coat Ceremony Aug. 2, symbolizing the students’ entry into the medical profession. Dr. Anderson Spickard, dean of the college, addressed the students as “pioneers,” emphasizing their role in shaping the institution’s future.
“The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine builds upon Belmont’s longstanding commitment to and focus on health care education,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Health care is changing rapidly, and we want to be at the forefront of preparing you and all of our students for the world that is taking shape.”
The following students are just six members of this inaugural class. These scholars, with their diverse backgrounds and aspirations, offer a snapshot of the talented individuals embarking on their medical education at Belmont.
NOAH WILLS-JOHNSTON
Queens, New York native Noah Wills-Johnston, inspired by caring for his grandfather, brings his love for science and basketball to Belmont. He aims to forge new paths in the industry, making medicine more accessible through education.
CAITLIN LUCE
Jacksonville, Florida native and former Jaguars cheerleader Caitlin Luce discovered her passion for medicine through volunteering. She is now an aspiring pediatrician at Belmont, balancing studies with pickleball and exploring Nashville with her golden retriever, Nala.
A southern Illinois farm-girl-turned-aspiringmedical-professional, Kenzie Rushing found inspiration in rehabilitating sports injuries. After completing her chemistry degree in just three years, she is now pursuing a career in functional medicine.
A native of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Ubaid Tanveer’s path to medicine was shaped by observing his rural physician father foster deep connections with patients. At Belmont, he blends his medical studies with culinary arts, believing in food’s power to heal and nurture holistic wellbeing.
REYANA KAJI
Raised in Hagerstown, Maryland, Reyana Kaji’s time in Bangladesh shaped her vision for accessible health care. Now at Belmont, this Frist Rural Physician Scholar aims to address disparities in underserved communities.
Hailing from Easton, Massachusetts, former clinical researcher Katie Pursley was drawn to Belmont’s new medical program for the chance to shape its future. She challenges the overwhelmed student stereotype, prioritizing self-care and mindfulness, while pursuing her goal of addressing health care disparities.
After five decades of championing change, the School of Social Work looks toward bright future.
Belmont’s School of Social Work, part of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, marks its 50th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of educating and empowering social work professionals since 1974.
The program’s journey began in the Behavioral Science department, with Dr. Debbie Simpler’s efforts leading to program accreditation in 1998.
Over the years, Belmont’s social work program has evolved to meet changing societal needs. “The field of social work, by necessity, is ever evolving because of the needs of our community,” said Program Chair Dr. Jennifer Crowell Thompson. “Social problems are complex and dynamic, and the needs of society and the communities that we serve shift constantly.”
Community engagement is central to the program’s success, with students benefiting from a blend of rigorous academics and practical experience. Through internships and an advisory board, the School fosters strong community partnerships, ensuring graduates are wellprepared to address complex social issues. Many students work in the field while studying, allowing immediate application of classroom learning to real-world situations.
On Oct. 18, Belmont celebrated this golden anniversary with a gathering of alumni, faculty and community partners at the Jack C. Massey Center, commemorating five decades of social work excellence, education and service. During the celebration, the School announced its plans to launch a Master of Social Work program in fall 2025, marking a new chapter in the program’s history of preparing leaders in the field.
As the School of Social Work looks ahead to the next 50 years, it remains committed to its mission of transforming lives and communities.
“Introducing this profession to students is the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Crowell Thompson. “Our students are exceptional. They are exceptional in their skill, in their compassion and in their ability to make change. As they step into the future of social work, I’m confident they will not only meet the challenges ahead but redefine what’s possible in serving our communities.” Scan this QR code to
Alumna Emily Henegar’s path to becoming a successful cookie designer and entrepreneur began at age 11 with a simple love for baking and a desire to match her sister’s Etsy business. Little did she know her childhood passion would lead her to Belmont and beyond, ultimately creating custom cookies for music superstars like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Dolly Parton.
At Belmont, Emily found the perfect blend of creativity and business acumen in the entrepreneurship program.
The University’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and supportive community helped her realize that every aspect of her business was a canvas for creativity.
