(From L to R) Don Cusic, Mayor Karl Dean, Mike and Linda Curb.

Longtime Belmont supporter and trustee emeritus Mike Curb was honored by the Metro Historical Commission with the highest honor, The Achievement Award, recognizing his commitment to preservation, education and advocacy of Nashville history.

Mayor Karl Dean presented the award to Curb during the Metro Nashville Historical Commission’s 40th Annual Preservation Awards at the Nashville Downtown Public Library on May 19. Curb was chosen because of his work in preserving Historic RCA Studio B, the Quonset Hut, the RCA Building, RCA Studio A and Music Row.

In his introduction of Curb, Commission member and Belmont Professor of Music Business Don Cusic stated that “Nashville is known as Music City U.S.A, Music Row is the heart of Music City, and Mike Curb is the heart of Music Row.”

In addition to his strong influence in the greater Nashville community, Curb’s contributions to Belmont have also led the University to name both the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and the Curb Event Center in his honor. 

Saltwater taffy, Bob Goff impressions and a large “snake” were all part of Michael W. Smith’s chapel presentation on September 9 on Belmont University’s campus. Smith, a Christian songwriter, has sold more than 15 million albums, scored 28 No. 1 hits, earned three GRAMMYs and more than 40 Dove Awards.

Opening the service by throwing fistfuls of taffy into the crowd, Smith invited the audience to sing “Woah, Oh, Oh!” throughout his performance of “Sky Spills Over.” After talking about his rough past and the way God turned his life around, he performed “I am a Miracle.”

“I am free! I am clean! When Jesus sees me, all he sees is white,” said Smith, telling the story of a recent trip to Malibu Lodge in Canada. A group traveled together, taking a lengthy route with ferries and water taxis, something Smith said is different than his normal routine. These opportunities, when one is out of his or her comfort zone, are when Smith said that God speaks the loudest. It was not until Smith was dropped off by himself in the middle of nowhere that he said he heard a loud, yet non-audible voice telling him to baptise himself.

Repeating over and over, Smith followed the instructions and lowered himself into the water. When he came up, he saw what appeared to be a long snake floating toward him, all the way to his feet. The ‘snake’ turned out to be a stick, and when he picked it up, Smith said he realized it symbolized a weapon saying, “I have everything I need. If we lean on God, we have everything we need to fight off the enemy.” With the stick on stage with him, Smith said it would forever serve as a reminder of a day God renewed him.

With a renewed sense of faith and a desire to hear what God wanted to tell him, Smith provided the audience with words of wisdom for the future. “Don’t be typical. Be alive! Go do something for someone. Change the world. It’s what we’re called to do,” he said. “Take what makes you who you are, and leave it behind. Let God define you instead.”

“Savannah, I am already taking care of you,” said Idda, a Form 1 student at the Women’s Institute for Secondary Education and Research (WISER) in Kenya. Savannah Johnson, a recent Belmont graduate and current Lumos Traveler, has been living with Idda and WISER secondary-school girls since June for her Lumos Travel Award project, a grant given to Belmont students or recent graduates who are interested in embarking on a self-designed, international ‘working adventure.’

This summer, the Lumos Travel Award celebrated its 5^th anniversary, and with six travelers going all over the world, the program has funded experiences for 32 participants in more than 15 countries. Designed by the students, Lumos empowers travelers to explore, engage and immerse themselves in local communities to deepen their understanding of an issue, project or idea that impassions them. Seeking to define travelers’ world views and engage them as global citizens, the grant supports projects that allow participants to travel for a minimum of eight weeks.

Savannah Johnson at WISER

Since her arrival in Kenya, Johnson has been studying the psychosocial support provided by WISER staff and will end with a research project comparing outcomes between students at local schools. Johnson said she first learned about Lumos when she was a freshman and immediately knew the experience was for her. Committed to spending extended time working at an all-girls school in Africa, Johnson was drawn to WISER’s model for education and created her proposal. On June 16, Johnson arrived in Muhuru Bay – and so began her 5 months as a Lumos Traveler.

Belmont alumna and Board of Trust Member Cynthia Leu created the Travel Award to provide a working gap year experience for Belmont students and recent graduates. After spending several years abroad herself, Leu said she was interested in facilitating a meaningful opportunity for students. By developing individualized travel proposals that directly impact a global community, students are able to learn through immersion, rather than simply by a book.

“It is profound to say ‘yes’ to someone’s dream, and then watch them go out and have that experience. They change and grow, struggle and learn, and come to realize that sometimes the big lessons come in small moments,” Leu said. “Often schooling is mostly focused on theoretical learning. A Lumos grant allows for a ‘working adventure’ – which enables learning through experience in an international location.”

Selden reads to her students

Lumos’s first traveler, Abby Selden, spent three months working in Ghana, at the
Mt. Zion Orphanage School, because it combined her interest in Africa with her love of working with children. While there, Selden organized summer school and was asked to teach English, natural and computer science.  For Selden, the opportunity to live and work in Ghana was life-changing – particularly around building global perspective and a deep cultural appreciation.

“Living in Ghana for three months gave me the biggest dose of perspective of my life,” Selden said. “I realized that becoming a ‘global citizen’ doesn’t mean realizing your own importance, it means discovering your relative unimportance. I am just one person, from one of nearly 200 countries and countless cultures. Five years later, I’ve been to 10 more countries, learned French and now live in England. I’m not confident that my life would have changed so drastically if not for that first experience in Ghana.”

No matter the country or project design, Lumos travelers often point to the relationships they formed while traveling as the most meaningful aspect of their time abroad. For Johnson, her time in Kenya is still developing, but she already notes the relational part of her time at WISER as the most formative. “I think building relationships often brings the most meaning in life – no matter where you are. Getting to know the students and faculty at WISER has been so important to me. Over the course of my stay, I am excited to see how these relationships develop and grow.”

Selden teaches technology classes to her students

Selden would agree. Though her fondest memories of Ghana include climbing waterfalls in the Volta region, watching a soccer match between Ghana and Sudan’s national teams and visiting historical sites in Cape Coast, building relationships with her students and fellow volunteers tops out her list.

On the blog where Selden updated her family and friends back home while traveling, a requirement of receiving Lumos funds, she described her days at Mt. Zion and the lessons she learned. A few weeks into her trip, Selden’s relationships were strengthening and the children she worked with became more accustomed and welcoming to her presence.

