Johnson Academic Challenge

Hope Transforms

Endowing Faculty Positions 

Faculty are at the heart of Belmont’s mission — mentors, innovators and leaders who shape students’ futures. With the Johnson Academic Challenge, gifts of $1.5–$3 million to create endowed faculty chairs are matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a landmark $30 million gift from Milton and Denice Johnson. 

A smiling graduate in regalia shakes hands on stage during Belmont University’s commencement ceremony.

Matching Structure

How it Works

With this generous $30 million donation gift from Milton and Denice Johnson, the Johnson Academic Challenge matching fund was created. The fund will match donor commitments of $1.5 – $3 million to create up to 20 endowed professorships across Belmont’s academic programs, greatly enhancing student learning and formation.

Endowed Faculty Chairs

Why they Matter

  • Attract and retain innovative faculty leaders
  • Support interdisciplinary collaborations
  • Provide students with transformative mentorship and cutting-edge teaching 
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Voices of Impact

Support the Johnson Academic Challenge
President Greg Jones with a blue tinted overlay

“By creating this matching fund, we hope to attract and retain innovative leaders of deep character from diverse backgrounds and industries who bring forward-thinking perspectives to our academic programs.”

– Milton Johnson
Chair, Belmont Board of Trustees; Retired Chairman/CEO, HCA Healthcare