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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Barnard Speaks at USA College Day in London

Haley Charlton
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Barnard Speaks at USA College Day in London

Belmont Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education Dr. Mimi Barnard was recently invited to speak at the USA College Day in London.

Barnard and Claire Wilkins, director of International Admissions at Temple University, co-led a seminar on September 28 entitled, “US vs. UK Universities: What’s the Difference?” Barnard presented on curricular and co-curricular differences between American and U.K. institutions, including high-impact practices, such as undergraduate research, service learning, internships and study abroad.

Barnard said, “Belmont’s national reputation for study abroad has increased over the last several years, which was a precursor to being invited to serve as an IIE panelist—my two partner presenters were from the University System of Georgia. And, it was an honor to be invited to speak at USA College Day. I enjoyed sharing information about Belmont, and I look forward to increasing opportunities for recruiting international students, as well as American students who live abroad. It brings global perspective in the classroom that is beneficial to everyone.”

Organized by the US-UK Fulbright Commission in partnership with the University of South Florida, USA College Day is the largest U.S. university fair in Europe, and more than 4,500 prospective undergraduate students and their families attended the two-day event.

On September 26, Barnard also served as a webinar panelist for The Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education (CASSIE), hosted by the Institute for International Education (IIE) prior to USA College Day. During the webinar, entitled “Making Evidence-Based Decisions: Using Data to Advance International Education,” Barnard spoke about her experiences leveraging data to advocate for institutional change, using the embedding of study abroad in the Honors Program as an example.

CASSIE is led by the University System of Georgia (USG) in coordination with the Institute of International Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s International and Foreign Language Education Office. CASSIE is a research partnership to study the impact of international education experiences – study abroad, taking a foreign language, Title VI program participation–on student success outcomes.

Searcy Speaks at Breaking Barriers Conference

Katie McAdams
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Searcy Speaks at Breaking Barriers Conference

Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy spoke on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the Breaking Barriers 2019 Conference presented by Ad Women for All Women (AWFAW). AWFAW is a program aspiring to introduce young women to the opportunities available in advertising, ignite their passion for advertising and support them as they endeavor to become a part of it.

“Is the barrier real or in your head? We have to address our own interior barriers, as well as exterior ones,” said Searcy.

Other Breaking Barriers Speakers included President and Founder of MAC Presents Marcie Allen, President and CEO of duGard Communications Perri duGard Owens and BOHAN President and CEO Shari Day. The conference presented statistics surrounding women and advertising such as 7 out of 10 women say they feel alienated by advertising and 91% of female consumers feel advertisers do not understand them.

Searcy poses with flowers at Belmont
Joyce Searcy, Director of Community Relations at Belmont University

At Belmont, Searcy identifies and cultivates alliances with neighborhoods, community groups, organizations, businesses and government entities in Nashville to increase the effectiveness of Belmont University’s outreach and service initiatives.

‘Mr. Darwin’s Tree,’ Acclaimed British One-Man Play, To Be Staged at Belmont

Haley Charlton
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‘Mr. Darwin’s Tree,’ Acclaimed British One-Man Play, To Be Staged at Belmont

Mr. Darwin’s Tree, the acclaimed British one-man play that explores the life and work of Charles Darwin within the context of science, faith and family, is coming to Belmont University’s Troutt Theater on October 26 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Produced by Scholarship & Christianity In Oxford (SCIO), the U.K. subsidiary of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), the performance will engage attendees in the important conversation on science and religion. The play is coming to Belmont as part of the “Bridging the Two Cultures of Science & the Humanities II” grant program with the SCIO institue, awarded to Physics Professor Dr. Scott Hawley. Belmont Provost Thomas Burns and Vice President of Spiritual Development Todd Lake have also participated in the program for the past couple of years.

Written by noted playwright and director Murray Watts (The Miracle Maker, KJB: The Book that Changed the World, The Dream) and starring leading British film, TV and theatre actor Andrew Harrison (Dorian Gray, Miss Marple, Beyond Narnia), Mr. Darwin’s Tree has been described as “a brilliant, fast-paced and beautifully detailed performance” (“Church Times”). Both Watts and Harrison will visit Belmont’s campus and host a workshop to help students explore the life and work of Charles Darwin and his impact on science and religion.

“We are fortunate that both the Belmont College of Sciences & Mathematics and Theology & Christian Ministry are comprised of Christian faculty who celebrate the fact that God used evolution to bring about the rich diversity of the Creation,” said Lake. “This play vividly enacts the very first encounter of Darwin’s theory and Christian thought, showing just how high the stakes are when brilliant science and biblical faith encounter one another.”