“The kids have now started saying, ‘You are invited’ when I sit with them – which essentially means that they welcome me to their table and invite me to try their food. I have had so many amazing experiences in Ghana, but somehow I am more content sitting with the kids while they eat everyday than almost anything else I have experienced while here,” Selden said. “I love knowing that I am invited to their table and that they genuinely enjoy me sitting with them.”

For more information on Lumos awards and the application process, visit the website.

**The funeral service for Mr. McWhorter will be held Thurs., Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. at McAfee Concert Hall. Due to anticipated large attendance, individuals attending the funeral are encouraged to arrive early to park in the nearby Curb Garage, which is an easy 10-minute walk to McAfee. Belmont staff will assist in directing guests to the proper location. Parking adjacent to and behind McAfee will be reserved for family and mobility-impaired attendees. See map for additional details**

Healthcare icon, well-known entrepreneur and longtime friend and supporter of Belmont University Clayton McWhorter died Saturday evening. Among his countless accolades and accomplishments throughout Nashville and the state of Tennessee, McWhorter left a meaningful impact on the students, faculty and staff at Belmont.

President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Clayton has been one of the university’s most treasured supporters for the past 30 years through his contributions as a trusted advisor, inspiration and benefactor. He has left a legacy that will continue to transform the lives of Belmont students.”

A firm believer in networking, McWhorter joined with Belmont in 1991 to establish the Peer Learning Network, bringing together top executives of Nashville’s best-run companies to encourage learning among peers and creating a network within Nashville’s business community. McWhorter also served as a Belmont Trustee and generously contributed of his financial resources, resulting in a multi-million dollar endowment for the McWhorter Scholarship fund.

Clayton McWhorter with McWhorter Scholars at Belmont

As a driving force behind the establishment of Belmont’s College of Pharmacy and its creative approach to pharmacy education, McWhorter’s influence has shaped the experience of hundreds of Belmont students. In recognition of his longstanding commitment to the university and his admiration of his brother, Fred, the home to Belmont’s College of Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Student Health Services is named McWhorter Hall. Among his numerous honors, Belmont bestowed on him an honorary doctorate of humanities in 2002, and last fall McWhorter was one of eight inaugural inductees into the Tennessee Healthcare Care Hall of Fame, which honors pioneers and current leaders who formed Tennessee’s health and health care community.

Visitation will be held Wed., Jan. 27 from 4-7 p.m. at Woodmont Christian Church, and the funeral will be held in Belmont’s McAfee Concert Hall on Thurs., Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

In June 2015, the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business was awarded  $100,000 from Gibson Brands for The Les Paul Music Innovation Award. The award was created to honor the late Les Paul’s 100th birthday by funding research for faculty and students, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders to express innovation and creativity to strengthen the music economy.

After reviewing several proposals, the first allotment of funds from the award was given to audio engineering faculty members Dr. Eric Tarr and Justin Dowse to conduct research on the current payment system used by music streaming platforms. With the help of four student research assistants, Tarr and Dowse are conducting technological research while also trying to get an idea of how the public feels about this issue. Dowse said, “We are researching new technology that could potentially increase royalty payments to song rights owners, reduce the time it takes for royalty payments and remove the opaqueness of the music industry.”

To participate in the team’s study of individual music streaming practices, click here.

University Trustee celebrated at unveiling of Harrington Place Dining

In a ceremony held today, Belmont University unveiled a plaque honoring Nashville business executive and Belmont Trustee Cordia Harrington in the newly named Harrington Place Dining, a 950-seat cafeteria that fills the second floor in the new R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center that opened last fall. Harrington is being honored for her longtime support for, and generosity to, the University.

“Cordia and her husband, Tom, built a thriving, multi-million dollar manufacturing empire—following an entrepreneurial career in food service and real estate—founded on the $587 she had in her pocket as a 28-year-old launching her first business,” said Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher. “She has been locally and nationally recognized for her business acumen and community involvement, but what makes her story great is how her resourceful spirit led her from one stepping stone of success to the next, overcoming every obstacle in her path. She’s a tremendous friend to Belmont, and I believe a true inspiration for our students.”

Harrington said, “The success of our family’s businesses over the years is a testament to the power of unwavering optimism, a tireless work ethic and perseverance that just doesn’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. I believe these values are central to any entrepreneurial effort, and these are also attributes I’ve long witnessed in how Belmont University approaches its students’ education. What’s more, this University instills those qualities on a firm foundation of faith. I am honored that Belmont has chosen to name Harrington Place Dining in my honor, reflecting all we have in common, and I hope my story can be an encouragement to young men and women starting their own career journeys.”

Harrington’s dedication to Belmont and its students is apparent through her role on the Belmont University Board of Trustees Executive Committee and her establishment several years ago of “The Bun Lady Scholarship,” which is awarded annually to entrepreneurship students who are participating in Belmont’s study abroad programs. More recently, she added the “Harrington Scholarship for International Studies and Student Missions,” which provides need-based scholarship support for students incurring expenses related to international studies or Belmont-sanctioned mission trips. Additionally, Harrington is a frequent guest speaker in both graduate and undergraduate business classes, and two of her and husband Tom’s five children—Hunter and Tyler Wilkinson—are graduates of Belmont.

Harrington is founder and CEO of the The Bakery Cos. which laterally integrated business units include transportation and cold storage companies and grew sales from $4.8 million to more than $100 million. In addition to Cordia and Tom, sons Hunter, Brad and Tyler Wilkinson along with daughter Beth Westjohn are all involved in the family business. Active in the community, Harrington serves on several boards including Bank of Nashville, American Bakers Association, Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Zoës Kitchen, and also supports 17 Ronald McDonald House Charities. Harrington’s vast achievements have brought significant recognition, including receiving McDonald’s Corp. Leadership Award (2014), Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO (2015) and Beta Gamma Sigma Entrepreneur of the Year (2012), among numerous other awards.

