O’More College Graduates First Cohort of Architecture Students

Trailblazing students leave legacy at O'More after five years of hands-on education and community engagement

After five years of study, the O’More College of Architecture & Design graduated its first class of architecture students this spring. This pioneering group of 22 designers have built more than just their own careers — they’ve helped build an entirely new academic program alongside faculty and peers. 

This momentous occasion was celebrated by the college a few days before Belmont’s commencement ceremony, with family in attendance as well as staff and faculty within the program. At the event, faculty took time to share words of affirmation for each student and honored them with stoles to commemorate their place in the inaugural class.  

The class of 2025 has left a meaningful impact on both campus and the broader Nashville community through real-world design projects that transcend traditional classroom experiences. O’More deliberately integrates social consciousness into curriculum, creating an environment where design meets responsibility. 

“The program doesn’t just teach you how to design. It teaches you why we design and who we design for,” said architecture graduate Kim Paige Sullivan. “O’More gave me a place to reimagine my path and really commit to something that feels both challenging and meaningful. I’m leaving this program not only with a portfolio but with a purpose.” 

Students engaged with hands-on projects that addressed complex societal challenges, including sustainability initiatives, accessibility solutions, community development needs, civic engagement opportunities and innovative approaches to social problems.  

Projects have included partnerships with Music City Baseball, designing a multi-use space attached to the possible future baseball stadium, and organizations like the Academy of Architecture for Health and the Civic Design Center to design a Neighborhood Clinic+ and develop urban solutions to transform North Nashville into a Blue Zone.  

The program has attracted students at various life stages, creating a diverse cohort, full of unique perspectives and experiences. With an adult degree option available for the Bachelor of Architecture, Class of 2025 graduate T.J. Wilt pivoted during the pandemic from an established career in business to pursue his creative dreams and hop on board Belmont’s newly launched architecture program in 2020. Read more about his story here.  

Reflecting on their journey, many students highlighted the uniquely collaborative and adaptive atmosphere at O’More. Beyond the classroom, these graduates forged a tight-knit community rooted in support, experimentation and a shared passion for architecture.   

“We’ve done our best to create an environment where it’s inviting, social and helpful,” said architecture graduate Jason Thomas. “I think one of the greatest things at O’More is the willingness other students have to help their peers. Especially within our own cohort, we’ve really tried to build each other up since we’re all going through this new program together.” 

The graduating class is already making their mark in the professional world, with many securing positions at respected firms while others have earned acceptance to multiple prestigious universities for advanced studies. As this inaugural class steps into the profession, they do so not only as designers and problem-solvers, but as trailblazers who have laid a strong foundation for the future of architecture at Belmont.