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Nathan Chapman was named the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year during the President Circle Luncheon at Lee’s Homecoming. This award is the highest honor given by the university to alumni and is given to a graduate who is making advancements in his or her career, while also embracing the values that Lee embodies.
“Nathan is a brilliant role model as someone who has succeeded in something that many of our students aspire to do,” said Lee president Dr. Paul Conn. “He knows who he is and takes his success with a grain of salt. We are proud of his career in the music industry and him.”

Chapman graduated from Lee in 2001 with a bachelor’s in English. He moved back to his hometown of Nashville after graduating and returned to his musical roots. Chapman has been quite successful in the music industry where he is a studio producer, record producer, writer, and vocalist.

Chapman’s early journey included works with a little known artist named Taylor Swift. He went on to produce all five of Swift’s albums. Chapman’s work with Swift has earned him awards from the Academy of Country Music Association, American Music Awards, and the GRAMMYs, among other music award associations.

This year, Chapman won his 3rd GRAMMY award for Album of the Year for his production work on Swift’s newest album, “1989.” He has also produced various country artists and bands such as Keith Urban, Shania Twain, Dan + Shay, and Rascal Flatts, among others. Chapman has produced 17 number one hits.

Chapman has also written popular songs such as Darius Rucker’s number one hit “Homegrown Honey.” He works with Warner Chappell Music Publishing as a songwriter.

Chapman credits his love of songwriting and songwriters as the main ingredient that drives his production work. That fondness for the craft shows in his over 30 major label cuts as a songwriter.

Last summer, Chapman released his debut album, “Revival,” and performed several cuts at the Grand Ole Opry.

Along with producing and writing songs, Chapman has written and published a devotional, “With God on the Hiking Trail,” which relates his personal experiences in nature to Scripture.

When he is not recording or producing, Chapman spends his time capturing beauty through photography.