H. Rodes Hart, BA'54, who had an insatiable appetite for learning and education and contributed to Vanderbilt's growth through his philanthropy and more than 30 years of leadership on the university's Board of Trust, died March 30. He was 93.
"H. Rodes Hart was a visionary leader and steadfast champion of Vanderbilt University. His deep commitment to education, service and philanthropy helped shape the university we know today," Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. "Through his leadership on the Board of Trust and his generosity, he played a pivotal role in expanding access for students and resources for our faculty. His legacy will endure for generations to come."
Hart's leadership helped steer the university through two historic transitions. As a member of the former George Peabody College for Teachers Board of Trust from 1967 to 1979, he played an integral role in the successful merger of Vanderbilt University and Peabody College. He then served until 2011 on the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, sitting on its Audit, Budget, Investment, Public and Government Relations, Medical Center Board, Buildings and Grounds, and Executive committees.
From 2008 to 2011, he was chair of the highly successful Shape the Future Campaign, which raised $1.94 billion to further Vanderbilt's missions of education, discovery and patient care. In 2018 he was named Vanderbilt University Distinguished Alumnus by the Vanderbilt Alumni Association, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the university's alumni community.
"Rodes Hart made a lasting contribution to Vanderbilt through his long-standing support of our academic mission," Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver said. "His belief in the value of education and his generosity toward faculty and students have had a meaningful impact on the university. We are thankful for his dedication and the opportunities he helped create."
Hart's leadership was matched by his tremendous generosity. He was a driving force behind Peabody's service to society through education and human development. With a deep belief in the importance of a world-class faculty, he and his wife, Patricia Hart, BA'57, endowed 12 faculty chairs-eight chairs at Peabody and four chairs at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine-positioning Vanderbilt to attract and retain the best possible talent. They also created two scholarships at Peabody, one undergraduate and one for a graduate student. Peabody's reputation as one of the nation's premier colleges for preparing teachers and leaders is, in many ways, due to the Harts' generosity and partnership. In addition, they provided significant support over the years to the Susan Gray School Teacher Training Fund, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center Fund.
"Rodes Hart was a singular friend to Peabody, and I have treasured his wise counsel for more than 25 years," said Camilla Persson Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Peabody College. "His steadfast commitment to the cause of bettering education was critical to elevating Peabody from regional to national excellence, and his faith in our mission was deep. At every turn, Rodes made a profound difference in the lives of our students and the work of our faculty. He will be forever missed."
Born in Chicago in 1932, Hart and his family later moved to Columbia, Tennessee. The family remained there as Hart attended Columbia Military Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy and Vanderbilt, where, among other accomplishments, he held the pole-vaulting record for 12 years.
Hart was a stalwart in the Nashville business community. He was a member of the Rodes family that created Franklin Limestone Co. in 1911. In 1956, after serving four years in the United States Marines, he went to work for Franklin Builders Supply Company (later Franklin Industries) in Nashville, under the mentorship of his uncle, Alan Battle Rodes. It became one of the largest producers of high-calcium chemical limestone in the United States. Hart was CEO of Franklin Industries for 51 years before selling the company in 2006. Most recently, he was a principal at HSD Holdings.
He and his wife, Patricia, were involved in numerous civic, arts, education and nonprofit organizations in Nashville, and their involvement contributed significantly to Nashville's enhanced reputation. He was a founder of the Nashville Symphony and long supported the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years. He is survived by his children, Henry Rodes Hart Jr., BA'83; Patti Rodes Hart Smallwood, '86; Kevin Ingram Hart; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law by marriage, former Chairman of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust Martha Rivers Ingram; and many nieces and nephews.
