IMPORTANT NOTE: These are the archived stories for Belmont News & Achievements prior to June 26, 2023. To see current stories, click here.

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Belmont College of Pharmacy Celebrates Key Placements in Healthcare Informatics

Haley Charlton
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Belmont College of Pharmacy Celebrates Key Placements in Healthcare Informatics

Tears of joy, hugs and lots of high-fives were abundant at Belmont University as pharmacy students revealed where they were accepted into residency this spring.

Belmont’s College of Pharmacy fourth-year students joined thousands of students nationwide on match day, where each individual learned where they will continue their pharmacy training after graduation in May. Students within the Healthcare Informatics track that participated in the residency match will continue their careers as residents at institutions across the country this summer.

Belmont University’s College of Pharmacy is becoming a nationally-recognized center for practice and leadership in pharmacy education with an innovative clinical doctorate. Building on the traditional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum, the college offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of four areas: pharmacy management, healthcare informatics, missions and pharmacotherapy. Each of these areas educate students for life-long professional improvement and service as competent and compassionate practitioners.

“I could not be more pleased with the residency match results for students within the informatics focus,” said Dr. Anthony Blash, the professor primarily responsible for the healthcare informatics concentration at the College of Pharmacy. “These results are essential to Belmont University’s mission to empower men and women of diverse backgrounds to engage and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.”

Dr. Angelina Babakitis of Phoenix, Arizona said she will move on to a fellowship with ConneXion360, a medical communications agency in Dallas, Texas. “This position will allow me to learn the skills required for communicating with healthcare providers for pharmaceutical companies and get my foot in the door with the pharmaceutical industry,” said Babakitis.

Dr. Austin Simmons of Ardmore, Tennessee, who is headed to Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi for his PGY1 residency, was asked if his Informatics experiences came up during the residency interviews. “Yes, very much so. Whenever I was asked about what I was most proud of on my CV, I always talked about our team that developed an Amazon Alexa Skill with drug information we researched about the top 200 drugs. It definitely was something that I think stood out because I was able to have a long conversation about what we went through in order to achieve that goal and how I could apply what I learned to a residency,” said Simmons.

Dr. Mary Lankford did not participate in the match, but was quickly hired in the marketplace post graduation. “I am excited to announce that I have accepted a pharmacy informatics position with the Dispensary of Hope, a not-for-profit, national charitable medication distributor based in Nashville. This is a diverse role that will allow me to learn more about the pharmaceutical supply chain while building skills in IT and predictive analytics, research and development and formulary management. I feel incredibly blessed to be joining such an amazing team dedicated to increasing medication accessibility and affordability to those most in need,” said Lankford.

Belmont Security Officer Brings Campus Awareness to Juneteenth History

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Security Officer Brings Campus Awareness to Juneteenth History

When Belmont alumna and security patrol officer Lauren Sheppard heard two of her coworkers talking about Juneteenth and asking what it meant and the history behind it, she immediately jumped in to explain the significance of the date. As a Texas native and black woman, Sheppard said the conversation incited something in her to want to share more information with the rest of the department.

Although Juneteenth is a big celebration in Texas, as it is was the first state to declare June 19 an official state holiday in 1980, Sheppard decided to do further research to design an informational poster to help educate those around her and in the Belmont community. Her poster explains facts about Juneteenth, including:

  • Juneteenth references June 19, 1865, commemorating the date when all slaves in Texas were emancipated
  • The Emancipation Proclamation had formally freed slaves almost two and a half years earlier, but enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent
  • It was not until December 6, 1865 that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery throughout the entire United States
  • Celebrating looks like barbequing, dancing, storytelling and the singing of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”
  • The day is also referred to as Freedom Day and Jubilee Day
Poster about Juneteenth

Sheppard said she used design elements on the poster to really make the numbers stand out. “It was 900 days before the Texas slaves knew they were free. It was 89 years before July 4th even meant anything to a slave. I wanted the numbers to be large and in your face so you think about them. These people were free on paper, but they did not know that for over two years,” she explained. “I hoped that the numbers would be eye opening; I didn’t know the numbers even though Juneteenth is a part of my culture.”

Through her research, Sheppard said she learned many new things that other states use in their celebrations that she was unaware of, like the official Juneteenth flag and all that it symbolizes. She said she put Juneteenth in the center of the poster in a font that felt celebratory.

“I really just wanted other people to be educated on what Juneteenth is and hopefully create conversations around it,” Sheppard said. “At the end, I want people to care. That was something that really dug at me; I just want you to care about it. It’s not just my history; it’s our history as Americans.”

