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The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation gave Belmont University’s Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine $1 million to create an endowed scholarship. Here's why this matters for Nashville.
One of Nashville’s medical colleges has received a sizable gift.
The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation gave Belmont University’s Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine $1 million to create an endowed scholarship, with the goal of making medical school more accessible for students with “demonstrated financial need,” according to a press release.
Belmont’s college of medicine is the newest edition to Nashville’s health care education offerings. It opened in April 2024 and enrolled its inaugural class of 50 students in the fall. The college is one of many pathways boost the local health care workforce, which is experiencing an ever-persisting workforce shortage issue.
“This scholarship will open doors for future physicians who might otherwise face financial barriers, strengthening health care across our region for generations to come,” said Belmont University President Greg Jones in the release.
The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation focuses its investments on educational organizations that have strong leadership and focus on outcomes, according to the release. The gift aligns with the foundation’s commitment to make quality education accessible to students who are furthest from opportunity.
“Education transforms lives and communities, and we know that Belmont’s College of Medicine will serve as a gateway for students who want to give their lives to the field of medicine,” said Crissy Haslam in the release. “We are hopeful this scholarship will remove barriers for students who desire to make an impact through both their talents and training.”
The Haslams have become increasingly involved in Nashville’s business community. Most recently, the couple revealed they are spearheading an effort to bring a WNBA team to Nashville. In 2022, the Nashville Predators announced former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam would become the NHL team’s majority owner. He also chairs the Music City Host Committee for the Tennessee Titan’s new NFL stadium and serves on the board of Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.
Belmont is the fifth-largest university in Middle Tennessee, according to Business Journal research, with an enrollment of nearly 8,700 students.
The university will match the scholarship money, according to the release. The average medical school graduate has more than $200,000 in educational debt that can take up to 13 years to repay.
“We are profoundly grateful to Bill and Crissy Haslam for their generous support,” said Dr. Anderson Spickard, dean of the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine, in the release. “This scholarship will not only alleviate financial burdens for our students but also empower them to serve with compassion and excellence in communities across Tennessee and beyond.”
Total enrollment
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