Belmont University President's Report 2022

INNOVATIVE & ENTREPRENEURIAL mindset

FOSTER HUMAN flourishing

MISSION- MINDED teams AND HOPE- BEARING institutions

FAITH-BASED not faith-biased

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT and COLLABORATION

HEADLINING HOPE HEADLINING HOPE

page 2

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

page 3

CHAMPIONS FOR CHARACTER

page 7

CHAMPIONS FOR INNOVATION

page 11

CHAMPIONS FOR WELL BEING

page 15

CHAMPIONS FOR

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

page 19

CHAMPIONS FOR STORYTELLING

HEADLINING HOPE HEADLINING HOPE

What We Championed in 2022

Through these elements, we can continue as a leader— at the forefront of our industry, thinking beyond how higher education has traditionally existed. By being and developing champions in these five key areas, we can flourish both collectively and as individuals, making hope real in our lives, work and communities. In the pages to follow, we celebrate the good news made possible through this approach, the many ways Belmont has headlined hope in 2022 and set the stage for the work we can do together in the years to come.

wellness means examining closely how to promote all aspects of wellbeing—financial, social, cultural, spiritual, emotional, occupational and physical;

We explored what it means to advocate for inclusive excellence and reweave the social fabric ; creating an environment where all feel a strong sense of belonging and understanding;

2022 SAW BELMONT UNIVERSITY writing a new story, living into a new headline, one that saw us reimagining who we can be and what higher education can be about. Informed by a new mission, along with an ambitious Strategic Trajectory for 2030, our campus focused on what it means to be radical champions for all, an integral part of our vision for the future. This past year saw Belmont championing hope in five distinctive areas:

Cheers,

And, as we considered the massive social problems that require massive effort to address, we began by amplifying our storytelling ; seeking to reach more people with inspiring narratives.

We delved into whole-person formation —specifically understanding its components of character and purpose and their interconnected functions in our individual holistic development;

Dr. Greg Jones, President

We have found that these five elements go beyond serving as our five Strategic Pathways as a University. They have stirred minds, forged and deepened new relationships and inspired our campus community at large to go forth and cultivate a sense of well-being and flourishing for all people.

We learned that by innovating for regions to thrive , we can bring our creativity and entrepreneurial mindset to cultivate a sense of flourishing for communities near and far; We gained an understanding that integrative health and

CHARACTERCHARACTER

A distinctive of the Belmont education is a focus on wholeperson formation, helping students gain a better understanding of themselves and what

they bring to a COMMUNITY.

CHARACTERCHARACTER

JACK MASSEY WAS THE game changer FOR BELMONT UNIVERSITY. HE REALLY BELIEVED IN THIS community AND WANTED TO MAKE IT better

Students work in the lobby of the newly-named Barbara Massey Rogers Center

Character in Action

mentee. “He was the game changer for Belmont University…He really believed in this community and wanted to make it better. The thickest chapter in my memory book of all would be Jack Massey. His kindness to me, his insight, his belief in our community and Belmont.”

Townes Duncan, a venture capitalist and former lawyer who worked with Massey, recalls how Mr. Massey never operated with arrogance or attitude despite his impressive business success. “Caddies, gas station attendants, whoever he was dealing with, he dealt with them as an equal. He didn’t have an inflated sense of self. He treated everyone with dignity and respect.”

2022 WAS AN ESPECIALLY GREAT year to explore the concept of character as we celebrated individuals connected to Belmont University whose examples serve as an inspiration to tomorrow’s leaders. Leading that pack is none other than Jack C. Massey, the namesake of the Massey College of Business, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in the fall. Massey, the first man to take three companies to the New York Stock Exchange, provided a guiding light to Belmont—not just in financial contributions, which have been extraordinarily significant—but through the influence he provided that guided the University’s focus on ethics and entrepreneurship.

“Talk about a game changer,” said Dr. Bill Troutt, former Belmont president and Massey

Influential Character

THE MASSEY LEGACY OF CHARACTER , philanthropy and support of Belmont lives on through his daughter, Barbara Massey Rogers. A committed advocate for Belmont and the Massey College, Barbara was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University this year and a building on campus was named in her honor. The Barbara Massey Rogers Center houses the Massey College of Business and was formerly named for her father. A new Jack C. Massey Center, currently under construction, will be home to several business, data and innovation collectives when it opens in summer 2023. Mr. Massey’s legacy and impact on Belmont extends even beyond his family. The “caught and taught” nature of character can also be seen in the many friends and colleagues who were drawn to his wisdom and became fans and supporters of Belmont through his example. Attorney and businessman Tom Beasley was one of those, and Belmont’s Beasley Center for Free Enterprise is named in his honor. Another was Massey College alumnus Damon Hininger, who serves as CEO of CoreCivic, a company co-founded by Beasley with investments from Mr. Massey. Both Hininger and his company have invested in Belmont over the years, with the latest gift coming in the form of a $100,000 donation to create a scholarship endowment. The Wendy Beasley Endowed Scholarship, honoring Tom Beasley’s late wife, will support students within the Massey College of Business from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Tommy Frist, Jr. sits with Barbara Massey Rogers at the dedication of the newly named building.

