Belmont recently announced four new appointments to its leadership team, effective June 1, as part of an organizational and leadership restructure at the University. Belmont President Dr. Jones announced the changes, calling them “intentional and designed to help us realize our vision of being known as the Leading Christ-Centered University in the World.”
“To achieve such a grand vision, we must be people who are equipped and empowered to lead, and who embrace a spirit of creativity, collaboration and trust,” he said. “This realignment is being built to orient our people and resources toward five areas of strategic emphasis, allowing for focused, collaborative leadership for each: Operational Excellence, Academic Excellence, Athletics Excellence, Partnerships Excellence and Aspirational Excellence.”
Dr. Jason Rogers (pictured far left) will serve as Executive Vice President for External Engagement. Dr. Susan West (pictured middle left) will serve as Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief of Staff. Both are newly-created roles on the University’s new Executive Leadership Team.
Dr. Tamika Williams (pictured middle right) was appointed Vice President of Student Formation and Dean of Students, and Dr. Chris Gage (pictured far right) was appointed Vice President for Enrollment Services.
Use the links to learn more about Belmont’s new Leadership Team and Organization Chart.
Dr. Jason Rogers
In his new position as Executive Vice President for External Engagement, Rogers will coordinate the work of the Belmont External Engagement Team, which is comprised of the leaders of Belmont’s operational units responsible for Advancement and Alumni Relations, Marketing and Communications, Community Relations, and Faith-Based Engagement and Church Relations. Rogers will also continue guiding the work of the Offices of University Counsel, Risk Management and Compliance, Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs and Campus Security. Rogers began working at Belmont in 1998 after ten years of practicing law in Nashville. While in private practice, he advised and represented nonprofit corporations including numerous colleges and universities.
A 37-year resident of Nashville, Rogers is committed to the local community. His current and past service includes serving as member and chair of the board of directors of The Sycamore Institute, an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center for Tennessee; the treasurer of The Healing Trust, a private foundation making grants to support improved health care in Middle Tennessee; chair of the board of directors of The Next Door, Inc., a nonprofit providing substance abuse treatment and counseling services to women in crisis; program committee co-chair of Leadership Nashville; and as a representative to the Parent Advisory Council of Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Rogers earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, his J.D. from Vanderbilt University and Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. At the University of Pennsylvania, his dissertation research focused on the impact of religious mission on the civic engagement initiatives of urban universities in the northeastern United States. He and his wife Elizabeth enjoy spending time with their four children, two sons-in-law and three grandchildren.
Dr. Susan West
Dr. West has been at Belmont for more than 33 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles including in Admissions, Special Academic Programs and the University College. Most recently she served as Vice President and Chief of Staff, a role she has held since 2011. In her new position, West will oversee all University operations and administrative offices including the Offices of Human Resources, Library and Informational Technology Services, Finance and Operations, Institutional Effectiveness and Educational Innovation and the Division of Student Formation.
West is a member of the Peer Learning Network of Belmont University and Women in Higher Education of Tennessee (WHET). She was a member of the 2006 Leadership Middle Tennessee class and the 2014-15 Leadership Nashville class. Currently, she serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity, St. Thomas Health and the Middle Tennessee State University Friends of the College of Liberal Arts.
She is the recipient of the 2006 Outstanding African American Alumni Award from Middle Tennessee State University, an Athena Award nominee and a member of the Nashville Post All Star Board. She received her Doctor of Education from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Educational Management.
Dr. Tamika Williams
Dr. Williams first came to Belmont in July 2021 to serve as Dean of Students after an extensive nationwide search for the role. Prior to joining Belmont, Williams was at Rhode Island College where she served as the Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students.
In her role as Vice President, Williams will continue to serve as Belmont’s chief student affairs officer, overseeing a team of more than 50 professionals in all areas of Student Formation including Community Living & Housing (Residence Life, Community Accountability and Fitness Recreation Services), Leadership & Engagement (Leadership Development, Student Engagement and New Student Orientation), Student Well-Being (Student Care and Support, Health Services, Accessibility Services and Counseling Services) and Identity & Belonging (University Ministries and Multicultural Learning & Experiences).
As a student affairs practitioner, Williams has an extensive background in student life including supervision in residence life and housing, student conduct, counseling, health services, student activities and Greek life. Additionally, she has served on the Directorate of the National ACPA Student Conduct and Legal Issues Commission. She is dedicated to inclusive excellence in higher education and centers her work on the development and mentorship of students. Her areas of interest include women’s leadership, student conduct, hazing, student wellness and mental health. As a first-generation college student, Williams received her bachelor’s in political science from Fisk University, a master’s in public administration from the University of Arkansas and her doctorate in educational leadership from East Carolina University.
Dr. Chris Gage
Gage first came to Belmont in 2020 to serve as Dean of Enrollment, leading all aspects of Belmont’s Enrollment Services Division including University Admissions, Student Financial Services and Belmont Central. This expanded role now includes Student Success & Flourishing, Growth and Purpose for Students, Career and Professional Development and the Bell Tower Scholars program, among others. In his role as Vice President, Gage will continue to oversee Admissions and focus on developing a longer-term, strategic approach to enrollment. He will continue to serve on the Provost’s Executive Council and work collaboratively with college deans in making decisions related to university operations, strategic growth, retention practices and student success.
Prior to joining Belmont, Gage served at Hanover College for 15 years, most recently as the Vice President for Strategy and Enrollment. Gage has served the National Association for College Admission Counseling as president of the Indiana affiliate (INACAC) and has also participated as an enrollment management conference presenter at INACAC, College Board and ACT. Gage received his bachelor’s in marketing from the IU Kelley School of Business, his MBA from Xavier University and his doctorate in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska. Gage and his wife of 22 years, Rhonda, have two daughters, Lauren and Claire.
