Love and Learning at Belmont

How two couples found love and career success on campus

When Kati Bumgardner (‘06) walked into Dr. Nathan Griffith's American Government class in 2003, she never expected it to set the stage for her future career and her future husband. Originally a music business major, Kati took the class "just for fun," a decision that would completely change the trajectory of her life. 

That class sparked Kati's passion for political science and eventually led to her current role as vice president of operations at CounterPoint Messaging. It's also where she first crossed paths with her husband, Nick Bumgardner (‘07) — though she doesn’t remember that happening. 

"She sat in the row directly in front of me, but she doesn't remember meeting me for another two and a half, three years," Nick laughed.  

A Serendipitous Connection 

Their real connection sparked at the Midwest Political Science Association conference in Chicago where they were both presenting research.  

"I remember we were sitting on the plane to Chicago together, and I was like, 'Hey, I'm Kati.' And you said, 'I know who you are,'" Kati said, both of them smiling at the memory. 

When Nick joined Kati and her family for lunch during the conference, neither realized it was a preview of their future together. The relationship that followed was so clearly meant to be that Kati's mother called Dr. Griffith to vet Nick — a testament to the close-knit nature of Belmont's faculty-student relationships. 

"Of course, Dr. Griffith endorsed Nick to my mother," Kati laughed. Years later, their wedding celebrated their Belmont beginnings, with reception tables named after meaningful campus locations, including the Hillside Apartments, where Nick was living when they started dating.  

Building a Life Beyond Belmont 

Today, Kati and Nick live in College Grove with their daughter. While Kati continues her work in political consulting, Nick found his passion in commercial photography, specializing in food and beverage shoots for major brands. They both credit Belmont's environment of exploration for their success. 

"Explore what you think is cool," Nick advises current students. "Even if you don't think it makes perfect sense, if there's something you want to do, just explore that." 

Kati agreed, "Belmont is so good at giving students the space to do that. Take advantage of that.”  

Finding Purpose Through Partnership 

This spirit of divine timing and exploration recently brought together another Belmont couple — Campbell Bowden ('24) and Derek Cross ('23), who met while bringing both physical and mental wellness to Belmont's volleyball program.  

Campbell’s path to Belmont wasn't direct — after a battle with Lyme disease ended her volleyball career at Baylor University, she found herself questioning her planned future in physical therapy. Through prayer and reflection, she felt called toward mental health counseling and remembered Belmont from her college recruitment days. 

Her decision not only led her to a fulfilling new career path at Music City Psych but also to Derek, her fiancé. They met while working with the volleyball team — he as the athletic trainer and she as a graduate assistant working to integrate mental health practices into athletic training.  

"We worked a lot together on how we could get the girls in the best shape, mentally and physically," Campbell shared. "Derek was wonderful as the athletic trainer, and I developed mental health workshops. We just made such a great team." 

Their friendship deepened during a mission trip to El Paso with the volleyball team.  

"What's really cool is that Derek had signed up just to get his volunteer hours," Campbell said, "and it ended up being the reason we decided we both wanted to date each other."  

The couple got engaged in May 2023 and are planning their wedding for this May. 

Embracing the Journey 

The mental health counseling program not only prepared Campbell for her career but also taught her valuable life lessons.  

"Be present where you're at and enjoy it," she advised current students. "There's something good in every season of life, whether it's a hard season or a great season. Belmont changed my life in such a positive way." 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, these stories illustrate and celebrate the connections that can happen when students embrace unexpected opportunities. Belmont not only fosters academic growth but also serendipitous moments of love and life-changing decisions, proving that sometimes, the most pivotal class you attend is one you sign up for on a whim.