“Discussing creation and evolution in abstract terms often leads to polarized and emotional debates,” said Stan Rosenberg, SCIO’s executive director and the CCCU’s vice president for scholarship and research. “Seeing these issues in their historical context and connected to real people, by contrast, helps us to understand the complexity of the issues and to discuss them in more nuanced and less confrontational ways.”

Mr. Darwin’s Tree presents a very human and very real Charles Darwin, one who wrestled with the challenges that his theories posed for traditional beliefs. It also presents Darwin’s wife, Emma, as an intelligent and articulate representative of Christian faith. In doing so, the play rejects the “straw man” effigies of Darwin presented by both his extreme protagonists and antagonists, providing the opportunity for lively engagement, thoughtful conversations and fresh explorations.

Mr. Darwin's Tree poster

Since its 2009 premiere, Mr. Darwin’s Tree has had highly successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival in 2011 and at the King’s Head Theatre, London, in 2012. It has travelled to Oxford, Cambridge, St. Andrews and many other universities, colleges and theatres in both the U.K. and the U.S. The latest U.S. is underwritten by Templeton Religion Trust and the Blankemeyer Foundation.

The October 26 performance will be at 7 p.m., followed by a reception and discussion with the playwright and leading campus academics. Admission is free.

Learn more at www.mrdarwinstree.com or http://www.scio-uk.org.

About SCIO: Scholarship and Christianity In Oxford (SCIO), the U.K. subsidiary of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), is a research and educational institute in Oxford, England. It strives to serve CCCU institutions in North America and elsewhere and the undergraduate, graduate and faculty members of those institutions by producing and supporting scholarship of the highest standards. It offers two rigorous study abroad programs, the Scholars’ Semester in Oxford and Oxford Summer Programme, which enable undergraduates and a few graduates to develop academically and experience scholarly life at a major research university. It runs an increasing number of faculty-focused research projects, with a particular focus on the relationship between science and religion and on ancient texts. For more information, visit http://www.scio-uk.org/ and http://www.scio-uk.org/bridging-two-cultures/.

About the CCCU: The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of more than 180 Christian institutions around the world. With campuses across the globe, including more than 150 in the U.S. and Canada and more than 30 from an additional 18 countries, CCCU institutions are accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities whose missions are Christ-centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith. Most also have curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. The CCCU’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Visit www.cccu.org for more information.

‘Anything But Ordinary,’ BOLD Hosts Annual Bruin Lead Experience

April Hefner
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‘Anything But Ordinary,’ BOLD Hosts Annual Bruin Lead Experience

During the first few days of October, the Belmont Office of Leadership Development (BOLD) hosted the annual Bruin Lead experience.  Two options were hosted back to back as faculty and 120 students were able to come together to learn and practice exemplary leadership using the Student Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. Seventeen staff members and graduate students helped facilitate leadership workshops for Belmont students from every year with eight different colleges represented.  

Learning about leadership on campus is anything but ordinary. Each workshop is filled with interactive, hands-on experiences that helped participants learn by doing. For example, participants had the opportunity to create physical movements to match their top personal values, challenge themselves to be innovative in the way they help groups achieve a common goal via an obstacle course and collaborate with students to develop ways to encourage and praise others who are striving to be leaders.

This year, graduate students who are participating in BOLD’s Graduate Opportunities in Leadership Development (GOLD) experience, were challenged as they helped guide undergraduate students through this portion of their leadership journey.  This semester alone 117 Belmont graduate students have engaged in BOLD’s GOLD experience and are on track to earn their certificate in leadership. 

As defined by BOLD, leadership at Belmont University is, “A values-driven process of individuals from diverse backgrounds working together to boldly and ethically engage and transform the world.” Students were able to apply this definition as they learned to be a role model for their peers. By modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act and encouraging the heart, these aspiring student leaders studied and put into action behaviors and skills needed to demonstrate exemplary leadership on and off campus. The overall hope is that students increase leadership behaviors that are proven to bring out the best in themselves and others. 

Bruin Lead 2019

One student participate commented, “The path to being a good leader is long and continuous. There’s always something to be learned or a skill to be improved upon,” while another noted, ““Fostering relationships and focusing on yourself in order to help others is key.”

