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’s Jack C. Massey College of Business Launches Partnership with Williamson County High School’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center

Haley Charlton
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Belmont’s Jack C. Massey College of Business Launches Partnership with Williamson County High School’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center

Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business recently launched its partnership with the Williamson County High School Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, acknowledging the EIC’s commitment to championing high school students towards entrepreneurial endeavors.

Ranked a Top 20 College for Entrepreneurship in the U.S., Belmont is equipped to support the EIC as it creates its entrepreneurship curriculum at the highest standard. The College of Business’s goal is to lead both high school and collegiate level students to success in entrepreneurial launch of business and is proud to support the EIC in many ways, including sponsorship dollars, workshop series, professor mentorships and more.

Director of the EIC Dr. Kari Miller said the center was created to give high school students from across Williamson County an opportunity to open actual businesses and learn about entrepreneurship in an authentic, applied way.  “This authenticity is only possible through collaboration with our local entrepreneurship ecosystem, of which Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business is a pivotal member,” she explained. “The EIC’s partnership with Belmont’s College of Business allows our students to learn exponentially more than they could ever learn from a traditional high school business course, and it provides a glimpse into the possible entrepreneurial pathways open to them in college and career.” 

The Williamson County High School EIC supports its students’ businesses through adopting national curriculum standards, offering community entrepreneur mentorship and presenting business acumen workshops and entrepreneurship lecture series. With the support from Belmont’s partnership, the newly organized center is positioned to be “best in class” and set a high standard for high school entrepreneurship programs, not only in the region, but nationally.

Details of the agreement include:

  • Non-restricted sponsorship dollars to support the EIC’s efforts with student-run businesses
  • Jack C. Massey College of Business Entrepreneurial Workshop Series and Certificate Program delivered by entrepreneurship professors
  • Hosting the EIC students on campus for special events and entrepreneurial activities with collegiate students
  • Providing speakers outside of the workshop series on requested topics
  • Other programmatic offerings as needs arise
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center

To kick off the partnership on January 14, Belmont hosted a talk with Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship Rachel Wilson about sources of funding, titled “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees.” Wilson discussed understanding the best ways to fund a new business and common external sources of funding available for young entrepreneurs.

Another session occurred on February 4, as Entrepreneurship Professor Matthew Wilson presented “You think you have the next great idea… now what?” His session explored the feasibility phase of pursuing entrepreneurial ideas and reviewed the main components in the pre-launch phase.

There are several more events planned for the remainder of the spring semester, beginning at 5:45 p.m. each night and ending with a Q&A session.

On February 25, Jack C. Massey Professor and Chair of Entrepreneurship Jeff Cornwall will talk about career paths, exploring some of the paths that successful young entrepreneurs typically follow to achieve success. The talk will focus on gaining early experience with business startups and the power of bootstrapping in launching entrepreneurial careers.

On March 24, Professor of Entrepreneurship Mark Schenkel will present “Blue Ocean Strategy,”comparing and contrasting the concepts of market-creating (“blue ocean”) and market-competing (“red ocean”) strategic movements. Participants will explore these concepts, learning about principles and tools that can be important to understanding customers’ pain points and interests as they seek to identify uncontested market space.

On April 14, Jack C. Massey College of Business Admissions Officer Taylor Dillon will present a session for students who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship as a college major and highlight the benefits of choosing the Jack C. Massey College of Business.

The Jack C. Massey College of Business Entrepreneurship Program has been named a National Model Undergraduate Program for excellence in entrepreneurship education by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), as well as a national Top 20 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program by the Princeton Review. In 2010, the program was featured by Fortune magazine as one of five schools to consider when studying entrepreneurship. These awards and distinctions place Belmont’s Center for Entrepreneurship among the most exceptional entrepreneurship programs in the country.

