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

Home Blog Page 151

Belmont Nationally Recognized for Innovation, Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching

April Hefner
-
0
Belmont Nationally Recognized for Innovation, Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching

Belmont University appears numerous times in the 2020 rankings of America’s Best Colleges, a new analysis released today by U.S. News & World Report. The University was praised as the best in the state and No. 17 in the country for its “unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” placing Belmont in heady company with the likes of Duke and Gonzaga. Belmont was also recognized for the 12th year in a row for innovation as an institution and ranked seventh nationally for Learning Communities, among other accolades.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “The recognitions we’ve received from U.S. News and our peers across the country prove emphatically what I’ve known to be true for a long time: Belmont faculty are leading the way in higher education by providing unparalleled expertise in the classroom and with the overall curriculum. While these rankings are certainly gratifying, I am far more excited about what they represent, that Belmont students are receiving the highest quality education that will empower them to use their skills and abilities to live lives of meaning and purpose.”

In the publication released today, Belmont is lauded for the 12th year in a row for its commitment to “making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities,” landing at No. 33 on the “Most Innovative Schools” in the country list.

With its focus on student success, enriched curriculum offerings and strong outcomes, Belmont earned acclaim in the following categories as well:

  • Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching: Ranked 17th in the nation  
    • The strong commitment to undergraduate teaching ranking is determined via a survey of peer institutions, who cite their fellow institutions who best reflect that quality.
  • First Year Experience: Ranked 14th nationally
    • Belmont was one of only 21 colleges in the country recognized for building into the curriculum programming that helps freshmen connect to their institutions.
  • Learning Communities Ranked 7th of only 28 institutions recognized in the nation
    • In these communities, students typically take two or more linked courses as a group and get to know one another and their professors well.
  • Study Abroad: One of only 56 colleges in the country to be noted for intensive and robust study abroad programs
  • Senior Capstone: One of only 34 schools recognized in the country for these culminating experiences which ask students nearing the end of their college years to create a project of some sort that integrates and synthesizes what they’ve learned.
  • Service Learning: One of only 35 schools in the country recognized for service learning courses in which volunteering in the community is an instructional strategy – and a requirement of a student’s coursework.
  • Best Colleges for Veterans: Belmont was one of only two schools in the state to be recognized on the national list.
  • Best Value: Belmont ranked second highest in the state in its category for the quality of education versus the cost of attendance.

For the first time, Belmont was included this year in U.S. News list of National Universities rather than the Regional South category due to a recent reclassification by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Carnegie expanded its criteria for the national category to include universities who confer more than 30 professional practice doctoral degrees across two or more programs. With Belmont’s significant success in pharmacy, law, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing doctorate programs, the University was promoted to the larger and more competitive national category, landing in its debut year in the top 100 private institutions in the country and No. 166 overall. All in, U.S. News ranks and reports on more than 1,500 institutions of higher education across the United States in a number of national and regional categories.

Fashion Design Junior Justice Ybarra Designs Tour Attire for Alumnus Jake Wesley Rogers

Haley Charlton
-
0
Fashion Design Junior Justice Ybarra Designs Tour Attire for Alumnus Jake Wesley Rogers

Fashion Design Junior Justice Ybarra spent the summer with thread, needles, fabric and a vision. He was tasked with designing two tour outfits for singer/songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers, a 2018 Belmont alumnus. Currently on tour in Europe, Rogers will have his next fittings with Ybarra later this fall before wearing the new garb on the next leg of his tour in the U.S. 

Ybarra wanted to go into fashion because it allows him to tell a story in a tactile way. Most designers are trying to tell a story. Through music, Rogers is also trying to tell a story. The collaboration formed seamlessly.

Rogers was performing at a fundraising event on campus earlier this year where Ybarra met his manager. The two began talking, and Ybarra was able to show him a couple of recent projects, such as his Denim Days Collection, as well as a few mood boards.

