Belmont wouldn't be the same without them.
April 25, 2026
Ceremony 4 p.m. • Reception to Follow
Brad & Kimberly Paisley Ballroom, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Belmont University
the honor
Every Belmont alum can call to mind a list of cherished names from their time as a student. These are members of the Belmont community who made them feel respected, supported and empowered in some of the most formative years of their lives. The mark of these names on Belmont has been indelible, their place in our story indispensable—even though they’ve never received a Belmont diploma.
These beloved Belmont family members deserve a title beyond faculty, staff or friend. With a bond that runs as deep as any graduate’s, it’s only fitting to give them the title of alumni. Alumni by Choice is Belmont’s way of honoring these extraordinary individuals who embody the Belmont spirit through years of investment in the people and mission of this university.
"They are Belmont alumni—not by degree, but by the way they’ve lived."
About the Honor
- Established
- 2026 — Inaugural Year
- Recognizes
- Non-alumni who embody the Belmont spirit
- Categories
- Faculty, Staff, Administrators, Spouses, Parents, Friends
- Selection
- Nominated by Belmont alumni, selected by the Alumni Board of Directors
the ceremony
Event Details
- Date
- Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time
- Ceremony 4 p.m. • Reception to Follow
- Location
- Brad & Kimberly Paisley Ballroom, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Belmont University
What to Expect
A warm gathering of colleagues, friends, and family — a chance to celebrate the people who've shaped Belmont's culture in extraordinary ways.
Each honoree will be recognized individually, with family and friends invited to share in the moment. A reception will follow in The Paisley Ballroom.
This is a celebration, not a ceremony. Come as you are.
our honorees
The inaugural class of Alumni by Choice — recognized for their lasting impact on the Belmont community.
Select an honoree to learn more about their story.
Faculty
Dr. Richard C. Shadinger
Professor Emeritus
Faculty
Dr. Richard C. Shadinger
Professor Emeritus
College of Music and Performing Arts
1974-2022 at Belmont
Dr. Richard Shadinger has been a foundational force in Belmont’s musical heritage, shaping the School of Music with vision and unwavering dedication. His work strengthened academic programs, built professional organizations, and supported generations of musicians in pursuit of their craft. Students remember him for his gracious encouragement and his steady belief in their potential. His scholarship and his love for Belmont’s story preserved the history of an institution he helped build. The sound of the carillon bells speaks to a legacy that continues to resonate across campus.
Dr. Richard Shadinger has been a foundational force in Belmont’s musical heritage, shaping the School of Music with vision and unwavering dedication. His work strengthened academic programs, built professional organizations, and supported generations of musicians in pursuit of their craft. Students remember him for his gracious encouragement and his steady belief in their potential. His scholarship and his love for Belmont’s story preserved the history of an institution he helped build. The sound of the carillon bells speaks to a legacy that continues to resonate across campus.
Staff
Tonya "Ms. Tonya" Granberry
Dining Services
Staff
Tonya "Ms. Tonya" Granberry
Dining Services
1984-Present at Belmont
Ms. Tonya is a beloved presence on campus whose warmth and kindness have shaped the experience of countless students and colleagues. She greets people with joy, listens with care, and makes every interaction feel personal and meaningful. Her ability to help others feel seen and valued brings a sense of home to the entire community. Ms. Tonya also models personal growth and service through her pursuit of social work. Her daily presence has created a legacy of love and belonging that defines life at Belmont.
Ms. Tonya is a beloved presence on campus whose warmth and kindness have shaped the experience of countless students and colleagues. She greets people with joy, listens with care, and makes every interaction feel personal and meaningful. Her ability to help others feel seen and valued brings a sense of home to the entire community. Ms. Tonya also models personal growth and service through her pursuit of social work. Her daily presence has created a legacy of love and belonging that defines life at Belmont.
Staff
Coach Rick Byrd
Former Head Men's Basketball Coach
Staff
Coach Rick Byrd
Former Head Men's Basketball Coach
Athletics
1986-2019 at Belmont
Coach Rick Byrd transformed Belmont basketball through integrity, humility, and a commitment to team-centered excellence. He taught players and staff to pursue success with character and to focus on the good of the group rather than individual recognition. The visibility and respect he brought to Belmont elevated the university’s profile across the nation. His legacy includes championship seasons, academic success, and a community shaped by the values he modeled every day. Belmont’s culture of integrity and excellence owes much to his leadership.
