Belmont University is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee. Descended from Belmont Women's College, founded in 1890 by schoolteachers Ida Hood and Susan Heron, the institution was incorporated in 1951 as Belmont College. It became Belmont University in 1991.Consistently recognized as a “Most Innovative” university, Belmont University draws nearly 9,000 students who represent every state and more than 33 countries. The campus sits on 93 picturesque acres that are located just two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, a dynamic and vibrant hub for government, healthcare, music, tourism and more. A private, four-year university, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.The university originated in the founding of the Belmont Women's College in 1890 by Susan Ledley Heron and Ida Emily Hood.on the site of the Belmont Mansion, built by Joseph Acklen and Adelicia (Hayes) Acklen. Upon the retirement of Heron and Hood, Belmont Women's College merged with Ward Seminary in 1913 and was known as Ward—Belmont College, which included both a junior college and college-prep (or high) school for women.Today the Belmont Mansion is owned by Belmont University but maintained by the Belmont Mansion Association, a non-profit group. The mansion is open for tours and features Victorian art and furnishings. The water tower, gardens, with surviving gazebos and outdoor statuary from the Acklen era, are part of the college campus. In 1991, the school became Belmont University.