Our Story

Where Hope Has Been Transforming Lives Since 1890

Belmont 1.0 to 4.0

A Legacy of Transformation

From our founding as a women’s college in 1890 to today’s comprehensive university, Belmont has evolved through four distinct eras — each marked by bold vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education.

Belmont 1.0

Extraordinary Beginnings

We have seen hope transform lives since our founding in 1890. Belmont 1.0 began when two female schoolteachers, Susan Heron and Ida Hood, put their livelihoods on the line and accepted the difficult challenge of starting a school for young women at a time when women couldn’t vote and the property was in severe disrepair. Thanks to their efforts, this campus helped develop thousands of incredible women for more than 60 years, including legends like Sarah Cannon (Minnie Pearl) and Kennedy Center honoree Mary Martin.  

Six women and girls pose in front of a vine-covered gazebo with an eagle statue on top, in an open grassy area with trees in the background.
Black-and-white photo of four students talking in front of a Belmont College sign that reads “Founded 1951.”

Belmont 2.0

Expanded Vision

In 1951, Belmont 2.0 transformed from a women’s college into a full-fledged, co-ed higher education institution under the leadership of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Innovators like Herbert Gabhart and Jack Massey invested their time, energy and resources to ensure Belmont College would survive, despite a financial forecast that was frequently grim and a fire that devastated our infrastructure. Through their willingness to risk even amidst economic uncertainties, signature programs in business, nursing and a first-of-its-kind music business major were started, changing the course of Belmont’s future.

Belmont 3.0

A Season of Significant Growth

Then came the 1990s and early 2000s, when Belmont 3.0 embraced new challenges and first earned its swing-for-the-fences reputation through countless surprising — even stunning — moves including acquiring two local colleges, joining NCAA Division I, starting new colleges in law, pharmacy and medicine, and hosting two presidential debates. And while Belmont transitioned from being a Baptist institution to an ecumenical one, the Christian faith remained this campus’ North Star, guiding our approach to education and service. 

The Curb Event Center decorated with red, white and blue bunting for the 2008 U.S. presidential debate at Belmont University.
Belmont University’s bell tower rises above trees at sunset, with a golden glow and light flare in the sky.

Belmont 4.0

A Redemptive Quest: Character, Creativity and Innovation

Now, Belmont 4.0 builds on this astounding legacy while learning to sing in a new key. It takes the best of what has gone before — innate creativity, a mission-minded approach focused on developing Christ-centered character and an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit — and embeds a new vision of higher education that broadens scope and deepens impact. Belmont’s aspirational aim for 2030 is clear: to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, radically championing the pursuit of life abundant for all people. 

Core Mission: Christ-Centered, Purpose-Driven Education

The intersections of Belmont’s unique educational calling card — Character, Creativity and Innovation — can foster a hope that will transform lives and communities, while catalyzing the University’s Aspirational Aim for 2030: To be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, radically championing the pursuit of life abundant for all people.
President Greg Jones with a blue tinted overlay

“Our $700 million goal is ambitious, and it must be to match our calling to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world. We are investing in several key areas that will shape Belmont’s future… Each of these priorities reflects our deep commitment to forming leaders of character who are equipped to provide transformational leadership in fields from health care to arts and entertainment to business to design and so much more.”

– Greg Jones
President, Belmont University