Oct 21, 2021 - News
Belmont pulls in another big donation
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Photo courtesy of Belmont University
Belmont University announced on Wednesday it received a $10 million donation to support its new medical school.
- The gift came from long-time boosters Milton and Denice Johnson. Milton Johnson chairs the Belmont board and is the former CEO of HCA Healthcare.
Why it matters: Belmont established itself as a fundraising juggernaut under former president Bob Fisher. This announcement on the heels of Fisher's departure in May signals the university's continued strength in that space.
- Belmont rapidly expanded its enrollment and campus footprint as big-ticket donations poured in over the last decade. Earlier this year, ahead of Fisher's retirement, Belmont said it raised more than $326 million during a five-year fundraising drive.
- Plans for the new medical school were announced last year.
The details: The Johnsons dedicated their latest donation to HCA co-founder Thomas F. Frist, Jr., who is also the medical school's namesake.
- Belmont is establishing its college of medicine in partnership with HCA, which owns 187 hospitals across the country and in the United Kingdom.
- The university is pursuing accreditation for the medical school.
Flashback: The Johnsons have already given millions to Belmont.
- In 2015, the couple gave $10 million for a scholarship program that supports low-income and first-generation college students at Belmont.
- A building at the heart of campus bears their names. Now the medical school lobby will too.