CHARACTERCHARACTER

THEY ALWAYS fought. THEY FOUND A WAY. THEY MADE A PLAY. THAT’S OUR team. THAT’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN

Tuti Jones leads the Bruins to a win over Oregon in the first round of the 2022 Women’s NCAA Tournament.

2,123

Degrees Awarded in 2022

303

1,525 BACHELORS DEGREES & 598 GRADUATE DEGREES

Hall of Fame basketball coach, the new initiative also includes an annual award to recognize men and women of character in the community—former Tennessee Governor Bill and First Lady Crissy Haslam were celebrated as the inaugural recipients in October.

Milton Johnson, retired Chairman/CEO of HCA Healthcare and current chair of Belmont’s Board of Trustees, said, “Rick has previously noted how much he was influenced by his own father, a sports columnist, as well as the personal character and Christian commitment of another legendary coach, John Wooden. It’s exciting to me to imagine the future men and women who will note Rick Byrd as their influence in leading a life of integrity, kindness and excellence.”

Of course, the epitome of character came not from an outside influence, but from Belmont students themselves. March Madness put resilience, persistence and team mentality on national display when the No. 12 seeded Belmont Bruins topped the No. 5 Oregon Ducks and came within a breath of taking down the powerhouse No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers.

“They had every opportunity to fold, and when it got really hot, they just always had an answer,” head coach Bart Brooks said after the Oregon game. “They always fought. They found a way. They made a play. That’s our team. That’s what we’ve been. That’s who we are.”

Student Leadership Development Experiences

CAMPUS-WIDE FACILITATED

Character Development

WHILE JACK MASSEY’S FINGERPRINTS can be found throughout Belmont’s campus, he and his protégés are just a few of the role models Belmont students get to witness. In fact, the “What’s Your Why” course, introduced in 2022, allows students to learn from a variety of leaders across an array of fields in weekly class gatherings led by President Jones and his wife, Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones. Guest speakers have included the likes of artist Makoto Fujimura, author Esau McCaulley, entrepreneur Cordia Harrington, former federal prosecutor Victor Boutros and Grammy-winning musician Jon Foreman (Switchfoot).

Freshman public health major Analese Mitchell noted how one guest speaker, Duke University computer science and biology professor Dr. Alex Hartemink, encouraged her own interests in fields that some see as contrary. “I appreciated his take in that truth, goodness and beauty can still motivate those in the scientific fields and that we can remain creative visionaries and storytellers even with critical thinking and investigative skills… All these things can motivate me vocationally in my life and continue to give me a sense of purpose.”

Belmont students will also benefit from new curricular experiences as part of the Rick Byrd Character Formation and Leadership Program. Inspired by Belmont’s long-time

CHARACTERCHARACTER

Five New Individuals to its Board of Trustees all individuals well equipped to inspire and mentor students: IN 2022

Belmont Added

Dr. Agenia Clark · Rusty Gaston ·

Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero

Rev. Dr. Clay

Stauffer · Kimberly

Williams-Paisley

Pictured left to right Board Chair Milton Johnson, Clark, Stauffer, Williams-Paisley, Gaston and President Greg Jones

BELMONT BETTY CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

is one for the history books. She pioneered the Women’s Basketball program at Belmont four years before Title IX, served as coach and player in the early years and built the program from the ground up. She fiercely advocated for all women on her team, especially in the height of the Civil Rights movement. In the 1990s, she assumed the role of senior woman administrator and assistant athletics director, where she guided Belmont’s transition to NCAA Division I and established six additional women’s teams: volleyball, softball, soccer, track and field, cross country and golf. Wiseman noted, “Behind each award are the blessings of people in my life. It’s all about people. I think this award about an honorable life is the culmination of it all. This is what it’s all about. Letting go and letting God orchestrate.”

“Her contributions to college women’s sports are legendary, in Tennessee and beyond, and even more compelling are her insightful discernment, purposedriven leadership and unmatched enthusiasm to support current and former Belmont students,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones.

The “An Honorable Life” award stems from a course with the same name, an interdisciplinary seminar for first-year Honors Program students. The course examines, “What does it mean to live an honorable life?”

