20 years ago, Belmont College, in Nashville, Tennessee, was a local Christian institution with 2500 students. Today, it's a nationally ranked university with 9000 students. The majority of students used to come from Tennessee. Today, 80% come from out of state. As they reinvent themselves, they are diversifying, with 28% of students this year checking boxes that aren't white. Belmont doesn't compare themselves to other universities. They have invested $1.3 billion

over the past 20 years into the university. And by 2030, they plan to fundraise and invest another $1 billion.

While they are well known for the College of Entertainment and Business and contacts within the music industry, Belmont has a lot more to offer. Their nursing and business schools are top-notch, and there's a College of Medicine opening in April of 2024 which will hold the largest simulation lab in Tennessee, and possibly the whole country.

Belmont was founded in 1890 by 2 schoolteachers. Their Christian mission drives them to want students to find their purpose. They call themselves a Christ-centered university with values centered around Christ, not a Christian university, and they attract all kinds of students. They require 2 religion courses, and chapel is offered two times a week but it is never required. The CEO of Krispy Kreme came and talked about faith and business at a recent chapel and yes, he brought donuts! Chapel has also seen the likes of Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato from VeggieTales for those who are fans! There are spiritual life ambassadors in every residence hall and many mission trips offered, focusing on taking what students are studying in the classroom out into the greater world.

In addition to a robust study abroad program, Belmont offers students a program called USA Study Away, which allows students to take internships in LA and NYC, while taking classes online - this program is expanding very rapidly.

How to summarize? This is tough. Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley, and Josh Turner are alumni, which is very cool. But our tour guide's favorite thing about Belmont was her personal relationship with professors - which is so much cooler, and a real reason to consider Belmont University for any program!