Belmont College Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members

Belmont College announces the addition of Mr. Kurt Smith and Mr. James Tennant to the College Board of Trustees

St. Clairsville, OH (January 29, 2026) – Belmont College is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees: Mr. Kurt Smith of New Athens, Ohio, and Mr. James Tennant of St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Both trustees were officially installed during the June 25, 2026, Board of Trustees meeting, where Attorney Cory DelGuzzo of Northwest Law administered the Oath of Office.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Mr. Smith and Mr. Tennant to the Belmont College Board of Trustees,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Gates, Chairwoman. “Both individuals bring extensive professional expertise, strong leadership backgrounds, and a deep commitment to serving our communities. Their perspectives and experience will be valuable assets as we continue advancing the College’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce training opportunities throughout the region.”

Mr. Tennant is a lifelong resident of Belmont County and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Ohio University. He spent 45 years in the steel industry, beginning his career with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation, where he served in various accounting roles at both corporate and plant locations. In 1998, he joined Ohio Coating Company, a joint venture of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, as Chief Financial Officer. In 2004, he assumed additional responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer while continuing to serve as CFO. He remained in those leadership positions until transitioning to part-time service during the final years of his career. Mr. Tennant has also been actively involved in community organizations, including serving as Treasurer of the St. Clairsville High School Booster Club for 13 years and as a member of the Belmont County Community Improvement Committee.

Mr. Smith is a pharmacist and small business owner with more than a decade of experience in retail pharmacy and healthcare management. He currently serves as Pharmacist and Owner of Just Meds Pharmacy in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and Cadiz Pharmacy in Cadiz, Ohio. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated expertise in inventory management, revenue growth, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care. Known for his commitment to customer service and community health, Mr. Smith has successfully expanded pharmacy operations while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality healthcare services. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia.

“Belmont College is honored to welcome these accomplished professionals to its Board of Trustees and looks forward to their contributions as the institution continues to serve students and communities throughout the region,” said Dr. Paul F. Gasparro, President.

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