As only the second recipient of the award, Wiseman was recognized for her leadership, courage and lifelong contributions to athletics and service to Belmont’s community. The 1965 alumna’s nearly 50-year tenure at Belmont as professor, coach, then athletics administrator

Our Matriarch

FOUNDED BY TWO female schoolteachers in 1890, Belmont’s history is lined with a cadre of impressive women of character, from Sarah Cannon to Trisha Yearwood to newly appointed Universal Music Group CEO Cindy Mabe. Still, one name stands out so much that she’s earned the addition of Belmont to her moniker. Yes, it’s the one and only “Belmont Betty” Wiseman, a campus matriarch like no other who was a pioneer of women’s athletics in the Southeast.

In fall 2022, Belmont Betty was recognized for her work as a champion for collegiate athletics and missions through her induction into the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association’s (TICUA) Hall of Fame and as the recipient of the second annual “An Honorable Life” award.

INNOVATIONINNOVATION

Through unique gatherings and inventive new approaches to complex problems, Belmont is seeking to lead the way in data-informed social innovation to

ENABLE

REGIONS THRIVE.

to

INNOVATIONINNOVATION

Transformative INNOVATION AND creativity HAS BEEN A CORNERSTONE OF THE BELMONT COMMUNITY SINCE ITS earliest DAYS

100%

College of Law Bar Passage Rate FOR 2018 AND 2019

Belmont is the only program in the nation to achieve this distinction.

In its first year, the Labs are already making an impact—finding new ways to support Belmont in its commitment to serve communities close to home and abroad. One key example of this work is through the creation of the Transformational Business Network (TBN) Global Alliance, a worldwide network that supports social entrepreneurs who themselves support vulnerable communities and transform lives. Done through a partnership between Belmont and TBN—which was founded by Belmont friend, global biotech entrepreneur and investor Dr. Kim Tan—the Alliance will provide opportunities to make incredible strides toward helping communities thrive by promoting and establishing scalable enterprise solutions to poverty.

Nation ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM (PRINCETON REVIEW)

Ranked

26th in the

Innovating from the Beginning

A COMMITMENT TO transformative innovation and creativity has been a cornerstone of the Belmont community since its earliest days. From forging new partnerships, to launching interdisciplinary programs, to creatively engaging the broader community with a variety of efforts, Belmont has long been recognized for its commitment to innovation.

THIS year continued the University’s trajectory toward innovation and saw many milestones that further solidified this aspect of Belmont’s core identity. In early 2022, Belmont launched its Innovation Labs and welcomed sociologist, social innovator and nonprofit leader Dr. Josh Yates to campus to serve as the key leader of the new initiative. Focused on supporting Belmont’s vision to impact the world in meaningful ways, the Labs equip individuals and organizations with the tools they need to design, develop and deploy collaborative responses to our world’s most pressing social and community challenges.

Dr. Kim Tam listens to a panel at Belmont’s inaugural Hope Summit.

INNOVATIONINNOVATION

BASIC PROJECTS BRING together

BELMONT COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM ALL corners OF CAMPUS

BASIC project members spend time with neighbors in the Edgehill community.

Innovating With New Initiatives

These challenges are complex—intergenerational poverty, lack of educational opportunities, health care inequities and substance abuse—and require collaborative and interdisciplinary thinking and diverse perspectives. As such, BASIC projects bring together Belmont community members from all corners of campus, with a variety of expertise and resources, to consider creative and innovative solutions that will change lives.

This year’s projects are vast and include a variety of important areas of our community— addressing food insecurity, workforce development and community wellness with The Branch, a nonprofit in Antioch; partnering with neighborhood organizations in the nearby Edgehill community for academic, arts and wellness enrichment; collaborating with the Tennessee Department of Health to provide health toolkits for Middle and West Tennessee counties and working to create opportunities for the unbanked in Nashville, just to name a few.

AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING. Belmont and the Transformational Business Network’s (TBN) partnership continues to evolve to reveal more and more innovative opportunities that will impact lives across the globe. Many of these were discussed at Belmont’s inaugural Hope Summit, an opportunity for people interested in conversations around innovation to convene on campus and discuss tangible opportunities around making hope real. This now annual event will continue in 2023 with a focus on storytelling that inspires the world.

Faculty and staff continued to collaborate to play a role in innovation this year through a variety of initiatives including BASIC—the Belmont Accelerator for Social Innovation. In its second year, BASIC promises to encourage and empower faculty, staff and students across campus to use their intellectual capital and faithful commitment to address challenges that hinder our communities.

Being an entrepreneur is using the same creative brain that I love using when I’m working on music to create something new in the business industry. I’m most excited about the unknowns—I had no idea we’d be where we are right now, but it’s what makes waking up every morning so exciting.

Trevor Hinesley (‘12)

Founder & CTO Of Soundstripe and 2022 Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneur

INNOVATIONINNOVATION

Innovating Through Education

INNOVATION CONTINUED in the classroom, too. The College of Education celebrated a series of accomplishments this year including the launch of the Ph.D. for Strategic Leadership Education. The program welcomed its first cohort in the fall. Additionally, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education and local public-school districts, Belmont launched a new initiative to recruit, train and support the next generation of mathematics teachers in the mid-state region.

