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transforms HOPE

ANDREA BOCELLI HELPS BELMONT

LAUNCH $700 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO SHAPE UNIVERSITY’S FUTURE- P14

A Word from the President

DEAR FRIENDS,

At Belmont, we believe in dreaming big and dreaming together.

Last year we launched our SOUL Framework: Seeking Excellence with Humility, Offering Gratitude with Joy, Unleashing Hospitality with Love and Living the Dream Together with Hope. SOUL defines who we are and shapes how we treat one another as we live, learn and work together in community, all rooted in and aiming toward Wisdom as a key virtue.

This year, we’re focusing on the “L” of SOUL — Living the Dream Together with Hope –– by beginning with the end in mind. It’s a call to move from going it alone to pursuing dreams in community, recognizing that together we can accomplish more and inspiration doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Hope is enriched through shared goals and shared experiences.

This spirit drives our most ambitious fundraising effort in Belmont’s 135-year history: the Hope Transforms Campaign. Through this bold initiative, we’re inviting our donors, alumni, parents and friends to come together to invest in Belmont’s future by supporting scholarships, faculty, facilities and programs that shape leaders of wisdom and character.

This message of community, long a Belmont distinctive, is driving momentum. More students than ever before are joining our campus, with 8,932 Bruins enrolled this semester, a record number. Their presence signals growing confidence in our Christ-centered mission and a shared desire to pursue lives of purpose and impact.

Season 3 of “The Hope People” podcast highlights this theme as well with remarkable stories of Agents of Hope who are shaping their communities with courage and creativity. Their journeys demonstrate that hope takes practice and comes alive through the accompaniment of partners and mentors.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Together, we’re leaning into a future filled with hope and purpose.

BELMONT MAGAZINE

Belmont Magazine is published semiannually by University

Marketing and Communications for nearly 50,000 alumni and friends of Belmont University.

MANAGING EDITOR

Haley Charlton (B.S. ’16, M.S. ’23)

DESIGNERS

Zach Bowen

Deborah Brewington

Caitlin Cooney (B.F.A ‘22)

Kate Fong (Student, B.F.A. ‘27)

Mary Puls (B.F.A. ’20)

Teresa VanderMolen

UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daniel Brown (Freelancer)

Janelle Mali Hagan (Student, B.A. ‘25)

Sam Simpkins

Matt Willoughby

Luca Rossetti (Bocelli photography)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Liz Beck

Haley Charlton (B.S. ’16, M.S. ‘23)

Julia Copeland (B.S. ’16, M.S. ‘23)

Laurel Crain (Student, B.S. ‘26)

Emma Johansson (B.S. ‘22)

Kelsey Keny

Clara LoCricchio

Jasmine Simmons

ADDRESS UPDATES

For address updates, email AdvancementServices@belmont.edu.

CONTACT BELMONT MAGAZINE STAFF

Email: communication@belmont.edu

Mail: Belmont Magazine

Belmont University

Cheers, Greg Jones

Dr. Jones records a conversation with Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and former NFL player Andrew East for season three of “The Hope People” podcast.

Freeman Hall Third Floor

1900 Belmont Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37212

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: Leslie Lenser (Employee Issues/Complaints), Chief Human Resources Officer and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Fidelity Hall, Room 426, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.6456. Email: leslie.lenser@belmont.edu; Carly Elliott (StudentIssues/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

Campus News

BELMONT WELCOMES SIX NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Belmont Board of Trustees added six new members and one young alumni regent, bringing exceptional expertise across industries vital to Nashville and beyond.

“We are delighted to welcome these accomplished leaders to our Board of Trust,” said President Greg Jones. “Their collective expertise represents the diverse industries that make Nashville a thriving hub of innovation and creativity. Each brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to excellence that will help guide Belmont as we continue to develop leaders of purpose, character and wisdom, equipped to make the world a better place.”

New members include Leilani Boulware, owner/president of Leilani Boulware Real Estate; Evie Grace Fowler, creative coordinator at Black River Publishing; Joe Galante, president of Galante Entertainment; Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of Wonder Project; Ronald Roberts, managing partner at Finn Partners; Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association; and Louis Upkins, CEO of Upkins & Co.

BRINGING COMMUNITY STORIES TO LIFE

A vibrant new mural at E.S. Rose Park/ Easley Recreation Center is shining a spotlight on Nashville’s Negro Baseball League legacy, thanks to a collaboration between Belmont’s Watkins College of Art, Metro Arts, Metro Parks and members of the Edgehill community. Supported by a $20,000 Metro Arts grant, Belmont illustration students studied local history, met with community stakeholders and developed designs aimed at honoring the neighborhood’s deep ties to Black baseball.

