Philanthropic investment supports Nashville university’s commitment to shape culture through faith-inspired entertainment
Belmont University announced today a $3.5 million gift from Andrea Waitt Carlton and the AWC Family Foundation to establish the AWC Initiative for Hope-Inspired Storytelling. The initiative is based on the organizations’ shared belief that film, television and animation media influence our culture arguably more than any other input, and that the most powerful way to positively impact, elevate and shape culture is through high-quality entertainment that promotes faith, family, wisdom, character, courage and similarly aligned values.
“The continued support of the Andrea Waitt Carlton and the AWC Family Foundation allows Belmont to build upon a legacy of innovation defined by excellence and character in every pursuit,” said Dr. Greg Jones, University president. “This generous gift strengthens our ability to shape the future of film, television and animation media by providing an education that fosters wisdom, character and community for the next generation of storytellers and industry leaders.”
From the grant, $2 million will create an endowed Chair of Faith, Hope & Culture in Cinematic Arts, $1 million will go toward a new digital programming and production lab and $500,000 will cover other start-up and operational expenses for the AWC initiative. Additionally, the endowed chair portion will be matched by Belmont’s Johnson Academic Challenge, an innovative matching fund program committed to the creation of up to 20 endowed professorships.
“Given Belmont’s Christ-centered mission, and its commitment to being a source of hope in the world, we feel there is no better partner in this initiative to champion film and television content that positively influences our culture,” remarked Andrea Waitt Carlton. “The Belmont and Nashville communities are full of talented storytellers who can be a part of reaching people around the world with inspiring stories.”
The inaugural Chair of Faith, Hope & Culture in Cinematic Arts will be held by Belmont’s Chief
Creative Officer Rick Rekedal. A former DreamWorks Studios executive, Rekedal brings to the role decades of experience across film, animation, intellectual property, publishing and faith-informed creative leadership to the role. In this position, he will lead teaching and creative engagement focused on faith and hope-inspired storytelling while strengthening industry partnerships across film, television and animation.
Through the AWC Initiative for Hope-Inspired Storytelling, Belmont will expand undergraduate offerings, explore new graduate programs and enhance learning and networking opportunities that more fully reflect the disciplines within the entertainment industry. Cinematic arts students will benefit from this initiative’s internal partnerships among Belmont’s colleges and collectives, as well as external collaborations with key like-minded industry leaders and organizations in Nashville and beyond.
This initiative is part of Belmont’s Hope Transforms campaign, the University’s comprehensive fundraising initiative focused on advancing programs and partnerships that cultivate hope as an active, transformative force in the world. Through philanthropic efforts, Hope Transforms supports initiatives that equip students to lead with wisdom, character and purpose while shaping culture for the common good.
To accommodate the growth, production capabilities and expanded technology supported by the AWC Family Foundation gift, a new digital production lab is planned for the CORD-Powerhouse, a four-story student-focus facility made possible by Cordia Harrington. Additionally, new and expanded student and faculty spaces will open in Belmont’s Johnson Center and phase two of the Curb College Music Row expansion.
Other philanthropic investments at Belmont made possible by the AWC Family Foundation include endowed scholarships and multiple capital contributions, as well as an ongoing lecture series, which brings compelling speakers to the Nashville campus to inspire Belmont students and the community on a wide range of subjects. Recent guest speakers include Rev. Greg Laurie from the film The Jesus Revolution; writer and speaker Richard Reeves, who wrote the book Of Boys and Men; lawyer Kelly Shackelford, who has won nine cases about religious liberty at the Supreme Court; and actor Gary Sinise, known best for his performance as Lt Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump.
The Chair of Faith, Hope & Culture in Cinematic Arts is made possible by matching funds from the Johnson Academic Challenge, which is also supporting other vital campus positions including:
- The CMA Endowed Chair and Executive Director of the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, held by Debbie Carroll;
- The Susan Pendleton and L. Gregory Jones Chair in Formative Education, held by Vice President of Whole Person Formation and Leadership Development Dr. Nathan Webb; and
- The HCA Healthcare Health Systems Science Endowed Chair, held by Dr. Douglas Slakey, AI & Technology in Healthcare Section Lead in the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine.