The National Science Foundation recently awarded Ohio Wesleyan University a one year grant of $86,735 in order to fund projects that advance field ecology and data science through virtual teaching tools. Among the four funded projects is “Lichens in Diverse Landscapes,” co-led by Belmont Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Matthew Heard.
Initially, Heard was a part of an interdisciplinary team of faculty members from small undergraduate institutions across the U.S. who received a grant from the National Science Foundation. In addition to his colleagues, Drs. Danielle Garneau at SUNY Plattsburg and Mary Beth Kolozsvary at Siena College, Heard helped lead the Lichens in Diverse Landscape Project.
Heard explained, “The goal was to develop an activity for students that focused on using lichens that grow on trees as an assessment tool for looking at air pollution impacts and how humans affect the environment.”
The awarded grant aims to help faculty members create opportunities for students to engage in interactive environmental labs and research projects despite the challenges from COVID-19. The Ecology Research as Education Network (EREN), where Heard serves as a board member, and National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) work together to fund these projects. The project will be utilized by students all across the United States and Canada this fall and spring.
To read the original article from Ohio Wesleyan click here.
Belmont’s Veteran Success Team greeted new and continuing student veterans for the fall semester with a drive-thru Welcome Back event a couple days before classes began. On Monday morning, student veterans pulled into parking spaces in front of the Lila C. Bunch library, where members of the Veteran Success Team met them at their cars, handed out welcome back kits and checked in briefly with each student veteran about the upcoming semester.
The longstanding tradition of a welcome dinner was canceled out of health and safety precautions, but Veteran Success Team Coach Kim Powell said the team was ready to welcome student veterans in other creative ways.
“When classes shifted to online over the spring and summer due to COVID-19, we heard from many of our student veterans who were struggling with isolation and technology issues with the online format,” Powell explained. “We’ve been assisting them with these issues but wanted to find a way for an in-person touchpoint for the fall semester while still maintaining social distancing, mask and other important campus safety guidelines.”
The drive-thru event provided the opportunity for more than 135 undergraduate and graduate student veterans to receive welcome back kits, which included food items and school supplies. Student veterans who are new to Belmont for the fall semester also received Bruin Vet kits, which are typically handed out at orientation and include a Bruin Vets t-shirt, laptop sticker and school supplies. The Bruin Vet kits also include a Bruin Vet field guide, developed by the Veteran Success Team with input from student veterans, which introduces new students to the Veteran Success Team, the Bruin Vets Center, the student veteran community and other important campus resources.
A Belmont student veteran receives a Welcome Back kit at the drive through event.
“Although in-person classes have not yet started for undergraduate students, some of our student veterans are in graduate programs that started classes on campus this week. It was important to us to engage with all of our student veterans who live locally as they start the semester,” said Powell. “We heard over and over from students who showed up on Monday how good it was to connect with us, especially from new student veterans who had yet to meet us.”
The Veteran Success Team is led by Dr. Mimi Barnard, associate provost of interdisciplinary studies and global education. Team members operate the Bruin Vets Center in Fidelity Hall, plan military and veteran specific events for students, assist with plugging student veterans into campus resources, and more.
Barnard explained, “The Veteran Success Team evolved from the cross-functional team of faculty and staff who participated in the first Veteran Reconnect Grant (2015, $95,000) and also in the most recent grant award (2019, $150,000). Student veterans tell us that they appreciate the personal support they receive at Belmont, the encouragement of staff and faculty, and the ability to relax and study in the Bruin Vets Center.”
Dr. Anthony Blash, associate professor in the Belmont University College of Pharmacy, was invited to publish a foundational article on Pharmacy Informatics by the Healthcare Management Information Systems Society (HIMSS), North America.
The article, entitled Pharmacy Informatics and Its Cross-Functional Role in Healthcare, was written to help others understand the role of Pharmacy Informatics in organizational success. This article and other informative publications on Healthcare Informatics may be found in the HIMSS Resource Center, where visitors are invited to “get actionable insights into health information and technology topics” from subject matter experts.
