Belmont University President's Report 2023

Embracing A Bigger

Embracing a Bigger

Story

BELMONT UNIVERSITY

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2023

Friends,

Friends,

2023 was a year of incredible milestones at Belmont University. Achievements throughout this season were cultivated through traditioned innovation, an approach that builds on the best of our past and then gets expressed in creative, transformational action. Through it all, storytelling is the gateway, the connection point to individuals on our campus and beyond. Stories set a foundation for culture and identity, bringing people together in new ways that spur even more inspiration and action.

At Belmont, storytelling forms integral parts of our academic and creative focus as we forge ahead towards our aspirational aim to be widely recognized as the leading Christ-centered university in the world. We acknowledge that each of our stories matter — and combined, our stories reflect a much bigger picture of purpose in the world, leading us to this year’s campus theme of Embracing a Bigger Story.

This theme emphasizes moving beyond our individual perspectives and engaging with more comprehensive narratives and a broadened sense of purpose. It involves seeing past our experiences and considering a larger context or grander vision. Ultimately, embracing a bigger story is about locating our lives, our individual stories and our collective stories within God’s overarching Story — the very story that animates our commitments to innovation, belonging, healing, creativity, formation and hope.

The stories that shaped this year at Belmont are remarkable. In the fall, we launched The Hope People podcast, highlighting Agents of Hope — people who demonstrate what hope really means and how it animates our beliefs, actions and ultimately our stories. Delving into topics such as personal triumphs, community building and faith puts a magnifying glass to the power of storytelling to impact human flourishing.

We also celebrated 50 years of music business education in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and its exceptional impact, the launch of “Belmont Online,” a groundbreaking initiative providing accessible and flexible education opportunities to learners worldwide and the accreditation of Belmont’s new Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, among others.

There are countless inspiring stories that surround us daily, many of which are detailed in the pages that follow. Every one demonstrates how Belmont maintains a commitment to forming people of character — aiming to be a catalyst for flourishing both as individuals and as a community and considering how we can help share that story with people in Nashville and across the world.

I hope you’ll find joy in discovering the ways these stories, and each of us, are all connected.

Cheers,

Dr. Greg Jones, President

A Story of

Innovation

Belmont set the stage for growth and innovative excellence with transformative initiatives, appointments and strategies.

New buildings, leadership appointments and programs have earmarked yet another incredible year full of notable growth and positive impact at Belmont University. A mentality that embraces innovation has helped Belmont develop nuanced approaches to achieve our audacious goals. Creative solutions that challenge the status quo give us fresh perspectives vital for solving complex problems on our campus, across the Nashville community and beyond.

Innovation to Nurture and Connect

In August, the new Jack C. Massey Center opened its doors to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity while serving as the University’s new front door. The $92 million facility is a pinnacle of innovation. The University’s new Admissions Welcome Center, the BruinShop and Bruin Bites Café are all located on the first level of the six-story building, and the Massey College of Business Centers of Excellence, the Belmont Data Collaborative and the Belmont Innovation Labs are housed under the same roof — providing a central environment that inspires and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration.

Belmont’s Innovation Labs is a catalytic initiative focused on social innovation and helping communities flourish. This year, the Innovation Labs was awarded a $6 million grant from Templeton Religion Trust to support the Transformational Business Network Alliance, a global network of purposedriven individuals who take an enterprise approach to alleviate poverty in low-income and underserved communities.

The TBN Alliance builds community among people who are dedicated to impacting communities throughout the world in positive, life-improving ways. The same innovation and connectivity exist at the heart of Belmont’s entrepreneurship program.

Students across all programs are invited to hone their entrepreneurial skills and belong to a dynamic network of entrepreneurs. Successful alumni entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIR) offer their expertise to students from all majors with varying degrees of entrepreneurial experience.

“The way students respond to entrepreneurs-in-residence is really special,” said Executive Director of the Cone Center Elizabeth Gortmaker. “Because they’re alums and because they are young, they feel relatable in a fresh way. There is so much wisdom between them. Students of any discipline can learn things from them even if it’s not the path to starting a business.”

Entrepreneurship ProgramRanked #1

in Tennessee

Belmont’s undergraduate (The Princeton Review)

Innovation to Build a Legacy

Several strategic leadership appointments were announced to usher in the next wave of innovation and forward momentum at Belmont. David Rosselli was announced as the new executive vice president for advancement; Dr. D’Angelo Taylor is serving as the inaugural vice president for the newly created Office of Hope, Unity and Belonging (The HUB); Brittany Schaffer was announced as dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business; Dr. Sharrel Pinto was appointed dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences; David Minnigan is serving as the University’s first architect-in-residence; and Dr. Julie Honey was named interim dean of the Gordon Inman College of Nursing (she went on to be named Dean in early 2024).

This year, Curb College celebrated 50 years of its pioneering music business program, a key component of Belmont’s history of innovation. Officially launched in 1973, Belmont’s music business program was woven together by visionaries who created an enduring legacy for Belmont within the music industry. With no textbooks or course templates, the music business program at Belmont was built from the ground up.

“While there are incredibly talented creatives across this campus, the Curb College is a major catalyst for sparking, nurturing and supporting the creative community that defines our culture,” said Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones. “There is an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit here like no other.”