Harrington Place Dining nearly triples the seating capacity of the former dining hall with seating space that is segmented into three distinctively themed areas to provide student diners a variety of experiences—formal, BBQ/casual and urban contemporary—each with their own décor, furniture and lighting. The space features numerous options and stations, including:

• Vegan/vegetarian serving line
• Brick oven pizza bar with in-house, fresh made dough
• Weekly homemade pasta bar
• 360 degree grill in the international station
• Two salad bars
• Deli station offering custom-made sandwiches as well as Grab ‘N Go sandwich selections
• Simple Servings allergy free station with individualized cooking to order to ensure against cross-contamination
• Full bakery
• Waffle bar
• Simply to Go meals
• Traditional entrée and vegetable serving line
• Grill station
• The Granary with a large selection of self-service breads and cereals
• The Kaye and Ron Knox Balcony providing outdoor seating for up to 45 that overlooks the expansive campus Lawn

Longtime Woodmont Baptist senior pastor named Institute’s executive director

With a strong ongoing commitment to its Christian identity, today Belmont University announced the formation of the Belmont Institute for Innovative Faith-Based Leadership, a newly created entity designed to equip church leaders for entrepreneurial thinking and innovative means to meet the modern needs of the local community and culture at large. Dr. Jon R. Roebuck, the senior pastor of Woodmont Baptist Church for the past 17 years, has been named executive director of the institute; he shared the news with his congregation yesterday and will begin his new full-time position at Belmont on June 1.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I can’t think of anything that’s more Belmont than an institute that leverages many of this University’s strengths and passions: entrepreneurial and innovative thinking built on a foundation of Christian faith. The Belmont Institute for Innovative Faith-Based Leadership will uniquely equip church leaders with progressive resources gleaned from business, music, law and theological leadership. We believe that Jesus intended for his church to be a living, adaptive and dynamic body, and I know this Institute will breathe new life into congregations of all sizes and denominations through Jon Roebuck’s leadership.”

The Institute comes in response to a felt need for a program that provides executive training to both leaders who are called to grow churches that make a difference in their community as well as leaders of faith-based community development ministries. The Belmont Institute for Innovative Faith-Based Leadership can fill that void, serving both clergy and lay leaders by bringing an unprecedented, holistic approach to church leadership education that is not currently being offered in seminaries. Envisioning a more adaptive way of doing local church ministry, the Institute will seek to create a vibrant church culture that thinks critically about the ways local congregations can make a difference both locally and globally.

Roebuck added, “We will focus on insuring that churches of the 21^st century become relevant, relational and resourceful. Our goal is to insure that the local church continues to matter… that it makes a difference in both the community and moment into which it is placed.”

Empowered by a 25-year history of top-tier C-level programs being offered through Belmont’s Center for Executive Education, the Institute will take a similar approach, offering clergy and ministry leaders broader skills training and a deeper understanding of an operational model that includes finance/accounting, marketing, conflict resolution, negotiation, management and other business skills. Moreover, through Belmont’s College of Theology and Christian Ministry and College of Law, not to mention the University’s numerous music and arts programs, an abundance of existing resources exist to offer a comprehensive package of courses to meet church leadership needs.

Roebuck has served as senior pastor of Woodmont Baptist Church in Nashville since 1999, having become the third pastor of the 75-year-old congregation. Under his leadership Woodmont has continued a legacy of local and international missions involvement and is currently celebrating 50 years of continual live Sunday morning television broadcasts. Author of two devotional books, Roebuck also teaches courses in Belmont’s College of Theology and Christian Ministry and has served as member of the University’s Board of Trustees. He is a graduate of Samford University (AL) where he completed a double major in religion and church recreation before achieving master’s and doctoral degrees at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (KY). Dr. Roebuck has pastored five congregations during the past 32 years of pastoral ministry. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 32 years. They have three grown and married children and now enjoy spending moments with two granddaughters.

‘We Believe’ initiative to support endowment, students, faculty;

HCA CEO, alum Milton Johnson to chair campaign for 2016-17

Building on the momentum garnered through its recent year-long quasquicentennial anniversary celebration, today Belmont University launched its largest, most extensive fundraising campaign in the institution’s 125-year history. Centered on the theme “We Believe” and intended to raise $300 million, the campaign focuses attention on five areas that are key to the University’s Vision 2020 strategic priorities, including scholarships, faculty support and missions.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “In recent years Belmont University surprised many locally and nationally with its phenomenal growth and astounding success. Landing in the Top 5 Universities in the South in U.S. News, adding more than $500 million in new or upgraded facilities and hosting Tennessee’s first presidential debate are just a few of the unprecedented accomplishments that come to mind. We have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. But we believe this is only the beginning. This comprehensive campaign will lift the University to even greater levels of acclaim, strengthening our ability to offer a world class education by attracting top faculty, enhancing student experiences, creating mission opportunities, supporting athletics and expanding student research. Most importantly, this campaign will better position us to aid qualified students in achieving a Belmont education, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

HCA Chairman and CEO and Belmont alumnus Milton Johnson, who will chair the campaign in its inaugural year, said, “I give to Belmont because I can personally attest to the transformative power of a Belmont education. My Belmont scholarship was a life-changing opportunity for me, one that I never would have imagined as a Stratford High School student. I am honored to stand with this University in its campaign because I believe Belmont provides a world-class education to help individuals reach their greatest potential. I want to be part of making that happen for generations of students to come.”

The $300 million campaign will include total money raised through Dec. 31, 2020 with more than $56 million already given toward the goal. In addition, thanks to a long history of strong financial management and diligent cost control, Belmont is now able to partner with its supporters to leverage their investments in the institution’s future. The University will match endowment contributions between $25,000 and $1.5 million ‘dollar for dollar,’ doubling the impact of each donor’s commitment.

Specific campaign priorities include:

• Endowed scholarships to ensure more qualified students can receive a Belmont education regardless of financial means
• Faculty support through endowed chairs/professorships to attract and retain preeminent experts in their fields
• Missions support to expand endowed funds to enhance Belmont’s undeniably Christian environment and further students’ ability to serve in the U.S. and abroad
• Athletics funding for endowed scholarships to support high-caliber student athletes who embody Belmont values and represent the University around the world
• Annual Giving to create a culture of philanthropy among Belmont constituent groups that encourages consistent, long-term giving

Belmont’s Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds added, “Belmont University cannot achieve what we need to for our students, our community and our world without our partners—the alumni, parents, friends and corporate supporters of our mission. I believe this campaign will take an already successful institution to the next level, catapulting us even further onto the national stage and empowering what I imagine to be an extraordinary future for this campus.”

Click here to view the “We Believe” campaign launch video.

For more information on the campaign, giving priorities and ways to give, visit Belmont’s newly launched We Believe website.

