A Divine Path: Dr. Susan West’s journey from Teacher to Chief of Staff

When you let God direct your path, anything is truly possible. That is the story of Dr. Susan West and her journey to now supporting the office of the President, as Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Administration at Belmont University. She is helping to guide over 8,000 students in their collegiate endeavors, knowing each step she has taken was purpose driven. During her interview, you could immediately see the heart she has for the students and the institution she has been a part of for the last 35 years. “I want us to continue to help our neighbor…and provide quality education for all children no matter the zip code.” as she shares. 

Jump and the net will appear

She started out in Metro Public Schools teaching English and Speech. Yet, she had a pull to do something different. A pull many have felt but oftentimes do not pursue. For Dr. West she was prayerful about her purpose and knew it was time to step out on faith. “I felt there was more for me, didn’t really know what it was or would look like”, as she shares.

That feeling would take her to Belmont’s campus back in 1988. She began seeing Belmont placards and bumper stickers and then one day she was led to the first office she saw on campus. As she remembers walking in and chatting with the receptionist, “I’m not crazy. I’m a Metro School teacher and I’m here because God sent me here.” Talk about stepping out and trusting the net will appear, this is a faith we all strive for. This is also where purpose collided with timing for Dr. West. She had a chance meeting that day, sent her resume the next day and she started working at Belmont that August. Her role as adult student coordinator would be a first of several pivotal roles within the university.  

Things happen for you, not to you 

While pursuing her doctorate at Vanderbilt, she was headed into another faith step. The role of Senior Associate to the President was posted and she was urged to apply. She recalls asking the question – what is this role and what will it entail? She also did what was becoming innately in her to do, she prayed. “The application deadline was Friday…I had to pass Belmont after leaving my Vanderbilt class and dropped my resume off that Friday!” she reflects. Dr. West would land the position, one that received over 100 applications. An opportunity that has allowed her to serve two university presidents. University administrations are similar to government administrations, when leadership changes normally the executive team changes. Dr. West has been a shining light that each change in the Office of the President only brought new opportunities and ways for her to continue to live and work on purpose. She has now worked for the Office of the President for 26 years receiving promotions, recognitions and many deserving accolades. As she shares, “it’s beyond a title. It’s a huge responsibility that I hope people realize.” 

Nashville still feels like home

Growing up in South Nashville, not to far from Belmont’s campus in the 12 South community, Dr. West had a unique lens in seeing the city’s evolution from a native and as a higher ed executive. She also carries many fond memories of the Nashville she has grown up in and loved. From her Mom taking her downtown to buy Easter dresses every year at Harvey’s (with the famous horse carousel) to going right up the street to Stride Right for shoes. “I tell my grandkids now, I would only have three pairs of shoes for each season something they could not fathom now”, as she smiles.

Harvey’s also provided her first young career aspirations, “I was always amazed by the elevator operator and how she was able to maneuver the lever to get us to our floor.” She remembered how relational it was hopping on the elevator and connecting with people as you went to your floor. As Dr. West reflects, “I say God has a sense of humor because I am an elevator operator, just not in that exact position. My job is very relational. I have the opportunity to ask people, where would you like to go? And then I have the opportunity to help them get there.”

As Dr. West shared her story, her calming, assured spirit was a welcome presence in the studio that day. Yet it was her faith that left an indelible mark quite literally bringing me to tears during our conversation. “I am walking in God’s will, because chief of staff and Executive VP is no small feat but I know that God has me at Belmont for a purpose”, as she reflects. Dr. West is a real example of faith on display which is something you do not always have the chance to experience so authentically. Her confidence in knowing each step is divinely ordered is a breath of fresh air I hope everyone feels reading her story.

Photos/Video: Elle Danielle

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