In 1920, the Tennessee legislature cast the tie breaking vote to ratify the 19th Amendment to the constitution– a historic moment that granted women the right to vote in this country. While this still did not give all women the right to vote, it did open a door that ultimately led to guarantee this important right to every citizen regardless of gender or race. On that day 100 years ago, cities across the country rang their bells in celebration, but Nashville did not.
On August 18, Belmont University joined the Nashville Public Library and countless other universities, churches and organizations across the city to break this silence by ringing bells 100 times in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
The loudest bell at Belmont was the carillon in the Bell Tower, played by Dr. Richard Shadinger, but university employees also stood at the bottom of the tower and on the perimeter streets of campus ringing bells of all kinds and holding signs that echoed signs the suffragists carried over 100 years ago.
The carillon bells were proudly shared in a live video on Belmont’s Instagram account, in addition to many videos of men and women from across the Belmont community explaining why they ring their bells. Dr. Susan West, vice president and chief of staff, offered an introduction during the live video.
The Belmont University community celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the vote to ratify the 19th Amendment to the constitution while listening to Bell Tower’s carillon ring out 100 times.
“This moment is a chance to recognize and celebrate the fact that in our country every voice – and every vote – matters. I’m hopeful that Belmont students around the country are watching right now, and will keep watching while the Bell Tower rings out. And that you will use this time to reflect on the fact that whoever you are, whether you are male or female, whatever your background or upbringing, whatever the color of your skin – you matter, and your voice matters,” she said. “Thank you for being here today to celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Allow me to issue a challenge you – the RIGHT to vote means nothing if we don’t exercise that right. Voting in our elections is the best way you can make your voice heard – and your voice matters. If you are not registered to vote, I encourage you visit the website vote.gov and learn how to register today.”
The event coincided with the Nashville Public Library’s virtual grand opening of the new Votes for Women Room, in which Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy and junior Chloe Bellgardt played a part. Learn more about the exhibit and watch the virtual opening celebration on the Library’s website.
Belmont faculty and alumni also participated in the State of Tennessee’s live, historical re-enactment of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment for Women’s right to vote at the Tennessee State Capitol. “Our Century! Living Tennessee’s History of the Ratification,” streamed live from the floor of the House chamber at the State Capitol – the same day and place it did a century ago. Theatre Professor Brent Maddox played Representative Harry Burns, Theatre Adjunct Professor Eric Pasto-Crosby played Representative Hall, 2003 commercial music alumna Aleta Myles played a suffragette and 2016 theatre performance alumna Morgan Condor Davis played a suffragette. Music alumna Melinda Doolittle performed “America the Beautiful.”
The events kicked off Belmont’s Debate-related programming for the semester with two other events to follow. In an email to campus, Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I can think of no better way to start our fall semester than with such a unifying moment, especially considering that Belmont will be hosting the third and final Presidential Debate just 11 days before Election Day. I hope you will join us in whatever way you can.”
Dr. Richard Shadinger prepares to ring the bells 100 times to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the vote to ratify the 19th Amendment to the constitution at Belmont University.
On August 18, O’More College of Architecture & Design presented “Engaging Communities Through Creativity: Art Force 5 celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment Ratification” through Zoom. Dan Napolitano, assistant dean of Alfred University’s School of Art and Design, shared about the Art Force 5’s efforts to promote equality, inspire creativity, build community, teach history and sow empathy. This student organization has spent the past year building a visual tribute to female empowerment, honoring the anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
On August 19, the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will present “DEBATE 2020: Hardship to Hard Work: The Role of Women and the State of Tennessee in Passing the 19th Amendment.” State Parks Ranger Laura Franklin provided a deep, interactive analysis into the history leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment and Tennessee’s crucial role in the Amendment’s passing and women receiving the right to vote in 1920.
Dr. Ann Coble, lecturer in Belmont’s College of Theology and Christian Ministry, became a Climate Reality Leader through former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project in July.