Hall of Fame’s second class represents Tennessee’s greatest health and health care pioneers

The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame announced the six health care professionals selected as the Hall of Fame’s second class of inductees at a luncheon held on Belmont University’s campus Tuesday. With a mission to honor men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the health and health care industries, the Hall of Fame was created by Belmont University and the McWhorter Society and is supported by the Nashville Health Care Council, a Hall of Fame Founding Partner.

Chair of the McWhorter Society and Chairman of Medcare Investment Funds Dr. Harry Jacobson said, “This group of six individuals embodies some of the greatest talent our state has ever seen. With representatives from all corners of Tennessee who have made a significant impact on their communities through their work as leaders, practitioners, executives and scientists, the Hall of Fame is honored to name such a deserving group of health care legends as inductees.”

The nomination process began in January and was open to practitioners, executives, entrepreneurs, mentors, teachers, scientists, researchers, innovators or any person with a connection to the health or health care field. Nominees must have:

• Been born, lived or have worked in Tennessee
• Made a significant impact and lasting contribution to health care at the local, state, national or international level
• Exhibit the highest ethical and professional character
• Serve as an outstanding role model in their community

Among the more than 35 highly qualified candidates nominated, the inductees were reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of health and health care leaders from across the state. Selected inductees represent some of Tennessee’s greatest health and health care pioneers, leaders and innovators.

Inducted individuals include:

• Jack Bovender: Retired Chairman and CEO of Hospital Corporation of America, Member of the National Health Care Hall of Fame, Credited with the rescue of patients in an HCA hospital during Hurricane Katrina
• Dr. Stanley Cohen: Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in medicine and physiology, Faculty Member at Washington University and Professor of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt, Completed research on epidermal growth factors that contributed to discoveries for individual cancer and immune system dysfunction therapiesDr. Colleen Conway-Welch: Dean Emerita of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Past Nashvillian of the Year, Served on President Reagan’s Commission on HIV Epidemic and the National Bipartisan Commissions of the Future of Medicare, Founder of Friends of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research
• Dr. Henry Foster: Professor Emeritus and Former Dean of Meharry College’s School of Medicine, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt University, President Clinton’s Senior Advisor on Teen Pregnancy Reduction and youth Issues, Pioneered a national model for regionalized perinatal health care systems
• Dr. Frank Groner: President Emeritus of Memphis’s Baptist Memorial Hospital, Commissioner of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, Health Consultant to the federal government
• Dr. Paul Stanton: President Emeriti and Professor Emeriti of Surgery of East Tennessee State University, Served as a member of the Governor’s TennCare Roundtable, Assisted in conducting the first review and recommendation of changes to Tennessee’s Medicaid program

In addition to recognizing Tennessee’s most influential health and health care leaders, The Hall of Fame will serve as an on-going educational resource to document the rich history that has contributed to Tennessee’s position as a leader for national health care initiatives.

Belmont’s President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “It is widely recognized that Tennessee is a central hub for health care in the United States, and with Nashville at the helm, our community has seen many individuals and organizations take significant strides to shape and advance the industry. Meanwhile, Belmont University has taken a significant role in undergraduate, graduate and executive health care education. The induction of these members into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame will help us inspire the next generation of health care leaders, while further promoting Tennessee’s booming success as the nation’s premiere health care hub.”

Created in 2015, the Hall of Fame inducted eight inaugural members last year including Dr. Thomas Frist, Jr., Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr., Dr. Ernest Goodpasture, Jack C. Massey, R. Clayton McWhorter, Dr. David Satcher, Dr. Mildred Stahlman and Danny Thomas.

University honors largest gift in its history by naming cornerstone campus building the Janet Ayers Academic Center

On the heels of launching a five-year, $300 million comprehensive fundraising campaign last month, this morning Belmont University announced that The Ayers Foundation is giving the largest single donation in the institution’s 125-year history: $15 million! The eight-figure endowed scholarship gift stems from the passion for education of Ayers Foundation President Janet Ayers (a nationally recognized business and healthcare leader and former board member of the Tennessee State Board of Education) and Founder Jim Ayers (founder of FirstBank, Tennessee’s largest independently owned and operated bank). Scholarships from the Ayers endowed fund will be awarded to qualified Belmont students based on financial need.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “There are no better friends to education in Tennessee than Janet and Jim Ayers and the Ayers Foundation. They have worked tirelessly to help numerous causes, particularly to improve the lives of young people in Tennessee by giving them access to life-changing learning opportunities. Marshalling their resources in this fashion may just be the apex of their philanthropy to date, creating an endowment in perpetuity that can provide a transformative Belmont education to individuals who otherwise may not have the financial means to attend this University. I am incredibly grateful to have their support for our students.”

In gratitude for the gift and in consultation with Jim Ayers, Belmont is naming its largest campus building in honor of Janet. Formerly known as the Wedgewood Academic Center due to its location on Wedgewood and 15^th Avenues, the newly named Janet Ayers Academic Center stands as a beacon for the Belmont campus in its highly visible site, marking the structure as a cornerstone for the University and a beautiful landmark for the city of Nashville.

Janet Ayers, who was surprised by her husband Wednesday morning with the endowed scholarship announcement and the naming in her honor, said, “I’m overwhelmed for lots of reasons. I had no idea my husband was going to do this. We had said all along how much we believe in Belmont and what they do… But for him to surprise me and actually put my name on a building is breathtaking almost. It’s not just about the University, it’s personal. It’s a way that he wanted to recognize the hard work we’ve done together with the Foundation… The thing that excites me the most is that I hope for generations to come that every student who comes through here—wherever they come from, from whatever background—that they will leave here a changed person, empowered to know that one person at a time, one community at a time is really how you start to change the lives of others. I want them to get that from me that when they see that name [on the building] that is what they think of, that they are there for everybody to change lives and to change them for the better.”

Jim Ayers added, “I’ve admired what Belmont has done. There’s a lot of great schools in this city and in this state, but Belmont is right at the top… We need to do things to enable people who aren’t as financially fortunate as we are to get a great education. There are people who need an education from Belmont who just can’t afford it and those are the people we want to help.”

As noted earlier, scholarships from the Ayers endowed fund will be awarded to qualified Belmont students based on financial need, marking the gift as a major step forward in one of Belmont’s priority gift areas in its recently announced campaign.