Panvini Published in The American Biology Teacher

Haley Charlton
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Panvini Published in The American Biology Teacher

Professor of Biology Darlene Panvini authored an article recently published in The American Biology Teacher (Volume 82, Issue 5). The article, “Guided Journaling: Focused Writing to Enhance Learning during a STEM Short-Term Study Abroad Course,” explores the use of daily guided journaling worksheets (GJW’s) as a format that enhances student learning in a short-term study abroad course.

Panvini, who has co-led the Tropical Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainability Maymester program to Costa Rica with Dr. John Niedzwiecki for four years, developed GJW’s to address pedagogical challenges inherent in teaching an entire STEM course over a short-term faculty led study abroad program, which is typically 2-3 weeks in length. The article details how GJW’s sharpen student focus and foster learning through several modalities, including thinking routines, content graphic organizers and a variety of writing prompts. The article also highlights how GJW’s can be modified for other types of experiential teaching situations.

Panvini in her article also elaborates how GJW’s facilitate connections between students’ study abroad experiences and assigned texts. “The GJWs allow me to have a daily written dialogue with students as they learn, question and reflect,” she said. “One powerful assignment is when students use a simple prompt like, “I used to think …. and now I think…” to reflect on their experiences after a two-night home stay with local families. Another writing activity asks students to examine a national park from the perspectives of an ecotourist and a scientist, which helps students apply and see the relevance of science. Through the GJWs, the students develop a creative and thoughtful documentary of their experiences and their learning in Costa Rica.”

The Costa Rica Maymester program, offered through Belmont Abroad, provides opportunities for students to be immersed in a country that seeks to balance environmental protection within a cultural and economic context and is conducted primarily at the CIEE campus in San Luis de Monteverde in Puntarenas province, with shorter stays at La Selva Biological Station in Heredia province and Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste province of Costa Rica.

Belmont Alumni Continue to Wow on NBC’s ‘Songland’

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Alumni Continue to Wow on NBC’s ‘Songland’

After a successful first season, Belmont representatives continue to make waves in the new season of NBC’s “Songland,” with five Belmont alumni making appearances in recent episodes. Belmont alumna Alyssa Newton was on episode eight featuring Bebe Rexha, and Jeffrey James was in episode four featuring Martina McBride. On episode nine, Caroline Kole, Anna Hamilton and David Davis pitched their original songs for Ben Platt.

“Songland,” an American songwriting competition series, follows the journey of undiscovered songwriters as they pitch originals to top recording artists and a panel of chart-topping music producers. In the end, a winner is chosen of the competing songwriters. Their song is then recorded and released for a global audience by the guest artist from that episode. 

Jeffrey James Performing
Jeffrey James performs “We Could Be Heroes” on “Songland,” featuring Martina McBride — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Platt selected Davis’s song, “Everything I Did To Get To You” as the winning song for his episode after Davis worked with Producer Ryan Tedder for the final version. Platt’s rendition is now recorded and available on streaming platforms. Davis graduated from Belmont in 2013 with a degree in commercial music.

“My song is about being at a place with someone that you love and care about and reflecting about how much hardship and struggle it might have taken to get there, but how ultimately it was worth it because it brought you together,” Davis explained on the show.

“You’re crazy talented, both vocally and as a writer. Your song is super old and new at the same time. I’m really excited about it,” Platt said to Davis. “I love the lyric changes you and Ryan made. I love the production with the gospel, ‘wrap-you-up’ in soul kind of feel. The song is so clear to me now, and when we arrive at the chorus, it’s amazing.”

Alyssa Newton Performing
Alyssa Newton performs “Made for Something” on “Songland,” featuring Bebe Rexha – (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

James James Holstein, a 2009 commercial music alumnus, pitched his song, “We Could be Heroes,” for McBride. He explained, “It’s a motivational song reminding people that no matter how dark things might look, there’s always a way to climb out.”

McBride said, “I feel like there’s a good home for this song somewhere, so you’re moving on to the studio round. First of all, I can’t get it out of my head, and I feel like there is a lot of potential.” Although McBride went another direction for her song, James worked with producer Ryan Tedder to pitch an updated version of the song, which was well-received by many.

Alyssa Newton, a 2019 songwriting alumna, presented her song, “Made for Something” to the panel of producers and Bebe Rexha. Bebe Rexha said, “I love the sentiment of the song. I know I am here for a certain reason and we all are on this earth for a purpose. I love that overall message of the song.”