The final mural, designed by illustration major Joanna Wu, features Hall of Famer Norman “Turkey” Stearnes and pays tribute to the creativity and determination that defined the era. Wu drew inspiration from stories shared by Dr. Harriet Kimbro

Hamilton, daughter of standout player Henry Kimbro, who described the project as both timely and meaningful.

“This mural is a small glimpse into history,” Wu said. “I wanted it to feel like it was truly for Edgehill.”

DESIGN LEADER RICK ARCHER TAKES THE HELM AT O’MORE

Renowned architect Rick Archer brings a blend of global experience and grounded purpose to his new role as dean of O’More College of Architecture & Design.

A fellow of the American Institute of Architects and founding principal of Overland Partners, Archer has spent four decades creating spaces that restore dignity and spark connection, from award-winning community centers to sustainable landmarks across the globe.

As the O’More College of Architecture & Design celebrates 55 years of legacy and innovation, Archer is helping chart its next chapter. Archer’s leadership will continue to set O’More apart by motivating students to produce designs that both inspire and transforms lives.

Pictured left to right: Ronald Roberts, Sarah Trahern, Leilani Boulware, Dr. Greg Jones, Evie Grace Fowler (alumni regent) and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten. Not pictured: Louis Upkins and Joe Galante.

Joanna Wu and Dr. Harriet Kimbro Hamilton

Campus News

BELMONT COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY THE PRINCETON REVIEW

Belmont landed on The Princeton Review’s “2026 Best Colleges: Region by Region” list and the “Best Business Schools for 2025” list.

This also marks the third consecutive year for the Jack C. Massey College of Business to earn recognition for its oncampus MBA program.

“A Massey MBA is more than a credential. It’s a launchpad for meaningful leadership and long-term career growth,” said Dr. Randy Bradley, dean of the Jack C. Massey College of Business.

Students praised Belmont for its engaging and practical academic programs and commended the faculty for “knowing your name and face and remembering you even after class ends” — distinctions that help create a genuine culture of belonging.

Recognition by The Princeton Review affirms the University’s strength and rigor across disciplines and reinforces its reputation as a place where students can truly thrive.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT NAMED BEST IN TENNESSEE

The Department of Public Relations was honored as the first-ever “Best College/University Communications Department” by the Public Relations Society of America Nashville Chapter. The new award category was established to highlight academic programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum, faculty and student outcomes.

“This recognition validates what we’ve seen for years — that our students are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing industry,” said Dr. Kevin Trowbridge, APR, associate professor and chair of the Department of Public Relations.

Since 1987, PRSA Nashville has honored exceptional projects, programs and thought leadership that demonstrate the highest standards of the profession. Belmont’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter has received the PRSSA Star Chapter Award for 17 consecutive years, making it the only chapter to achieve this honor every year since the award’s inception in 2009.

This recognition affirms Belmont’s reputation for producing career-ready graduates who are prepared to excel in corporate, nonprofit, agency and other sectors.

CMA SUPPORTS MENTAL HEALTH IN ENTERTAINMENT

A $3 million gift from the Country Music Association will support the launch of the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, a first-of-its-kind initiative to address the critical need for mental health research, education and community resources in the entertainment industry.

Recognizing a lack of mental health resources and support for professionals in the entertainment field, the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business joined forces with the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to establish the Center, to be housed within Curb College’s growing Music Row campus.

Licensed clinical social worker Debbie Carroll was tapped to serve as executive director for the Center and CMA endowed chair, bringing her extensive industry knowledge in entertainment and human resources to the role. Her most recent position as VP for entertainment and specialized services with Onsite Entertainment followed a nearly 24-year stint as VP of health and human services for MusiCares.

Belmont Public Relations faculty members accept PRSSA award. Pictured left to right: Trenay Perry Bynum, Dr. Bonnie Reichert, Dr. Kevin Trowbridge, Dr. Anna Grace Usery and Dr. Christie Kleinmann.

Debbie Carroll (far left) sits on panel during Hope Summit Mental Health in Entertainment breakout session.

UNIVERSITY ACHIEVES MILITARY FRIENDLY GOLD STATUS FOR SECOND YEAR

Belmont earned Military Friendly® School designation for the 11th consecutive year and received its first-ever Military Spouse Friendly® designation, underscoring the University’s commitment to veterans and military families.

This marks the second year Belmont has achieved Military Friendly® Gold School status.

“We are deeply committed to supporting those who have served by honoring their experiences, addressing their unique needs and ensuring their educational journey is both accessible and meaningful,” said Kim Powell, assistant director of Adult Degree & Veteran Success, which houses Belmont’s Veteran Success Team.