The Climate Reality Project trains leaders around the world in the areas of climate change education and organization. Dr. Coble now joins more than 21,000 leaders worldwide as a Climate Reality educator.
Belmont music business alumnus Ashley Gorley recently made history as he earned his 50th No. 1 song at country radio with LOCASH’S “One Big Country Song,” which was No. 1 last week on Mediabase. Signed to Round Hill Music Publishing, the 1999 Belmont graduate is the only songwriter in any genre to earn 50 No. 1 singles in the history of the Mediabase and Billboard Airplay charts.
Gorley told MusicRow Magazine that he loves what he does. “I love writing songs—the challenge, the process and the way that each day brings something different,” he said. “50 No. 1s is an achievement I’m proud of and grateful for, but I’m even more grateful for the friendships these 50 No. 1s have granted me; friendships with the artists that have given these songs life and success, my co-writers who motivate me to dig deeper each day, and mentors and early believers who continue to cheer me on. I stay inspired by my Tape Room family who I try to provide with those same beliefs, friendships and mentorships. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially the radio teams who work tirelessly for these songs to be heard.”
Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business Doug Howard said being the only songwriter to achieve 50 number one singles in the history of the Billboard and Mediabase airplay charts is one of the most, if not the most, significant milestones the songwriting community has witnessed. “This achievement speaks to Ashley’s amazing work ethic and his love and passion for creating music,” he said. “And as important as the awards and accolades, Ashley is always the first to express his appreciation, admiration and respect for the artists that record his songs and the many co-writers and mentors that have supported him on his magnificent musical journey.”
Gorley launched publishing company Tape Room Music in 2011 which now has a roster of 11 writers. Tape Room Music has earned 21 No. 1 hits at country radio, along with cuts by pop artists including Justin Timberlake, Meek Mill and Charlie Puth. He has brought his Tape Room team to Belmont’s campus to speak to current students, in addition to the countless other ways he has given back to the Belmont community over the years.
According to MusicRow Magazine, Gorley is the only songwriter to have been named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year seven times. He has also been named Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year four times, NSAI Songwriter of the Year three times, has earned eight ACM Songwriter of the Year nominations and has earned three CMA Awards and two Grammy nominations to date. Gorley is the reigning ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, and he has earned 15 CMA Triple Play honors, including two “Triple-Triples” for notching nine No. 1 songs in 2018 and in 2019.
He has had more than 300 songs recorded by artists including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, Darius Rucker, Jason Derulo and Bon Jovi.
See a full list of Gorley’s 50 No. 1 hits below (chronological order):
“Don’t Forget To Remember Me” — Carrie Underwood “All-American Girl” — Carrie Underwood “You’re Gonna Miss This” — Trace Adkins “Start A Band” — Brad Paisley “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” — Darius Rucker “Then” — Brad Paisley “American Saturday Night” — Brad Paisley “Good Girl” — Carrie Underwood “Crash My Party” — Luke Bryan “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” — Randy Houser “Don’t Ya” — Brett Eldredge “Hey Girl” — Billy Currington “That’s My Kinda Of Night’ — Luke Bryan “Play It Again” — Luke Bryan “Rewind” — Rascal Flatts “Yeah” — Joe Nichols “I See You” — Luke Bryan “Just Gettin’ Started” — Jason Aldean “Don’t It” — Billy Currington “Tonight Looks Good On You” — Jason Aldean “Kick The Dust Up” — Luke Bryan “Young & Crazy” — Frankie Ballard “Nothin’ Like You” — Dan + Shay “Heartbeat” — Carrie Underwood “You Should Be Here” — Cole Swindell “T-Shirt” — Thomas Rhett “American Country Love Song” — Jake Owen “Middle of a Memory” — Cole Swindell “Dirty Laundry” — Carrie Underwood “A Guy With a Girl” — Blake Shelton “Dirt On My Boots” — Jon Pardi “Today” — Brad Paisley “Black” — Dierks Bentley “Do I Make You Wanna” — Billy Currington “Unforgettable” — Thomas Rhett “Fix a Drink” — Chris Janson “Marry Me” — Thomas Rhett “Life Changes” — Thomas Rhett “What Makes You Country” — Luke Bryan “Eyes On You” — Chase Rice “Love Ain’t” — Eli Young Band “Rumor” — Lee Brice “Living” — Dierks Bentley “I Don’t Know About You” — Chris Lane “Good Vibes” — Chris Janson “Remember You Young” — Thomas Rhett “Ridin’ Roads” — Dustin Lynch “Catch” — Brett Young “Hard To Forget” — Sam Hunt “One Big Country Song” — LOCASH
Senior Marissa Avnaim has not let COVID-19 prevent her from chasing her dreams. A journalism major and political science minor, Avnaim spent the summer virtually interning with NBC’s “Today” show and will spend the fall virtually interning with NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Avnaim recently recieved an on-air shout out from “Today” for National Intern Day.