“We are committed to solving complex problems that keep our communities from thriving,” said Dean of the College of Education Dr. Jim McIntyre. “This incredible new program will tackle one of these challenges—access to education—by providing high quality mathematics educators for a variety of communities, including those in rural areas of Middle Tennessee. The program is already making an incredible impact on young people across our state.”

Evidence of innovation can also be seen across Belmont’s vast alumni network—and this year’s 4th annual Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneurs event put the spotlight on exactly how Belmont alums are using their business prowess for good. Like couple Evan and Jenny Owens, ’05, who received the 2022 Community Impact Award for their organization

REBOOT Recovery, a faith-based trauma healing program that helps people in all walks of life overcome trauma by providing courses and developing supportive community. Or music business graduate Logan Crowell, ’16, who received the Industry Impact Award. Founder of HOME (Helping Our Music Evolve), Crowell and his team are dedicated to revolutionizing artist development and music production by providing artists with affordable access to a professional industry network, online educational programming, marketing, mentorship and more.

“Entrepreneurship is about bringing an idea to life and making it tangible,” said Director of the Cone Center of Entrepreneurship Elizabeth Gortmaker as she was addressing the Top 100 at this year’s event. “It is solving problems and creating solutions. It is economic development and job creation. It takes courage, and it takes humility. And it takes a team.”

Education students participate in community teaching events.

JOSH YATES CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

A Charge to Innovate

JUST A FEW MONTHS after officially joining the Belmont community as Executive Director of the newly-launched Belmont Innovation Labs, Dr. Josh Yates took the helm of the University’s inaugural Hope Summit, a three-day event focused on unleashing creativity and innovation for regions to thrive. Centered around Belmont’s Strategic Trajectory Pathway 2, data-informed social innovation, the Summit called together entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, funders, researchers, students, academicians and more to collaborate toward real solutions for the many complex challenges that plague our world.

From curated table conversations to engagement over coffee, one thing became clear: this work has never been more important, and it’s a team sport.

Over the course of the three days, Josh and his team hosted a variety of sessions that examined many key questions—how can institutions and individuals work together toward innovation that will impact change? How can networks of innovators offer their resources and insights to spur action? What will best lead toward our common goal: human flourishing for all?

“There is an incredible sense of enthusiasm at Belmont around the opportunity to engage in social innovation work,” Josh said. “It’s not new to our community—we can see countless examples of every shape and size all across our campus, even when just examining our efforts over the last year. But this work is much bigger than one group or one campus.”

That’s the Innovation Lab’s challenge—developing ecosystems with representatives from all corners of our community who want to dig into the important issues and radically champion a different way. “This is who we are at Belmont,” Josh said. “We recognize that work that leads to change—work that leads to human flourishing—must be done through collaborative, innovative partnerships. I’m grateful for the energy that’s continuing to grow around these conversations across our campus and beyond.”

WELLBEINGWELLBEING

With a desire to exist as and promote what it means to be a healthy community, Belmont recognizes the complex and integrated nature of both an

and INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY’S WELLBEING.

WELLBEINGWELLBEING

Educating for Wellness

hospitality toward all people, Christ-centeredness and the dedication to the fierce work of medicine.

Belmont has a longstanding history of successful and impactful health care programs, including the School of Nursing. Celebrating 50 years of Nursing Excellence in 2022, Belmont’s Nursing program has graduated more than 4,000 alumni who champion health and wellness for the myriad communities in which they serve. Today, the School of Nursing boasts a 97 percent first destination rate—meaning 97 percent of graduates are working in their field or continuing their education within six months of graduation—and more than a decade of 100 percent first-time national FNP certification exam pass rate.

ESTABLISHING THE Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine is a tangible way for Belmont to embrace and serve our neighbors throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond. After receiving “candidate status” in April from its accrediting body—the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)—Frist College of Medicine continues with momentum through the accreditation process and will welcome LCME for a campus site visit this summer. With more than 45 faculty and staff on board, the Frist team is working tirelessly to create curriculum that will lead the way for a more integrative and holistic approach to delivering health care. Basic scientists and clinical faculty are working collaboratively to infuse health equity, advocacy and whole-person care into courses, as they work to soon form future experts in the health and wellness space.

Mental health has become an increasingly important area of health and wellness, and Belmont’s new PhD program in mental health counseling seeks to fill a gap within doctoral degree counseling programs in Tennessee through a unique teaching approach. The program builds on a successful master’s program and uses spiritually guided and research-informed curriculum to train students to provide excellent care to those seeking support and address the depth and complexity of human suffering.