Belmont Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds said, “Over the past 15 years, Belmont University has invested efforts to build spectacular new facilities that serve our student body by providing state-of-the-art classroom, laboratory, performance and residential experiences. Now, with our new ‘We Believe’ fundraising campaign, we are expanding our reach to create opportunities that will allow more students to experience all that Belmont has to offer. Endowed scholarships like this one from the Ayers Foundation give Belmont the ability to count on funding in perpetuity and thereby recruit and retain the best and the brightest students regardless of financial circumstances.”

Janet and her husband Jim are the shared recipients of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 2007 Philanthropists of the Year Award. The Ayers Foundation has supported numerous projects in its 17-year history including The Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program, which has made higher education accessible for more than 3,000 students from West Tennessee, including those from Jim Ayers’ home county of Decatur. In addition, the Foundation recently celebrated the first decade of the Ayers Institute for Precancer Detection and Diagnosis at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The Ayers Institute was established in July 2005 to develop new diagnostic tests to detect cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.

In recognition of a lifetime of leadership and community service, Mrs. Ayers was named a 2014 inductee into the Nashville YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement, and she quoted Albert Einstein as part of her remarks: “‘Strive not for success but rather to be of value.’” This endowed scholarship gift, and the countless lives it will touch, demonstrate Janet and her husband Jim’s ongoing commitment to that theme.

The Janet Ayers Academic Center houses three colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), the College of Sciences and Mathematics (CSM) and the College of Theology and Christian Ministry (CTCM). Every undergraduate student takes courses in the building as part of the University’s general education curriculum. In addition, the structure also houses a beautiful 300-seat campus Chapel, which hosts worship services and special events throughout the year. The 186,000 square foot Ayers Academic Center opened in Fall 2014, and the buildings’ top floors offer a perfect bird’s eye view of Nashville’s skyline. Last summer the facility was awarded prestigious LEED Platinum® certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making Belmont the first University in Tennessee and the first LEED for New Construction project in Nashville to achieve that level, the highest in the LEED ratings system.

Former Tractor Supply CEO, chairman creates endowment to fund scholarships for students to participate in faith-based mission, service trips

Belmont Trustee James (Jim) Wright and his wife Susan recently announced the creation of the Jim and Susan Wright Missions Endowment with a gift of $1 million to the University. The major gift comes within three months of the launch of Belmont’s $300 million We Believe comprehensive fundraising campaign, and the endowed fund will directly benefit one of the campaign’s top giving priorities, missions. Jim Wright is the now-retired, former chairman and CEO of Nashville-based Tractor Supply, and he and Susan currently live in Lake Quivira, Kansas.

“Belmont’s foundation as a Christian university creates a unique opportunity in higher education to offer life-changing missions as part of our students’ experience,” said University President Dr. Bob Fisher. “We provide a place for students to find their God-given purpose through service to each other, their community and the world beyond. I’m grateful for Jim and Susan’s generous support of these efforts because I witness what these opportunities mean to our community, and I know how often lives are positively transformed through Belmont missions.”

The Wrights said, “We are involved in Belmont and remain committed to this University because it’s staying true to its core as a Christian institution while continuously and passionately working to provide the best opportunities and education possible for its students. Those qualities align with our own beliefs, both personally and professionally, of the life God calls us to live. It’s a privilege to have the means to support Belmont at this level, and we are excited to see how this gift allows more students to develop and spread their faith in the coming years.”

The $1 million gift will establish an endowed fund that financially supports students with demonstrated need in their efforts to participate in missions work through Belmont University. As announced with the campaign unveiling, Belmont is partnering with its supporters to leverage their investments in the institution’s future. The University will match endowment contributions to University priorities between $25,000 and $1.5 million ‘dollar for dollar,’ doubling the impact of each donor’s commitment. In this instance, the Wright’s $1 million gift to support missions will be matched by the University in a mirrored fund for the same purpose, marking an overall increase of $2 million for endowed support of Belmont missions-related scholarships.

Frequently, as is the case with many health care-related missions, the trips are tied to academic pursuits, allowing students to see how their chosen field of study can impact places and cultures they never before imagined. In 2015-16, 250 Belmont students engaged in mission-oriented experiences with trips ranging from tutoring at an after-school program in downtown Chicago to leading songwriting workshops in Zimbabwe to providing a free health clinic in Jamaica.

Most importantly, these trips foster students’ spiritual growth alongside the academic, physical, social and cultural challenges they face in different situations at home and abroad. Missions opportunities are central to Belmont’s foundation as a Christian institution and its intent, as spelled out in its Vision 2020 plan, to further “exemplify the Christian faith by responding to the imperative expressed in James 1:22, which states ‘Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.’”

Belmont’s Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds added, “We are deeply grateful for the Wrights’ willingness to support Belmont students as they venture into the world providing service to others and spreading the love of Christ. We frequently hear stories of students who return to Belmont from such trips with a reaffirmed belief that serving others is central to their faith and development. The Wrights’ dedication to the betterment of our students’ lives, and to the Christian mission of this institution, is inspirational.”

Two Oaks residence hall renamed in honor of Joe’s parents: John and Frances Russell Hall

Long-time Belmont Trustees Joe and Anne Russell recently made possible a $4 million endowment to support the Bridges to Belmont program, an initiative that was designed to enroll qualified, high potential students from Metro Nashville Public Schools who may not have previously been able to consider Belmont an option. Bridges Scholars are currently selected from four Metro Nashville Public Schools—Stratford, Maplewood, Whites Creek and Pearl Cohn—and most of the scholars are first-generation college students.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Joe and Anne Russell show their support of this University in countless ways, and I can’t say enough about their contributions of time and resources for more than two decades. With this gift to support current and future Bridges Scholars, they are clearly demonstrating the tremendous value they place on education. The entire community—here at Belmont and throughout our city—will benefit from their generosity.”

Joe serves as the chairman of Elan-Polo Inc. and has contributed to Belmont’s Board of Trustees for 20 years. Anne serves as special counsel at/for Adams and Reese LLP.  Anne has been a Belmont board member for five years.

In gratitude for their gift, a 400-bed residence hall that opened on campus in 2014 under the name Two Oaks is being renamed in honor of Joe’s parents, John and Frances Russell, who Joe credits for inspiring his success by demanding he put his education first. A first generation college student, Joe recalls, “I grew up in a family where the only question was where I would get a college education, not if. My mother and dad saw the difference between what a college degree could mean for my financial and social enhancement as well as my overall quality of life.”