The program has graduated more than 6,000 alumni throughout its 50 years and will continue embracing the same innovative mindset of beloved professor and program founder Robert E. Mulloy by expanding course offerings, including a fully asynchronous art of songwriting course, in future semesters.

Dr. D’Angelo Taylor

David Minnigan

David Rosselli

Dr. Sharrel Pinto

Dr. Julie Honey

Brittany Schaffer

Associate Professor of Management Dr. Claudia Young participated in Belmont Data Collaborative’s inaugural Data Research Xpo focused on faculty research.

Innovation to Change the World

Innovation was further on display this year through the Belmont Data Collaborative (BDC), a transformative project that has received recognition beyond university grounds. A finalist for the 2024 Greater Nashville Technology Council Awards, the BDC illustrates how innovation has the potential to transform communities for good. This year, Project WELL — the BDC’s newest health equity initiative focused on addressing mental health concerns in young Nashvillians — created a Mental Health Index that was used to reveal a distinction in the mental health vulnerability of rural communities versus urban.

BDC Assistant Director Dr. Marquinta Harvey was a primary researcher on the project. “Looking at this issue from a new perspective allowed the data to reveal vulnerabilities in communities that are traditionally underserved,” she explained. “We make decisions based on data, but there are so many biases in data that when we are looking at where to put resources, and certain demographics are not captured accurately in the data or wellrepresented, we aren’t going about things in the most feasible way. But this way, we get a more impartial view of how to start looking at the communities that are in need.”

College of Law Professor Lucian Dervan is also making an impact off campus as the founding director of the Plea Bargain Institute. The Plea Bargain Institute creates an environment for sharing knowledge and research for collaboration related to reforming global plea-bargaining practices. Dervan is also a member of the plea bargain task force that developed 14 Principles which the American Bar Association adopted in August. This development is a positive step toward creating a fairer, more transparent criminal justice system.

Psychology Program

Belmont named new Board of Trust members this year. Pictured from left to right: Keidron Turner (alumni regent), Emily Reynolds, President Greg Jones, Peter Geoly (alumni regent), Dr. Mike Cuffe, Andrea Waitt Carlton, Winston Justice, Board Chair Milton Johnson and Burke Nihill.

Senior psychology major Michelle Johnson uses an EEG cap to measure a fellow student’s brainwaves in Belmont’s Summer Scholars program.

Instrumental -

in my

development

Belmont was Entrepreneur. “ ” as a young

EJ REED

Meet

EJ Reed

Massey College of Business MBA Alumnus

When EJ Reed co-founded Slim + Husky’s Pizza & Beeria with his two childhood friends in 2015, they embarked on a journey to serve awesome pizza while impacting North Nashville’s community by bringing a diverse, fun atmosphere to the fast-casual pizza scene. Although none of the co-founding friends had a culinary background, they shared a vision to bring a wholesome, culture-affirming business to their childhood neighborhood. Today, Slim + Husky’s has multiple locations throughout Tennessee and is also located in California and Georgia. In August, Slim + Husky’s opened on Belmont’s campus, adding to several new sites that opened in 2023.

“Belmont was instrumental in my development as a young entrepreneur,” Reed said. “I am honored to have this opportunity as an alum and look forward to Slim + Husky’s being a part of Belmont’s continued growth.”

Community has been a part of the Slim & Husky’s recipe since day one. Through their business, the founders invite others to the table and use food as the gateway to make meaningful relationships and impact communities. They make significant contributions that empower communities, including through awarding scholarships to high school student employees to assist them in attending the college or university of their choice. The founders have also visited Belmont and shared their entrepreneurial journey with students. As a member of this community-empowering trio, Reed was awarded the Community Impact Award at the 2023 Belmont Entrepreneur Awards. EJ and his co-founders are excellent examples of using entrepreneurship to create a better world.

A Story of

Belonging

In 2023, Belmont emphasized ‘belonging’ as a hallmark of the University’s identity, focusing energy and resources in new ways.

Welcome. Community. Hospitality.

While these words describe the environment Belmont seeks to create for all who visit, study and work on this campus, they don’t fully express all we want to achieve. Beyond feeling welcome, we want students, employees, alumni and guests to understand they are an intrinsic part of Belmont. They belong here, and each of their stories is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of a larger, ongoing narrative that is rooted in our Christian faith and who we are called to be together.

Previous Page: Lights at the Fountain during Diversity Week is a time annually set aside to recognize Freedom Plaza Fountain which honors the enslaved people who toiled on the original Belmont estate.

Belonging Through Athletics

Seeking to create a campus of belonging isn’t a new aspiration. Rather, this attitude is steeped in our history, as seen in the story of the Belmont matriarch who was celebrated in 2023 for her enduring legacy: “Belmont Betty” Wiseman. A 1965 alumna, Wiseman joined the faculty after graduation to teach health and physical education. Two years later, she brought a bold idea — to start a women’s basketball team — to then-President Herbert Gabhart. The rest is history, quite literally, as the Belmont women’s basketball program held its inaugural season in 1968-69, a full four years ahead of the passage of Title IX requiring equity across college sports.