The Bruin Lead experience occurs each fall semester. BOLD’s next major event is the Leadership Lately convocation series starting on October 28. BOLD also is hosting Tower Talks beginning on October 31. At this convocation, students who have progressed through the BOLD process will share their own transformational leadership stories.  Students may join BOLD and the GOLD experience in Bruin Link. Contact the BOLD office at bold@belmont.edu.  

University Ministries Encourages Students to “Live a Better Story”

Haley Charlton
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University Ministries Encourages Students to “Live a Better Story”

One of the University Ministries team’s hopes for students’ time at Belmont is that they will begin to consider how their Christian faith will shape all aspects of their lives – their work, their family, their hobbies and even their finances. Each year, the team launches the “Living a Better Story” initiative to encourage students to steward their financial resources for the good of their neighbors.

At the end of chapel earlier this semester, almost 1,000 students received an envelope with an information card and a $10 bill, provided by an anonymous donor. The students were then invited to think about ways they could use their small stories, day-by-day, to be a part of God’s work. They thought about how to “pay it forward” or how they could multiply their money, such as using the $10 for bake sale ingredients and donating the profits.

University Minister Heather Daugherty said Living a Better Story helps students learn how to be generous with a small amount of money. “We hope that what you receive today becomes something that shows you what it means to live your life with open hands, to give your gifts to others and to be a part of God’s restoring and redeeming work in the world,” she said.

Each year the program’s outcome looks a little different. One year, a student used his or her money to buy face paint supplies and painted faces at the park. The student continued to reinvest in supplies and ended up raising a good bit of money to donate to his or her chosen organization.

Katie McAdams with her note for Shawn

The initiative gives students the chance to practice stewardship. Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation Josh TenHaken-Riedel said, “While the focus is on stewarding our money, I hope more than anything that students come to see that all we have, not just our money, is a gift from God. We are invited to use our gifts to bless, serve and love others. Hopefully this program prompts them to consider the gifts God has given them and who they are called to love more intentionally.”

This year, one student decided to gift the money to someone who has made an impact on her life, even if in a small way. Every day on her way to the gym, she drives past a joyful man named Shawn who sells “The Contributor” newspaper. She explained that he always greets her with a smile, a thumbs up or a wave and a “God Bless You,” but she has never seen anyone buy a newspaper from him or ask him how he is doing.

Shawn

“Shawn is a constant reminder to me of the simplicity of joy. Standing on a street corner in the blistering Nashville heat of August, he somehow manages to continuously radiate positivity and gratitude. His undying eagerness and constant friendly presence is something that makes me smile just thinking about it,” said junior Katie McAdams. “I was longing to make an impact with this money and help someone in need. During my drive to the gym that very next day, I saw Shawn smiling at me through my windshield.”

The student knew how she wanted to reinvest her money the moment she saw him that day. She parked her car down the road and walked over to see Shawn. She told him how his kindness and positivity had made her day time and time again. She bought one of his $2 newspapers and asked that he keep the change.

“In awe of his impact and the donation, Shawn hugged me and thanked me for stopping to share that with him,” she said. “Shawn lives his life from love and is fervently grateful for all things and shows incredible joy to all those who have the privilege to meet him. Through this experience, I’ve found that living a better story doesn’t require a mission trip to Africa or volunteering in a soup kitchen, although those are wonderful activities to take part in. It’s amazing to see how God works through us to make an impact in ways that we don’t understand.”

Rogers Travels to India with Fulbright Scholarship

Katie McAdams
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Rogers Travels to India with Fulbright Scholarship

Through the support of a Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Scholarship in 2012, Assistant Professor of Photography Christine Rogers traveled to India for the first time and began a body of work called The Switzerland of India and an artist residency over a period of nine months. She recieved a second Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Scholarship to India in 2018.

On her first trip, Rogers focused on ideas of imagined landscapes, mental projections upon landscape photographs, the middle class domestic tourist industry of India, the history and politics of representational landscapes in India, love, honeymooners, snow, cold weather and more.

After nine months in India, Rogers knew she would be back as she had grown to love India immensely. “There is never a dull moment in India: the kindness of the people, the beauty, the energy, the complexity. The contemporary art in India continues to amaze me, as well as the layers of history that are always present,” she said.

Photo at an Indian Snow Theme Park
Photo taken by Christine Rogers at snow theme park in India.

