Director of Instructional Technology Dr. Geoff Price recently received the Hall of Fame Award from Blackboard at the organization’s annual worldwide conference, held this summer in Austin, Texas.
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes Blackboard’s exceptional client partners who are committed to advancing education through their leadership, innovation and passion. Price was honored as a client who demonstrates achievements in providing thought leadership or innovation in education and who excels at empowering the Blackboard Community .
Dr. Jessie Mills was awarded the David G. Greathouse Scholarship at the hooding ceremony for the School of Physical Therapy.
The David G. Greathouse Scholarship was established by STAR Physical Therapy to honor the founding chair of Belmont School of Physical Therapy. The award is given to the student who best demonstrates leadership, scholarship and exemplary clinical performance. Dr. Dave Landers and Lisa Schwartz from STAR presented the award.
Dr. Lester Receives Award
Dr. Clint Lester is the 2019 recipient of the Orthopedic Clinical Excellence Award provided by Results Physiotherapy.
This award recognizes a graduating physical therapy student who demonstrates excellence in manual therapy, professionalism, active participating in the profession, innovation and a humble spirit. Dr. Craig O’Neil from Results Physiotherapy presented the award.
Dr. Ashley Campbell, class of 2011, was recognized as the College of Health Sciences’ Outstanding Alumna at the School of Physical Therapy hooding ceremony prior to August commencement.
Dr. Campbell is the director of rehabilitation at the Nashville Hip Institute. She is an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties board-certified sport clinical specialist and a certified strength and conditioning specialist, in addition to other sports-related certifications.
Dr. Campbell is the associate editor and manuscript coordinator for the International Journal of Sport Physical Therapy. She is an instructor for the North American Sports Medicine Institute, as well as an adjunct instructor in the Belmont School of Physical Therapy.
Campbell has presented her research nationally and internationally. At the 2018 International Hip Arthroscopy Meeting, both her poster and her platform presentation were awarded the “Best Research Presentation.”
More than 3,200 people enjoyed a lively conversation about songwriting and perseverance Wednesday night as country music stars Garth Brooks and Ashley McBryde participated in an in-depth conversation for an upcoming podcast series. The Tennessean’s Cindy Watts moderated the podcast recording, interviewing Brooks and McBryde about their path to becoming songwriters, their process now and the musical heroes –and songs–that have inspired them along the way.
The forthcoming podcast series, “Country Mile,” is being produced by The Tennessean (part of the USA TODAY NETWORK) and Belmont University in support of the September release of the new Ken Burns’s documentary on “Country Music.”
Ashley McBryde on stage for a podcast interview at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, August 21, 2019.
Garth Brooks is the top-selling solo artist in U.S. history thanks to the songs he sings – many of which he wrote. Ashley McBryde, the Academy of Country Music’s reigning New Female Vocalist, is one of the hottest voices in country music and one of the genre’s most compelling storytellers.
The multi-part “Country Mile” podcast series, recorded at some of Nashville’s most iconic venues, will also feature Marty Stuart, Chris Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, High Valley, Vince Gill, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Tenille Townes and more participating in conversations about the genre. “Country Mile,” which is scheduled to be released next month, will be available on iTunes, Spotify and online throughout the USA TODAY Network.
Dr. Joel Overall, assistant professor of English and director of the department’s internship program, was recently quoted in a University Business Magazine article about remote internships.
The article, titled “Remote internships: Planning for and supporting students”, focuses primarily on six steps for making digital internships work. Dr. Overall offered his expertise as an internship coordinator in establishing communication requirements and identifying the characteristics of a successful digital intern.
In the article, Overall is quoted saying, “A college’s internship director should Skype or call the company supervisor ‘to establish expectations for communication with the student, which should be often and substantial.’ The supervisor needs to understand that the student’s compensation is the educational opportunity that the organization provides.”
Dr. Steve Guthrie, theology professor, contributed the concluding essay of a recently published book exploring the work of the eminent Eastern Orthodox theologian, Father Alexander Schmemann.
Dr. Natalie Michaels, occupational therapy professor, and Dr. Nancy Darr, physical therapy professor, presented a fun-filled aquatic exercise session with the Nashville Dolphins summer camp on August 5.
Michaels and Darr were joined by physical therapy students Courtney Alama, Emily Averitt and Mallorie Sweat who performed aerobic exercises for children attending the camp.
Nashville Dolphins campers participated in aquatic exercise with Belmont faculty and students.
The Nashville Dolphins is a group of dedicated individuals, under the direction of Megan Kelly, who bring aquatic activity to children and adults with special needs.
More than a dozen children and young adults exercised in the water with Belmont professors and students. They reported having “a blast,” and workers at the facility commented on the dedication and professionalism of Belmont students.
More than 2,000 incoming students at Belmont University were introduced to the city they now call home through helping those in need with their peers on August 20. Many of the local metro schools, Nashville General Hospital at Meharry, Legacy Mission Village and nearly 50 other local organizations received aid from Belmont students during an annual Welcome Week program known as “Serve.”
