College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Celebrates 10th Anniversary

College commemorates a decade of establishment, 135 years of tradition at Belmont

2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), a decade of encouraging students to not only make connections with the broader world around them, but to also learn about themselves.

Alumni, staff and faculty gathered to celebrate the milestone over fellowship, food, an alumni panel and a raffle. Additionally, the first ever CLASS Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to John Nefflen (philosophy and religious studies, ’94).

Throughout Belmont’s history, the humanities have been central to its core ideology. The College has undergone several shifts, including its initial founding as the College of Arts and Sciences in 1999 before being split into two in 2014 — CLASS and the College of Sciences and Mathematics. 

However, despite its different names and homes across campus, the liberal arts at Belmont have been a driving force of its educational philosophy. 

“Belmont was founded on the humanities in 1890 by Susan Heron and Ida Hood,” said Provost Dr. David Gregory. “Though we are officially celebrating 10 years, I think of CLASS as honoring 135 years tonight. It’s a legacy that continues to shape Belmont, and Dean Dr. Bryce Sullivan’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in guiding the liberal arts and keeping them strong.” 

Sullivan, Belmont’s longest-tenured dean, has led the college since 2008. 

“The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences invites every student to a meaningful journey of self-discovery and exploration,” he said. “Our commitment to Christ-like hospitality welcomes all students as they navigate complex questions, engage in intellectual pursuits and cultivate wisdom and skills for a better world and future.”

The panel consisted of three alumni and three faculty members who discussed the value of a liberal arts education and showcased the bonds formed between students and professors that last beyond graduation. 

Alumni on the panel included Nefflen, Lauri Chaudoin (communications and German, ’94) and Jade Cooper Byers (political science and journalism, ’17). Faculty included Professor of Theology and Chrisitan Ministry Dr. Marty Bell, Associate Professor of German Dr. Regine Schwarzmeier and Professor and Department Chair of Political Science Dr. Vaughn May.

“The benefit of a liberal arts education, to me, is deciding what real value is,” said Nefflen. “For a long time, I took the value of community for granted. So many of us have become so comfortable picking fights with people we care about over stupid things — things that don’t matter. I may sometimes struggle to tell you what is most valuable to me, but I know what’s not valuable to me, and those lessons from Marty helped me with that.” 

In the latest university career outcomes report, 98% of CLASS graduates surveyed from the class of 2024 are employed or pursuing continuing education within six months of graduation across six different countries.