As founder of the oldest women’s collegiate basketball program in the Southeast, Belmont Betty blazed the trail for other women’s sports, pioneering efforts to make a place for female athletes to thrive in higher education. In honor of Betty’s 80th birthday, a 12-minute documentary was released to recognize her efforts. The film highlights her commitment to build a program of Christ-like impact — from caring for all players as if they were her own family to launching a sports ministry program that has taken studentathletes all across the globe. Just this year, Belmont’s baseball team visited Nicaragua where they spent time with local children and shared the Gospel through the game of baseball.

“The Shoulders We Stand On”

documents Betty Wiseman’s life, her courageous leadership and what’s ahead for Belmont’s Women’s Basketball.

Scan to watch

Students take a salsa dancing lesson during Diversity Week.

Belonging Through Student Life

Best for Vets College 2023

(Military Times)

Betty’s sense of justice and desire for all her players to be treated equally demonstrated beautifully how providing opportunities for every person to flourish is central to fostering a sense of belonging. Today, that work continues through annual celebrations that honor and recognize underrepresented groups, including MLK Week, Black History Month, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, International Education Week, Juneteenth and World Culture Fest, among others. In fact, fall 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of Belmont’s Diversity Week, a time intentionally devoted to promote an inclusive culture and enrich the educational experience for everyone on campus. This year’s Diversity Week theme — “Celebrating (Our) Stories of Hope, Unity and Belonging” — aptly arrived on the heels of the official welcome party for a new centralized office, The HUB, dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.

Beyond annual events, Belmont also partners with peer institutions and external organizations to ensure the University is well-equipped to support and grow its diverse populations. One such example was joining Excelencia in Education this year, the nation’s premier authority in efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education. By implementing evidence-based practices and strategic analysis of student data, the institutions in Excelencia’s network are transforming higher education and account for one in three of all Latino graduates.

Similarly, this fall saw Belmont receive the designation as a Veteran Education Transition Support (VETS) Campus by the state of Tennessee, as well as the University’s inclusion, for the first time, in the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges national rankings. “Belmont’s national ranking and designation as a VETS Campus reflect our university’s unwavering commitment to serving those who have served our country,” said Dr. Jim McIntyre, dean of the College of Education and assistant provost for academic excellence. “These recognitions align with Belmont’s core values, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing a welcoming and empowering environment for our veteran and military-affiliated students.”

Diverse Freshman 25% Fall 2023 Class

Belonging Through Partnerships

2023 also marked a new partnership to catalyze belonging and understanding not just on campus but within the larger community as the Belmont Fisk Social Justice Collaborative officially launched in February. The project between Belmont and Fisk, funded by a grant from the Rechter Family Foundation, is designed to cultivate champions for social justice by providing knowledge and experiences for students, exposing them to civil rights movements across the Middle Tennessee area, encouraging leadership and guiding them to create a body of work that will inspire the world. The collaboration takes shape through a joint course that students from both universities enroll in, working together to tackle issues surrounding systematic barriers of health care, education, housing, jobs and the criminal justice system.

In his introduction at the launch event, which featured remarks from civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones expressed hope for this collaboration to bring attention to issues that need grappling with — helping Belmont to live out its vision of radically championing the pursuit of life abundant for all people.

“We look forward to the deepened relationships that will result from this collaboration and the reinforcement of the idea that we can hold on to hope, even in dark times where we don’t feel optimistic.”

The official launch of the Belmont-Fisk Social Justice Collaborative featured a conversation with Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., hosted by News Channel 5 Chief Meteorologist Lelan Statom, in the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

Deserves

Everyone Belong. “ ” where they

- DR. D’ANGELO TAYLOR to have a place

Meet

Dr. D’Angelo Taylor

Vice President for Hope, Unity and Belonging

An accomplished higher education leader with extensive experience in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Dr. D’Angelo Taylor joined the Belmont campus in May, serving as the inaugural vice president for hope, unity and belonging and chief architect of the newly created HUB. The HUB serves as a centralized office dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. As part of his charge, Taylor is responsible for managing all efforts related to Title IX compliance and prevention, as well as all non-discrimination and equity work (Titles VI, VII and IX) including prevention, protection and accountability.

Executive Vice President for Administration & Chief of Staff Dr. Susan West said, “Dr. Taylor’s appointment is the next step in working to ensure all members of our community experience a meaningful and authentic sense of connection and belonging. This is an important next step for Belmont, and I am thrilled that Dr. Taylor will be leading us into the future.”

Taylor previously served as vice president for student affairs at Central State University, Ohio’s only public HBCU. Other past positions included serving as the associate director of the multicultural center and director for the collegiate men of distinction mentoring program at the University of Southern Indiana.

Taylor noted, “This work must start from the premise that everyone deserves to have a place where they belong. I want everyone on this campus to feel as if their lived experience is represented, no matter how they identify, no matter what their faith is, no matter where they come from. That’s the culture of belonging we want to create through our work in The HUB, and my hope is Belmont students and employees can then take that atmosphere, that emphasis on representation and connection, to their homes and communities off campus. That we can start a movement of belonging.”

Healing A Story of

Belmont is fostering a spirit of wholeness across campus and beyond through collaboration and community.

Healing can be viewed or thought of as making an entity sound or whole, and at Belmont, we view this ideal through an interdisciplinary lens. How can we leverage the incredible resources we’ve been given to help a person, an organization or a community work toward wholeness — toward healing? Belmont is dedicated to working collaboratively, alongside other key partners, to solve the countless complex problems facing our communities and together work toward healing and flourishing for all people.