Avnaim was unsure of what to expect when the program went virtual, but said NBC did a wonderful job creating an interactive, virtual program that kept the interns engaged and provided a lot of work to do.
As a production intern at “Today,” Avnaim worked on the pre-production side of things, conducting research for producers, booking guests and helping with interviews. She also pitched story ideas and helped produce the now virtual TODAY Show Plaza.
This unique season of life with the current global pandemic and the upcoming election made for a great time to work in news. Avnaim was able to help with the political coverage on the show and interviewed people in politics and several celebrities. She enjoyed getting to hear their stories and words of inspiration, but her favorite part of the experience was reaching out to fans of the show and potential guests to ask if they wanted to appear on the show.
“I’m honored to have had so much responsibility on the show and getting to book guests that appeared on live segments. It’s always cool to sit in on the interviews afterward and see how your research genuinely contributes to the show,” she said. “That’s what I’m really looking forward to this fall, too.”
Avnaim credits a lot of where she is today to her Belmont faculty and friends. “I learned a lot at NBC, but my Belmont professors have been there with me every step of the way. They’ve taught me, supported me and believed in me, and I think that’s the biggest thing, especially in journalism. It’s really reassuring when professionals believe in you. They gave me confidence that I could intern with ‘Today’ and move onto another big show.”
Marissa Avnaim and family featured on “Today” for National Intern Day
Faculty helped her prepare for her interviews and served as a huge support system throughout the process. She said Belmont’s program is unique in that it teaches students how to write, shoot and edit and that overall it has given her the tools she needed to succeed.
“I came to Belmont not knowing anything about journalism, and now being able to say I’ve interned for the ‘Today’ Show and moving on to ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ is amazing; I never thought I’d say those words,” she said. “Working with The Vision gave me a lot of extra experience and working under Dorren Robinson, Jen Duck and Dr. Sybril Brown took me from not knowing much about journalism to feeling confident in my skills and feeling confident that I could contribute to these big shows. I felt like a seasoned journalist when I got there.”
Avnaim will continue executing her skills as a research intern on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” researching all of the news that goes into the monologue and the “Closer Look” segment, as well background on all of the guests who appear on the show. She will go through the biggest headlines and try to find unique stories for Meyers to cover that no other late night show has covered.
This opportunity is a chance to explore her creative side, in comparison with the hard news research she was doing with “Today.” She said, “To be able to work at ‘Late night’ which is more creative and satirical and also to be able to say I worked for the very first show NBC airs and the very last show that NBC airs is going to be such a cool experience. I’ll be able to compare how morning news is to late night news, and I’m just so excited.”
Approaching her May 2021 graduation, Avnaim said these opportunities have only reaffirmed her desire to work in the news and political world. Through her experience as a sideline reporter for Belmont’s ESPN+, she would also like to pursue a career on air at some point. “I want to learn about production and research so right now I am just open to the world of production and news. I am lucky to say I get to do something I genuinely love every day. For me it’s just about finding the right job, but I definitely hope that includes something on air and something in news and politics. That’s where my heart is.”
