Thrailkill has been a devoted campus leader and partner for over four decades, lending his wisdom and counsel to innumerable athletic ventures.
 
A member of Belmont's Board of Trustees for over twenty years, Thrailkill advocated for athletics to play a lead role in the ascension of the University. Having served as president of the San Francisco 49ers during the 1990s, Thrailkill became a trusted voice for Mike Strickland, Belmont University's first athletic director of the NCAA Division I era.
 
Thrailkill and Fisher are inexorably linked; with each strategic decision and investment raising Belmont's profile. Thrailkill's commitment opened educational opportunities for hundreds of Belmont student-athletes, as the Bruins added six sports during its transition to NCAA Division I.
 
From facilities to conference affiliation, Thrailkill helped pave the way for Bruin success – highlighted this past academic year by 21 Belmont victories over autonomous conference teams (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC).
 
Thrailkill championed student-athlete achievement and the fullness of the college experience, leading the charge for many Belmont programs which remain fixtures today including the Betty Wiseman Mission Fund for overseas mission trips.
 
The Atlanta, Georgia native continues to serve as a resource and mentor for Belmont athletic department senior leaders and coaching staffs.