Coach Rick Byrd transformed Belmont basketball through integrity, humility, and a commitment to team-centered excellence. He taught players and staff to pursue success with character and to focus on the good of the group rather than individual recognition. The visibility and respect he brought to Belmont elevated the university’s profile across the nation. His legacy includes championship seasons, academic success, and a community shaped by the values he modeled every day. Belmont’s culture of integrity and excellence owes much to his leadership.
Faculty
Dr. Jimmy Davis
Former Dean, Former Associate Provost, Professor of Communication
Faculty · Administrator
Dr. Jimmy Davis
Former Dean, Former Associate Provost, Professor of Communication
CLASS
1987-Present at Belmont
For nearly forty years, Dr. Jimmy Davis has embodied Belmont’s mission through his teaching, his leadership, and his genuine care for others. His communication courses invited students to think deeply about how words shape communities while growing in confidence and compassion. As dean and associate provost, he guided colleagues with steady wisdom and humility. His mentorship reached far beyond the classroom in thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections with students and staff. Belmont is more compassionate and more connected because of the life he has lived here.
For nearly forty years, Dr. Jimmy Davis has embodied Belmont’s mission through his teaching, his leadership, and his genuine care for others. His communication courses invited students to think deeply about how words shape communities while growing in confidence and compassion. As dean and associate provost, he guided colleagues with steady wisdom and humility. His mentorship reached far beyond the classroom in thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections with students and staff. Belmont is more compassionate and more connected because of the life he has lived here.
Faculty
Dr. Annette Sisson
Graduate Program Director & Professor of English
Faculty · Administrator
Dr. Annette Sisson
Graduate Program Director & Professor of English
CLASS
1989-Present at Belmont
For decades, Dr. Annette Sisson has shaped Belmont through her teaching, her care for students, and her joyful presence in the classroom. Generations of students discovered their voice under her guidance and found a sense of belonging that stayed with them long after graduation. She created spaces marked by curiosity and grace, helping students grow as thinkers and as people. Her encouragement extended far beyond assignments and syllabi through countless conversations and moments of support. Belmont’s culture of warmth and purpose carries her lasting influence.
For decades, Dr. Annette Sisson has shaped Belmont through her teaching, her care for students, and her joyful presence in the classroom. Generations of students discovered their voice under her guidance and found a sense of belonging that stayed with them long after graduation. She created spaces marked by curiosity and grace, helping students grow as thinkers and as people. Her encouragement extended far beyond assignments and syllabi through countless conversations and moments of support. Belmont’s culture of warmth and purpose carries her lasting influence.
Faculty
Dr. Mike Pinter
Professor, Mathematics & Senior Fellow of the Teaching Center
Faculty
Dr. Mike Pinter
Professor, Mathematics & Senior Fellow of the Teaching Center
CSM
1989-Present at Belmont
Dr. Mike Pinter has been a steady and compassionate presence at Belmont for more than thirty years. His math and honors courses created spaces where students learned with honesty and curiosity, supported by a teacher who cared deeply about their growth. His mentorship extended into conversations about books, vocation, and life, forming relationships that shaped students long after graduation. Dr. Pinter approaches teaching with hospitality, patience, and genuine interest in the whole person. Belmont is richer because of the thoughtful way he has walked alongside generations of students.
Dr. Mike Pinter has been a steady and compassionate presence at Belmont for more than thirty years. His math and honors courses created spaces where students learned with honesty and curiosity, supported by a teacher who cared deeply about their growth. His mentorship extended into conversations about books, vocation, and life, forming relationships that shaped students long after graduation. Dr. Pinter approaches teaching with hospitality, patience, and genuine interest in the whole person. Belmont is richer because of the thoughtful way he has walked alongside generations of students.
Faculty
Sandra Dudley
Assistant Professor of Commercial Voice
Faculty
Sandra Dudley
Assistant Professor of Commercial Voice
College of Music and Performing Arts
1995-Present at Belmont
Sandra Dudley has shaped the heart and sound of Belmont through years of exceptional teaching, mentorship, and artistry. As a distinguished professor in the School of Music, she guided generations of students to discover their unique voices and helped them grow with confidence, integrity, and purpose. Her classroom is known for its warmth and encouragement, a place where students feel both challenged and deeply supported. Sandra's care for the Belmont community is evident in the way she advocates for her students, collaborates with colleagues, and represents the university with grace and professionalism. Belmont’s legacy of musical excellence and genuine hospitality shines brighter because of her steady presence and generous spirit.