EXPANDING OUTDOOR RECREATION OPTIONS

Thanks to support from the estate of longtime trustee Helen Kennedy, new outdoor courts opened this fall at the corner of 15th Avenue South and Bernard Avenue, expanding campus recreation offerings. The first phase of the project introduced four pickleball courts and one sand volleyball court, providing new spaces for students, faculty and staff to connect through play and wellness.

The addition reflects a broader commitment to whole-person development, joining existing amenities like the fitness center and climbing wall to create more opportunities for community connection and activity across campus.

Belmont serves more than 350 veteran and military-affiliated students, many of whom use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. Beginning in 2024-2025, Belmont’s Yellow Ribbon Program was extended to include the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont’s new medical school.

Military students and members of Belmont’s Veteran Success Team pose for photo at challenge coin and cord ceremony.

Campus News

COLLEGE OF NURSING HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL NURSING INNOVATION SUMMIT

Belmont’s Center for Nursing Innovation hosted its second annual Nursing Innovation Summit Nov. 6-7, bringing together health care professionals and industry leaders to transform ideas into practical solutions for health care challenges.

This year’s theme, “Moving from Conversation to Collaboration and Application,” emphasized action-oriented innovation. The two-day event,

sponsored by the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, featured keynote speakers Dr. Whitney Staub-Juergens, vice president of transformation operations at HCA Healthcare, and Dr. Olga Yakusheva, economist and professor of nursing at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.

“At the Center for Nursing Innovation, we’re committed to fostering meaningful dialogue that

leads to real-world impact,” said Dr. Julie Honey, Inman College of Nursing dean. “We’re creating space for collaboration that equips nursing leaders to address the most pressing challenges facing our profession today.”

NEW HEALTH SYSTEMS COLLABORATIVE EXPLORES AI, COMPASSION IN WHOLE-PERSON CARE

More than 100 health care innovators, technology leaders and policymakers gathered at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine for the inaugural “Whole-Person Health Care Journey: Empowered by AI, Driven by Compassion” symposium, marking the soft launch of the Belmont Collaborative for Health Systems Innovation.

The daylong event balanced visionary thinking with practical application, featuring panels on maternal health and AI implementation, tours of Belmont’s Center for Interprofessional Engagement and Simulation and afternoon sessions exploring funding models and governance structures for sustainable partnerships.

“This future can’t be built by an institution alone. It’s done in community, where we can ignite bold thinking, foster partnerships and develop practical solutions to total-person care,” said Dean Dr. Anderson Spickard.

The collaborative positions Belmont as a convening force for health care transformation, bringing together diverse stakeholders to work through shared challenges.

Dr. Douglas Slakey speaks at symposium

CHAMPIONING FOSTER CARE INITIATIVES

A dual approach to foster care has taken shape at Belmont, building a foster-friendly campus while tackling statewide challenges facing youth aging out of care.

On campus, a partnership with Crowded Table mobilized faculty and staff into wraparound care teams supporting foster, adoptive and kinship families. “Foster families who are more supported stay foster families longer,” said Amanda Waterman, nursing instructor, partnership co-leader and adoptive parent. “That means more kids have the chance to grow up with family.”

At the state level, Belmont Innovation Labs joined the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative and Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to launch “Every Child Tennessee: 2025 Impact Case,” identifying needs in housing, mental health and mentorship. The work is fueling new initiatives like the Reconstruct Challenge: Thriving Youth, a $1.5 million venture-philanthropy platform supporting pilot projects like Lumen Flats –– a supportive housing facility for transitioning youth in Knoxville.

LIVING OUT THE SOUL FRAMEWORK THROUGH PRAYER

The SOUL framework continues to shape life at Belmont in tangible, unifying ways. One example this fall is the community’s shared practice of the Peace Prayer, often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Shared at opening-of-year events and ongoing gatherings across campus, the prayer invites students, faculty and staff to reflect on the virtues at the heart of the SOUL framework — humility, joy, love, hope and wisdom.

“This prayer puts the SOUL framework in motion,” said Dr. John Witvliet, senior scholar and program advisor for missional initiatives and professor of theology, worship and the arts. “It helps us express our deep yearning for peace to God and sense our calling to live out these virtues.”

Used across many Christian traditions and even set to music around the world, the Peace Prayer reflects Belmont’s ecumenical identity and Christ-centered mission.

“This prayer is beautiful in its simplicity, but daring in its challenge,” said Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, senior fellow of Christ-centered visioning. “It turns things upside-down. It’s not our natural inclination to live like this. We’re praying the way Jesus lived and taught.”

Amanda Waterman and family

SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE PEACE PRAYER

Wiseman Hall

BUILT TO LAST

In August, campus celebrated the opening of its newest residence hall, Betty Wiseman Hall.