Emily’s unique niche — creating intricate, album-inspired cookies for musicians — flourished in Nashville’s collaborative and artistic atmosphere. Her internship at a local, alumniowned bakery, Baked on 8th, provided invaluable insights into the realities of running a bakery. This experience solidified her dream of one day opening her own. But it was in her final entrepreneurship class that Emily had a breakthrough. She realized her true product wasn’t just cookies, but the experience of making people feel seen and celebrated. “This tiny little three-inch square of icing is glowing with meaning and significance of who someone is,” she explained.
Looking back, Emily credits Belmont with giving her confidence and validation in multiple aspects of her life. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Pay attention to your passions. You never know what little random niche interests you might have that you could integrate into something a lot bigger.”
As Emily continues to grow her business, one thing is certain: her journey from a cookieloving kid to successful entrepreneur is just the beginning of a story as sweet as her creations.
Follow Emily’s Instagram @Cookieinthekitchen
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I’m not an entrepreneur because I own a business, but because that’s a part of who I am.
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4 alumni HAVE BECOME JUDGES
BELMONT LAW DISTINCTIONS
70% of students will engage in EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PLACEMENTS
300 NASHVILLE PARTNERS through Experiential Learning Program
In fall 2011, Belmont’s College of Law opened its doors to 120 ambitious souls who would become the foundation for its inaugural class. Today, Belmont Law has established itself as an esteemed name within the legal community in a remarkable fashion, with graduates excelling in diverse fields within the legal profession, locally and nationally.
In September, dozens of alumni from Belmont Law’s charter class returned to campus for the 10-year reunion of their graduation, marking a significant milestone for the alumni and the College. Alumni reconnected over two days and reminisced on their law school experience, praising their expert faculty, highlighting the College’s impact and honoring the program that equipped them for success in their field.
“When we started, there was just an energy to our class that has stayed,” said alumna Katie Blankenship. “It felt special because we were the beginning — the trailblazers.”
With a current student body of more than 360 students and a growing list of distinguished alumni serving as judges, partners, advocates, mentors and changemakers, Belmont Law continues to shape an extraordinary legacy in legal education.
Belmont’s third annual Hope Summit brought together “Agents of Hope” from diverse sectors for three transformative days of collaboration, learning and inspiration, Oct. 27-29, culminating in the beloved campus tradition, Day to Dream, Oct. 30.
The Day to Dream fall festival transformed campus into a joyous wonderland, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members for a day of imagination and play.
Campus came alive with a plethora of activities including games on the main lawn, food vendors, trick-or-treating for neighboring families, a pumpkin patch and the return of the zipline and signature Ferris wheel.
Several new traditions were introduced to celebrate Belmont employees including a kickoff breakfast, the Insight Speaker
Series and the first-ever SOUL Awards, created to recognize leaders within the Belmont community who make significant contributions to the University’s work by being champions for hope, love, joy, humility and wisdom.
“This Day to Dream is about us celebrating each other,” President Greg Jones said. “My hope is that it will be a day for you to reconnect to your vocation and your sense of joy being a part of this Belmont community –– envisioning even deeper, broader and richer ways our lives and those of our students, community and friends can shape a future that is bright indeed.”
The Hope Summit and Day to Dream festival both provided a welcomed break from the busy semester and also strengthened the bonds within our community, unleashing hospitality and creating lasting memories.
The summit launched with the Night of Hope celebration, where renowned musicians and humanitarians Vince Gill and Amy Grant received the Rick Byrd Character Award, setting an inspiring tone for the three-day gathering.
Keynote leadership expert Dr. Henry Cloud and former MLB pitcher R.A. Dickey delivered powerful remarks as part of the Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Foundation Lecture Series, and renowned social entrepreneur Marguerite “Maggy” Barankitse shared her remarkable journey of founding Maison Shalom.
In addition to the plenary sessions, the summit featured workshops on social impact and redemptive entrepreneurship, followed by focused roundtables where leaders tackled issues from foster care reform to faith-driven investing.