Sandra Dudley has shaped the heart and sound of Belmont through years of exceptional teaching, mentorship, and artistry. As a distinguished professor in the School of Music, she guided generations of students to discover their unique voices and helped them grow with confidence, integrity, and purpose. Her classroom is known for its warmth and encouragement, a place where students feel both challenged and deeply supported. Sandra's care for the Belmont community is evident in the way she advocates for her students, collaborates with colleagues, and represents the university with grace and professionalism. Belmont’s legacy of musical excellence and genuine hospitality shines brighter because of her steady presence and generous spirit.
Faculty
Dr. Madeline Bridges
Professor Emeritus & Former Associate Dean
Faculty · Administrator
Dr. Madeline Bridges
Professor Emeritus & Former Associate Dean
College of Music and Performing Arts
1998-2020 at Belmont
Madeline and David Bridges shaped the lives of thousands of music students through their teaching, mentorship, and steadfast presence in the School of Music. They poured themselves into helping students grow both personally and professionally, creating an environment marked by excellence and encouragement. Their guidance challenged students to reach their highest potential while offering the support needed to grow with confidence. The Bridges helped define the spirit of Belmont’s musical community for decades. Their legacy lives on in the lives and careers of the students they championed.
Madeline and David Bridges shaped the lives of thousands of music students through their teaching, mentorship, and steadfast presence in the School of Music. They poured themselves into helping students grow both personally and professionally, creating an environment marked by excellence and encouragement. Their guidance challenged students to reach their highest potential while offering the support needed to grow with confidence. The Bridges helped define the spirit of Belmont’s musical community for decades. Their legacy lives on in the lives and careers of the students they championed.
Faculty
Dr. David Bridges
Former Professor of Music
Faculty
Dr. David Bridges
Former Professor of Music
College of Music and Performing Arts
Dr. David Bridges (1946-2026) was a loyal, bright, musical, thoughtful, kind, friendly, wise and witty man who was loved, respected and trusted by his friends and colleagues. He was a committed church music leader, an outstanding teacher, and a spiritual guide to many. David served as a full-time lecturer in music for thirteen years at Belmont. A popular teacher, David's students loved his down-to-earth manner, humor, quirkiness, flexibility, and empathetic listening. He loved teaching First Year Seminar and Music Theory; but almost more than teaching, he loved helping students develop their potential as young adults.
Dr. David Bridges (1946-2026) was a loyal, bright, musical, thoughtful, kind, friendly, wise and witty man who was loved, respected and trusted by his friends and colleagues. He was a committed church music leader, an outstanding teacher, and a spiritual guide to many. David served as a full-time lecturer in music for thirteen years at Belmont. A popular teacher, David's students loved his down-to-earth manner, humor, quirkiness, flexibility, and empathetic listening. He loved teaching First Year Seminar and Music Theory; but almost more than teaching, he loved helping students develop their potential as young adults.
Staff
Greg Pillon
Former Director of Communications / Director of Parent & Family Giving
Staff · Parent
Greg Pillon
Former Director of Communications / Director of Parent & Family Giving
Communications / Advancement
2000-Present at Belmont
For more than twenty-five years, Greg Pillon has been one of the most recognizable and welcoming figures at Belmont. His joy, kindness, and gift for connecting with people make every conversation feel meaningful. Greg has supported families at send-off events, guided major campus initiatives, and encouraged students and colleagues with a spirit that makes Belmont feel like home. He has poured confidence and hope into countless lives through mentorship and friendship. Belmont’s culture of warmth and connection carries Greg’s unmistakable influence.
For more than twenty-five years, Greg Pillon has been one of the most recognizable and welcoming figures at Belmont. His joy, kindness, and gift for connecting with people make every conversation feel meaningful. Greg has supported families at send-off events, guided major campus initiatives, and encouraged students and colleagues with a spirit that makes Belmont feel like home. He has poured confidence and hope into countless lives through mentorship and friendship. Belmont’s culture of warmth and connection carries Greg’s unmistakable influence.