In June, Dr. Anderson Spickard—who was serving as both faculty and Special Assistant to the President for Health—was named interim dean, after Founding Dean Dr. Bill Bates stepped down due to health issues. Through Spickard’s leadership, the team developed a college seal with imagery pointing to the University’s Christ-centered identity while honoring the different faith traditions of medical students who will study here. A cornerstone of the College’s identity, the seal points to three foundational principles:

WELLBEINGWELLBEING

Career Outcomes Rate 94%

Percentage of Belmont graduates who were employed, pursuing continuing education or enlisted in the military within six months of graduation.

participate

Pursuing Wellness for All

Research Fellowships in the Sciences (SURFS) has provided hundreds of students the opportunity to engage in original, graduate-level research at an undergraduate pace. Sophomore biology major Daisy Torres says of her experience, “I never thought I’d be able to say as a 20-year-old that I’m doing cancer research at such a high level that I was considered for publication. Having that opportunity is insane.”

THE UNIVERSITY’S WORK to champion health and wellbeing extends far beyond the perimeter of campus to reach our neighbors within Middle Tennessee and beyond.

As well as research and classroom excellence, serving the community is a fundamental part of the Belmont experience. In November, Belmont’s occupational and physical therapy students hosted ABLE Youth—an organization that works to provide opportunities for youth who use wheelchairs to learn independence, skills and sports—for its annual Independence Camp. Students worked with youth on household tasks such as laundry, cleaning and cooking, as well as wheelchair navigation. The University has made significant progress in this space and moves forward with great momentum on the continued pursuit of championing better health and wellbeing for all. Grounded in reality about threats to health and wellbeing, Belmont is fortunate to have experts in this space who are leading the way and helping to shape future leaders in the field. A holistic approach is both a worthwhile and necessary pursuit for the betterment of health and wellness in our communities.

Launched in March, the inaugural Data Warehouse project—led by the Belmont Data Collaborative (BDC) and done in conjunction with community partners—gathers and analyzes publicly available state-wide data to develop creative solutions to Nashville’s hypertension challenges.

After gathering and analyzing health data, the BDC team released its initial report on hypertension and related health inequalities across Nashville, which is already leading to innovative solutions and partnerships that support human flourishing. BDC will continue these efforts and expand its focus to harness data for good to tackle other critical community challenges including mental health, affordable housing and human trafficking. As one data science student said, “Data science and storytelling are the dream team to creating effective change.” The BDC also serves Belmont students—including data science and beyond—to help fill the ever-evolving need for data skills across disciplines.

Scientific research is another means to improve the health and well being of people through an interdisciplinary effort among faculty from four colleges: Sciences and Mathematics, Health Sciences and Nursing, Pharmacy and the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. For more than 20 years, the Summer Undergraduate

I was a little hesitant transitioning from being a nurse to a nurse practitioner, but the program prepares you so well that when you get out, you know your stuff (as my patients say). The Belmont faculty will always be a part of my nursing journey wherever this career will take me.

Jeneth Aquino (‘10, ‘22) Nursing Alumna

WELLBEING

MEDICINE CAN REDUCE people TO OBJECTS WITHOUT CONSIDERING THEIR HOLISTIC goodness

CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

DR. KIMBELL KORNU

University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas. While he initially planned to work as a community physician, his dismay at the deformative aspects of typical medical training led him to Westminster Theological Seminary where he completed a Master of Arts in Religion between his third and fourth years of medical school. After residency training, he took a Ph.D. in Theology at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

“When I was in medical school, we often talked about bodies as broken cars, not as human beings,” Kornu said. “This mechanistic aspect is essential to practicing medicine effectively, but it’s not sufficient to training providers who will become excellent physicians. Medicine can reduce people to objects without considering their holistic goodness, and I’m eager to develop curriculum that considers all aspects of forming competent and compassionate physicians.”

Senior Faculty in Medical Ethics

us think more about whole-person formation for a full and fruitful life.”

University Provost Dr. David Gregory said this is the first position of its kind at Belmont, emphasizing the University’s commitment to interprofessional collaboration. “This role encompasses many areas of health on our campus, and works alongside the Colleges of Medicine, Health Sciences & Nursing and Pharmacy,” he said. “Dr. Kornu has the experience as a physician and educational credentials that bring theology and philosophy to bear within the comprehensive study of health.”

THE UNIVERSITY IN MAY announced the appointment of Dr. Kimbell Kornu as Provost’s Professor of Bioethics, Theology and Christian Formation to support the pursuit of cultivating medical professionals of virtue and character with a holistic approach to health. In his role, Kornu focuses on developing innovative curriculum that prioritizes character, competency and creativity to nurture healthy communities of practice, while also bolstering robust research with a strong emphasis in bioethics.