Pattern Mock-Up of Ybarra's Design

Ybarra said Rogers is very open-minded. “I would describe him as soulful and spiritual. It was cool for us to work together and get to focus on bringing his wardrobe back to that Nashville setting,” he said. “Jake was going through a bunch of phases in his wardrobe. He liked for everything to be clear and transparent – like tulle, but he said he was ready for the next phase. So, I was able to create whatever I was feeling.”

Ybarra spent a day listening to Rogers on Spotify and watching videos of the way he moved around on stage while creating. He sent a mood board over to Rogers and his manager, and the team narrowed down five outfit options to the two that made the cut – softer, yet masculine.

Ybarra said his world has come full circle since he flew down from Michigan with friends as they attended their freshman orientation at Belmont a few summers ago. While in Nashville, he discovered O’More and decided to enroll.

Pattern Mock-Up of Ybarra's Design

When starting college, Ybarra did not have any background in fashion, nor did he know how to sew. Now, after working with professors at O’More and then Belmont after the O’More acquisition, Ybarra is confident enough to take on these real-world projects. He hopes to have the final products ready for Rogers in just a couple short months.

“Our professors are amazing with so much real world experience. I took pattern making and draping with Jenny Kemala, and she’s really good at giving loving critique and feedback. She is a core person in what we are all able to do,” Ybarra explained. “Kevin Couch teaches studio and design history. I’ve learned how to get inspiration from what is old and make it new again.”

Aside from the mock-up design made of muslin, Ybarra has produced a shell and will create another piece after Rogers’ last fitting with the final fabrics and lining. “You end up making a garmet at least three times,” he explained.

Ybarra’s source of inspiration changes from project to project. Sometimes it comes from his favorite designers like Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs. Sometimes it just depends on the story he is trying to tell or the brand he is representing.

Pattern Mock-Up of Ybarra's Design

And although this is technically Ybarra’s first “real-world” project, he did not really see it that way. “I think O’More and Belmont do a great job of making the in-class projects feel ‘real world,’ so this didn’t feel that new to me. They really help you stay on track and see how you can be successful,” he said. “But this project IS something I went out and did. The school brings us a lot of great projects, but this is special because I did it myself.”

Ybarra said he loves attending Belmont and getting to experience a more well-rounded education. His other classes have taught him skills he needs to be a successful designer beyond creating the designs.

He has also gained a sense of credibility after doing this project, especially when he told his friends who his client was. “They were really excited about it because they love Jake’s music,” he said. “This has been really fun for me, and it will be cool to go to his show in Nashville and see him wear my designs.”

After graduation, Ybarra plans to move to New York to further his career in fashion. His dream job is to work for Tommy Hilfiger or, if he is really dreaming, to work for Designer Brandon Maxwell. Wherever he lands, his time at Belmont has provided him the opportunity to get one amazing project in his portfolio.

Alumni Help Curb College Welcome More Than 100 New Songwriting Majors

Katie McAdams
-
0
Alumni Help Curb College Welcome More Than 100 New Songwriting Majors

Belmont University’s Department of Songwriting recently put on their annual back to school event at Historic Columbia Studio A, part of Belmont’s campus on Music Row. The department welcomed 107 freshman and transfer students in Fall 2019, bringing the total number of songwriting majors to nearly 350.

Alumnus Marcus Hummon speaking to students
Marcus Hummon speaking to students

Hosted by Songwriting Chair James Elliott and other faculty, the evening included a performance by 2019 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Marcus Hummon. The Grammy Award winning songwriter performed the number one song “Cowboy Take Me Away” that he co-wrote with Martie Seidel of the Dixie Chicks.

Another highlight of the evening was the warm welcome from several graduates of the Songwriting Program who have all signed major music publishing deals: Anna Vaus (Black River Music Publishing & CAA), Emily Falvey (Smack Songs) and Emily Weisband (This Music & Warner Brothers Records).

Drew Ramsey, Anna Vaus and James I. Elliott
Drew Ramsey, Anna Vaus and James I. Elliott

The alumnae told the students about their experiences at Belmont and how it prepared them for their emerging careers as songwriters and artists. There were also a few performances from songwriting majors who studied on the Month in London program.

