December 23, 2004
Belmont Honors Longtime Trustee Larry Thrailkill With Honorary Doctorate
Local Leader in Higher Education Steps Down After 25 Years of Service
Belmont University recognized Larry Thrailkill with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during the winter commencement celebration December 17 at the Curb Event Center. Thrailkill, who has served on the university's Board of Trustees since 1980, lead the board as chairman during a period of rapid growth for the university. His term as Chairman ends this year. "Larry Thrailkill has been a tireless and generous supporter of Belmont University for many years, and without his efforts, Belmont would not be the university it is today," said Dr. Robert Fisher, President of Belmont University.
Under Thrailkill’s leadership, Belmont University has experienced tremendous growth and an extensive array of accolades. Belmont's enrollment stood at 1,764 students when Thrailkill first joined Belmont's Board of Trustees in 1980, and enrollment had risen to 2,865 students by the time he first became Chairman of the Board of Trustees. During his time on the board, the school has seen enrollment climb to nearly 4,000 students.
Through his leadership, Belmont has constructed several new buildings including Maddox Hall, the Jack C. Massey Business Center, the Belmont Commons townhouses and Bruin Hills and Hillside apartments, the Leu Center for the Visual Arts, Kennedy Hall, and the Curb Event Center, Beaman Student Life Center and Maddox Grand Atrium complex, along with renovation of historic Freeman Hall, and renovation of two buildings to house the Lila D. Bunch Library and the Belmont University School of Music. Currently, construction is under way for a new building to house the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Science and Nursing.
Thrailkill was instrumental in bringing current president, Dr. Robert C. Fisher, to the school. He served as an adjunct faculty member in the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business for a number of years, and has made many monetary contributions to the school, including funds for campus ministry programs and faith development seminars.
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Thrailkill is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Georgia and received his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He is an active member and deacon at Brentwood Baptist Church and currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife, Jan.
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PRESS COVERAGE: Belmont Honors Thrailkill With Honorary Doctorate - Nashville City Paper.
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Named one of the top two “Schools to Watch” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is a fast-growing community of more than 5,400 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 75 areas of study, 20 master’s programs and three doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
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