A pioneering force in women’s collegiate athletics, Wiseman founded Belmont’s Women’s Basketball program in 1968, four years before Title IX, making it one of the first collegiate women’s teams in the state.

Wiseman’s legacy still influences Belmont Athletics today, and her contributions to athletics have been widely recognized through her induction into multiple halls of fame.

NEW HUB FOR STUDENT LIFE WITH COMMUNITY AT ITS CORE

Wiseman Hall expands Belmont’s housing capacity with 718 additional beds, offering suite-style living for first-year students and apartment-style options for upperclassmen.

“We’re committed to providing campus housing that enhances the overall student experience and supports the whole person, and Wiseman Hall represents an important step in fulfilling that vision,” said President Greg Jones.

The state-of-the-art esports facility offers high-tech equipment and a welcoming environment for students to compete and connect.

Betty’s name etched on a new residence hall is more than recognition. It’s a reminder of the foundation of faith, innovation and community she helped lay at Belmont.

Going beyond the traditional residence hall, this building was designed to support students throughout every stage of their college journey. Its standout features create spaces for community, convenience and well-being:

This 24-hour convenience store offers essentials and late-night snacks to fit students’ busy schedules.

Also included in Wiseman Hall are Betty’s Market, another nod to our matriarch, and Shake Smart, which provides nutritious options like smoothies.

The Mishaw Courtyard honors George and Birda Mishaw, whose home once welcomed neighbors with love, generosity and hospitality in the space where Wiseman Hall now stands. Their legacy of belonging now extends to Belmont students, offering a gathering space that continues their tradition of open-hearted community.

THE MISHAW LEGACY

ESPORTS FACILITY

BEAR NECESSITIES

BETTY’S MARKET AND SHAKE SMART

Hello, Neighbor Hello, Neighbor

FALL PROGRAMMING CHALLENGES BELMONT COMMUNITY TO REFLECT ON CARE, COURAGE AND BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITY

This fall, Belmont explored what it means to be a neighbor through three interconnected experiences — examining historical choices, engaging in contemporary dialogue and celebrating creative community.

GATHERING FOR DIALOGUE

The College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences’ annual Humanities Symposium invited campus into week-long conversations on neighborliness. Keynote speakers including broadcaster Khalil Ekulona and journalist Tom Junod explored everyday acts of care and human connection. Ekulona reminded audiences that “common courtesy is a beautiful version of grace,” while Junod reflected on lessons learned from Fred Rogers about truth, kindness and authentic relationship.

CONFRONTING HISTORY’S QUESTION

Belmont became the first university in the nation to host “Some Were Neighbors: Choice, Human Behavior, and the Holocaust,” a traveling exhibit from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Displayed in the Lila D. Bunch Library from September through December, the exhibition examined the role of ordinary people during the Holocaust — those who chose to help, those who stood by and those who became perpetrators.

“Through this partnership with the Holocaust Museum, we’re opening space for hard, honest conversations about moral courage, complicity and how we treat our neighbors,” said Dr. Jon Roebuck, executive director of the Reverend Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership.

CREATING IN COMMUNITY

The Neighbors | Artists in Residence at Arcade Arts exhibition in Gallery 121 featured works from 12 artists, including Belmont faculty member Mandy Rogers Horton.

“Artists can’t thrive in isolation. We need neighbors — people to share tools with, people who offer encouragement, people who give honest critique,” Rogers Horton said, connecting creative practice to the broader symposium theme.

Keynote speaker and broadcaster Khalil Ekulona

Patron views the “Some Were Neighbors” exhibit

Artists in residence Xavier Payne (Watkins College of Art alumnus) and Taylor Walton.

“Always seen in her signature blue, Barbara’s presence was felt at Belmont by so many.”

- President Greg Jones

Honoring a Legacy:

In memory of Barbara Massey Rogers (1938–2025)

This fall, Belmont said goodbye to a dear friend whose legacy is deeply woven into the University’s storied history.

Barbara Massey Rogers’ enduring connection to Belmont began with her father, Jack C. Massey, whose vision and philanthropy helped sustain the University through its most challenging years. Building on Jack’s foundation, Barbara continued the Massey family’s commitment to education, innovation and faith.

Through the Barbara Massey Rogers and Jack C. Massey Foundation, the family’s generosity has transformed campus, providing the foundation for growth and innovation that will continue to serve generations of students to come. Her support touched nearly every college, including business, law, medicine, pharmacy and music and performing arts.

“Barbara was a champion for Belmont’s values: the Christian mission, the excellent academics, the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and the pursuit of God-sized dreams,” said Associate Vice President for Stewardship Kate Mosley.

A legacy across campus

Honored by numerous namesakes, the Massey and Rogers family legacies can be seen and felt across campus.

Jack C. Massey College of Business

Jack C. Massey Center

Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair of Law

Massey Performing Arts Center

Barbara Massey Rogers Center

Numerous endowed student scholarships

Barbara’s influence extended well beyond her philanthropy. She faithfully served as a Belmont trustee since 1996 and was instrumental in shaping the University’s vision for the future, including its law school. Just three years ago, Barbara received an honorary Doctor of the University degree — the highest designation Belmont offers — in recognition of her generous support, faithful involvement and unflagging encouragement to all who call Belmont home.

“We will long remember and treasure Barbara’s extraordinary faithfulness to Christ, her leadership and friendship, her smile and the twinkle in her eyes,” said President Greg Jones.

Jack C. Massey Center

Photos from Barbara Massey Rogers’ celebration of life service at Belmont’s McAfee Concert Hall, featuring collages of her legacy.

Left: President Greg Jones with Barbara Massey Rogers at the opening of the Jack C. Massey Center at Belmont. Center: Barbara Massey Rogers with her father Jack C. Massey (center) and Dr. Joe Massey, Jack’s nephew. Right: Barbara Massey Rogers signing a beam for the Jack C. Massey Center.

Staging a Dream with DOLLY

Hands-on learning met Broadway magic as Belmont students powered Dolly’s fellowship program and musical debut

As “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” brought its world-premiere run to life at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the production became more than a Broadway-bound spectacle — it was a living classroom.

Nine students selected for the inaugural Dolly U Fellowship Program stepped into key backstage roles alongside industry professionals. From crafting costumes and mixing sound to managing company operations, the Dolly U fellows gained hands-on experience few undergraduates ever see.

Fashion design major Margo Dobbs sewed garments worn in multiple scenes, while music theory and musical theatre double major Hudson Blake transcribed melodies straight from Dolly Parton’s voice memos. Audio

engineering major Cece Twohey discovered a new love for theatrical sound design, and music major Ellie Thompson found a new path in company management.

As alumni and professionals worked beside them, the students earned high praise. “Their professionalism was top-notch — early, prepared, calm under pressure and solutions-minded,” said Jeff Cox (’93), who performed in the orchestra.

After 49 performances and more than 77,000 attendees, the world-premiere run not only prepared the show for Broadway but gave Belmont students a once-in-a-lifetime creative laboratory on their own campus.

Dolly U Fellows

“I am so thankful to President Greg Jones and all the Belmont faculty, staff and students who helped bring my story to life. As we continue to workshop our musical for Broadway, I’m excited that the Belmont Dolly U partnership will continue, with students playing a part in the next step of our journey.”

— Dolly Parton

FULL CIRCLE ON THE FISHER STAGE

Alumni returned to perform in Dolly Parton’s world-premiere musical — coming home to the same campus where their stories began.

Bassist Jeff Cox (’93) and actor Peri Barnhill (’23) brought two generations of Belmont artistry to “DOLLY: A True Original Musical.”

For Cox, a School of Music alumnus and former adjunct professor, performing in the orchestra under Dolly’s direction felt full circle. “Being back at my alma mater to help shape a new work headed for Broadway was a benchmark for me,” he said.

Barnhill, a recent musical theatre graduate, earned her ensemble role through a TikTok audition. “Everyone in the cast put so much of themselves into every scene,” she reflected.

Together, their paths capture what makes Belmont distinct: a creative community where artistry, excellence and opportunity intersect.

Bassist Jeff Cox (’93)

Actor Peri Barnhill (’23)

Margo Dobbs

Cece Twohey

transforms HOPE

A BOLD, $700 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE THROUGH CHARACTER, CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

The power of hope took center stage this fall as the University launched the public phase of Hope Transforms, a historic $700 million campaign positioning Belmont to become the leading Christcentered university in the world.

An Evening of Hope

The launch of Hope Transforms began with a night that captured Belmont’s heart — an unforgettable concert at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts where world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and other world-class artists like alumna Trisha Yearwood, CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith joined students on stage for “An Evening of Hope.”

The performance hall filled with music and meaning as more than 50 Belmont musicians — from members of the University Orchestra and Chorale to soloist Randi Keira Culver — shared the spotlight with industry icons. For the students, it was the ultimate example of preparation meeting opportunity.

“Performing alongside Andrea Bocelli was surreal,” said harpist Audrey Smith. “It left me feeling inspired to keep chasing even greater dreams.”

A Vision Rooted in Purpose

Hope Transforms reflects Belmont’s belief that education, rooted in faith, can change lives and communities. It’s more than a campaign; it’s a movement that calls us all to invest in a future defined by character, creativity and innovation through three core commitments:

INVESTING IN PEOPLE

Scholarships and endowed faculty positions ensure that students can follow their callings and that world-class educators can mentor them along the way.