Carr Presents at Southeastern Arts Leadership Educators Conference

Haley Charlton
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Carr Presents at Southeastern Arts Leadership Educators Conference

Cheryl Slay Carr, associate dean and associate professor in the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, presented “Teaching the Law and Business of Musical Theatre” for the Southeastern Arts Leadership Educators conference. 

The session focused on intersections between sectors of the music industry, including non-profit and for-profit sectors, and examined contrasts and similarities between the traditional music industry and the business of musical theatre as a means for expanding frameworks for leadership in the entertainment industry.

Mike Lenda, CEO of The Well Coffeehouse, Shares Faith and Entrepreneurship Journey

Katie McAdams
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Mike Lenda, CEO of The Well Coffeehouse, Shares Faith and Entrepreneurship Journey

On Friday, January 31, more than 250 Belmont students heard from guest speaker Mike Lender, CEO of The Well Coffeehouse, about faith and entrepreneurship. The chapel was presented by the Thomas Cone Center for Entrepreneurship, the Kennedy Center for Business Ethics, Center for Social Entrepreneurship and University Ministries.

With “turning coffee into water” as Lenda’s personal mantra and the mission statement of The Well Coffeehouse, contributing to the construction of new wells for safe, clean drinking water in remote communities is a huge part of Lenda’s business. Since 2013, 23 wells have been completed with the substantial funds donated by The Well Coffeehouse.

Lenda shared his journey from working as a Starbucks barista in Nashville, Tennessee, to major U.S. market executive management roles with Starbucks. Lenda gives much credit to his unwavering belief and confidence in following the Lord’s plan for his life for his large professional success and rewarding personal life. Now serving as the CEO of The Well Coffeehouse, Lenda explained that his primary motivation for returning to Nashville was to help others improve their lives by having access to basic necessities. With purpose fueling his passion, Lenda strives to make an impact in local and global communities by amplifying voices unheard.

The most rewarding parts of his journey thus far, he shared, are the people he’s met and worked with along the way. Lenda finds great joy and purpose in leading teams to create a place where customers, donors and employees feel known, loved and cared for while caring for the world around them.

Faith and Culture Symposium Nurtures Important Dialogue about Mental Health, Faith

Katie McAdams
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Faith and Culture Symposium Nurtures Important Dialogue about Mental Health, Faith

This week, the College of Theology and Christian Ministry hosted its 7th Annual Faith and Culture Symposium with a number of events surrounding this year’s relevant theme, Mental Health and Faith: Human Wholeness, Mind, Body and Soul. Each event addressed the hot topic through various perspectives including theological, academic, cultural, social and artistic. This year’s symposium created a space for the Belmont Community to partake in the larger conversation concerning the intersection of faith and culture. Throughout the week, the College of Theology and Christian Ministry offered events including chapels, panel discussions and a writers round.

The week kicked off with an inspiring chapel featuring respected womanist process theologian Dr. Monica A. Coleman, a professor of Africana Studies at the University of Delaware and ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Coleman shared with attendees her own journey with mental health and the struggles it brings in ministry and teaching.

Interfaith panelists
Interfaith panelists Rabbi Laurie Rice, co-rabbi at Congregation, Sabrina Mohyuddin, executive director of the American Muslim Advisory Council and Amy Mears, co-pastor of Glendale Baptist Church

An interfaith panel of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith leaders occurred on Tuesday afternoon addressing how mental health is dealt with in various faith communities. Guest speakers Rabbi Laurie Rice, co-rabbi at Congregation, Sabrina Mohyuddin, executive director of the American Muslim Advisory Council and Amy Mears, co-pastor of Glendale Baptist Church, shared wisdom found in their respective faith’s traditions in addition to practical strategies used to cope with mental health challenges within their faith communities.

“Within our cultures and backgrounds we all follow a variety of different belief systems, and we often define our identity with our customs from our diverse cultures and religions,” explained freshman Ayla Schwartz. “When we look deep down, we are all humans that experience similar emotions and similar struggles, especially when it comes to mental health. This is what this symposium has taught me and something I will carry with me as I continue my path forward into my future.” 