Avnaim said she would not be where she is now without her Belmont faculty: “Both in journalism and my phenomenal political science professors, as well as the Belmont athletics department,” she said. “I wouldn’t have the ‘Today’ show experience or the ‘Seth Myers’ experience if it weren’t for me choosing Belmont. I’m just so lucky to have come across the professors I’ve had, and I just can’t thank them enough for supporting and believing in me.”
Dr. Sharee Broussard, APR, a faculty member in the Department of Public Relations, presented twice at the 103rd Annual Conference of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The conference was held virtually August 6 – 9, 2020.
Broussard was a panelist on the topic of Course and Program Assessment in the Small Programs Interest Group’s pre-conference Teaching Toolkit workshop. Her paper “Document Your Learning – Internships, Student Learning and Program Evaluation”was accepted by the Internship and Careers Interest Group for its session: Detailing Efforts and Requirements for Success.
More than 1,800 people attended the conference, which had a 49 percent acceptance rate for papers and panels.
Applications for 2021 at Belmont University opened on August 1, and prospective students have more opportunities than ever to virtually experience all that Belmont has to offer. The University is now offering robust virtual visits that include campus tours, information sessions, residence hall sessions and academic sessions for each college.
Another noteworthy change for next year’s incoming class is that Belmont University has opted to go test optional for the spring, summer and fall 2021 undergraduate application cycles due to the challenges COVID-19 has placed on the college search process, such as testing dates being cancelled across the country. Students who apply as a test optional applicant will not be required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission and scholarship purposes. Graduate students can check with their individual program for admissions requirements.
Director of University Admissions Brooke Brannin said, “Belmont is a student centered university and in times like these, the needs of applicants are our priority. Students should not be worrying about how to get access to the ACT or SAT, but instead focus on their current classes and staying well. We look forward to working with the incoming class in new and reimagined ways.”
Belmont is committed to using a holistic approach in reviewing each applicant for admission. Belmont will also consider every student for merit-based scholarships regardless of their decision to submit a test score. A list of frequently asked questions and answers about this new policy can be found on Belmont’s Test Optional information page.
Freshman and Transfer students alike can join Belmont admissions counselors and student tour guides for the newly revitalized Virtual Admissions Information Sessions and Campus Tours. The sessions cover general information about the University and its program offerings, as well as the admissions and financial aid process. The Tour Guide will provide a virtual tour of campus, incorporating Belmont’s unique history with their personal stories.
When registering for one of Belmont’s Virtual Academic Information Sessions, students will have the opportunity to select which academic program to learn more about on that day. A list of Belmont’s majors will help guide students to find out which academic session will be best for them to attend. Each session will provide an overview of curriculums, student life, career outcomes and much more. These sessions are offered weekly through the fall semester.
Scheduling a virtual experience can be done through Belmont’s BU4U accounts. After creating an account and logging in, prospective students can click the Visit Us tab located in the top right corner of the webpage to search all events. Once registered, an email confirmation will be sent that will provide details including login information for the day of the session.
Of course, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Belmont’s campus in person. Although limited in size due to COVID-19, these tours and visits are still available. Updated safety guidelines for campus visitors can be found on Belmont’s admissions website.
Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy was elected as Vice-Chair of the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Board of Directors this summer, serving with Attorney Keith Simmons as Chair. Searcy is currently helping coordinate Belmont University’s efforts for the Nashville Public Library’s Ring the Bell campaign.
In June, Searcy served as a panelist for an online event hosted by the Women’s Political Collaborative of Tennessee: “Racism: Then and Now – Have we Changed?” The panel was moderated by Larry Woods, attorney, civil rights activist and professor of criminal justice for Tennessee State University. Other speakers included Executive Director at the American Muslim Advisory Council Sabrina Mohyuddin and Former Editorial Writer for The Tennessean, Author Dwight Lewis.