Alumna Trisha Yearwood to Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’

April Hefner
-
0
Alumna Trisha Yearwood to Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’
Trisha Yearwood

Country superstar and Belmont alumna Trisha Yearwood will host the 10th annual “CMA Country Christmas,” the two-hour music celebration that airs on ABC during the holiday season. In addition to her hosting duties, Yearwood will also perform on the Christmas special, taking the stage for a night filled with Christmas classics and festive one-of-a-kind collaborations.

Joining Yearwood for “CMA Country Christmas” are Kristin Chenoweth, for KING & COUNTRY, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June, CeCe Winans, Brett Young and Chris Young.

“Music, memories and enjoying the season with loved ones are what make Christmastime so special,” said Yearwood. “Hosting ‘CMA Country Christmas’ is an opportunity to share joy and celebrate the holidays with friends and family everywhere.”

“CMA Country Christmas” will be taped Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center in Nashville. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, Sept. 6 at 10 AM/CT at CMAChristmas.com/tickets.

“CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and Jon Macks is the writer.

‘National Anthem’ Recorded at Belmont’s Ocean Way Studios for Nexstar’s Daily Broadcast

Haley Charlton
-
0
‘National Anthem’ Recorded at Belmont’s Ocean Way Studios for Nexstar’s Daily Broadcast

A new partnership with Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI®) and Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will produce an emerging artist series featuring a daily broadcast of the U.S. National Anthem.

The Star-Spangled Banner was once a staple on local television stations, signifying the beginning or end of the broadcast day. Nexstar is restoring this long-held tradition across 171 stations in 100 markets, beginning on Labor Day.

The new singer/songwriter series will showcase multiple renditions of the National Anthem by BMI’s emerging talented songwriters who recorded their own unique versions of the Star-Spangled Banner at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studios. Nexstar will leverage its leading distribution capabilities to deliver professionally produced music video recordings of the National Anthem to more than 43 million television households across the United States.

“Nexstar’s local teams take great pride in their ability to bring the local communities they serve together and that is why we are excited to partner with BMI and Belmont University to broadcast this new daily series featuring the Star-Spangled Banner that will air 365 days of each year,” stated Tim Busch, president of Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. “This unique collaboration supports higher education in business for the music and entertainment industry, while providing aspiring professional artists and songwriters a national distribution platform to showcase their respective talents. We look forward to returning the time-honored tradition of including the National Anthem in our stations’ broadcasts with this new partnership.”

The first group of songwriters to be featured include Nashville-based Brian Sutherland, Texas native Kristen Kelly and 2018 American Idol contestant Julia Cole. All musical genres will be highlighted during the series. 

“This unique partnership gives BMI’s songwriters a wonderful platform to showcase their vocal talent to viewers across the country,” said Dan Spears, vice president of industry relations at BMI. “We’re thrilled that Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business has generously provided its state-of-the-art recording studio, as well. I’m looking forward to hearing how our songwriters perform their own special rendition of one of the nation’s most beloved patriotic songs.”

Alumnus Named VP of A&R for New Empire Records Outpost in Nashville

April Hefner
-
0
Alumnus Named VP of A&R for New Empire Records Outpost in Nashville

School of Music alumnus Eric Hurt was named this week as the new vice president of A&R for EMPIRE, the San Francisco-based indie that’s home to current albums by Snoop Dogg, Iggy Azalea, Robin Thicke and Young Dolph. The label has launched a Nashville outpost with plans to release music by a slate of country artists.

Eric Hurt is tasked with signing and developing new talent in Nashville. Country artist Willie Jones arrives along with Hurt. Hurt had previously signed Jones to Black River Publishing, where he worked beginning in June 2017 and oversaw a catalog that boasted multiple hits.

Hurt reports directly to EMPIRE CEO and founder Ghazi Shami, who said, “EMPIRE is built on culture and authenticity. As we expand into country music, we believe Eric fits our company ethos and is an integral part of Nashville’s vibrant music industry. We look forward to empowering country music singers and songwriters for years to come.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at EMPIRE,” added Hurt. “Ghazi’s forward-thinking approach to launching and supporting artists will be a great addition to the Nashville market. As we continue building Willie Jones’ career, we’ll also grow and develop our roster in country with a diverse group of talent.”