CAMPUS CONTINUES PROGRAMMING DEDICATED TO SUSTAINING HOPE , FOSTERING UNITY, EMBRACING BELONGING
A harmonious melody of voices from different human experiences rang across campus throughout the semester as Belmont’s community engaged in celebratory programs.
In addition to successful signature programming, Belmont’s Office for Hope, Unity and Belonging (The HUB) found a place to call home on campus with a dedicated location in the Gabhart Student Center building, where flags of every nation across the globe greet visitors, symbolizing Belmont’s global welcome.
Inspired by the concept of a symphony, where diverse instruments blend to create beautiful music, The HUB is more than just a physical office. It cultivates a welcoming community of individuals from various backgrounds, united in their commitment to fostering meaningful connections, celebrating diversity and ensuring Belmont is a place where every person can belong.
“These are challenging times in many different respects,” President Greg Jones noted at The HUB dedication. “This office, with a designated space, is a key incubator for all of us to dedicate ourselves to hope, unity and a sense of belonging to Belmont and what Belmont can become.”
In October, higher education leaders convened for the Unity and Belonging Symposium hosted on campus. Attendees networked and shared best practices for effectively championing unity and belonging at their respective institutions.
“Often times this work can seem so dark,” said Dr. D’Angelo Taylor, vice president of The HUB. “It can seem as if you are on an island. But today, we have come together at Belmont and my heart is full. Not everybody has support like this.”
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to celebrate the contributions and achievements of many Hispanic and Latinx individuals.”
DR. EDGAR DIAZ- CRUZ, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical, Social & Administrative Sciences.
UNITED WE ARE STRONGER: CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
The HUB’s programming flourished throughout the year, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month. Events included a Fashion Fiesta featuring garments inspired by Mexican culture, hosted by students in the O’More College of Architecture and Design, a celebration with cultural food and dancing at the Bell Tower Patio and a trip to the Frist Art Museum’s “¡Printing the Revolution!” exhibit.
“The month is a way to celebrate the rich Hispanic/ Latinx culture, the traditions we have and the
beautiful Spanish language many cultures share,” said Dr. Edgar Diaz- Cruz, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical, Social & Administrative Sciences.
Like a symphony’s harmonious blend, Belmont’s diverse programs and initiatives weave the individual voices of the campus community into a powerful chorus of hope, unity and belonging, resonating across campus and beyond.
Belmont earned its 10th consecutive Military Friendly® School designation, achieving Gold level recognition for the 2024-25 academic year. This marks the University’s first Gold level award, placing it among an elite group of institutions. Out of more than 1,800 evaluated schools, only 243 received Gold recognition for their outstanding practices, outcomes and effective programs for military-connected students.
“Achieving the Military Friendly School award at the Gold level is a great accomplishment and demonstrates how the Belmont military-
“I’m
connected to business leaders and different people in the Nashville community. That’s what I really value out of my time at Belmont.”
Veteran Brian Bergheger (‘21) graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and participated in Belmont’s Yellow Ribbon Program, a program that helps post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries pay for tuition and fees that exceed the maximum reimbursement amount.
came
“The military taught me discipline and teamwork, but Belmont helped me find direction and unleash my potential.”
Belmont was recognized in the Military Times’ Best for Vets colleges list in 2023 and 2024 honoring its ongoing commitment to serving student veterans and their families.
connected community continues to grow,” said Kim Powell, leader of Belmont’s Veteran Success Team. “This recognition is a testament to the resources and support we provide to assist our students in transitioning successfully into civilian, academic and professional life.”
Nearly 340 military-connected students are currently enrolled at Belmont, a community comprised of veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, ROTC and students whose spouse or parents have served.
“Belmont has created an environment that embraces veterans to the next step while also maintaining camaraderie that many veterans miss when transitioning into a new phase of life,” said Elvin Arevalochicas, a student veteran and junior global leadership studies major.
Belmont remains steadfastly committed to its military-connected students and all those who have served, ensuring they have the resources, support and community needed to succeed.