Healing Through Education

In October, the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine earned preliminary accreditation from its accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), allowing the College to begin recruiting students. Applications opened in early November for its inaugural class of 50, set to matriculate in July 2024.

Named in honor of health care icon, former Air Force surgeon and co-founder of HCA Healthcare Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr., the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine is focused on developing physicians who embrace a whole person approach to care in a community of service learning.

Also in the fall, the Inman College of Nursing (ICON) established its Center for Nursing Innovation (CNI) which unites education, innovation and healthcare leaders in support of transforming nursing education and hope for the future of healthcare through philanthropy, research and outreach. This supports ICON’s mission to cultivate a community of courageous nurse leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge and innovative mindset necessary to positively impact healthcare outcomes. The first of its kind in the state of Tennessee, ICON-CNI joins other universities across the country who are working to reimagine the future of nursing — from the classroom to the bedside.

By cultivating multi-faceted, sustainable partnerships locally and globally, ICON-CNI strives to empower individuals and communities to thrive — a testament to Belmont’s commitment to excellence, fostering a Christ-centered culture supporting health, unity and flourishing for all.

Following this exciting announcement came one equally as exciting from Belmont’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) which introduced a new Center for Abundance, Resilience, Excellence, and Spirituality (CARES). CPHS CARES will bring together expertise from the College’s seven disciplines — mental health counseling, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, public health, and exercise science — to solve the world’s most complex problems and help communities thrive.

At the heart of who we are as an educational institution is preparing leaders to pursue healing — developing creative solutions to complex problems that will help people across our city, state, country and beyond flourish. By gathering together and cutting across disciplines, we are able to find ways to produce essential breakthroughs for the long-term future.

Healing Through Service

98% Belmont University Nursing Students Earn on Nursing Licensure Exam

Pass Rate

Further serving our neighbors and healing the wounds of food insecurity, The Store, started by Belmont alumnus Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley, a Belmont Trustee, celebrated its third anniversary this year. Three years ago, the couple set out to create a place where food insecure individuals and families in Nashville could receive assistance while maintaining the dignity of the shopping experience. Since that time, the nonprofit has served over 2 million meals. “Most people don’t want handouts,” Paisley said. “They want dignity and respect. Most people want to become self-sufficient.”

Deliberately positioned on Belmont’s campus next to the Belmont Ministry Center, The Store serves the nearby Edgehill community and families in Davidson County. Belmont continues to support The Store, and the Ministry Center provides wraparound services for patrons including financial planning, music therapy and mental health counseling, among others. In December, The Store debuted its holiday Toy Store, designed to provide toys for children served by Store programs.

The Store is more than a place to get groceries. It is a hub that connects individuals to the resources they need. The nonprofit is tuned into community needs so that it can continue finding new solutions to the question of how to address the core root causes of poverty in the community.

Photo by Derek Cressman

Executive Vice President of Aspirational Excellence

Dr. Lori Baker speaks to visitors from University of Bengkulu, Indonesia.

Healing Through Collaboration

Making tangible the healing and restoration of those beyond Belmont’s campus is the School of Theology & Christian Ministry’s receipt of a $421,596 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to aid in establishing the Nashville Preaching Cooperative, a new project set to operate under the existing Anna & Ernest J. Moench Center for Church Leadership. The program is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative, which aims to foster and support preaching that inspires, encourages and guides people to come to know and love God and to live out their Christian faith more fully.

The notion of healing expands beyond Belmont’s domestic impact with the implementation phase of the “Saving Babies’ Lives” program, a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with Bangalore Baptist Hospital. The project, funded by the Laerdal Foundation, aims to enhance maternal and infant healthcare in India by providing culturally responsive curricula based on best practices in labor and delivery.

Dr. Shelby Garner, director of Global Health Innovation and professor of nursing, is at the helm

of the project along with an international team of experts. The course, launched in the fall, benefits 300 nursing students across India through an accessible open-source Google Classroom. Garner and her collaborators visited Bangalore Baptist’s Nursing Institute over the summer. The trip included presenting the hospital with new grant-funded equipment to enhance its simulation labs.

“Our goal is to match a number of students with projects in international locations where Belmont has connections,” Garner explained. “This global approach enables students interested in global health, scholarship, research and missions to make meaningful connections and contribute to healthcare improvements around the world.”

As the program progresses, it stands as a testament to the importance of global collaboration in addressing pressing healthcare issues and demonstrates Belmont's commitment to putting our faith in action by helping communities — all over the world — thrive.

Second Annual Suicide Prevention Walk Out of Darkness

Belmont community members gathered in September to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk at Belmont University, organized by Belmont’s Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

With more than 196 participants, the walk raised more than $11,035, exceeding this year’s goal of $10,000. The walk began at the Bell Tower and ended in front of the fountain at Freedom Plaza.

We want to “

Help people

Thrive.” take care of themselves so they can

- JAMES ARCHER

Meet

Lois and James Archer

Board of Trustee Member (James); Supporters of the Archer Presidential Scholarship

Ethics. Commitment. Excellence. Innovation.

James Archer, president and CEO of Nashville-based MV2 Entertainment and Belmont Board of Trust member, and his wife Lois look to these ideals as their four core values. With these things in mind, it’s no wonder the passionate and deeply engaged couple have devoted so much of their time, talent and treasure to helping people in their community — and beyond — access healthcare and live the healthiest lives possible.

