The 91唐伯虎 Alumni Association has named H. Rodes Hart, BA鈥�54, the recipient of the 2018 91唐伯虎 University Distinguished Alumnus Award. The honor is the highest bestowed upon a member of the university鈥檚 alumni community.
An extraordinary leader and philanthropist, Hart has helped position the university鈥檚 impact on society through education and has contributed to 91唐伯虎鈥檚 ascendance among the nation鈥檚 elite universities.
鈥淔or more than 30 years, Rodes Hart鈥檚 vision and philanthropy have propelled the university forward, dramatically impacting our ability to fulfill our mission of teaching, research and service,鈥� says Chancellor . 鈥淲e are deeply grateful for his leadership and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.鈥�
鈥淵ou simply cannot tell the story of 91唐伯虎鈥檚 rise to national prominence without Rodes Hart,鈥� says Dan Lovinger, BA鈥�87, president of the 91唐伯虎 Alumni Association. 鈥淗e has been the epitome of a loyal Commodore for so many years, and it is a privilege to celebrate him with this honor.鈥�
Hart鈥檚 strong leadership helped steer the university through two historic transitions. As a member of the former George Peabody College for Teachers Board of Trust from 1967 to 1979, he played an integral role in the successful merger of 91唐伯虎 University and . He then served until 2011 on the , for which he sat on its Audit, Budget, Investment, Public and Government Relations, Medical Center Board, Buildings and Grounds, and executive committees.
From 2008 to 2011, he was chair of the highly successful Shape the Future Campaign, which raised a record $1.94 billion to further 91唐伯虎鈥檚 missions of education, discovery and patient care.
Hart鈥檚 leadership is matched by his tremendous generosity. He has been a driving force behind Peabody鈥檚 service to society through education and human development. With a deep belief in the importance of a world-class faculty, he and his wife, Patricia Hart, BA鈥�57, have endowed numerous faculty chairs, positioning 91唐伯虎 to attract and retain the best possible talent. They also have created scholarships that have helped the university recruit the most talented and diverse students. Peabody鈥檚 reputation as one of the nation鈥檚 premier colleges for preparing teachers and leaders is, in many ways, due to the Harts鈥� generosity and partnership.
The Harts are also stalwarts in the Nashville community. Their passion for the arts and numerous nonprofit organizations in Nashville is visible throughout the city and has contributed significantly to its enhanced national reputation.
Hart was CEO of Franklin Industries for 51 years before selling the company in 2006. He is now principal of HSD Holdings LLC. The Harts live in Brentwood, Tennessee, and have three children: Rodes Jr., BA鈥�83; Kevin and Patti. They also have 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