On Wednesday, another panel discussion took place at Belmont featuring its own Heather Daugherty (University Ministries), Dave Jaeger (Counseling Services) and Jamie Zeller (Be Well BU). The discussion served to raise awareness for the many resources on campus that are available to students to assist in achieving wellness in college.

Performer at Rabbit Room
The Rabbit Room Writers Round with special musical guests, Drew Miller, Taylor Leonhardt, Eric Peters and Becca Jordan.

In a unique event, Belmont shed light on mental health and faith on Thursday through an art-focused approach, sponsored by the College of Theology and Christian Ministry Student Advisory Board. Special guests Drew Miller, Taylor Leonhardt, Eric Peters and Becca Jordan participated in the Rabbit Room Writers Round. The Rabbit Room is an assortment of local Nashville musicians, theologians, artists and pastors aiming to foster “Christ-centered community and spiritual formation through music, story and art.” A cookie reception following the writers round allowed attendees to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding the topics of faith and mental health.

Concluding the Faith and Culture Symposium, a chapel was held on Friday featuring guest speaker Natasha Walker, MM, MT-BC, instructor of Music Therapy. Speaking to students about the role of music therapy and mental health, she focused on the intersection between music, mindfulness, faith and mental health.

“This year’s Faith and Culture Symposium addressed a timely issue that deeply impacts all parts of the Belmont community,” said Dr. Gideon Park, assistant professor of religion. “The week wrapped up with the Rabbit Room Writer’s Round and the chapel featuring Professor Natasha Walker from the School of Music. Both events beautifully demonstrated the therapeutic role of music and mindfulness as an antidote to stress and anxiety.”

Pharmacy Students Publish Patient Counseling ‘Skill’ for Amazon Alexa

Haley Charlton
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Pharmacy Students Publish Patient Counseling ‘Skill’ for Amazon Alexa

More than 2.8 billion prescriptions written annually in the United States fall under the Top 300 prescribed medications. Belmont University College of Pharmacy third-year students Julie Nguyen, Grant Harder and Joshua Page recently published patient counseling and education for the Top 300 prescribed medications on Amazon Alexa.

Amazon Alexa is a voice controlled artificial intelligence (AI) platform that has the ability to provide information upon request. As part of the Introduction to Healthcare Informatics curriculum in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Belmont University, the students worked as a team to develop an application, or “skill” that is now available in the Alexa store.

The skill, “My Medicine Cabinet,” was designed to increase the access of accurate and relevant drug information to patients and contains information for the Top 300 medications currently prescribed in the United States. While none of Alexa’s skills should replace a consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, these skills can be downloaded for free online or through the Alexa app, which is now available for Amazon Fire, Apple and Android devices.

“I’m really glad we were able to do this,” said Page. “This basic app can help a lot of people who may need basic information when pharmacists aren’t readily available.”

To download a skill, choose “Skills” from the Alexa app menu and search for the skill by name. Consumers can download this skill and activate it on demand, answering their questions with pharmacist-verified medication information at their fingertips.

Students in the College of Pharmacy study disease states and current treatment regimens. They also study various ways to communicate with patients and other health care providers. Alexa’s AI allows patient counseling to move from the pharmacy to the patient’s living room, increasing the reach of this communication.

“Having information about the top 300 medications in an easily accessible form like an Alexa skill can make a big impact on patient education,” said Nguyen.

Dr. Anthony Blash, Pharm.D., BCompSc., CPHIMS, associate professor and lecturer in the College of Pharmacy’s Healthcare Informatics concentration, has created a sequence of five courses and a one-month Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiential (APPE) rotation at various sites in the city to prepare Belmont’s student pharmacists to become future leaders in healthcare informatics.