Caroline Kole Performs on Songland
Caroline Kole Performs “Fools Gold” on “Songland,” featuring Ben Platt” – (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Caroline Kole (Kudelko), a 2019 entertainment industry studies alumna, wrote “Fool’s Gold,” for her pitch to Platt, which she says is about having a dream and hoping that it is real. The producers immediately clicked with the idea and brainstormed how slightly changing the lyrics to describe a relationship would make the song even more connectable. Kole worked with producer Shane McAnally in the studio round to produce her song.

McAnally said Kole’s melodies were “stunning.” “They have this touch of musicality and I want to make sure the lyrics support that melody,” he said.

Platt commented, “With the new lyrics, as soon as it started, I went directly to one particular relationship. It feels like something I’ve been through and I know exactly what the narrative is. You’ve hit the bullseye. It’s very beautiful.”

Anna Hamilton performs on Songland
Anna Hamilton performs “Deathbed” on “Songland,” featuring Ben Platt — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Anna Hamilton, a 2018 music business alumna, pitched “Deathbed.” And while Platt did not carry Hamilton into the studio round, he said, “Your writing is super emotional and bold and courageous.”

This season’s artists also include Usher, Lady A, Belmont alumni band Florida Georgia Line, Boyz II Men, Julia Michaels, H.E.R. and Luis Fonsi.

Plummer Selected for ISWP Educators Training Package Consortium

Haley Charlton
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Plummer Selected for ISWP Educators Training Package Consortium

Dr. Teresa Plummer, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, CEAS, CAPS was nominated and selected among more than 70 therapists across the globe to be a member of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals Educators Training Package Consortium. 

As a mandate from the World Health Organization, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs are encouraged to increase the learning opportunities for knowledge related to wheelchair service and delivery. Few resources exist in low income and middle income countries. The outcome of the ISWP project will create learning resources for all socioeconomic levels. 

This committee of 30 individuals from all continents will create learning modules that can be delivered virtually to universities through virtual means. The goal is to enhance the knowledge and skills base of students, but also allow students to engage in tele-health, international cohort groups and inter-professional groups.

In addition to serving on the development of learning resources, Dr. Plummer will also chair the research component of this group. The group will engage in a participatory action research model of data collection to empower all stakeholders to contribute to a meaningful and measurable outcome. The project will be spearheaded by Dr. Paula Rushton, PhD, OT, an associate professor at the University of Montreal. Dr. Plummer will serve the full two year term and complete this work in addition to her full teaching load in the School of Occupational Therapy at Belmont.

Alumna-Owned Business Dimeta Smith CPA Celebrates 10 Years

Haley Charlton
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Alumna-Owned Business Dimeta Smith CPA Celebrates 10 Years

Dimeta Smith CPA, a leading woman and minority-owned accounting firm, celebrated its 10th anniversary in business this week. Dimeta Smith CPA is a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and a Woman-Owned Small Business through the Small Business Administration. The firm specializes in providing business growth strategies, financial accounting and tax preparation services for organizations in the for profit and non-profit sectors.  

Nashville native CEO and President Dimeta Smith Knight, a 2001 Master of Accountancy alumna from Belmont’s Massey Graduate School of Business, always wanted to be an entrepreneur and to have a positive impact on lives as a business owner. After her first accounting class in high school, Knight knew she was destined for an accounting career because it was a field that would always be needed. 

Dimeta Smith CPA has grown to seven employees, including seasonal workers with clients in every industry sector, such as health care, professional services, real estate investors, transportation and faith-based organizations. “I always wanted to create an organization for people of color and all genders to grow and develop to achieve their dreams,” said Knight.

Knight loves to tell her client’s business story through their numbers and see the growth they have experienced due to her strategic counsel. The company’s clients span the globe, including a boy’s home in Africa and a technology firm in Bangladesh, with whom she works with remotely. She also represents businesses in the immigrant community, and her largest client base include Ethiopian, Nigerian and Somali owned firms. Knight explained, “I worry about my client’s businesses as much as they do. It’s a great feeling to positively impact someone’s future when they follow the plans and systems I put in place for their financial security.”

A longtime client, Dr. Kehinde Carew, an MD who specializes in internal medicine, has relied on Knight to reach his financial goals over the past nine years. Dr. Carew said, “I have found Dimeta’s insights on personal finance, fiscal responsibility and investing to be invaluable.” He has learned valuable strategies to make better decisions regarding taxes, investments and wealth-building. “These tenets have helped broaden my horizon and steer me towards attaining my short and long term financial goals.” 

Influencing the Next Generation of Leaders

Knight also serves as a role model to young girls, particularly in STEM fields. She said, “Girls have innate skills to rise to the top but are not always given the right opportunities and may be misunderstood. I want them to think, ‘if Dimeta can do it so can she.’”