For her most recent project called “This Strange Eventful History,” Rogers researched for and developed a new body of work about the Indo-American Ice trade of the 1830s and contemporary snow theme parks in India in the context of a warming planet. Rogers worked with historians, artists, descendants of Indian trading families, port security officers and ice delivery men to revisit this somewhat forgotten thread of history as a way of building this body of work.

In nearly every large city she visited, there seemed to be a snow theme park she could photograph. To Rogers, this work is about remembering and forgetting, the common ground of photography and ice, and the ways in which people know each other and are connected through something as unlikely as ice.

During her most recent trip in 2018, Rogers was able to give a talk at the American Centre in Kolkata (a wing of the Consulate General in Kolkata), a talk at the Gallery and Artist Residency 1Shanthiroad Gallery in Bangalore and at the Jadunath Bhavan Museum and Resource Centre in Kolkata. She also had a solo exhibition of this new body of work at the Jadunath Bhavan Museum and Resource Centre.

Boy standing near water
Photo Taken by Christine Rogers in India

Rogers said she has been fortunate in her career to not only visit India multiple times and create art there, but to be able to share her love of the country with her students. Rogers and Theology Professor Dr. Beth Ritter-Conn have co-led a maymester to India every year since 2017. An additional course in intercultural communication will be offered, as Communications Department Chai Dr. Nathan Webb will be joining the trip. “Being able to take students to India has been a true joy and adventure, and it is always wonderful to see students fall in love with India, too,” Rogers shared.

To students considering the study abroad opportunity to India in May, Rogers encouraged, “Take the leap! India is an amazing place, and to be able to travel there on a maymester is a great way to really get to know the country and learn a lot. It’s such a complex and multifaceted country that having the support of the maymester, a group of new friends and the wonderful classes that are offered will enrich and enliven your experience. Once you’re in India, have an open mind, no expectations for what any given day may bring, be open to a change of plans, a sense of adventure and a sense of humor. Go see a Bollywood movie, have a cup of South Indian filter coffee, go for a long walk in an urban green space, breathe, look around. The rest will follow!”

Belmont Alumna Moves to India to Intern With IJM

Katie McAdams
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Belmont Alumna Moves to India to Intern With IJM

Kate Wurm, a May 2019 graduate of Belmont University’s Religion and the Arts program, is committed to a year-long volunteer communications internship with International Justice Mission (IJM) in Mumbai, India.

IJM is a global organization with a plan to eliminate the slave trade everywhere. As an intern, Wurm reports rescues to IJM’s headquarters, gathers and sends out a weekly update within the office, curates details and photos stories to be published and works on website design, among other projects.

After speaking about her passions for India and storytelling in class, Wurm was encouraged by Dr. Wayne Barnard, psychology lecturer and director of student ministries for IJM, to learn more about IJM. Barnard had explained IJM’s mission and mentioned their internships available in India. A few months later, Wurm was accepted for the internship position.

Photo taken by Kate Wurm in Kochi, India

Initially, Wurm was overwhelmed with joy just to be in India again, but after attending IJM’s intern orientation in June, Wurm fell in love with the organization. She said, “The employees were incredible. The orientation was thoughtfully planned. The other interns were inspiring. The first day of orientation blew my mind. The statistics about how many people are currently enslaved around the world made my heart ache. I really love the heart of IJM. It’s not exactly what they do that drew me in, but how they do it. They are a humble, yet extremely professional nonprofit.”

Wurm shared that her education at Belmont University prepared her for this opportunity in a number of ways. The theology classes she took equipped her with literature about compassion and empathy towards others. She took communications courses focusing on interpersonal communication and public speaking, and she finds herself applying the knowledge she acquired in those courses to her work with IJM.

During her time at Belmont, Wurm also was a member of the Orientation Council, a role taken on by upperclassmen to prepare for and lead new students as they transition to college life. She explained, “That specific role shaped me in more ways than I could ever explain. I grew so much as a leader and as a team player.”

May 2019 graduate Kate Wurm with a classmate during the study abroad trip to India in May 2018.

“Most obviously, my study abroad trip to India prepared me for my internship with IJM in India. That trip gave me a taste of all that India is, but spending time there before accepting the position with IJM gave me an insight as to what life would possibly look like living abroad,” explained Wurm.

In May 2018, she traveled through Belmont University’s study abroad opportunity to India. She studied photography and writing while having the opportunity to visit artist residences, parks filled with temples and monkeys, islands and coffee plantations.