With this deep passion in mind, the Archers were excited when Belmont announced it would be launching a new medical school focused on training competent providers who will approach their craft with compassion and excellence.

Widely known for their commitment to values-based leadership, the combination of supporting Belmont’s newest effort to train the future of healthcare providers from a character-based perspective was the perfect pairing of the Archers’ passions. And understanding the cost of attending med school — and the real obstacle it can present for so many students — the Archers immediately got engaged in supporting scholarships to help make school accessible for those who want to launch careers focused on whole person care.

“We want to help people take care of themselves so they can thrive,” James said, who has served on several national hospital boards. “And we need well-trained providers — leaders — who will go on to provide excellent care to their patients. The chance to support Belmont’s efforts to impact healthcare and patient outcomes through a values-based approach to leadership is really meaningful, and we’re eager to help make medical school a reality for more and more students who are committed to delivering healthcare in a compassionate way.”

A Story of Creativity

Belmont’s unyielding creative spirit was on display this year through signature courses, key partnerships and milestone anniversaries.

Creativity isn’t only for art and music students at Belmont, but is a common theme seen daily across every area of campus. Creative excellence was on display throughout 2023 across academics, community partnerships, campus initiatives and more, providing inspiration to the campus community and beyond.

Creativity has been a key component of Belmont’s student body since the institution’s earliest days, filled with forward thinkers, risk takers and those keenly curious.

Creativity as a Legacy

In January, Belmont partnered with Nashville Public Television to host the premiere of “Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl,” a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of beloved WardBelmont alumna Sarah Cannon (’32) and her character Minnie Pearl. While Sarah and Minnie were two sides of a coin, both were marked by a commitment to compassion, empowerment and humor; a creative legacy Belmont students still look up to today.

Building on this foundation of creativity, the School of Music marked a golden anniversary with Jazz Band I celebrating 50 years in February. As Belmont’s reputation for excellence in music education has grown, so too has a vibrant jazz community. Today, the University boasts multiple jazz ensembles, dedicated jazz faculty and numerous successful jazz musician alumni. The School of Music invited alumni to campus for a weekend celebration including an alumni jazz band concert and masterclass with saxophonist Chris Potter.

FashionProgramDesign Belmont University Named Top 50

In the U.S. (Fashion-Schools.org)

Character actress and Belmont College alumna Sylvia Harney preforms a tribute sketch of Minnie Pearl.

Creativity Through Storytelling and Art

Beyond traditional academic roles, numerous faculty and staff embraced creativity using podcasts to share stories that spanned genres and disciplines. From Elizabeth Gortmaker’s — executive director, Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship — entrepreneurship podcast “What If…” to Residence Life’s “The College Parent Podcast,” faculty and staff contribute to the University’s creative culture.

“In the age of the infodemic, I want to put good information out there,” said journalism and media Associate Professor Dr. Jen Duck, host of the podcast “Grounded on Purpose.”

On the heels of Music Business’s 50th anniversary celebrations in October, the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s traveling exhibit, “The Power of Song,” made a stop at Belmont in the Lila D. Bunch Library. The exhibit, curated by GRAMMY Museum curator Kelsey Goeltz, showcases original lyrics, historic photos, a songwriting interactive experience, artifacts and original Hall of Fame film, sure to inspire visitors as it celebrates some of the best songwriters of our time.

December brought exciting news as the University learned of its receipt of a $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment for a major nationwide initiative in Christianity and the arts. The initiative will support efforts to inspire people to live the beauty and wonder of the Christian story and encounter God through the arts.

“Belmont is deeply committed to the arts and diverse communities and traditions of Christian faith — as well as the intersections among them,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “This meaningful opportunity will strengthen our ongoing efforts and develop new efforts that will inspire wonder in people across the country and catalyze a national movement. We are so grateful to Lilly Endowment for its investment in this important initiative, and we look forward to the impact it will have on the public as well as with artists, scholars and partner organizations.”

Students who worked on Exit 207 project at film festivals.

Photos by Isaac Wetzel

Creativity Beyond the Classroom

From course to course, professors continue to find creative ways to expand learning outside the confines of the classroom, offering classes that are distinctly Belmont: blending rigorous coursework with real-world experience that helps students find where their passions and purpose can serve the world.

In its second iteration, a documentary course culminated in May with the premiere of “Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville.” The short film highlights North Nashville’s Jefferson Street, a historically Black community whose neighborhood was deeply affected by the construction of Interstate 40 in the 1950s. The students’ film tells the story of how the interstate highway system changed the trajectory of this once thriving community. The project brought nearly 55 students together representing 25 areas of study, underscoring Belmont’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

The film gained interest from Nashville Public Television and state and city officials, including Nashville’s newly elected Mayor Freddie O’Connell. The team secured wins at two acclaimed film festivals: the Nashville Film Festival and the International Black Film Festival.

Another original Belmont course marked six years this summer: the esteemed Bonnaroo U experience led by Drs. Sarita Stewart and Ken Spring. Through the program, students have a once-in-a-lifetime, backstage look at the famed Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Throughout June, the class met daily for two courses — the sociology of music and research methods & festival culture. In just a month, students earned six credit hours and years’ worth of industry networking contacts.

