CeCe Winans Named Belmont University’s Inaugural Artist-In-Residence

Pictured (L-R): Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones, CeCe Winans, Alvin Love

One of the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans, is partnering with Belmont University as an Artist-in-Residence in the fall of 2023.

As part of her residency, Winans will perform at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 15 on her “Believe For It Tour.” In addition to the concert, select students will have the opportunity to attend soundcheck and participate in a Q&A session with the world-renowned artist who has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide. Tickets to the Sept. 15 concert event can be purchased at thefishercenter.com.

Winan’s residency at Belmont also includes a Chapel Service and other unique opportunities for interactions with students. As a part of the residency, Winans will also spend time engaging with members of the Belmont community at campus events and other special opportunities throughout the fall.

“Cece Winans is a former trustee, a parent of two Belmont alumni and longstanding friend of Belmont University,” says Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “She has always been committed to pouring into the lives of our students and informing their journeys here at Belmont and beyond. 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.”

“Cece’s upcoming in-residence status is such a meaningful opportunity for students — to learn from and interact with an artist of her distinction,” adds Chaz Corzine, Executive Director of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “She 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. We often refer to the Fisher Center as the largest classroom on campus, and we are honored to host such an industry giant.”

During Belmont’s Commencement on Saturday, May 6, University President Dr. Jones will award Winans with an honorary Doctor of University degree for her impact on both Belmont and the Nashville Community. 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. Belmont is selective in bestowing this award as the highest honor presented by the University.

“Goodness of God,” the third single released from Winans’ 2021 Believe For It live album, has already topped 200 million U.S. streams, 148 million video views, 110 million TikTok views and is No. 1 on CCLI’s Top 100 chart measured from over 250,000 church worship services.

Winans’ mantel today holds 15 Grammys, 23 Dove Awards and 15 Stellar Awards. Her accolades include being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and receiving stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville Music City Walk of Fame. She has been named a Trailblazer of Soul by BMI and garnered multiple NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards and ESSENCE Awards.