Incoming Belmont students go out into the community and SERVE at Nashville General Hospital at Meharry
Each year, new students at Belmont University are provided with the opportunity to volunteer their time and dive into the special community of Nashville with more than 200 upperclassmen student leaders accompanying them. Students spent the day helping with tasks such as organizing hospital supplies, applying fresh paint to buildings and picking up trash in multiple areas.
Student leader CJ Waligurski said one of the most rewarding things about guiding students through their first week of college is seeing their transition. “At the beginning, all of them enter nervous and don’t know each other. But at one point, I was able to just sit back and watch. It was the coolest thing to see how they were talking with each other and encouraging each other,” he explained. “It is such a special opportunity to see how this day of service builds strong connections between new students.”
Mayor Briley addresses Belmont students before sending them off to serve the Nashville community
Before departing for their service sites, Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher and Nashville Mayor David Briley addressed the group. As an institution committed to serving others, both speakers led into the meaning of community service as it pertains to Nashville and more specifically, Belmont.
“As Nashville has grown and changed, one thing remains consistent,” said Briley. “Folks here want to take care of each other. We are counting on you to continue that tradition. Today, we start off in that endeavor.”
Students package diapers at the Nashville Diaper Connection in partnership with Legacy Mission Village
Freshman Jillian McNabb spent her day with Legacy Mission Village and Nashville Diaper Connection packaging diapers to be given away and shared. “It’s so cool that we are given the opportunity to have fun while getting to know our peers and doing important work,” she said.
Journey After School Program Director Tim Mwizerwa from Legacy Mission Village shared, “We need a large number of qualified volunteers to accomplish our mission. Our partnership with Belmont has really been an incredible resource for us and for the students we serve. We love our Belmont volunteers.”
Five Belmont faculty and staff presented at the Lilly Conference on College Teaching in Ashville, North Carolina August 5-7. Participants included faculty from Pharmacy, Mathematics, Music Business, Computer Science and the Teaching Center. The 2019 conference theme was Innovative Strategies to Advance Learning.
Dr. Bill Hooper, computer science professor, provided a poster entitled “The Teaching Transaction: New Approaches to an Old Problem” during the interactive poster session.
Dr. Angela Clauson, director of experiential education in the College of Pharmacy, presented a session on “Utilizing TEAMMATES as a Way to Effectively and Efficiently Administer Team Peer Feedback” and also a poster, “Using an Audio Interview to Expose Pharmacy Students to Other Health Professionals,” that was included in the poster session.
Dr. Mike Pinter, professor in the Teaching Center and College of Mathematics, offered a presentation entitled “How Can That Be?: Motivating Learning Through Counterintuition.”
Dr. Amy Smith, assistant professor of music business, contributed “Effective Teaching – Adding Flavor with Kahoot!, A Game Based Platform” as a conference presentation.
Nanci Alsup, Teaching Center office manager, also participated in conference activities and sessions.
Belmont University classes began
today for the Fall 2019 semester with a record-breaking 8,481 students being welcomed to campus, tripling the 2,796
students enrolled in 2000 and marking a 57
percent increase in the last decade alone
(enrollment in 2009 was 5,393). This marks Belmont’s 19th consecutive year of
record enrollment, an increasingly impressive record as national studies
indicate a 1 – 2% decrease across the country in postsecondary enrollment for
the past six years (source: National Student Clearinghouse Research
Center Current Term Enrollments Fall
2013-18).
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Without a doubt Belmont
University is a special place. Home to dedicated faculty and staff who are
committed to student success, top-ranked academic programs that meet market
needs, holistic education in and out of the classroom and a 94% job placement
rate, this campus is keeping students at the center of all we do. I’m proud to
serve here, and I’m grateful that so many students continue to want to be a
part of this community and our mission to ‘engage and transform the world.’”
Nearly 8,000 applications for freshman admissions resulted in an
incoming class of 1,724 freshmen, the largest freshman class in University
history. This is also anticipated to be the largest freshman class at a private
college/university in Tennessee for this fall. In addition, Belmont continues
to be among the top destinations for transfer students as 472 transfers joined
the campus this semester. The University’s graduate schools, which offer more
than 25 master’s programs and five doctoral programs, attracted 681 new
students for the 2019-20 academic year.
This year’s incoming freshman class hails from 45 states and
represents nine foreign countries, with 77 percent of the class originating
from outside of Tennessee. As a group, Belmont’s Class of 2023 scored an
average of 27 on the ACT and held an average high school GPA of 3.7. The new
students made their presence known throughout Nashville Tuesday afternoon as more than 2,100 freshmen and transfers
participated in the annual SERVE event,
which allows students to engage in community service at nonprofit sites around
the city.
Associate Provost and Dean of Students Dr. John Delony welcomes new students and their families
with a song from stage during Belmont’s Welcome Week ceremonies.
Belmont’s student body currently consists of 6,863 undergraduate
students and 1,618 pursuing graduate/professional paths.
Associate Provost and Dean of Enrollment David Mee added, “Belmont continues to craft a remarkable enrollment story. The University’s record enrollment this fall, coupled with record freshman and graduate student classes, is a testament to the enduring success of the University in attracting students from every state and around the globe. The Belmont mission and opportunities are compelling – and another year of record enrollment at Belmont means there will be more dynamic and talented students than ever making a difference on campus and in the Nashville community.”