“I’ve been surprised by the acceptance it’s received internationally,” said Stewart, who with Spring presented a paper at a conference in the Netherlands, teaching fellow educators how to replicate their course.

In its short history, other universities have implemented Belmont’s innovative concept including DePaul University with Lollapalooza in Chicago and University of Tennessee, Knoxville with Moon River Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Both professors hope to leave a legacy and continue to provide a pathway for others to replicate Belmont’s creative concept. Following the festival and coursework, students presented their research findings to Live Nation executives at the company’s Nashville office, proposing tangible ways to improve the festival.

“Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville”

Highlights North Nashville’s Jefferson Street

and the effects of constructing Interstate 40.

Scan to watch the trailer

Audio Engineering Program Belmont University Named Top 10

(Billboard Magazine, 2023)

Honors

first and foremost to tell this story in a way that It’s a our participants to the best of our ability.

- DR. KRISTI OSHIRO

Meet

Dr. Kristi Oshiro

Assistant Professor of Sport Administration, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business

Sport has always been a foundational through line for Belmont Assistant Professor Dr. Kristi Oshiro.

The Hawaii native played softball as an undergraduate at East Carolina University, completed her Ph.D. in sport management at Texas A&M University and today teaches in sport administration in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. As part of a faculty research project this summer, Oshiro followed the Philippines Women’s National Football Team (PWNT) as it competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, seeking to better understand the intersections of race, gender and empowerment in women’s sports.

With colleagues from Texas A&M and Clemson, the trio followed the team’s experiences beginning with their 2022 qualification as the first Filipino team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. From there, they accompanied the team to their Cup competition in 2023, conducting creative, narrative-based research and seeking to tell a story that has never been told.

“It’s a priority first and foremost to tell this story in a way that honors our participants to the best of our ability,” said Oshiro. “It’s a really big project, but it’s so inspiring. We, as a research team, feel so grateful and privileged to be able to work with these women, hear their stories, and hopefully, retell it in a way that’s true to them and their voice.”

Of the 23 teammates on the World Cup squad, 18 were born in the U.S., weaving a Filipino American experience throughout the narrative. With their research, Oshiro and her team are providing a richer understanding of the impact of the PWNT’s historic run, adding greater context to an under-studied area in sports.

A Story of

Formation

Programs and events added this year support all aspects of development and well-being — spiritual, emotional, social and more.

Our commitment to formation is fueled by who we are as a Christ-centered institution. This means tending to every aspect of who we are as people, understanding our inherent value as human beings who are worthy of love and opportunities to flourish. This year, we’ve furthered our commitment to whole-person formation to support all members of our community in understanding how they’re growing in both their skills and in what stirs their hearts to action.

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Formation of Individual Stories

This year, the University added programming and events to the calendar to further encourage whole person formation, designed to teach and develop people of character, purpose and wisdom.

In the spring, Belmont hosted its first “FailFest” — an event focused on how failure can be a transformational power when grounded in authentic humility and joy. Faculty shared vulnerable moments of failure throughout their lives for students to learn from their experiences. When students are focused on harnessing whole-person growth, they’re better able to manage inevitable mistakes and be forward-facing thinkers pursuing purpose.

Along with this idea, Belmont brought in a handful of award-winning professionals to encourage students to hone their unique skill sets and reflect on who they are becoming.

Tony and Emmy award-winning performer

Kristin Chenoweth did a Q&A with students from Belmont’s performing arts programs in the fall. She then engaged one-on-one with musical theatre seniors and coached them on prepared audition cuts.

In another artist Q&A session, CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, spent time with students before a sound check for her sold out show at the Fisher Center. The gospel music veteran shared wisdom she has picked up along her more than 40-year decorated career, discussing discerning her calling, honing her craft and the deep importance of understanding how God continues to use

her talents to impact people and further His work.

“I realized I had a gift; it was something within me that was bigger than me,” Winans said.” I saw the reaction of the audience and realized that it couldn’t be just me. It had to be God; had to be the Holy Spirit.”

Similar events this year included talks with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw and Watkins College of Art’s first artist-in-residence Tom Carr, a worldrenowned contemporary painter, sculptor and lecturer.

Designated time away for students to reflect and engage with the world around them are crucial components to whole person formation. Over both spring and fall breaks, Belmont groups embarked on impactful mission trips across the globe, engaging with diverse cultures and reflecting on issues like poverty, immigration and community development. Students addressed issues of homelessness in Seattle, provided medical care in Brazil, distributed food to local communities in Costa Rica and constructed classrooms in Jamaica.

Freshman Max Kamin encouraged other students to pursue the connections made on these trips, saying, “Serving in the community together and the chance to spread the hope and heartbeat of Jesus everywhere we went was incredible.” These mission trips align with Belmont’s goal of inspiring and equipping students for a holistic life journey.

Awardwinning gospel artist CeCe Winans speaks to students about formation in faith.

Kristin Chenoweth during a masterclass with Belmont students

HighestOutcomesCareer

Class of 2022 achieves the University’s rating of 96 percent

Formation in Our Community

Whole-person formation isn’t limited to those already at Belmont. The College of Sciences and Mathematics expanded its community outreach this year with weeklong summer camps, including a new camp in data science. The camps featured hands-on activities like a sheep brain dissection and lectures spanning neurons to social thinking.

“High school students are at an exciting moment in their lives where they are trying on different career personas and sampling what they really feel passionate about,” said Professor of Mathematics Dr. Christina Davis. “To be able to introduce them to what’s possible within our fields and at Belmont, and to see their excitement to engage, is really special.”

Belmont is committed to those who prioritize Christ-centered, whole-person formation in their own lives, both on campus and in the community. Named in honor of legendary retired Belmont Men’s Basketball coach, this year’s Rick Byrd Character Award was presented to Al Andrews, founder and director of Porter’s Call — a place where artists can find counsel, support and encouragement, specifically attuned to their unique profession free of charge.

Through his incredible work as a leader in the Nashville music space and his generosity and charitable spirit, Andrews is a proven champion for the flourishing of the lives of others. “To be given this award from Belmont, a place that exemplifies making a difference in this world, is a true honor,” he said.

Al Andrews at Hope Summit

Formation for Lifelong Learning

In the spirit of extending this theme beyond the confines of Belmont’s physical campus, the University’s new Belmont Online launch will continue helping students engage in lifelong learning — proving that whole-person formation and the pursuit of purpose does not end at the culmination of a traditional college program.

This new initiative aims to provide accessible and flexible education opportunities, ranging from non-credit bearing certificates to graduate and professional degrees, to a broader student population. Initial courses include “The Art of Songwriting,” “Strategic Cybersecurity Oversight” and “Intentional Networking.”

Each online program embodies the same exceptional quality and academic rigor for which Belmont University is renowned and features a focus on whole-person formation — one more strategy in developing people of character, purpose, wisdom and a transformational mindset.

This is my way of paying it

Forward

Helped Me “ ” along the way. to the people who

- AMANDA MAZZO

Meet

Amanda Mazzo & Olivia Belluomo

Commercial Music, Class of 2003 & Music Business, Class of 2024

One important dimension of whole-person formation is helping people develop their sense of purpose. Launched in the 2022-23 academic year, the Alumni Purpose Mentorship Program is designed to help students seek and understand their own sense of purpose in the world.

The program connects alumni to students in later phases of their academic development — students who may be wrestling with questions like, “Who is the person I really want to be?”

Several years ago, alumna Amanda Mazzo began her own journey of purpose and is delighted to tell her mentees that they are 20 years ahead of the game by reflecting on it at this point in their lives.

One of Mazzo’s mentees, senior Olivia Belluomo, was in the midst of an overwhelming junior year when the two initially connected, and she was grateful to have found someone who shared a similar experience and could walk her through it and offer encouragement for the future.

“We talked about how tough times can actually be platforms to propel you forward; it’s like the gardening analogy of breaking through bound roots so a plant can continue growing,” Mazzo explained.

“I think she’s helped me keep in mind to focus on who I am and who I want to be, as opposed to ‘what am I doing with my life,” Belluomo reflected. “It’s really about how I am going to grow as a person and use my skills and talents to impact other people.”

Belluomo added it’s nice to have someone who is graciously taking time to sit down, go the extra mile and hear what she has to say — especially when she’s far from home. She beamed, “We are building this relationship off mutual respect and are able to really listen and learn from one another.”

A Story of

Hope

This year was animated by a longstanding belief in hope — and a desire to impact the world in meaningful ways.

Since its very first days, Belmont University’s story has been one of hope — a belief in something greater, in a bigger picture, in our understanding of and trust in who God is. This commitment to hope has undergirded every milestone the institution has celebrated over the years, even as our belief in hope propelled us through some of the most challenging seasons.

Model Brittany Cameron shows the fashion designs made in honor of her son Nathaniel who became an organ donor after passing away last year.

Hope in Action

As we celebrate 2023, we see a very similar story for Belmont — one of innovation, belonging, healing, creativity and formation — animated by our commitment to hope. It’s this hope, rooted not in ourselves but in who we know God to be, that sustains us in moments of pain and propels us to even greater heights in moments of significant joy. And this belief in hope continues to be demonstrated across the Belmont community as students, faculty, staff, friends and more found even more ways this year to come together to put hope into action and work toward making an impact across the world.

Students from the O’More College of Architecture and Design personified hope throughout the spring semester as they partnered with a variety of organizations to design for a cause at their annual fashion show, newly coined “A Show with a Purpose.” This year, student designers worked with Tennessee Donor Services (TDS), the state’s organ procurement organization that facilitates life-saving organ transplantation; local alumnafounded nonprofit Daybreak Arts, a social enterprise nonprofit that creates artistic and economic opportunities for

people experiencing homelessness; and Pfaff Studio, the world’s largest sewing machine company.

The partnership with TDS demonstrated purposeful design while raising awareness for the lifesaving impacts of organ, eye and tissue donation. Junior design students were paired with community members (who went on to become their models!) who have been impacted by organ donation including some who received organ donations themselves, and others who have lost loved ones who went on to become donors. Student designers worked with their partners to hear their stories of the gift of life and design custom pieces that celebrated their story — stories that are full of pain and joy, honoring the hope that comes from giving the ultimate gift of life.

Model Brittany Cameron spoke about her experience having an outfit designed to honor her son Nathaniel who died last year and became an organ donor. “I didn’t want it to be about how he passed,” she said. “I want it to be about his life. Celebrating that he continues to give life.”