Knight frequently offers high school and college students an opportunity to intern at the firm to gain much needed experience. “I understood when I started that I did not want to do this alone. I knew I wanted a team. I learned early on it’s not about capability—it’s about capacity. You never grow without risk,” she said.

Knight is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of directors for the Tennessee Respite Coalition and the West End Homes Foundation. She frequently shares her passion for financial literacy and economic development with the community. Knight has been a speaker at conferences including Girls to the Moon and the National Association of Women MBAs’ Annual Thrive Conference. 

Knight is an advocate for women-owned businesses and has facilitated seminars and workshops for various organizations including the Small Business Administration, Pathway Women’s Business Center and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is also a frequent guest on Common Cents: The Money Show on WFSK 88.1 FM radio.

Knight has earned numerous awards including 2018 Women of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal; Power Moves Award in Finance presented by PK Williams Enterprises; Rising Star Award presented by the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce and an All Star Award presented by the Dare to Dream Foundation. She serves the community by volunteering with her sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, Nashville Alumnae Chapter and the Tennessee State University Alumni Association, Nashville Chapter.

In the next 10 years, Knight wants to continue building a stronger organization to employ more women and minorities who are not necessarily given the same opportunities and want to grow and develop within their careers.

Learn more at dimetasmithcpa.com/.

Belmont President’s Report Awarded Gold CASE Circle of Excellence Award

Haley Charlton
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Belmont President’s Report Awarded Gold CASE Circle of Excellence Award

Belmont University’s 2018 President’s Report, “Different by Design,” was recently awarded a Gold level Circle of Excellence Award in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s 2020 CASE Awards in the Design | Multi-Page Publications category.

Each year the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards recognize hundreds of institutions whose talented staff members advanced their institutions last year through innovative, inspiring and creative ideas. View the “Different by Design” entry at case.org/awards/circle-excellence/2020/different-design.

The 2018 Belmont University President’s Annual Report celebrates the intention behind the University’s decisions to take on events, projects and partnerships that set it apart from other universities while highlighting the recent acquisition of a local design college, and announcing Middle Tennessee’s first Bachelor of Architecture. To support the theme “Different By Design,” the report materials were designed to mimic the multi-faceted, unique and creative spirit of the University through a balance of varied visual motifs paired with a foundational stylistic framework. Within this, the report shares campus news while relaying the institution’s overall financial standing, provides an update on philanthropy and includes a list of university donors.

The CASE Award judges wrote of the report: “The cover has nice foil stamping and die-cuts. The design is engaging and cohesive with nice font changes and design flourishes. The graphical elements and typography are crisp. The piece does a very good job enlivening otherwise standard photography of people and buildings with beautiful and vibrant illustrations. There is a great use of color throughout the piece. The paper quality is lovely, and the half pages add a nice element to the piece. The design has many innovative elements but isn’t over the top. Well done!”

“These awards demonstrate our members’ success in advancing their institutions through their remarkable and varied work across all advancement disciplines,” said Sue Cunningham, CASE President and CEO. “The CASE Circle of Excellence Awards demonstrate creativity and strategy. They are a great source of inspiration and ideas for your own institutions. Congratulations to all the Circle of Excellence award recipients. Not only are you being celebrated for excellence, your work engages important communities in the life of your campuses and institutions, advancing education to transform lives and society.”  

More facts and stats can be found at www.case.org/circle 

Isbell Selected as Finalist in National Student Essay Competition

Haley Charlton
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Isbell Selected as Finalist in National Student Essay Competition

English major Emily Isbell is a finalist in the National Student Essay Competition, “Why a free press matters in a democracy,” for students from around the country. Finalists and their essays are posted at mklpr.com/national-student-essay-competition/finalists/.

Isbell participated in the competition as part of Media Instructor Jennifer Duck’s media ethics course. “Many have strong opinions about the freedom of press in a democracy, and I appreciate this opportunity to express mine,” she said.

The winner in each category (grades six-eight; grades nine-twelve; and grades university/college) will each receive a $5,000 check from the Boston Globe Foundation. The winner of the Popular Choice Award vote will receive a check for $1,000 from MKL Public Relations.

According to the MKL Public Relations website on the competition, “the essays submitted by students, sixth grade to university and college, were thoughtful and powerful in defense of the First Amendment and the importance of a free press in our country. We want to share these earnest, persuasive voices with as many of our fellow citizens, of all ages and backgrounds, as possible.”

The public is invited, in addition to the competition’s distinguished jury, to vote on the finalists’ essays. The winner of the popular vote will be announced later in July when the Jury announces its winning essayists. To vote for Isbell’s essay, please read her essay and use the vote button at mklpr.com/national-student-essay-competition/finalists/. The last day to vote is July 3.

