Nick Ragsdale

Biography

Dr. Nick Ragsdale is a native Nashvillian who returned home after earning his A.B. in Psychology from Wabash College, completing a Ph.D. in Physiology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and conducting postdoctoral research in the Department of Infectious Disease at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

He joined Belmont University in 2000 as a faculty member in the now College of Sciences and Mathematics (CSM), where he taught courses across physiology, biology, and research through 2021. From 2015–2021, he also served as CSM Associate Dean, overseeing academic programs and student success initiatives. In addition, he served as Belmont’s University Pre-Health Advisor from 2005-2020, guiding students from across campus as they prepared for entry into graduate health care programs.

In 2021, Dr. Ragsdale became a founding faculty member of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine (FCOM), where he served as Professor of Physiology until 2025. During this time, he engaged students in lectures and small-group learning, collaborated with the anatomy team to reinforce physiological concepts in the anatomy lab, and partnered with the radiology team to teach point-of-care ultrasound. From 2023–2025, he chaired the Foundation Phase Committee, guiding the design and implementation of the early medical school curriculum.

In 2025, Dr. Ragsdale returned to the College of Sciences and Mathematics as Associate Dean for Development and Academic Initiatives, where he focuses on advancing strategic partnerships, academic innovation, student recruitment, high school engagement, and philanthropic growth for the college.