University leader's contract extended amid record momentum, transformative growth and ambitious vision for the future
Belmont University's Board of Trustees has extended President Greg Jones’ contract through May 2036, signaling strong confidence in his leadership as the University continues its trajectory to become the leading Christ-centered university in the world.
The extension comes as Belmont continues to experience unprecedented growth and momentum under Jones’ leadership since he and his wife, Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones arrived in June 2021. Most notably, the University recently launched the public phase of its historic $700 million Hope Transforms campaign, with $300 million already committed toward the goal.
"The Board has tremendous confidence in Greg's leadership and vision for Belmont's future," said Board Chairman Milton Johnson. “Under his guidance, the University has achieved extraordinary growth while remaining firmly rooted in our Christ-centered mission. This extension provides Belmont the long-term stability and continuity to achieve our aspirations to reimagine higher education to serve a rapidly evolving world.”
Jones said, "I am deeply honored and humbled by the Board's confidence and by the opportunity to continue serving this extraordinary Christ-centered community. Belmont stands at a pivotal moment. Our aspirations for the next decade are shaped by our commitment to forming strong leaders of character and equipping people to solve the world's most complex problems. These God-sized dreams reflect our calling to reimagine higher education to help people and communities flourish."
Backing this vision with personal investment, Jones and his wife, Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, recently pledged $1.5 million to establish an endowed chair in formative education that will support character formation initiatives, reinforcing the University’s commitment to developing leaders of purpose, character and wisdom.
Jones' tenure has been marked by significant institutional advancement that has accelerated Belmont's trajectory into a nationally prominent mid-major university, building on the strong foundation established by his predecessor, President Bob Fisher.
During Jones’ presidency, several major infrastructure projects have reshaped the campus landscape. These include the $92 million Jack C. Massey Center, which serves as the University's new front door and hub for innovation and collaboration; the $180 million Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine facility which houses the University’s new College of Medicine and one of the nation's most comprehensive simulation centers; and two new residence halls that enhance campus life.
Enrollment at Belmont has continued to climb during Jones’ presidency. The University welcomed 8,975 students for the fall 2025 semester, a 9.4% increase since 2020 and a record student body.
The University has also secured transformative philanthropic support under Jones’ leadership. A $58 million gift from the Curb family and Mike Curb Foundation supports Belmont’s Music Row expansion, the largest gift in University history. Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded $32 million grant to establish the Creative Arts Collective, a major nationwide initiative at the intersection of Christianity and the arts. Board chairman Milton Johnson and his wife Denice contributed $30 million to establish the Johnson Academic Challenge, an innovative matching fund that will create up to 20 endowed professorships. Andrea Waitt Carlton and the AWC Family Foundation committed $3.5 million to support faith-inspired storytelling and film. The Country Music Association gifted $3 million to launch the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, a first-of-its-kind initiative supporting mental health research and resources for the entertainment industry.
Under Jones' leadership, Belmont has forged groundbreaking partnerships that reimagine higher education, most notably Dolly U, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with global superstar Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises that provides immersive, interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students across multiple fields. This Fall, a portion of American Idol’s 24th season was filmed at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts with a special audition offered to aspiring Belmont artists.
Jones has emerged as a national thought leader on the future of higher education, innovation and Christ-centered leadership. The University has also celebrated significant academic milestones, marking 50 years of excellence in music business, nursing, business and social work.These programs — built through collaborative vision and dedicated leadership — have collectively graduated thousands of alumni who serve and lead in communities around the world. Adding to its growing academic offerings, the University welcomed the second class of students in the Thomas F. Frist College of Medicine this Fall.
Belmont has continued its rise in intercollegiate athletics, with the women's basketball team delivering historic NCAA Tournament performances, including an upset victory over No. 5 seed Oregon in 2022. Later that year, the University joined the Missouri Valley Conference. Together, these academic, artistic and athletic achievements underscore Belmont’s momentum for the next decade and beyond.
The work ahead centers on three pillars –– character, creativity and innovation –– values embedded in the Hope Transforms campaign and reflected in the University's approach to education and community. Central to this vision is the University’s SOUL Framework, which cultivates wisdom, humility, joy, love and hope, guiding every community member to thrive holistically.
As Belmont looks toward 2035, the Hope Transforms campaign lays the groundwork to realize this vision by forming leaders of character, fostering transformational creativity and inspiring innovation that will impact lives and communities for generations.