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 Physical Therapy Students Swim with the Dolphins

Katie McAdams
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Belmont Physical Therapy Students Swim with the Dolphins

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.
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.

Over 2,000 Belmont Students “SERVE” in the Nashville Community

Katie McAdams
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Over 2,000 Belmont Students “SERVE” in the Nashville Community

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.”

Group photo of Belmont students at Nashville General Hospital
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.”

Nashville Mayor David Briley speaks at SERVE event
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 packing up diapers
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.”

Belmont Faculty Present at Lilly Conference

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Faculty Present at Lilly Conference

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.

Another Record-Breaking Year! Belmont Draws 8,481 Students for Fall 2019

April Hefner
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Another Record-Breaking Year! Belmont Draws 8,481 Students for Fall 2019

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.’”

Move in day at Belmont at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, August 16, 2019.

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
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.”

Additional Photos from Welcome Week:
Friday Move In
Saturday Move In
Welcome Week Opening Session
Sunday Worship Service
Matriculation
SERVE

Opry Entertainment, Belmont Partner to Host ‘Country Music’ Viewing Party

April Hefner
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Opry Entertainment, Belmont Partner to Host ‘Country Music’ Viewing Party

Opry Entertainment, a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Belmont University, will host a viewing party in celebration of Country Music, a new eight-part, 16-hour documentary by famed filmmaker Ken Burns beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 15 at the Grand Ole Opry House. In addition to a screening of part one of the documentary, the evening includes a pre-event reception and program, as well as a special 30-minute performance from Grand Ole Opry members, Old Crow Medicine Show.

Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Ken Burns is a master storyteller who brings history to life in powerful ways. By selecting ‘Country Music’ as his most recent endeavor, he brings renewed attention on the art form and the region that employs and supports so many Belmont alumni. We are honored to help underwrite this film and to sponsor a Nashville premiere at the Grand Ole Opry, which helped birth this amazing genre.”

Tickets for this special event are offered at $75 and go on sale Friday, August 23 at 10 a.m. CT via opry.com. Ticket proceeds will benefit Nashville’s local public television station, NPT. Tickets include entry into the Opry’s newly installed immersive Circle Room theater experience, the Old Crow performance, a one-year subscription to PBS Passport (a $60 value) and a general admission seat in the Opry House to view the two-hour first episode. The first 500 people entering the Opry House will receive a copy of Old Crow Medicine Show’s latest album, “Live at the Ryman.” Participating partners in the event also include Tennessee State Tourism, CMA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., Music City Music Council and WPLN (Nashville Public Radio).

Country Music premieres on PBS Sunday, September 15 and airs nightly through Wednesday, September 18 and again on Sunday, September 22 through Wednesday, September 25 from 7-9 p.m. CT each night. The episodes will stream on station-branded PBS platforms for a limited time. PBS Passport members will be able to stream the entire series for a period of six months beginning Sunday, September 15. 

The film follows the evolution of country music and its players over the course of the twentieth century, as it eventually emerged to become America’s music, focusing on artists such as Garth Brooks, the Carter family, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, and many more. Directed and produced by Ken Burns; written and produced by Dayton Duncan; and produced by Julie Dunfey—Emmy-award winning creators of PBS’s most-acclaimed and most-watched documentaries for more than a quarter century, including The Civil War, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, and many more. 

“As with so many of their films, Ken and Dayton guide us on a journey through history that educates and entertains, providing an intimate look into the creative lives of those women and men who came together to develop an authentic American art form,” said Perry Simon, PBS chief programming executive and general manager, general audience programming. Much like the music itself, the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people.

Belmont University, a sponsor of the viewing party, also served as an underwriter for a portion of the production and distribution costs for the anticipated 16-hour series. The only University or college to partner with Florentine Films as a sponsor on this project, the pairing makes good sense with nearly a third of Belmont students currently studying music or the music/entertainment industry.

Learn more about the PBS series at the official website: www.pbs.org/kenburns/country-music or discover more about country music at www.opry.com/countrymusic.

