Belmont Nursing Alum Kevin Mead Seeks State House Seat

Nurse Turned Politician Looks to Make a Difference

In the bustling halls of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Kevin Mead once tended to critically ill children. Now, he's setting his sights on a different kind of care — that of his entire community. The  Inman College of Nursing (ICON) alum is making an unconventional leap from the emergency room to the political arena as he vies for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. 

Initially a musical theatre major, he made the switch to study nursing in his junior year. This diverse background, combined with Belmont's holistic approach to education, laid the foundation for his multifaceted career. 

After graduating, Mead dove headfirst into the high-stakes world of pediatric emergency medicine. From stabilizing critical patients to later managing complex cases as an emergency services and inpatient infectious disease case manager, Mead gained a unique vantage point on health care's impact. 

As Mead's community roots grew deeper, so did his desire to effect change on a broader scale. The transition from nurse to political candidate might seem like a leap, but for Mead, it was a natural progression. 

“My eagerness to serve my community and be a changemaker fueled my decision to run for office," he shared. 

Now campaigning as an independent for District 66, Mead credits ICON for his expansive view of community health. "My community health course opened my eyes to the immigrant communities in Nashville, the health disparities faced by low-income families and the pressing need for affordable health care," he said.  

This awareness has shaped Mead's political platform, which zeroes in on agriculture, education and health care — issues he's identified as critical through his grassroots involvement in Robertson County. 

Mead's approach to policymaking bears the unmistakable imprint of his nursing background. "In nursing, we look at the whole patient — their physical, mental and social well-being," he explains. "I'm applying that same holistic approach to community issues. It's about seeing the big picture and how all the pieces fit together." 

But Mead's pursuits extend beyond the political and medical realms. He's also a small business owner, having co-founded Nature Tails, a pet product company that partners with local farms. Additionally, he serves as board president of Community Spirit, Inc., a non-profit that brings history to life through the arts. 

Despite his political aspirations, Mead remains grounded. "Right now, I am solely focused on serving the people of Robertson County and Tennessee," he shares. "My goal is to make my community a better place to call home, whether that's as a legislator or just as an engaged citizen." 

Mead's journey from nurse to aspiring legislator exemplifies the versatility of Belmont's nursing program. It's a testament to how health care education can prepare individuals not just for bedside care, but for leadership roles that can shape community health on a broader scale.