An Amazon Alexa using "My Medicine Cabinet" Skill
An Amazon Alexa using “My Medicine Cabinet” Skill

“Nashville is considered by many to be home to the U.S. healthcare industry, with nearly 300 companies providing healthcare synergies found in few other places,” said Blash. “If your interests lie in healthcare and informatics, our program stands apart. Our students have the opportunity to develop an impressive project portfolio during their time at Belmont, working on with many partner organizations on projects such as making High Risk Medication Clinical Decision Support to a Local Hospital, becoming Data Analysts with Microsoft SQL and creating Artificial Intelligence Software for Amazon Alexa.”

As a HIMSS Approved Education Partner, Belmont University’s College of Pharmacy is the only pharmacy school in the world with a healthcare informatics concentration leading to an internationally recognized certification in healthcare informatics, which may be obtained before experiential rotations, residency inquiries and job searches begin. The college also collaborates with organizations during the school year and takes on real world projects from regional partners.

“We provide free assistance to organizations that may not have access to the resources we provide,” said Blash.

The informatics concentration at Belmont is collaborating with interested organizations to provide competent student and graduate healthcare informaticians with clinical expertise as Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiential (APPE) rotation students, and hopes to expand their program to include residents and/or fellows. This collaboration would be of no cost to the partnering organization and could help to advance Healthcare Informatics initiatives currently underway or in the planning phase.

Belmont Alumnae Reunite on Mission in Belize

Katie McAdams
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Belmont Alumnae Reunite on Mission in Belize

Four Belmont alumnae, Tiffanie Frazier Marksbury, Nanette Ryals Ryan, Leanne Linville Goddard and Michele Boyce-Obenchain, recently came together to serve on the mission field in Belize with Access-Life.

Access-Life is a Florida-based ministry run by Doug and Leanne Goddard dedicated to bringing Jesus to individuals and families with disabilities. Working in concert with Hearts of Christ, they provide wheelchairs, walkers and a multitude of donated products to anyone in need of them.

Meghan Brady Nelson’s ‘Purple Empathy’ Selected as ‘Art of Nashville’

Katie McAdams
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Meghan Brady Nelson’s ‘Purple Empathy’ Selected as ‘Art of Nashville’

Assistant Professor of Art Education Meghan Brady Nelson’s large acrylic piece called “Purple Empathy” was recently selected as this week’s “Art of Nashville.” Much like other works she’s published around the world, “Purple Empathy” focuses on societal questions.

“For my ‘American Flag’ series, I am exploring the ways critical visual literacy can be used to promote empathy for bipartisanship among students in time of political unrest,” shared Nelson.

“Purple Empathy” serves as an entry point to a series by Nelson that presents her work as a painter and also explores her thought processes and theoretical approaches as both a professor and as an artist.

Record-Breaking Turnout for Annual Chinese New Year Celebration

Katie McAdams
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Record-Breaking Turnout for Annual Chinese New Year Celebration

On the evening of January 21, Belmont’s Chinese Cultural Association (CCA) hosted its annual Chinese New Year celebration to usher in the Year of the Rat. The event is historically well-attended, but this year’s celebration boasted a record-breaking turnout including more than 120 students and faculty.

“The celebration proved to be a success, providing delicious food, an informative talk and a glimpse of Chinese New Year tradition and culture,” said Dr. Qingiun (Joan) Li, associate professor of Asian studies and Chinese.

Belmont students attend annual Chinese New Year celebration
Belmont students attend the annual Chinese New Year celebration

The night began with a complimentary dinner prepared by Evergreen Express Chinese Restaurant. The meal featured traditional foods such as dumplings, fried rice and shrimp. Following dinner, three CCA officers gave a presentation explaining the history, traditions, myths and practices surrounding Chinese New Year.

Luke McDonald, vice president of CCA, provided an overview of the holiday’s origins and its global importance, noting the celebrations that take place in Beijing, Nashville and everywhere in between.