Hours

Service Completed 34,188 Learning

by the Belmont Community

Hope Through Community

A commitment to hope continued throughout the spring when Ocean Way Nashville teamed up with Make-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee to fulfill a lifelong dream for 16-year-old avid guitar player Samual Shannon. When Samuel was diagnosed with scleroderma four years ago, the illness greatly impacted the mobility in his hands, leaving him barely able to make a fist. Through Make-A-Wish®, with the help of Ocean Way and a team of Belmont alumni, Samuel was given the opportunity to professionally record two of his favorite songs and learn about the recording and editing process in the studio.

“It was our pleasure to get the opportunity to serve and inspire Sam,” said Director of Operations at Ocean Way Joe Baldridge. “I hope what we create together can inspire others to get involved with dream-making for those who are facing struggles.”

Members of Belmont’s Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community demonstrated their commitment to the power of hope by continuing their efforts to support the work done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Every year, the Greek community hosts Greek Sing, a fundraising talent showcase, where members perform original song and dance routines they’ve been preparing for months.

This year, held for the first time since 2019 in the Curb Event Center, Greek Sing was live streamed for friends and family to watch and participate in supporting St. Jude. By the end of the event, the FSL community raised over $127,000 for St. Jude, the official philanthropy of Belmont’s Greek Life.

In September, Belmont hosted 800 volunteers through 9/11 Day’s first nationwide meal packing event in Nashville where

Al Andrews and Janice Gaines record live podcast episode at Hope Summit.

more than 265,000 meals were packed for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to distribute. These events, done on the nation’s largest annual day of service now known as “America’s Day of Doing Good,” represent Belmont and other community organizations’ desire to join together in the spirit of unity and service, spending time helping others in need.

As Second Harvest CEO Nancy Keil said during the day’s opening ceremony, “You standing here today is proof that a day that started as one of sadness and loss can become one of love and of powerful, positive impact.”

Later in the fall, Belmont’s second annual Hope Summit provided another opportunity for people to come together and experience the life-changing power of hope. This year’s event, focused on storytelling and how leaders can use the tool

for transformation, convened leaders from many industries — music, entrepreneurship, arts, social justice and more — who shared insights from their own journeys. Attendees left keynote sessions, panel discussions and curated meals charged and ready to examine how they can continue to make hope real in the lives of those they serve.

Hope Summit attendees also got to experience a live recording of Belmont’s new podcast, The Hope People, which launched the first day of the Summit. The show highlights the power of hope — how it connects us, fills us and unites us in our goal to do more together. Host Greg Jones leads conversations with guests who demonstrate what it means to live with hope and share lessons they’ve picked up along the way.

Helping People Young Age,

- JACOB BEALLE has always been a part of my life. Even from a “ ”

Meet Jacob Bealle

Freshman, Biology Major

Freshman Jacob Bealle is one student who embodies the idea of spreading hope to others through his unique skill set and the goals he has set for himself.

In response to devastating tornadoes that struck close to Nashville last year, Bealle leveraged his background in flying and organized a group of pilots to deliver essential supplies to impacted areas via plane. Donations continued to pour in and were delivered over a period of a week, with more and more people lending their time and resources to help.

Seeing how quickly his efforts took off, Bealle formalized his desire to help others by starting his own nonprofit, Props for Purpose, which uses aviation to help when natural disaster strikes.

As Bealle reflects on the significance of hope in our lives, he acknowledges the power and the role it plays in helping those who have suffered great loss. “When people lose everything to a disaster, it takes their hope with it,” he said. “To get to be a person that offers some of that hope back to them is really moving.”

Over the past year, Props for Purpose has expanded to focus on responding to natural disasters and spreading the love of aviation to those who would otherwise not have access — providing flight experiences for kids through partnerships and organizations. Bealle hopes to offer scholarships so others can pursue their pilot’s licenses and careers in aviation.

Despite this particular passion, Bealle is studying biology at Belmont in order to pursue a second goal of attending medical school one day, driven by that same deep-rooted desire to help others.

A Story of Opportunity

As we look back over 2023, we see an incredible story at Belmont University.

One that demonstrates the institution’s deep commitment to innovation, belonging, healing, creativity, formation and hope. One that celebrates a community of people who are invested in each other, eager and willing to take all God has blessed them with and together work to make the world a better place.

This story motivates us to look to the future with great expectation, ready to step forward toward the incredible opportunities that are before us.

Here’s a quick recap of 2023, by the numbers.

Christian No. 12 College in America Best (Edvocate)

Recognized nationally as a

Committed to Diversity Institution

Prettiest Top 15 College Campuses in the Country (Architectural Digest)

* 96% of recent graduates were employed, pursuing continuing education or enlisted in the military within six months of graduation

$435 M Operational Budget

$124 M

Total Scholarship Funding Endowment

$364 M

7,338

8,872 Total Undergrad Graduate Student Enrollment

Top 5 majors

Music Business • Nursing

Audio Engineering Technology

Commercial Music • Songwriting

1,534

96% Rate*

Division 1

17 NCAA Athletic Teams

First Destination Student 135+ Organizations and Clubs

Students

87% receiving financial aid Undergraduate

Stories connect us — they build bridges, form community, foster learning and instill

They are powerful and lifegiving, and they remind us of the beauty that’s abundant in all that surrounds us.

- DR. GREG JONES