Joe’s father, John Russell, was the second oldest of seven children and left school in the ninth grade following his father’s death in order to help provide for his family. While working at the same bank for 47 years, he clearly saw the opportunities that abounded for men and women with college educations as their acquired skills quickly led to advancement. Joe’s mother, Frances Russell, was born in Kentucky and attended St. Thomas’ nursing program, working for years as the assistant head nurse in the hospital’s pediatric ward. The couple fervently encouraged their son toward education, and their belief in the value of education was so strong that John Russell even helped initiate a scholarship program similar to Bridges to Belmont at the Isaac Litton High School men’s club.

Joe’s parents’ focus became a strong theme in Russell’s own life. Contributing to the Bridges to Belmont program connects his passion for education to his personal history in other ways, too, since he grew up in East Nashville, where he attended a public school that saw less than a fourth of graduating seniors go to college.

Russell said, “In our country the biggest challenge is to develop ideas and initiatives that generate interest from kids who would not ordinarily be interested or concerned with their educational outcome. Our involvement with Belmont is allowing us to play a small part in addressing that challenge. There’s a little bit of magic for us in this gift to Belmont in that we know it can help kids in public schools from our hometown receive a potentially life-changing education.”

The $4 million endowed fund will support the Bridges to Belmont program, which currently includes more than 100 Scholars who are receiving a Belmont education with all costs for tuition, room and board, books and fees covered via University scholarships along with state and federal grants.

Comprehensive fundraising aims for $300 million goal by 2020 to boost endowment, scholarships, missions and more

Ten months into the “We Believe” comprehensive fundraising campaign, Belmont University announced today that donations recently surpassed $100 million, marking a major milestone toward a total $300 million goal by 2020.  The campaign focuses attention on five areas that are key to the University’s Vision 2020 strategic priorities, including scholarships, faculty support and missions. Total money raised to date for the campaign currently stands at $100,162,799.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “This fundraising campaign will strengthen Belmont’s ability to offer a world class education by attracting top faculty, enhancing student experiences, creating mission opportunities, supporting athletics and expanding student research. Most importantly, this campaign will better position us to aid qualified students in achieving a Belmont education, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

To date, more than 10,000 donors have contributed to the campaign, and nearly 70 new endowed scholarships have been created. Highlights since last April’s public campaign launch include the largest single gift in University history ($15 million from the Ayers Foundation) along with gifts to create a $2 million endowment to support Belmont missions and a $4 million endowment for ‘Bridges to Belmont’ (the first made possible by Trustee Jim Wright and his wife Susan while the latter results from a gift from Trustees Joe and Anne Russell, respectively).

HCA Chairman and CEO and Belmont alumnus Milton Johnson is chairing the campaign in its inaugural year. He said, “I give to Belmont because I can personally attest to the transformative power of a Belmont education, and I believe such a world-class education can help individuals reach their greatest potential. I am encouraged to see how many new and long-time donors are stepping up to help make that happen for generations of students to come.”

The $300 million campaign will include total money raised through Dec. 31, 2020. Thanks to a long history of strong financial management and diligent cost control, Belmont is able to partner with its supporters to leverage their investments in the institution’s future. The University is matching contributions to campaign priority endowments between $25,000 and $1.5 million ‘dollar for dollar,’ doubling the impact of each donor’s commitment.

Specific campaign priorities include:

• Endowed scholarships to ensure more qualified students can receive a Belmont education regardless of financial means
• Faculty support through endowed chairs/professorships to attract and retain preeminent experts in their fields
• Missions support to expand endowed funds to enhance Belmont’s undeniably Christian environment and further students’ ability to serve in the U.S. and abroad
• Athletics funding for endowed scholarships to support high-caliber student athletes who embody Belmont values and represent the University around the world
• Annual Giving to create a culture of philanthropy among Belmont constituent groups that encourages consistent, long-term giving

Belmont’s Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds added, “We are so grateful for the countless individuals who have already given to this campaign. I believe their generosity will take an already successful institution to the next level, catapulting us even further onto the national stage and empowering what I imagine to be an extraordinary future for this campus.”

Click here to view the “We Believe” campaign launch video.

For more information on the campaign, giving priorities and ways to give, visit Belmont’s We Believe website.

Tour rehearsal show provides funding for Belmont award

Reigning Academy of Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert recently used a tour warm-up show to make a major difference in the life of an aspiring female songwriter. Thanks to a sold-out club show in Chicago, Lambert will for the second year fund the Miranda Lambert Women Creators Scholarship at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. The purpose of the fund is to provide a scholarship to an outstanding female student who is majoring in music business, songwriting or entertainment industry studies.

“I am so happy to continue supporting this scholarship fund for Women Creators at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business,” said Lambert. “To be able to assist women in a meaningful way means the world to me.”

Lambert raised the funds to continue the scholarship for a second year with her Jan. 24 club show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago, a rehearsal for her current Highway Vagabond Tour, which supports her 2016 album, The Weight of These Wings. Songwriter Natalie Hemby, a Belmont graduate, joined her for the concert.

Doug Howard, dean of the Curb College, said, “We are grateful and humbled by the continued generous support given by Miranda Lambert to the women songwriters and artists at the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. The level of participation and excitement displayed by our students in connection with this scholarship has been overwhelming, and this year’s gift is once again evidence of Miranda’s firm commitment to inspire and empower the next generation of female creators and entertainment industry leaders.”

Applications are now open for the 2017-18 scholarship. Candidates must complete an online application and submit an original song. A Curb College selection committee will review the applications, and a group of finalists will be sent to Lambert review. Award notification is anticipated to occur in late spring.

The inaugural scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year went to junior songwriting major Anna Vaus.

About Miranda Lambert

Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, having been bestowed this honor for seven consecutive years.  Her accolades include 2 Grammy Awards, 13 (CMA) Country Music Associations Awards, and 25 (ACM) Academy of Country Music Awards as well as many other honors, including the prestigious Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony.