Dudley to Sing for Rockefeller Arts Center 50th Anniversary Gala

Katie McAdams
-
0
Dudley to Sing for Rockefeller Arts Center 50th Anniversary Gala

Sandra Dudley, assistant professor of commercial voice, will return to the University of Fredonia, her alma mater, to perform at the 50th Anniversary Gala Performance for the Rockefeller Art Center. Dudley was selected to represent the 1980s graduates and sing in the program with a professional band.

Dudley studied classical voice at University of Fredonia and also performed jazz there from 1979-1983. She received her Master’s in Voice from the Eastman School of Music in 1985. Dudley is beginning her 25th year teaching at Belmont University in the College of Music and Performing Arts.

“I am thrilled to be going back to my alma mater to perform as part of this celebration,” shared Dudley. “I received a top notch education from Fredonia which then led me to countless professional opportunities. I am so looking forward to this wonderful experience.”

Arnie Malham Joins Massey College of Business as 2019-20 Entrepreneur in Residence

Haley Charlton
-
0
Arnie Malham Joins Massey College of Business as 2019-20 Entrepreneur in Residence

Arnie Malham believes in three concepts that can separate a good business from a great business: individual growth, abundance for the whole team and reverse paranoia, or the belief that the universe wants you to succeed.

Joining Belmont as the Jack C. Massey College of Business Entrepreneur in Residence for the 2019-2020 school year, Malham’s 24-year journey to build three businesses was anchored by his willingness to “get it wrong enough to finally get it right.”

In a convocation event held on campus, Malham gave advice for students and young entrepreneurs on building a remarkable company culture and growing from every mistake.

After being fired in 1994, Malham took his small side venture and made it his career, without a clue as to how to run a company. Armed with his belief that different is better than good, outliers are fascinating and mind-set is everything, he persevered. Thanks to countless business books and dozens of mentors, Malham put the momentum behind his company through a bold, culture-first approach.

He told students that outliers start to explain things going right in a business. They are opporunties nobody else sees. While the clients at cj Advertising were less glamorous than other ad agencies, the culture Malham built kept employees around for a long time. His company paid employees to read, sent birthday cards and money to their children and focused on training them to be the best in their field. He even used an anonymous tip line to find out his team wanted better toilet paper, and he made it happen.

Arnie Malham Talks with Students

cj Advertising grew to become the largest full-service brand-building agency in the country exclusively for law firms. Along the way, Malham also launched a call center named Legal Intake Professionals (LIP) in 2005 that was also strictly focused on serving personal injury law firms. Both businesses were sold to separate buyers in 2017, and Arnie turned all of his attention toward a concept that played a huge role in creating the successful culture of growth at both cj and LIP: BetterBookClub.com.

As Belmont’s Entrepreneur in Residence, Malham will be available to give one-on-one advising to students as they begin or continue in their entrepreneurial endeavors. He will also support other entrepreneurial programs in the Massey College of Business throughout the year. A seasoned entrepreneur rooted in Nashville, Malham will also act as a connector between Belmont and the larger Nashville community by bringing in speakers, connecting students with mentors and getting students engaged in other entrepreneurial events in the area.

“My goal as Entrepreneur in Residence is not to have the students learn from my mistakes, but rather to help them discover the compounding value of learning from their own mistakes while on their unique paths to personal and professional success,” said Malham. “I’m honored to be a small part of the ever increasing success and influence of Belmont’s Center for Entrepreneurship.”

Belmont has two EIRs each year, and Dan Hogan will continue his role from last year. Both he and Malham are available to meet with any student (of any major) for office hours in the Hatchery. They provide guidance on any question the students may have related to starting a business.

Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Elizabeth Gortmaker said it is a tremendous resource to have seasoned entrepreneurs provide this hands-on mentorship and allow the students to meet with someone from the community on a regular basis.