One of the most unique and unforgettable moments Wurm experienced during her time in India was a home visit. One of her friends on the trip had a connection to a family in India who happened to live down the street from where Belmont students and faculty were staying at the time. After attempting to call, they decided to walk over with high hopes and simply knock on the door. They were greeted by an older woman who gleefully invited them into her home.

Belmont students Kate Wurm and Mary Puls with hosts of a home visit during their study abroad trip to India in May 2018.

Wurm shared, “She spoke very little English, but she was extremely happy to host us. “The Big Bang Theory” played in the background on her television as we drank tea and attempted to communicate using hand motions and slow speech. Later, she called her friends down the street, asking them to join us. In minutes, they came bursting through the front door with a bag of fresh mangos in their hands for us, ecstatic to see us. Despite the language barriers and far-fetched family-friend connection, our host and her guests were incredibly welcoming.”

Photo taken by Kate Wurm of two Indian girls in Chennai, India
Photo taken by Kate Wurm in Chennai, India

When asked what made her want to return to India, Wurm answered, “Everything. Mainly the people and knowing that I would be taking pictures again. Once I returned from India, it was hard to pick up my camera and go out to take photos because nothing measured up to what I was creating in India. It felt as though creatively, I peaked in India, which I’m honestly quite okay with. I’m so happy to be back.”

Motion Pictures Students, Graduates Find Success at Nashville Film Festival

April Hefner
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Motion Pictures Students, Graduates Find Success at Nashville Film Festival

Eight current students and recent alumni from Belmont’s Motion Pictures Department recently participated in the Nashville Film Festival. In fact, Ethan Ron, a 2019 graduate, won the award for “Best Tennessee Feature” at the 2019 Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Contest for his spec script, Rum Runners,

“This is an honor I share with the entire Belmont MOT program, both students and faculty, as the winning script was written during my Screenwriting II course taught by [Jeff Phillips] back in Spring 2018,” Ron said. “I’m excited to share this victory with you and hope that more students get to participate in this awesome contest in the future.”

Assistant Professor of Motion Pictures Jeff Phillips also wrote the short film, “Every 2 minutes,” which was screened at the festival. In addition, seven other students and alumni had films screened at the festival in the NextGen Program and Tennessee Shorts categories:

In God’s Image by Madison Bishop (alumna)
Wolves of Walter E. Middle by Brenna (Adams) Emery (alumna)
Above Ground, Below Ground (Au-dessus du sol—sous terre) by Cole Marvin (current student)
Dalia by Alexa Campbell (alumna)
Hit by Cars by Riley Wymer (alum)
Two Thousand Dollar Friend by Wil Kelly (alum)
Seeds by Ryan Harrelson (alumna)

Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans to Appear as Guest Artists for Nationally Broadcast ‘Christmas at Belmont’

Haley Charlton
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Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans to Appear as Guest Artists for Nationally Broadcast ‘Christmas at Belmont’

Featuring guest artists Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans, the annual “Christmas at Belmont” production of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites will be taped at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center for the last time later this fall. Nearly 800 student musicians will join voices with Belmont School of Music faculty and the Nashville Children’s Choir for the University’s 17th consecutive “Christmas at Belmont” to be shown on PBS.

Produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), “Christmas at Belmont” will air nation-wide on PBS on Monday, December 23 at 8 p.m. CT/ 9 p.m. ET. Nashville Public Television will also air the holiday spectacular on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. CT, along with many stations around the country (check local listings for times).

Among the groups to be featured in this year’s edition of “Christmas at Belmont” are the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Jazz Ensemble and Bluegrass Ensemble, as well as mass choir. The performance includes both classic holiday music such as “Joy to the World” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” as well as festive seasonal songs like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “White Christmas,” to name a few.

Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher said Belmont is delighted to have Winans and Smith, both former Belmont Trustees and Applause Award honorees, serve as guest performers for this year’s “Christmas at Belmont.” “These artists have been longtime supporters of the University and our students. We are thrilled to have their artistic caliber at the forefront of our annual show and for our students to have their model of musical expertise and Christian commitment to look up to,” he said. “We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Nashville Public Television that brings the tremendous talent of our world-class School of Music to a national audience.”

“It’s been along time coming but it’s finally here,” said Winans. “I get a chance to be a part of one of the most wonderful events of the year – Christmas at Belmont! Merry Christmas!”