The Texas native released her most recent effort, a double album titled The Weight of These Wings in November 2016, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. She touts six studio albums to her repertoire; Kerosene (2005), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007), Revolution (2009), Four The Record (2011) and Platinum (2014), the latter earning Lambert a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album, in addition to her previous GRAMMY win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2010 for “The House That Built Me.”  Her second single “We Should Be Friends” is chasing up the charts at Country Radio. www.Mirandalambert.com

About the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business

In 1971, Belmont first established a Music Business program designed to prepare young women and men for operational, administrative, creative and technical careers in the music industry. The program grew in both size and reputation, leading to the advent of the full Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in 2003. Currently home to more than 2,500 undergraduates with majors in five areas—music business, audio engineering technology, entertainment industry studies, songwriting and motion pictures—the college boasts an impressive faculty of academic scholars and authors, entrepreneurs, songwriters, producers, filmmakers and sound and recording engineers.  It is a world leader in music business and entertainment industry education and the only freestanding college of its kind.

Belmont University announced today the election of Chris Bollinger to its Board of Trustees. Bollinger will serve an initial three-year term from 2017-2019.

Parent of a Belmont student, Chris Bollinger serves as president of Bollinger Enterprises, a closely held asset management firm located in Louisiana. Previously, Chris was the president of Bollinger Shipyards, the largest privately held shipyard in the U.S., where he marked the third generation of leadership for the family business established in 1946.  He devotes a great deal of time to professional and civic organizations, including Porter’s Call, a non-profit organization providing support, encouragement and counsel for recording artists. He is also a member of Young Presidents Organization, where he previously served as chairman of the Western Region.

Bollinger said, “It is such an honor to serve alongside a tremendous team in continuing to carry out the vision and mission of Belmont. From the moment my wife, Pamela, and I stepped on Belmont’s campus, we knew that there was something special happening there. We believe in Belmont!”

Belmont President Bob Fisher commented, “Chris brings a high level of business acumen to a Board that is already characterized by strong leadership and strategic thinking.  We’re thrilled to have him join us in the role of Trustee as we continue to live out our mission and raise Belmont to even higher levels of distinction.”

Belmont’s current Board of Trustees includes:

• Marty Dickens, Chairman of the Board, Former President, AT&T
• Harry Allen, Senior Vice President, Avenue Bank
• John R. Faison, Sr., Senior Pastor, Watson Grove Baptist Church
• John Ferguson, Former Chairman, CCA
• Dan Foutch, Senior Vice President, Hilliard Lyons
• Steve Hewlett, President and CEO, Hewlett Spencer
• Damon Hininger, President and CEO, CoreCivic
• Steve Horrell, President, Horrell Properties
• Gordon E. Inman, Owner/Broker, Inman Investments
• R. Milton Johnson, Chairman and CEO, HCA
• Todd Jones, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Nashville
• Klay Kelley, Realtor, Crye Leike Executive Realty
• Larry Kloess, Chairman, Clayton Associates
• Ron Knox, Jr., Former Financial Representative, Northwestern Mutual
• Bill Lee, CEO, The Lee Company
• Cynthia Leu, Philanthropist and Civic Leader
• Drew Maddux, President, Maddux Realty and Construction Corp.
• Carolyn McAfee, Vice President, Hallmark Systems
• Rebecca McKelvey Castaneda, Attorney, Stites & Harbison
• Andrea Overby, Church and Civic Leader
• Ben Rechter, Chairman, The Rogers Group
• Barbara Massey Rogers, Philanthropist
• Anne Russell, Attorney, Adams and Reese LLP
• Joseph V. Russell, President and Chairman, Elan-Polo
• Michael W. Smith, Songwriter, Singer, Musician
• Randy Smith, Attorney, entertainment industry
• Larry Thrailkill, Church and Civic Leader
• Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO, Song/ATV Music Publishing
• Claire Tucker, President and CEO, CapStar Bank
• Paul Walker, Civic Leader
• Bob Whisenant, Partner, WSW CPAs
• Jim Wilkerson, Owner, Wilkerson Farms
• James Wright, Former CEO, Tractor Supply
• Mark Wright, President, You42 Nashville

Belmont Board of Trust Regents include Tommye Maddox, Charlie Dankert, Evan Metcalf and Brennon Mobley.  Emeriti include Randall Baskin, Jack Benz, Mike Curb, Helen Kennedy, Carolyn Patton and George West.

In a ceremony held last semester, Belmont’s College of Health Sciences and Nursing named its pediatric/obstetric simulation lab in honor of one of the college’s benefactors, the late J.D. Elliott. Elliott served as the founding president of the Memorial Foundation, which has donated more than $2 million to Belmont University over the past 20 years, almost all of which has gone to support health science and nursing education. In 2013, the Foundation granted Belmont $217,000 to renovate the lab space, purchase a new simulation Sim Mom manikin and update the lab’s simulation equipment.

Dr. Perry Moulds, Belmont’s vice president for development and external relations, said, “J.D. Elliott was a legend in this town not simply due to his role leading the Memorial Foundation nor for the countless boards and nonprofits where he donated his time and energy. Rather, his reputation centered on how he did everything he did—with compassion, humility and heart. We are proud to name this lab in his honor and hope that generations of health science practitioners to come will be inspired be his legacy.”

Mr. Elliott’s wife Anita, along with his daughter and son-in-law, Juanita and Jeff Stewart, attended the naming ceremony which included a reception and brief demonstration of the lab. Several guests from The Memorial Foundation also attended the event, including Foundation President Scott Perry and Foundation Board Member Drew Maddux, who also serves on the Belmont University Board of Trustees.

Perry said, “Throughout his long, successful career in healthcare, Mr. Elliott was always a strong proponent of quality education for the next generation of health care providers. He believed it was critically important in helping to promote increased access to quality health care services for all people. He was particularly impressed with the advanced technology for instruction such as this simulation lab that provides the opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning and that bridges the gap between theory and practice in a safe environment. Although Mr. Elliott was a humble man, I believe he would be happy to see this new Simulation Lab and would be humbled to have it named in his honor.”

At the time of his death in 2015, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean noted, “J.D. was a great member of our community. He gave back in countless ways and touched many lives throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee through his leadership of The Memorial Foundation and its charitable efforts.”

The Memorial Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people through support to nonprofit organizations. The Memorial Foundation responds to diverse community needs, assisting agencies that focus on: Access to Quality Health Care Services, Human & Social Services, Education, Senior Citizen Enrichment Services, Youth and Childhood Development, Substance Abuse Programs, and Community Services.

