Jones Family Pledges $1.5 Million Donation
- Emily Garver
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Belmont President Greg Jones and the Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones have pledged $1.5 million to establish an endowed chair in formative education.
This announcement came as part of Belmont’s “Hope Transforms” campaign launch, the university’s largest fundraising effort ever, with a goal of raising $700 million.
The donation creates a permanently funded faculty position focused on the field of formative education, teaching that nurtures students’ moral, intellectual and personal development, not just their academic achievement.
"Character is at the heart of a Belmont education, and this endowed chair will ensure we continue to develop students who lead with wisdom, integrity and purpose," Greg Jones said in a press release.
Belmont Board of Trustees Chair Member Milton Johnson and his wife Denice made a $30 million gift to Belmont to establish the Johnson Academic Challenge in January for the same goal.
Because of the Johnson Academic Challenge, Jones’ gift will be matched to the dollar, turning it into a $3 million investment in Belmont’s faculty and programs that emphasize whole-person learning.
The new position, called the Susan Pendleton and L. Gregory Jones Chair in Formative Education, will connect the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Education to reflect Belmont’s mission of combining learning with personal and moral growth.
“This chair strengthens that commitment and to our Christ-centered mission, and we're proud to invest in sustaining this mission for generations to come,” Susan Jones said in a press release.
That sentiment was echoed by Johnson, emphasizing the investment in students.
“Reflecting the integrated approach to formation has become a hallmark of the Belmont experience,” said Milton Johnson in an email.
So far, $297 million has been raised. The momentum behind the millions includes the Joneses’ contribution.
“Greg and Susan's commitment represents exactly that vision — leadership that not only guides the institution forward but invests personally and meaningfully in its future,” Milton Johnson said in an email.
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This article was written by Emily Garver