Prizes will be awarded November 7, 2020 at the McCarthey Family Foundation Lecture Series: In Praise of Independent Journalism.

Alumnus Blake Swafford Named to National List of Emerging Community Bankers

Haley Charlton
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Alumnus Blake Swafford Named to National List of Emerging Community Bankers

Blake Swafford, director of innovation at SimplyBank and Belmont 2010 alumnus, is a second-generation community banker. Earning the respect and recognition of some of the top minds in the business, Swafford was named earlier this year to the Independent Community Bankers of America’s second annual 40 Under 40 list of emerging community bankers for 2020.

Nominated by the bank’s top leadership, Swafford said it is a badge of honor for himself and the teams he works alongside and supports. “I was honored to simply be nominated by my peers for this list, and I was humbled and ecstatic when I learned the team at ICBA chose me as one of this year’s recipients,” said Swafford. “Our country’s community banks are crucial to the people and places we serve, and it’s incredibly meaningful to be recognized by some of the top leaders in this industry for the work we’re doing at SimplyBank.”

This year marks the second annual edition of the ICBA 40 Under 40 list, which spotlights young professionals in community banking from around the United States. According to the ICBA, candidates are identified and chosen based on four primary criteria:

  • Character
  • Leadership
  • Community Involvement
  • Innovation

Swafford, who graduated from Belmont in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, is tasked with thinking the organization into the future, while keeping the pulse of consumer and competitor trends. His work is often behind-the-scenes and crucial to the customer experience, manifest in a positive customer experience or an online function that works right and works well.

Swafford was a natural nominee for the list, according to John Owen, president and CEO at SimplyBank. “Blake is one of the most innovative people with whom I’ve ever worked,” Owen said. “He grew up around banking, he knows what it takes to be successful in this business, and he understands that growth and innovation are key to community banking’s future and staying power.”

And in the midst of unprecedented social distancing measures due to COVID-19, SimplyBank increasingly depends on Swafford’s area of expertise. Once wish list items, bank-from-anywhere tools and services are now must-haves.

“He knows what our customers want and need from us, but also what tools make it easier for our team members to meet those wants and needs,” Owen said.

It was e-signature software which helped SimplyBank secure and process more than $15.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans, helping 225 locally-owned business nail down relief funds to keep their businesses afloat amidst the mandatory shutdown for non-essential businesses.

These are the challenges that keep Swafford motivated to keep hunting for the next right thing. “We don’t have to live on the bleeding edge of technology to keep up with the major players in banking,” he said. “We just need our people to understand that new tools are important, that new tools can make our jobs faster and easier and that new tools are what our customers expect from us in the digital age.”

Bank technology services provider FIS, of Jacksonville, Fla., sponsored this year’s program. “From CEOs to compliance officers, branch managers, lenders and marketers, this annual award continues to uncover extraordinary talent within the community banking industry,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “We congratulate Blake
on this well-deserved honor. His deep belief in the community bank business model and passion for supporting his customers and communities, especially in this COVID-19 environment where community bankers continue to step up to serve the needs of customers, should be commended.”

Read more about the ICBA 40 Under 40 online here. Find out more about SimplyBank at www.mysimplybank.com.

Dr. Tracey Carter Announced as A Top 100 Member of The National Black Lawyers

Haley Charlton
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Dr. Tracey Carter Announced as A Top 100 Member of The National Black Lawyers

Associate Professor of Law and Director of Academic Success in Belmont’s College of Law Dr. Tracey Carter was selected for inclusion into The National Black Lawyers Top 100 Black Lawyers in Tennessee, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field.

The National Black Lawyers is a professional honorary organization composed of the Top 100 Lawyers who represent individuals and businesses in the American legal system. Membership into the organization is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to attorneys who excel in their profession or promote diversity. The National Black Lawyers is one of very few preeminent organizations in the United States established to promote the nation’s top black attorneys and is designed to enhance the professional development of its members.

With the selection of Dr. Carter by The National Black Lawyers – Top 100, she has shown she exemplifies superior qualifications, leadership skills and performance in her areas of legal practice. The selection process for this elite honor is based on a multi-phase process which includes peer nominations combined with third party research. The National Black Lawyers  – Top 100 is an essential source of networking and information for black attorneys throughout the nation. The final result of the selection process is a credible and comprehensive list of the most outstanding black lawyers chosen to represent their state.

The National Black Lawyers – Top 100 provides accreditation to these distinguished attorneys, and aims to provide essential legal news, information and continuing education to their members.

To learn more about The National Black Lawyers, visit nbltop100.org/

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