Kornu comes to Belmont from Saint Louis University where he served as assistant professor of medicine, health care ethics and theological studies and practiced as a palliative care physician. He holds an M.D. from the

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kornu to Belmont,” said Dr. Greg Jones, Belmont’s president. “He has an integrated view of health that goes beyond techniques and focuses on character, including establishing a sense of wellbeing across many dimensions. His view of health— from physical to social, economic and spiritual—will help

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

In a world where polarization and divisiveness are the norm, Belmont seeks to reweave the social fabric by creating an environment

all WHERE BELONG.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

José González

Efforts toward embracing our differences were put into action with the newly opened Mesa Komal Café, which features local, minority entrepreneurs from the Conexión Américas Mesa Komal culinary incubator program. Businesses that serve international cuisine from Mexico and India have already occupied the Belmont Blvd. storefront, and more will be featured on rotation in upcoming semesters. This partnership allows entrepreneurs to gain experience operating their culinary ventures, and the on-campus exposure creates opportunities to increase cultural awareness, explore different backgrounds and make more diverse connections within Belmont’s community.

Joining Excelencia Education’s Presidents for Latino Student Success network was another step toward creating an environment where all students can thrive. Excelencia is the nation’s premier authority in efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. It is comprised of college and university presidents and chancellors who are committed to the goal of Latino student flourishing, a goal which Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones shares.

Steps Toward Greater Inclusivity

THIS YEAR, BELMONT TOOK A SIGNIFICANT step forward by announcing the new Office of Hope, Unity and Belonging (The HUB). The HUB will be responsible for housing the University’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives as well as Title IX compliance and prevention and non-discrimination and equity work. A search to hire a full-time Vice President of Hope, Unity and Belonging is underway. The role will oversee and lead DEIB efforts and act as an architect tasked with creating a framework for the University’s plan to ensure that all members of Belmont’s community experience a meaningful and authentic sense of belonging.

In addition to the announcement of the new HUB office, the campus enjoyed extensive programming focused on celebrating diversity, including events marking MLK Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage and the inaugural AAPI celebration. Highlighting the ninth annual campus-wide Diversity Week in September were a faculty panel, social media campaigns and a Diversity in Entertainment Symposium with keynote speaker Erik Moses (then president and general manager of Nashville Superspeedway).

Mesa Komal Café will be an outlet to amplify the vibrancy of the culinary scene of the immigrant and the refugee communities. I can’t wait for my Belmont family to experience the vision of Mesa Komal as these amazing chefs bring that vision to life.

Dr.

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Management

Grand opening of Mesa Komal Café.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

FINDING

A SENSE OF belonging AT BELMONT MEANS THAT HERE INDIVIDUALS understand THEY ARE AN INTEGRAL

Traditionally Underrepresented Groups OF FALL 2022 FRESHMAN CLASS FROM 23.6% PART OF THE CAMPUS community

experience by paying musical homage to the sufferers, saviors, casualties and champions of Black American people in a requiem or mass for the dead.

Another program focused on extending welcome in new ways saw Belmont partnering again with CreatiVets, a Nashville-based organization that offers creative outlets to veterans surviving post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. This year the Leu Art Gallery at the Lila D. Bunch Library featured powerful artwork from members of CreatiVets in the Healing Through Art exhibition that was on display throughout the fall semester. Finding a sense of belonging at Belmont means that here individuals understand they are an integral part of the campus community, connected with others and valued for the differences each person brings.

Darcie

Inclusive Excellence in Action

SEVERAL EVENTS ON CAMPUS engaged community members in even deeper ways.

For example, on Indigenous Peoples' Day, an Indigenous Garden near the Foutch Alumni House was dedicated to celebrate and honor the ancestors, heirs, descendants and living members of the Cherokee, Shawnee, Chickasaw and Yuchi peoples who once used Belmont’s land as a hunting ground and possibly for cultivation. The garden aims to honor the Indigenous people of the land and acknowledge the losses they have suffered and the injustices they continue to endure. Then, later in the fall, accomplished School of Music Professor Dr. Jeffery Ames debuted his masterwork composition, Requiem for Colour, to an audience of more than 1,200 people at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The performance displayed excellence at every level with Ames leading more than 450 students of Belmont’s Oratorio and orchestra along with an impressive ensemble of guests. The evening’s dynamic display of storytelling breathed refreshing life into the complex history of the Black American

When I think about diversity, I think about everyone. As an educator, I’ve noticed that no matter what your classes look like, your class is diverse. Everyone comes from different backgrounds.

Dr.

Finch Assistant Professor of Education

Belmont community members speak with Charles Robinson, founder of The Red Road and a member of the Choctaw Tribe, after his remarks at the Indigenous Garden dedication ceremony.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

INSTITUTION THAT WE ARE becoming

SUSAN WEST & GARY HUNTER

This year, a new office dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as Title IX compliance was announced— the Office for Hope, Unity and Belonging (The HUB).

of thought. You want to have that opportunity to speak with someone who can resonate with the experiences that you’ve had.”

CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT Building Community

“I’m looking forward to the HUB office,” Hunter said. “I have been advocating for years. I am so excited that Belmont is moving in that direction.”

West concluded, “Oftentimes folks think that champions for diversity have to look like us. But I can say, here at Belmont, we’ve got champions for diversity who don’t look like us—who are excited and understand the important work that we absolutely must do in order to remain relevant and to embrace the diversity of thought, the diversity of ethnicity and diversity in every aspect.”

27 years ago, West and Hunter have shared countless experiences throughout their friendship, supporting and encouraging each other as the University grows and diversifies. In fact, both have been active in committees and other efforts over the years to make Belmont a more inclusive campus. West said, “I’m so proud of the institution that we are becoming. I don’t think we ever arrive, but certainly having the opportunity to look back, look at where we are and then look at what we’re going to be able to accomplish in the future makes me so excited and so proud.”

Since their hallway meet-and-greet

WHEN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT for Administration & Chief of Staff Dr. Susan West came to work at Belmont in 1988, she was the first professionally staffed African American on campus. West remembers first meeting Belmont’s Telecommunications Services Manager Gary Hunter and the happiness she felt when she learned that he also worked at Belmont.

“I remember asking, ‘Who are you?’” West recalled, “And you said, ‘Hi, I’m Gary Hunter and I’m in telecommunications.’ I almost...almost hugged you at that point. You probably saw the elation in my face.”

“Absolutely,” Hunter replied. “I mean, I was thinking when I got here, ‘Is this the place for me?’”

West added, “Sometimes you want to have that diversity

STORYTELLINGSTORYTELLING

Through both exploration and practice, Belmont is diving more deeply into amplifying stories of

& GOODNESS.

OUR pebble CAN BE THE AVALANCHE OF change

TikTok Account FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Top 10

Top Music Business School

NAMED A IN THE COUNTRY (Billboard)

Whether it’s a 30-second YouTube clip or a $100 million television show, he encourages all storytellers seeking to craft their message to ask the same three questions: What do we stand for? How do we want to stand for it? Who is it for?

“Getting to the heart of what we stand for is fundamental when we start to become storytellers,” he said. “We must know what we’re about. As we consider massive social problems that require massive efforts to address, we start with reaching one other person. Our ‘pebble’ can be the avalanche of change.”

RECOGNIZED AS A Top 30

Film School

(Variety)

Exploring Storytelling

WHAT STORIES and values lay at your core is essential to contributing to the larger community’s story with your peers. Keeping this top of mind throughout 2022 has aided Belmont in making a tremendous impact across our community through a number of storytelling efforts.

DISCOVERING

Rick Rekedal, a former DreamWorks executive and current Senior Fellow for Storytelling at Belmont, has been instrumental in furthering our institution’s storytelling efforts since Belmont announced the Five Pathways that undergird our Strategic Trajectory to 2030.

This year Rick led campus through workshops exploring what it means to be a storyteller.

Rick Rekedal leads faculty and staff through a storytelling workshop.

Visual Storytelling

Belmont alumni and employees

SEVERAL

THIS YEAR FOUND

amplifying our storytelling efforts through visual mediums with new murals in spaces around campus. The recently debuted University Ministries mural by alumna Becca Wildsmith (‘05) paints an optic narrative of The Bell Tower, a recognizable campus landmark, surrounded by colorful abstract shapes that are meant to represent Belmont’s unique and diverse community. The University Ministries slogan, “Love God, Love People,” is painted in the center of the piece. Belmont graphic designer and alumna Mary Puls, ’20, brought this year’s theme, “Radical Champions for All,” to life with a mural unveiled on the first day of classes on the Gabhart Student Center, while Design Operations Manager Erica Belletete designed two murals for campus this fall. The first shares all that’s great about Belmont’s Athletics program—images reflecting strong students, strong competitors and strong values. Meanwhile, the bold “Welcome to Belmont” that adorns the Educational Innovation building on 12th Avenue signals the University’s innate hospitality and sense of warmth. Telling a story through the visual arts was also evident with a new creation from Doug Regen, faculty member in the Watkins College of Art. As a follow up for the bowl he crafted to celebrate Greg Jones’ 2021 Inauguration, this year Regen sculpted a new Community Bowl that reflect Belmont’s values and commitment to inclusive excellence. The piece was constructed of layers of various re-claimed wood species, including raw edge Hackberry from a historic tree that fell on campus during a spring storm. The wood choices represent the diversity of the Belmont community, while the hammered precious metal interior signifies the beauty that lies within us, telling a story through craftmanship.

Doug Regan presents Greg Jones with a new Community Bowl he sculpted.