Alex DeBoer, treasurer of CCA, gave an exciting account of the Chinese zodiac legend, a story that explains the significance of the animals which represent each year.

Finally, Sav McNabb, social media director of CCA, led the crowd in singing “Xin Nian Hao 新年好,” a popular New Year song, in its original Mandarin lyrics.

Alumnus Allen Parker Shares His Journey in the Music Business

Katie McAdams
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Alumnus Allen Parker Shares His Journey in the Music Business

Alumnus Allen Parker graduated from Belmont with a degree in music business and is now a recording and mix engineer and manages a private studio owned by Dan Auerbach. With many exciting opportunities under his belt since graduation, he says his favorite was working on an album with Yola, who was nominated for four Grammy Awards including all-genre Best New Artist.

“We didn’t win, but it was pretty cool to be in the conversation. I’ve been fortunate to work with some really great artists and musicians,” Parker shared.

While at Belmont, Parker worked as a student staff engineer at the campus studios and Ocean Way while he was simultaneously trying to start a freelancing business as an engineer. After graduation, he accepted a part time position with Ocean Way in client services in which he primarily set up rooms with assistant engineers and made coffee. At the same time, he was building his freelance business and gaining more and more high profile gigs. Over time, his freelance business took over the majority of his workload.

There have been a number of projects Parker has worked on over the years, but he has three favorites that resonate with him most. “I love the Yola album we made, ‘Walk Through Fire.’ The Black Keys album ‘Lets Rock’ was really fun to make, and I think it’s a really good one,” Parker said. “There’s also this album coming out by Marcus King, ‘El Dorado,’ that I really love. He’s an incredible singer and guitar player, and I think it’s just a very good album top to bottom.”

He says the most rewarding aspect of his career in music production is creating music that means something to people. Parker loves to hear that something he was a part of is resonating with fans. His education from Belmont has largely contributed to his successful career and laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Parker explained, “As I was finishing school at Belmont, I worked at Ocean Way where I was able to learn from folks who were making records every day and had been for years.” Looking forward, he aspires to continue making better and better records.

To students, Parker recommends practice, grit and patience. He encouraged, “You’ve got to want it really bad. Bad enough to put up with a lot and wait longer than you’d expect before any kind of success. Belmont lays the foundation, but you have to practice what you’re learning on your own.”

Alumna Lagnajita Mukhopadhyay Takes Off for Poetry Tour Across America

Katie McAdams
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Alumna Lagnajita Mukhopadhyay Takes Off for Poetry Tour Across America

Successful author, poet and Belmont alumna Lagnajita Mukhopadhyay took off in a van for her book and poetry album tour across America for the next six months. She is doing collaborative readings with local poets and musicians in many of the cities she’ll travel through, reserving the rest of her time for exploring America and its National Parks.

Before arriving at Belmont University to study English with a writing emphasis and history minor, Mukhopadhyay became the first ever Nashville Youth Poet Laureate.

“I was more than a little excited for what was to come and ready to learn and absorb everything I could,” she shared. “I was more grateful and appreciative of the opportunity than anything else.”

Mukhopadhyay came to Belmont University for its outstanding education and to stay close to the poetry community she found in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I have always been an avid reader and started out writing songs,” she said. “I had never considered writing poetry until I felt like some of my song ideas would be better as poems.” With this realization, she wrote three poems and submitted them to the Youth Poet competition after much encouragement from her mother. Later on, the mentorship she developed with Nashville poet Bill Brown taught her more about the craft and made her fall in love with poetry. “That has always stayed with me, especially as I begin to write more personal and vulnerable work,” Mukhopadhyay explained.

Mukhopadhyay feels that the English department at Belmont has contributed much to her ability to see reading and writing in a larger and deeper context than before.

“Having professors that gave me the desire to learn about poetry has changed my life and its trajectory,” she shared.

After completing her book and poetry album tour this year, Mukhopadhyay hopes to teach English in South America and go to graduate school in the United Kingdom.

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