Scott Corley was a shy 17-year-old when he entered Belmont College on an academic scholarship in 1986. While studying finance and playing basketball as legendary Coach Rick Byrd’s very first recruit, he discovered his passion for Belmont and “just had an amazing experience," he said. His junior year marked a significant milestone when the basketball team became the first to reach the NAIA national tournament.
Along with a successful athletic career, Corley's academic pursuits led him to obtain his MBA from Samford University. He then embarked on a 25-year career in the banking industry, with 16 of those years at SunTrust. During this period, Corley remained closely connected to Belmont University, serving as a Bruin Club member and later as President of the Alumni Board.
Back to Belmont
Corley's path to Vice President, Director of Athletics at Belmont University was a serendipitous one. His connection with the previous Athletic Director, Mike Strickland, led to conversations about the potential for Corley to step into the role in the future. In February 2016, just as Corley was about to become an empty nester with his son at UT and his daughter entering Belmont, Mike Strickland announced his retirement.
Corley shared, "It was a pivotal moment in my life. If it had happened five years earlier, I wouldn't have applied for the job due to family commitments. If it had happened five years later, the University's president, Greg Jones, wouldn't have known me." This fortuitous timing allowed Corley to embrace the opportunity, and Belmont “took a chance” on him, despite his lack of prior experience in athletic administration.
Reflecting on his connection to Belmont, Corley explained, "I tell people God had a hand in it because the timing was amazing. It was one of those put-up-or-shut-up moments." He discussed the enduring appeal of Belmont, emphasizing the genuine kindness and friendliness of its people, which he experienced as a student-athlete and alumnus.
“It's just amazing how it all played out,” he said. “Seven years later, I'm loving every day of it. I'm blessed. I've got amazing coaches and staff that have helped me learn the business over those seven years, and all those good things. But this is the only place I care to do this job at. I feel very, very fortunate God introduced me to Belmont 37 years ago now, and brought me back seven years ago.”
President Jones shared his thoughts on Corley’s impact. “Scott Corley’s leadership is exemplary as an Athletic Director and Vice President. He is a mentor, a role model and a driving force behind the development of our student-athletes into well-rounded leaders of character who will undoubtedly make a positive mark on the world. His leadership exemplifies the heart of Belmont University's mission.”
Playing to Strengths
Corley emphasized that his banking career equipped him with skills and a mindset that transitioned well into his role as Athletic Director. Both professions emphasize building relationships, finding win-win solutions and effective leadership.
When asked about potential challenges stemming from his background as a former basketball player and banker, Corley acknowledged the perception that he might prioritize men's basketball. He addressed this concern by ensuring that all sports received equitable attention and resources. “The people on track and field work just as hard as the tennis players who work just as hard as men's basketball, and I want every student athlete to have an amazing experience like I had.”
He credited his experienced staff for their support and alignment with his vision of enhancing, rather than overhauling, Belmont Athletics. They also strive to make Belmont a place where athletic supporters feel a sense of community. "We want to make sure when the students do come to the games, that they're having a great time,” he said. “We want to be a place where any and all students can come and gather and show some Belmont pride and some spirit. Come and support a university that, hopefully, you're very proud to be a part of."
A Winning Family
Speaking of pride, Corley and his wife, Keely, have been ardent supporters of Belmont University as well as their children. Their son Karson is “a huge Belmont fan and has been coming to Belmont basketball games his whole life and still does,” Corley said. Their daughter, Kennedy, is an alumna. She experienced her time at Belmont positively and recently earned her Master's in Education, thriving in her teaching career. “She's so well prepared,” he said. “She's teaching third grade now up in Hendersonville, where we live, and Belmont did an amazing job preparing her for that.”
Corley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Belmont Athletics. He highlighted the University's commitment to values, holistic student-athlete development and the importance of maintaining a transformational relationship in a changing sports landscape. “It was just a place that poured into me at that young age, and then I told everybody [about it],” he said. “I mean, how could you not be drawn back to that?”