Belmont, The Store Awarded $1.5 Million Tennessee Department of Human Services Grant for ‘Family Wellbeing Program’

April Hefner
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Belmont, The Store Awarded $1.5 Million Tennessee Department of Human Services Grant for ‘Family Wellbeing Program’

Belmont University’s commitment to impact its local community received a significant boost today with the announcement of a $1.5 million 2Gen Family Wellbeing Program grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Funds from the grant will support the work of the Belmont Ministry Center and the adjacent nonprofit, The Store, in providing local, low income families support through food provision, nutritional and pharmacy education, health screenings, legal aid clinics, mental health counseling and music therapy. The Belmont Ministry Center opened on 12 South last year to offer services to the community while a groundbreaking was recently held for The Store, a free grocery store founded by Belmont alumnus Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams Paisley.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Through the work of our Ministry Center and our partnership with Brad and Kimberly on The Store, Belmont is deeply committed to providing services to underserved children and families in our community, and this 2Gen grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services will significantly enhance the scope and delivery of the services we offer. We are grateful for their belief in our work, and I’m excited to witness how this grant expands the impact our students, faculty and staff can have on our neighbors.”

“One thing we know is that when we focus on the needs of both the parent and the child together we are able to break generational cycles of poverty and build a thriving Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “Belmont University is at the forefront of innovation in providing unique two generational wrap around services in the heart of Nashville. Partnerships such as these are vital to building strong families and communities.” 

With the advent of The Store, which is currently under construction and anticipated to open in early 2020, the Belmont Ministry Center will expand and enhance the services offered to provide support for Store patrons and other low income families in the Edgehill and greater Nashville community. The Ministry Center/Store partnership will bring together in one place a range of services and learning opportunities that will offer a unique inter-professional approach to serving families in support of the Department of Human Services Universal Outcome for decreasing psychological distress.

The Store Executive Director Gina Hancock said, “This grant is the glue that is bringing the work of The Store and the Belmont Ministry Center together in a way that will help us both have the biggest impact possible on the people in our community.”

In their work with The Store and the Ministry Center, Belmont students in a variety of fields (healthcare, law, business, counseling, music therapy, public health and more) will gain hands-on experience in their areas of study, all under the direction of professional staff and faculty. With the support of this grant, Belmont’s Family Wellbeing Program intends to provide low income families the following services:

  • Free access to healthy food options at The Store
  • Health screenings and access to basic care and referrals
  • Nutrition assessment, education and referral
  • Pharmacy education
  • Physical activity assessment, coaching and programming
  • Psychological stress, depression assessment and referral as needed
  • Legal aid
  • Mental health counseling
  • Music therapy
  • Financial literacy education

The health of Tennesseans is markedly sub-optimal and directly linked to risk characteristics and behavior choices. According to America’s Health Rankings in 2018, Tennessee ranked 42nd among the states for overall health, and among the worst for the major precursors of preventable illness and death: 45th for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and 46th for cancer. Access to care, nutrition/food insufficiency, physical activity and psychological distress are among the risk factors influencing those numbers, and the 2Gen Family Wellbeing Grant will support initiatives meant to combat those factors.

Belmont faculty staff and students will assist in conducting health screenings and referrals as well as in providing legal aid clinics, mental health counseling and music therapy to interested families. In addition, financial literacy sessions will offer opportunities for families to learn basic budgeting and financial planning. This work advances the University’s Vision 2020 strategic goal to be “Nashville’s University,” continuing to seek opportunities to align Belmont’s mission and resources with the needs of the local community

A concept developed by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, two-generation (2Gen) approaches focus on creating opportunities for and addressing needs of both children and the adults in their lives together. The approach recognizes that families come in all different shapes and sizes and that families define themselves. Tennessee Department of Human Services has taken this path to structure services to address intergenerational poverty and create a pathway to prosperity for families in Tennessee. The 2Gen “Whole-Family” approach is focused equally and intentionally on services and opportunities for the parent and the child.

Julia Quandt Spends Summer with Jamaica Field Service Project

Haley Charlton
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Julia Quandt Spends Summer with Jamaica Field Service Project

Julia Quandt, senior music therapy major, was accepted and studied abroad this summer with the Jamaica Field Service Project.

