Belmont University has announced gospel music star, Cece Winans, as its new Artist in Residence. The institution also added that the singer will perform at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on September 15 during her ‘Believe For It Tour’ – as part of her residency.
“Cece Winans is a former trustee, a parent of two Belmont alumni, and a longstanding friend of Belmont University,” Belmont President, Dr. Greg Jones, said. “…. I am thrilled at the opportunity this residency presents to our campus community to lean into her knowledge and experience as an award-winning artist, but also her kindness and integrity as an individual,” he added.
In addition to her appointment, Cece received an honorary Doctor of University degree for her impact on both Belmont and the Nashville Community during Belmont’s Commencement. Such honorary degrees have been presented by American colleges and universities since 1962 in recognition of scholarly and creative attainments, as well as for meritorious humanitarian service. This type of award is Belmont University’s highest honor.
As part of the preparation for the concert, some selected students will gain the opportunity to attend, sound check, and participate in a question and answer session with the award-winning artist. The residency also includes a chapel service and other opportunities for student relations.
Executive director of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Chaz Corzine, expressed that “Cece’s upcoming in-residence status is such a meaningful opportunity for students – to learn from and interact with an artist of her distinction.”
She also added that Cece “has inspired millions with her inspirational performances. It’s a tremendous honor that this artist who has performed for world leaders will be using her gifting to pour into students here at Belmont.”
Cece’s accomplishment as a renowned gospel music artist includes 15 Grammys, 23 Dove Awards, and 15 Stellar Awards. Her third single from her ‘Believe For It’ live album, “Goodness of God,” has already topped 200 million U.S streams, 148 million video views, and is No. 1 on CCLI’s Top 100 chart measured from over 250,000 church worship services. She has also been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville Music City Walk of Fame.
Winans has been named a Trailblazer of Soul by BMI, and has won multiple NAACP Awards, Soul Train Awards, and Essence Awards.