Troy Tomlinson and Josh Van Valkenburg speak to students at Columbia Studio A at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. September 13, 2017.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville President/CEO Troy Tomlinson and Senior Vice President of A&R Josh Van Valkenburg spoke to a packed house of Curb College students in Columbia Studio A on Wednesday, Sept. 13. As part of the seminar conversation, the two announced the fourth annual Belmont Sony/ATV Music Publishing All Access Program that allows any Curb College student to submit their music to the company for review by their creative team. Van Valkenburg assured the students that they watch every video submitted by students. The Sony/ATV team will select a group of about six students they want to hear perform live later in the semester. The program has given the opportunity to several students to sign a music publishing deal with the company in previous years.

In addition to his role as a music executive, Tomlinson is also a member of the Belmont University Board of Trustees.

In honor of Thanksgiving week, several Belmont students are sharing their gratitude to the scholarship donors whose support has made their education possible, enabling them to go “From here to anywhere.” To learn more about Belmont’s current “We Believe” fundraising campaign and how to support student scholarships, visit WeBelieve.Belmont.edu.

‘We Believe’ initiative aims to reach $300 million by 2020

The final point tallies weren’t the only numbers being discussed from last night’s Battle of the Boulevard basketball game between cross-town rivals Belmont and Lipscomb. Instead, the crowd was abuzz about a major announcement made during the first media timeout when Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher shared that the University recently surpassed the half-way mark in its “We Believe” fundraising campaign.

The public-facing launch of the campaign in April 2016 set a high bar to reach $300 million, the largest goal in Belmont history, by 2020 in order to support five University priorities: scholarships, endowed faculty positions, missions, athletic funding and annual giving. With the help of Bruiser and the Belmont cheerleading team, last night Dr. Fisher revealed that the We Believe campaign total now stands at $151,317,565.

Fisher said, “I am so grateful for the thousands of men and women, as well corporate and foundation partners, who are showing such tremendous belief in the mission of Belmont University. This campaign is strengthening our ability to empower our students with an education that will transform lives and enable them to lead lives of purpose. The We Believe funds aid us specifically in attracting top faculty, enhancing student experiences, creating mission opportunities, supporting athletics and expanding student research. Most importantly, this campaign is positioning us to aid more qualified students in achieving a Belmont education, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

To date, more than 12,400 donors have contributed to the campaign, and 93 new endowed scholarships have been created. Thanks to a long history of strong financial management and diligent cost control, Belmont is able to partner with its supporters to leverage their investments in the institution’s future. The University is matching contributions to campaign priority endowments between $25,000 and $1.5 million ‘dollar for dollar,’ doubling the impact of each donor’s commitment.

Belmont’s Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds added, “What’s happening at Belmont University is special. Our faculty and staff drive it, our students feel it, and our parents, donors and friends all want to be a part of it. I am so grateful for the countless individuals who have supported this campaign and have expressed their belief in Belmont in such a tangible fashion. I believe their generosity will take an already successful institution to the next level, catapulting us even further onto the national stage and making a difference in lives for generations to come.”

For more information on the campaign, giving priorities and ways to give, visit Belmont’s We Believe website.

Sophomore music business major recently signed publishing deal with Warner/Chappell

Nashville native and a sophomore in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, Caroline Watkins, was recently selected as the second recipient of the ‘Women Creators’ scholarship, established in 2015 by reigning Academy of Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert. The scholarship was created to honor a female Belmont student who is majoring in music business, songwriting or entertainment industry studies and is actively working towards pursuing her dream of working in the music industry. The scholarship will provide Watkins with more than $40,000 in scholarship funds for the 2017-18 academic year.

Watkins grew up playing guitar and writing songs. In fact, after playing throughout the city in recent years, including shows at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café, she was signed last year to a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville.

Watkins said, “Receiving this scholarship is by far the greatest honor I have ever received. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Belmont and Miranda for believing in me. Anyone familiar with Belmont knows the amount of talent at our school, so to have somehow been chosen among all of the other deserving young women is incredibly humbling and encouraging. Miranda Lambert has always been one of my music heroes. She is part of the reason I started writing songs. I honestly know every word to every song she has ever recorded, so I still just can’t believe it! There are so many women doing great things in Nashville right now, but there is not a better example for those of us working towards a career than Miranda. I know this honor comes with a lot of responsibility, and I will do my best to make Miranda, Belmont and all of the other women creators who have come before and after me proud.”

Lambert established the Women Creators scholarship in an effort to encourage outstanding women to follow their passions and pursue careers in the music industry. Candidates for the scholarship are asked to complete an online application and submit an original song. A selection committee from the Curb College then gathers to review the applications, more than 80 for 2017-18, and the top six finalists are sent for Lambert’s review.

“I am so happy to continue supporting this scholarship fund for Women Creators at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business,” said Lambert. “To be able to assist women in a meaningful way means the world to me.”

Lambert raised the funds to continue the scholarship for a second year with her Jan. 24, 2017 club show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago, a rehearsal for her Highway Vagabond Tour, which supported her 2016 album, The Weight of These Wings. Songwriter Natalie Hemby, a Belmont graduate, joined her for the concert.

Doug Howard, dean of the Curb College, said, “I am extremely pleased to send my congratulations to Caroline Watkins for being selected as the recipient of the Miranda Lambert Women Creator’s scholarship, and to give my deepest respect and gratitude to Miranda for backing her beliefs with actions by providing another young female creator this life-changing opportunity.”

The inaugural “Women Creators” scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year went to songwriting major Anna Vaus, who has since signed her first publishing deal with Black River Publishing.

About Miranda Lambert
Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, having been bestowed this honor for eight consecutive years. Her accolades include 2 Grammy Awards, 13 (CMA) Country Music Associations Awards, and 28 (ACM) Academy of Country Music Awards as well as many other honors, including the prestigious Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony. The Texas native released her double album titled The Weight of These Wings in November 2016, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and won the ACM Album of the year award in 2017. Early 2018 she embarked on her Livin’ like Hippies headlining arena tour, for more details  www.Mirandalambert.com

About the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business
In 1971, Belmont first established a Music Business program designed to prepare young women and men for operational, administrative, creative and technical careers in the music industry. The program grew in both size and reputation, leading to the advent of the full Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in 2003. Currently home to more than 2,500 undergraduates with majors in six areas—music business, audio engineering technology, entertainment industry studies, songwriting, motion pictures and media studies—the college boasts an impressive faculty of academic scholars and authors, entrepreneurs, songwriters, producers, filmmakers, journalists and sound and recording engineers. It is a world leader in music business and entertainment industry education and the only freestanding college of its kind.