NASHVILLE, TN (WVDN) – Belmont University held its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 in the Curb Event Center. As part of Belmont’s Class of 2026, Ashleigh Darnell earned a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communication.
Across four ceremonies, the University collectively recognized more than 1,500 candidates among bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral candidates in its 2026 commencement proceedings.
Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones presided over the events and delivered the commencement address at all ceremonies, calling graduates to embrace resilience as a defining posture and to shape their lives with excellence, creativity and hope.
“I hope you’ll go forth from this place and make your life a work of art,” Jones said. “As you cultivate that sense of art and nurture that sense of resilience, you will be an agent of hope – a sign of God’s grace and goodness. Your life will be blessed, and you will bless the people around you.”
The three individuals also accepted honorary Doctor of the University degrees in recognition of their achievements across music, film, architecture, philanthropy and service: Brad Paisley, Kimberly-Williams Paisley and Richard “Dick” Miller.
Recordings of all ceremonies are available on the University’s YouTube channel.
About Belmont University
Located near the heart of thriving Nashville, Tenn., Belmont University consists of nearly 9,000 students who come from every state and 33 countries. The University is nationally recognized for its innovative approach as well as its commitment to undergraduate teaching (U.S. News & World Report). As a Christ-centered, student-focused community, Belmont’s mission is to develop diverse leaders of purpose, character and wisdom who possess a transformational mindset and are eager and equipped to make the world a better place. With more than 115 areas of undergraduate study, 41 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, Belmont University aims to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, producing leaders who will radically champion the pursuit of life abundant for all people. For more information, visit belmont.edu.