The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans has influenced a generation of gospel and secular vocalists over the course of her astonishing career. She’s been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame, in addition to being named a Trailblazer of Soul by BMI and garnering multiple NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards, Essence Awards and more. She’s sold in excess of 5 million albums in the U.S., topping the Gospel charts repeatedly while crossing over with smashes like “Count On Me,” her stunning duet with Whitney Houston from the multi-platinum ‘Waiting To Exhale’ soundtrack.

Michael W. Smith said, “I am extremely thrilled to be a part of Christmas at Belmont this year. So much talent at this amazing school. And to finally get to do something together that involves Christmas music is a dream come true.”

During Michael W. Smith’s storied career, he’s not only been honored with three Grammy Awards, 45 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and has sold more than 15 million albums, he’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa alongside longtime friend Bono, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Nashville to meet and find hope, and has helped more than 70,000 children’s lives through Compassion International.

“‘Christmas at Belmont’ is one of our favorite projects here at NPT,” said Kevin Crane, president and CEO of Nashville Public Television. “Working with the talented students of Belmont’s School of Music, as well as the dedicated faculty and stellar guest hosts, is a highlight of the holiday season. This year, with the spotlight on Music City after Ken Burns’ ‘Country Music,’ we are especially pleased to bring this Nashville tradition to our fellow PBS stations.”

The performance and taping of “Christmas at Belmont” returns for the sixth and final time to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, one of the few venues in the world featuring natural lighting and state-of-the-art acoustics, including motorized acoustic drapes and an acoustical isolation joint that encircles the entire concert hall and prevents sound waves traveling into or out of the hall. Starting in 2021, “Christmas at Belmont” will be taped in Belmont’s new World-Class Performing Arts Center.

Dean of the College of Music and Performing Arts Dr. Stephen Eaves said, “With our excellent guest artists and talented School of Music faculty and students, we hope to inspire audiences to pause and embrace the joy and true meaning of this Christmas season. It is our privilege to partner with Nashville Public Television and PBS to share this musical celebration with families across the country.”

About Nashville Public Television:

Nashville Public Television, Nashville’s PBS station, is available free and over-the-air to nearly 2.4 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky viewing area. NPT’s three broadcast channels are NPT, the main channel; secondary channel NPT2; and NPT3, a 24/7 PBS Kids channel. NPT is also available to anyone in the world through its array of NPT digital services, including wnpt.org, YouTube channels and the PBS video app. NPT provides, through the power of traditional television and interactive digital communications, quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve. Join the conversation at facebook.com/nashvillepublictelevision, on Twitter @npt8 and on Instagram @nashvillepubtv.

About Belmont University

Nationally ranked and consistently recognized as a “Most Innovative” university by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is home to nearly 8,500 students who come from every state and more than 36 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The University’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 95 areas of undergraduate study, more than 25 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual’s horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

Dishman’s Band Sister Sadie Makes History Winning IBMA Award for ‘Vocal Group of the Year’

April Hefner
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Dishman’s Band Sister Sadie Makes History Winning IBMA Award for ‘Vocal Group of the Year’

Bluegrass music held its biggest yearly awards and convention last week in Raleigh, North Carolina, the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA). It was a historic night for bluegrass band Sister Sadie, which includes Belmont staff member Tina Adair Dishman, director of Curb College Academic Advising. After a monumental year, the band was awarded one of the biggest accolades of the night, “Vocal Group of the Year.” This is the first time in the show’s 30 years that an all-female band has received this honor. It also marks the very first win for Sister Sadie as a band.

“It is such an honor and complete humbling experience to be recognized by all of our peers in Bluegrass for best vocal group of the year,” says Sister Sadie. “Every band nominated in this category is more than deserving of this award. We hope that we represent what this award is all about to the best of our ability for everyone! Thanks to all who voted for us, play our music on the radio, come out to see our shows or just love us from afar.”

Sister Sadie is made up of critically-acclaimed singer Dale Ann Bradley, Tina Adair, ACM winner Deanie Richardson and Gena Britt. Prior to forming the band, each member already had roots planted deep within the genre. They formed after a ‘one-night only’ performance at the Station Inn in Nashville, which later developed into Sister Sadie.

With the release of their sophomore project, Sister Sadie II, the group has had a breakout year. Earlier in 2019, they were a finalist for “Best Bluegrass Album” at the Grammys, traveling to Los Angeles to walk the red carpet and attend the awards. Another bucket list item happened in March, when they made their debut on the legendary Grand Ole Opry. During the performance, they did a stripped-down version of their song “900 Miles” which was met with a standing ovation. As a result, they have been invited back several times since.

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