Staff
Katherine Cornelius
Director of Counseling Services
Staff
Katherine Cornelius
Director of Counseling Services
Counseling Services
2003 - Present at Belmont
Through her leadership in mental health and student wellbeing, Katherine Cornelius has transformed Belmont into a place where students feel deeply supported. She built a model of care that meets students with compassion and excellence, and she approaches her work with humility and fierce dedication. Katherine advocates for students during both joyful and difficult seasons, ensuring that no one feels alone. Her influence is felt through countless moments of listening, support, and guidance. Belmont’s commitment to holistic care has grown stronger because of her work.
Through her leadership in mental health and student wellbeing, Katherine Cornelius has transformed Belmont into a place where students feel deeply supported. She built a model of care that meets students with compassion and excellence, and she approaches her work with humility and fierce dedication. Katherine advocates for students during both joyful and difficult seasons, ensuring that no one feels alone. Her influence is felt through countless moments of listening, support, and guidance. Belmont’s commitment to holistic care has grown stronger because of her work.
Staff
Jamie Zeller
Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Fitness & Recreation
Staff
Jamie Zeller
Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Fitness & Recreation
Fitness & Recreation
2003 - Present at Belmont
Jamie Zeller has helped shape Belmont’s commitment to wellness, belonging, and community through his leadership in Fitness and Recreation. He approaches his work with creativity and care, always looking for ways to help students build healthy lives and meaningful relationships. Jamie led new initiatives such as esports while strengthening traditional wellness programs, all with a focus on connection. Students and colleagues feel supported by his steady presence and thoughtful leadership. His work has helped generations of Bruins live well and thrive together.
Jamie Zeller has helped shape Belmont’s commitment to wellness, belonging, and community through his leadership in Fitness and Recreation. He approaches his work with creativity and care, always looking for ways to help students build healthy lives and meaningful relationships. Jamie led new initiatives such as esports while strengthening traditional wellness programs, all with a focus on connection. Students and colleagues feel supported by his steady presence and thoughtful leadership. His work has helped generations of Bruins live well and thrive together.
Staff
Ryan Holt
Assistant Dean of Students, Director of New Student Orientation
Staff
Ryan Holt
Assistant Dean of Students, Director of New Student Orientation
Student Formation
2015 - Present at Belmont
For many Bruins, the spirit of Belmont began with the warmth and care that Ryan Holt brought to New Student Orientation. He welcomed thousands of students and families with a vision that connected hospitality, purpose, and community. His work helped shape Belmont’s understanding of belonging and influenced principles that later became central to the SOUL framework. Ryan’s creativity, wisdom, and relational presence guided students through significant transitions and inspired many to serve the campus that shaped them. Belmont’s culture of connection carries the mark of his leadership.
For many Bruins, the spirit of Belmont began with the warmth and care that Ryan Holt brought to New Student Orientation. He welcomed thousands of students and families with a vision that connected hospitality, purpose, and community. His work helped shape Belmont’s understanding of belonging and influenced principles that later became central to the SOUL framework. Ryan’s creativity, wisdom, and relational presence guided students through significant transitions and inspired many to serve the campus that shaped them. Belmont’s culture of connection carries the mark of his leadership.
Staff
Sam Simpkins
Campus Photographer
Staff
Sam Simpkins
Campus Photographer
Communications
2016-Present at Belmont
For more than ten years, Sam Simpkins has captured the heart of Belmont through images that reflect the authenticity and hope of this community. His photography preserves the moments, milestones, and quiet scenes that define the Belmont experience. Sam helps people feel seen through his presence and his lens, building a sense of belonging in every interaction. His work has become part of the university’s collective memory, telling the story of students, faculty, and staff with care and creativity. Belmont is more connected and more understood because of the way he sees its people.
For more than ten years, Sam Simpkins has captured the heart of Belmont through images that reflect the authenticity and hope of this community. His photography preserves the moments, milestones, and quiet scenes that define the Belmont experience. Sam helps people feel seen through his presence and his lens, building a sense of belonging in every interaction. His work has become part of the university’s collective memory, telling the story of students, faculty, and staff with care and creativity. Belmont is more connected and more understood because of the way he sees its people.
honor the legacy.
Whether you join us in person or celebrate from afar, your contribution helps sustain the scholarship funds founded by our honorees.
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