CREATING SPACES THAT INSPIRE

Transformative projects — like The CORD - Powerhouse, a new hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the continued Music Row expansion for Curb College — will give students room to dream, design and innovate together.

FUELING EXPERIENCES THAT CHANGE LIVES

Mission trips, research opportunities, internships and service-learning programs empower students to put their faith and knowledge into action, creating real-world impact.

“IT’S

ONE THING TO WATCH GREATNESS, BUT IT’S ANOTHER TO REALIZE YOU ALREADY BELONG IN THAT SPACE. THAT’S WHAT I WANT OUR STUDENTS TO FEEL.” – Dr. Christopher Fashun Director of Orchestras

With $300 million committed toward the $700 million goal set for completion in 2030, momentum is already strong. To accelerate progress, several cornerstone initiatives are already at work:

• The Hope Transforms Scholarship Challenge doubles the impact of new endowed scholarship gifts of $100,000 or more.

• The Johnson Academic Challenge, a $30 million matching fund, will create up to 20 new endowed professorships.

• President Greg Jones and First Lady Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones pledged $1.5 million, matched through the Johnson Academic Challenge, to establish a $3 million endowed chair in formative education, focused on character formation and whole-person development.

A Movement of Hope

The launch of Hope Transforms began with music — but its movement extends far beyond the stage. It lives in every student whose education is made possible by a scholarship, every faculty member who mentors with passion and every graduate who carries hope into the world.

EVERY GIFT — LARGE OR SMALL — CARRIES BELMONT’S MISSION FORWARD. MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY: HOPETRANSFORMS.BELMONT.EDU

honoring the past, shaping the future on music row

The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business turned vision into reality this semester, completing phase one of its two-part Music Row expansion. Inside the reimagined Buddy Lee Attractions/Capitol Records building, students are already discovering what happens when industry and education intersect.

The 38 Music Square East site — made possible by a generous contribution from the College’s namesake Mike Curb — includes 17,000 square feet of songwriting rooms, listening spaces, live sound classrooms and student lounges.

“Belmont’s stewardship of the next generation of music and entertainment industry leaders makes the University as integral to the Music Row community as the music companies who also line these iconic streets,” said Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. “The epicenter of America’s creative heartbeat, Music Row is the ideal location for Belmont’s growing footprint.”

In partnership with the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Belmont curated a collection of one-of-a-kind artwork, memorabilia and commissioned artifacts displayed throughout these state-of-the-art creative spaces. The pieces don’t just decorate the walls, they tell the story of Music Row’s legacy, celebrating the songwriters and artists who shaped its sound.

Together, the historic artifacts and the creative work happening within these spaces bring Music Row’s illustrious story to life, inspiring students and industry professionals to write the next chapter.

The expansion brings Belmont’s footprint on Music Row to more than 37,000 square feet, creating a powerful presence dedicated to shaping the entertainment and business leaders of tomorrow in this historic area.

Center photo: Head of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Mark Ford, Carol Ann Ford, Mike Curb and Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer.

Confronting Complex Health Challenges

ACROSS CONTINENTS

INTERDISCIPLINARY GLOBAL HEALTH TRIP COMBINES UNITED NATIONS TRAINING WITH GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

“This journey has changed how I view global health: not just as a study of illness, but as a study of life itself.”

ANDREA LOPEZ HERNANDEZ SOCIAL WORK, SENIOR

Eleven Belmont students completed a full lap around the world this summer, traveling from Nashville to South Korea to India as part of a three-week interdisciplinary global health elective that bridged international policy with hands-on community health work.

The program brought together undergraduate and graduate students from nursing, medicine, public health, social work, psychology and architecture to study disaster risk reduction and global health through multiple lenses.

"We wanted to create an opportunity where students could learn foundational knowledge from world-renowned experts and then immediately put it into practice with our partners on the ground," said Dr. Taryn McCoy, assistant professor of nursing and global health coordinator.

The experience began at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction's Global Education and Training Institute in Incheon, South Korea, where students engaged in intensive workshops. They met with Sanjaya Bhatia, head of the institute, gaining rare exposure to how international policy connects to community health.

From South Korea, the group traveled to Bangalore, India, partnering with Kristu Jayanti University and Bangalore Baptist Hospital for direct community engagement. The most impactful day took students to DJ Halli, a settlement in Bangalore, where they conducted house calls alongside local nurses.

Rana, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. "It moved many of them to tears and ultimately shaped every medical student's capstone project."

This global health elective represents Belmont's commitment to interdisciplinary education and preparing students for increasingly complex global health challenges through immersive, collaborative learning experiences.

"This trip deepened my appreciation of how culture, policy and environment shape public health outcomes," said social work student Andrea Lopez Hernandez. "This journey has changed how I view global health: not just as a study of illness, but as a study of life itself."

"Walking through DJ Halli, students confronted the reality of what it means to live without access to basic resources," said Dr. Tanu

COURTSIDE Happenings

OUR NEW TEAM: STUNT!

For the first time in 25 years, a new varsity athletic program will make its Belmont debut: STUNT. Among the fastest-growing female sports in the U.S., STUNT features four quarters of head-to-head competition, with teams executing technical skills such as pyramids, tumbling and partner stunts. There are currently around 70 college teams competing, and Belmont will join that lineup in the 2026-27 academic year.

BRUISER’S NEW LOGO: ADIDAS

Belmont has begun a multi-year partnership with Adidas, whereby the iconic global sport and lifestyle brand will serve as the official uniform, apparel, footwear and accessory partner of Belmont Athletics.

ACADEMIC CHAMPIONS

Representing the jersey in the classroom, Belmont was awarded the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference All-Academic Award, presented to the member institution with the best grade point average among student-athletes. Belmont athletes posted a 3.573 GPA, earning this academic achievement for the 13th straight year (and 22 of the last 24 years)!

BRUINS AT NBA FINALS

Three former Bruins made their way to this year’s NBA finals, shining in their respective fields. Ben Sheppard (‘23) took to the court with the Indiana Pacers, Paris Lawson (‘19) served as a sideline reporter for this year’s champions — the Oklahoma City Thunder — and Drew Hanlen (‘12) worked with several competing athletes as a skills development trainer.

Cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset at Belmont

Nationally recognized. Nashville rooted. personally inspired.

Entrepreneurship at Belmont is more than a major, it’s a mindset.

Each year, students and alumni launch, grow and reimagine ventures fueled by courage, creativity and the confidence that comes from learning within a thriving community of innovators.

Recognized among the top programs in the world by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine, Belmont’s entrepreneurship program ranked No. 5 in the South and No. 32 globally for 2025.

The Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind Belmont’s nationally recognized program, advancing innovation and empowering students to bring their ideas to life.

From interactive workshops and mentorship programs to initiatives like Big Idea Week, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and Idea Bootcamp, students from every discipline are challenged to experiment, dream and discover how their own stories shape their ventures.

This fall, Belmont introduced Bruin Bodega, a place where classroom learning meets real-world commerce via a campus storefront. Beyond serving as a retail space, the Bodega operates as a living lab for student entrepreneurs.

Bruin Bodega will also house Belmont’s first-ever Consumer Packaged Goods Incubator Program, providing student founders in the CPG space with mentorship, resources and a testing ground to refine their ideas.

“Getting started in the CPG space is difficult. There’s a huge learning curve,” said alumna and co-founder of NoBaked Cookie Dough Megan Feeman. Feeman, who is also an entrepreneur-in-residence, will lead students through the CPG Incubator Program which launches next spring.

“Belmont has supported NoBaked since the very start,” she shared. “This incubator program will be a stepping stone into students receiving that same support — from launching their product to stocking it in the Bodega to being involved in the alumni programs.”

Through multifaceted concepts like Bruin Bodega, Belmont is reimagining how entrepreneurial education is delivered, evolving with the changing business landscape and staying true to its core mission: developing entrepreneurs who lead with purpose, innovation and heart.

Student managers at opening of Bruin Bodega.

Belmont students, staff, faculty and alumni file into Bruin Bodega for the first time.

Entrepreneurship in action

The Cone Center gives students the chance to win cash awards at pitch competitions each year, including a competition sponsored by the Buntin Family.

buntin pitch competition

Alumni founders are honored each year at the Top 100 Entrepreneur Awards.

Founder of Sprinkles cupcakes Candace Nelson visited campus for Big Idea Week to share her entrepreneurial journey with campus.

big IDEA WEEK entrepreneurship village top 100 entrepreneur awards

Belmont student, alumni and employee founders are invited to sell their products at Entrepreneurship Village each year.

Corner to Corner Alumni Director Jaron Spicer showcases products made by graduates of the nonprofit’s small business development program, The Academy. BELMONT

ALUMNI NEWS

BELMONT TALENT ON THE BIG SCREEN:

INSIDE ‘SKETCH’

When the feature film “Sketch” needed its final sound mix, the production team turned to Belmont’s Johnson Center theater — the world’s first university-based facility equipped with Dolby Atmos, the same immersive technology used in Hollywood blockbusters. The film features Belmont talent throughout, including alumnus Cody Fry (’12) who composed the score and several other alumni who contributed through key production roles.