Elizabeth Gortmaker Talks to students about Center for Entrepreneurship
Elizabeth Gortmaker Talks to students about Center for Entrepreneurship

“Dan and Arnie are both very involved in Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) of Nashville. They both have great success stories and a huge heart for giving back to students and supporting young entrepreneurs,” she said. “After several meetings with Arnie, it became clear that he had the expertise and the heart for supporting our young entrepreneurs.”

A list of Malham’s additional achievements include:

  • EO Nashville Chapter Forum Six – 2004–present
  • EO Nashville Chapter, Learning Chair – 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018
  • Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Regional Finalist – 2009
  • EO Nashville Chapter, President – 2009
  • DiJulius Secret Service Summit, highest-rated speaker in event history – 2012
  • EO Entrepreneurial Masters Program – 2012
  • Nashville Business Journal’s Best in Business Awards winner – 2012
  • EO Nerve (regional conference), Learning Chair – 2015
  • Published “Worth Doing Wrong: The Quest to Build a Culture That Rocks” – 2016
  • Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs and Their Companies award winner – 2017

Malham said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to help these talented business leaders of tomorrow cheer for others, embrace the concept of a rising tide raising all ships and open their minds to a universe conspiring to help them succeed.”

Preview: 2019 Humanities Symposium to Explore Mankind and the Moon

Katie McAdams
-
0
Preview: 2019 Humanities Symposium to Explore Mankind and the Moon

Belmont University’s 18th annual Humanities Symposium will take place Sept. 15–23 with all events in Janet Ayers Academic Center on Belmont University’s campus. This year’s topic, “Mankind and the Moon: Inspiration, Aspiration and Imagination,” was inspired by this year’s 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Aspiring to cultivate a campus conversation about our topic, and as talk of missions to Mars and returns to the moon percolates, this year’s symposium gives us a chance to look to the future, even as we contemplate the long past of our fascination with space and the moon. 

Presentations by Belmont faculty and guest speakers have an interdisciplinary range, as seen in the program. This year’s topic also allows a broad exploration of the relationship between the humanities and the sciences, and of how imagination and space flight, poetry and science have built a pathway between humans and the moon. 

The keynote talk will be by Dr. Noel Boyle. Presentations and panels with special guest speakers include:

  • Dr. James Hansen, author of First Man, the authorized biography of Neil Armstrong
  • Dr. Rhea Seddon, space shuttle astronaut, surgeon and health care leader, and member of the first class of women astronauts
  • Professor Margaret Lazarus Dean, chair of creative writing at University of Tennessee Knoxville
  • Dr. Wyman Williams, chief of the Space Systems Office, Georgia Tech University 
  • Dr. Robert Scherrer, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
  • Professors Mark Schoon and Casey McGuire, Department of Art, University of West Georgia 

English Professor Marcia McDonald shared, “In addition to our stellar lineup of guest speakers and faculty, we have outstanding contributions from Belmont students as well, including presentations on moon soundscapes from Oregon, the moon in Chinese culture, the moon in contemporary popular culture, a panel by the Science and Religion Club, as well as an open discussion led by Philologoi, the Philosophy Club.”  

As a prelude to the Symposium, the School of Humanities sponsors a film series. This year’s series includes films ranging from a 1929 German film to the 2018 First Man.

More details are provided about the symposium on Belmont’s website. Most of this year’s events offer convocation credit and are listed in the Belmont Calendar.

Rotich Co-Authors Article for Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology

Katie McAdams
-
0
Rotich Co-Authors Article for Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology

Dr. Emily Rotich, a fellow in the Department of Biology, co-authored a peer-reviewed article, “Biological control of powdery mildew on Cornus florida using endophytic Bacillus thuringiensis,” in Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology.

The article explores how bacteria isolated from dogwood trees can be used as an effective biological control agent in the fight against powdery mildew disease. 

Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology is an international journal which publishes the results of scientific research and other information relevant to the discipline of plant pathology as review papers, research articles, notes and disease reports.

1...150151152...888Page 151 of 888
Belmont University Logo | News & Media

CONTACT US

University Marketing and Communications
615-460-6650
communication@belmont.edu

FOLLOW US