STORYTELLINGSTORYTELLING

Storytelling Through Performance

program direction—assisting in building a brand that communicates the center as a place of hope-inspiring community engagement through art and storytelling. Some of the biggest names in music gathered in September for the taping of “CMT

GIANTS: Vince Gill,” a 90-minute music special honoring the country music legend. This incredible event, held in the Fisher Center, required participation from all corners of our community—from faculty and staff, to musical directors and students. Sting, Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley and Chris Stapleton were among the artists who lauded Gill live in the Fisher Center.

OF COURSE, Belmont also leaned into other strengths to tell countless stories this year through words, film and music, areas in which the University has long excelled. Two tremendous examples surfaced in support of Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, as both retired Curb College Dean and Belmont alum Doug Howard and the Gregg Allman Estate each offered sizable donations to create endowed scholarships for Curb students. The Curb College is home to more than 2,700 undergraduates with majors in music business, audio engineering, creative & entertainment industries, publishing, songwriting, media studies and motion pictures, and more.

Grammy-nominated alumnus Cody Fry (‘12) performed his own sold-out show at the Fisher Center in the fall. The show—and first orchestral concert at the Fisher Center— sold out in one day, filling all 1,727 seats. The one-time-only show featured a 60-piece symphony orchestra, live band and special guests including Ben Rector, Scott Mulvahill and Cory Wong. The day after the concert, Fry imparted his earned wisdom to students in the College of Music and Performing Arts. “Your degree is just the piece of paper, but your education is the proof,” said Fry. “When you get to show that to people, that’s what matters.”

Nationally acclaimed for setting a high bar for music, theatre and dance performances, Belmont students did not disappoint in 2022. From Into the Woods, Sondheim on Sondheim and 42nd Street to the stunning artistry of the annual Mixed Bill dance recital and the diverse sounds of arena and songwriting showcases, talented storytelling is everpresent across Belmont’s campus.

Hitting its stride this year was The Fisher Center for Performing Arts as a new vehicle for storytelling. Music industry veteran Chaz Corzine was appointed executive director of the world-class performance venue and immediately began to help shape the strategic

Your degree is just the piece of paper, but your education is the proof. When you get to show that to people, that’s what matters.

Cody Fry (‘12) Alumnus

Alumnus Cody Fry performs a sold out show at the Fisher Center.

Photo Credit: Victoria Quirk

CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

LEADING THE WAY

contributed to the national celebration of Title IX’s 50th anniversary with her new work, “Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee’s Trailblazers: 50 Years, 50 Stories.” The book is a vibrant celebration of the lives and careers of 50 female athletes who have shaped the landscape of women’s athletics, both in the state of Tennessee and across the nation. These women, all accomplished writers, are just three examples of the exceptional storytellers who call Belmont home and share their talents to extend truth, beauty and goodness to readers everywhere.

Belmont Faculty Blaze Their Own Storytelling Paths

recent work, “Seasons of Wonder,” provides a full year of devotions designed to help readers see the ordinary as sacred. Also released in 2022 was “Small Fish in High Branches,” the first full-length book of poetry from Professor of English Dr. Annette Sisson. The book follows the 2019 publication of her chapbook, “A Casting Off,” and several awards including the 2021 Mark Strand Poetry Scholar for the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, an author and historian who teaches in both Honors and Global Leadership Studies,

MANY BELMONT UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBERS have gone beyond the call of amplified storytelling—both in and out of their roles on campus, blazing a trail for their peers and students to emulate.

Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse is the director of Belmont Global Honors and a professor of English. She’s also a renowned author specializing in storytelling, creativity, contemplation and wonder, with over 20 years of experience in her field. She has authored several awardwinning books, including “Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking” and “Kickstart Creativity: 50 Prompted Cards to Spark Inspiration.” Her most

Pictured left to right Sisson, Smith-Whitehouse and Pethel

We get to represent what I think is the

ABSOLUTE best UNIVERSITY

the WORLD.

in

When we put that uniform on we understand we’re doing a lot more than just playing a basketball game.

We’re SHOWCASING what I think is one of the most UNIQUE

THERE’S nothing SMALL about BELMONT. educational experiences THAT YOU CAN GET

There’s nothing small about running a program that has an emphasis on basketball at a high level, on academics at a high level, on community engagement at a high level and spiritual growth at a high level.

BART BROOKS Women’s Basketball Head Coach

INNOVATIVE & ENTREPRENEURIAL mindset

FOSTER HUMAN flourishing

MISSION- MINDED teams AND HOPE- BEARING institutions

FAITH-BASED not faith-biased

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT and COLLABORATION

FOR ALL

Belmont’s President and First Lady, along with granddaughter Sophie Jones, showed their Bruin pride in October, donning bear suits for the fall Day to Dream festival on campus.