Audio Engineering Technology alumna Jade Dickey (’24) returned to campus as a professional to help lead the final mix through her job at Defacto Sound. “It was a full-circle moment,” Dickey said. “Working in the same space where I did my student projects, but this time as a professional, made me feel like everything paid off.”

Motion Pictures Professor of Practice Dave Warburton added, “Professionals came to use my classroom to finish their movie. And because Jade knew the room so well, I could leave at night knowing everything would run smoothly. That says everything about how well our students are prepared.”

Belmont held a Young Alumni event at Cherries in Nashville this summer.

LEGAL EXCELLENCE:

ALUMNA EARNS SUPREME COURT FELLOWSHIP

Class of 2024 Belmont Law alumna Samantha McCaleb has been selected as a 2025-26 Supreme Court Fellow, one of the nation’s most prestigious legal appointments. She will serve with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, gaining first-hand experience within the federal judiciary.

At Belmont, McCaleb exemplified academic excellence and leadership as Moot Court president, associate editor of the Belmont Law Review and recipient of the University’s Graduate Student Scholarship Award. She credits Professor Amy Moore for her mentorship. “She has pushed me to become not only a better lawyer, but a better person, and I would not be where I am today without her,” McCaleb said.

Her fellowship underscores both her outstanding achievements and Belmont Law’s mission to prepare practice-ready attorneys who lead with integrity.

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT:

BRUINS SHINE AT MISS AMERICA

Belmont alumna Cassie Donegan (Miss New York) was crowned Miss America 2026, earning the Preliminary Talent Award for her powerful vocal performance — a testament to the training and mentorship she received in Belmont’s musical theatre program. Also competing were current student Madison Whitbeck (Miss Virginia) and psychology alumna Sadie Schiermeyer (Miss Texas) who placed as first runner-up, marking a historic sweep for Belmont.

Guided by longtime mentor and Belmont Musical Theatre Instructor Jo Lynn Burks, Donegan refined her stagecraft and voice in preparation for the competition. “She has worked hard for many years, and there is no one more deserving or qualified to be Miss America than Cassie Donegan,” Burks said.

As the 98th Miss America, Donegan now travels the country to champion her initiative, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.” Her win, along with her fellow Bruins’ advancement in the pageant, demonstrates how Belmont empowers students to discover purpose, pursue excellence and share their gifts in ways that uplift others.

PURPOSE IN MOTION: WALLACE LEADS METRO SCHOOLS

When Robert Wallace Jr. (’13) enrolled at Belmont, he planned to become a corporate lawyer. But a one-credit senior capstone changed his career trajectory and his life. “For the first time, I reflected on my purpose,” he said. “I realized I wanted to be a teacher.”

That moment led Wallace from the Massey College of Business to the classroom through Teach for America, then to leadership roles as COO of PENCIL, senior advisor to Nashville’s mayor and now chief of staff for Metro Nashville Public Schools.

“Belmont helped me shape my identity as a leader,” he said. “I gained the vocabulary I needed to define what leadership means to me and how I want to show up in the world.”

Guided by a philosophy of servant leadership, Wallace now serves Nashville’s students and educators at one of the highest levels.

Sadie Schiermeyer

Cassie Donegan crowned Miss America.

Donegan trains with Jo Lynn Burks

McCaleb (pictured right) with fellow Belmont Law alumna Carli Tuttle.

Belmont recognized as a

‘Great College to Work For’

Expressing our opinion that Belmont is one of the best colleges to work for comes naturally for us, and now it’s a fact!

Belmont has been named a “2025 Great College to Work For” by the Great Colleges to Work For® program, earning recognition in six workplace excellence categories and securing a coveted spot on the program’s Honor Roll — an elite designation reserved for only 42 institutions nationwide. The University was also named among the top 10 institutions in the country in the Medium size category (3,000–9,999 students).

This marks the first time Belmont has been named to the Great Colleges to Work For list or achieved Honor Roll status, being placed among the highest-performing institutions in the country for workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

The Great Colleges to Work For program, administered by ModernThink, is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Recognition is based primarily on employee feedback collected through comprehensive surveys of faculty, administrators and staff. Of 199 participating institutions nationwide, only 76 achieved “Great College to Work For” status.

This comprehensive recognition reflects the University’s holistic approach to creating an environment where faculty and staff thrive.

“One of Belmont’s greatest assets is our people,” said University President Greg Jones. “This recognition affirms what we experience daily: our culture — defined by our shared commitment to character, creativity and innovation — creates a community where talents are developed and celebrated. Our Christ-centered foundation fosters an environment of trust that encourages bold thinking and innovative problem-solving, making Belmont a place where all employees work together toward our shared goals.”