Quandt completed service learning work in the local schools and care centers, while living and studying in rural Jamaica. For ten days, Quandt immersed herself in the traditions, music and culture of Jamaica, alongside university students from across the United States and Canada.

The application process for the Jamaica Field Service Project includes transcript and GPA requirements, letters of recommendation, as well as an interview before being accepted. The program accepts 50 students for its summer trips.

Quandt volunteered in the local schools and care centers, offering music therapy clinical services.

Julia Quandt in Jamaica

Of her experience, Quandt said, “It was truly a beautiful thing to go to a country where everyone is so grateful for what they have and live in the moment with the people around them. Jamaica is a place full of love. The clinical experiences challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and think on my feet. I am a much more confident music therapist now thanks to JAFSP!”

Through this State University of New York-accredited service learning program, university students volunteer in their area of specialization, volunteering in the schools and in the Island’s care centers, orphanages and hospitals. In addition to their volunteer work, students also explore the diverse culture of this vibrant Caribbean country.

John Carney Promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Belmont University

April Hefner
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John Carney Promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Belmont University

Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher announced today that current Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations John Carney has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, effective immediately. In this role, Carney is responsible for leading Belmont’s marketing, branding, PR and communications efforts as well as countless institutional special projects. In addition, he will serve as a member of the President’s senior leadership cabinet.

President Fisher said, “After nearly two decades in corporate marketing and advertising, John’s transition to higher education five years ago has been seamless. He has demonstrated immense capacity to forge relationships across campus and within the community to broaden the reach of the Belmont University brand, all while showing a strong commitment to our students and their success. Strong marketing and branding are ever-increasing needs within the realm of higher education, and John’s creativity and tremendous experience marketing national brands are helping to take the Belmont University name to even greater heights. I am incredibly proud and grateful to welcome his talents, skills and perspective to our Senior Leadership team.”

Carney, who joined Belmont as a senior director in April 2014, leads the University’s marketing and strategic initiatives. A results-oriented marketing and communications professional, Carney’s has developed a proven track record of creating and implementing strategies that deliver successful outcomes. During his time at Belmont to date, he has partnered with colleagues across campus on a variety of initiatives including Admissions, Athletics and college-level marketing programs as well as fundraising efforts like the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame and the We Believe campaign. In addition, Carney is responsible for providing direction to significant Belmont special events including the hosting of mayoral and gubernatorial debates, Davis Cup and the 125th Anniversary celebration, as well as the University’s sponsorship of the upcoming Ken Burns’s “Country Music” documentary and the application to host a presidential debate.

“Belmont sets ambitious goals for the type of University it wants to be, and that requires an equally ambitious approach to marketing. Combining such a dynamic vision with a student-centered mission, a caring Christian community and exceptional colleagues makes this campus an incredibly exciting and fulfilling place to work. I’m truly honored and grateful for Dr. Fisher’s belief in my abilities, and I look forward to serving this University and its students for many years to come,” Carney said. 

Carney came to Belmont following 19 successful years with Nashville’s The Buntin Group, serving in increasingly senior roles and departing as executive vice president and managing director of account operations. He holds a bachelor’s in marketing and communications from the University of Memphis.

Alumna Alexa Witcher Named Assistant Commissioner for Legislative Affairs

Haley Charlton
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Alumna Alexa Witcher Named Assistant Commissioner for Legislative Affairs

Belmont College of Law Alumna Alexa Witcher, JD has been appointed assistant commissioner for legislative affairs for the Tennessee Department of Health.

In this role, Witcher will direct and oversee the department’s legislative efforts and initiatives. She will also coordinate with and assist legislators in public health-related issues and departmental legislative proposals.

Witcher earned her Juris Doctor from Belmont’s College of Law in 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Science from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. She and her husband reside in Franklin.

“Alexa has extensive experience in public policy and in working with our legislators, and I am excited to have her join us to lead our legislative affairs team,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP.

Witcher comes to TDH after serving as a legislative liaison and assistant general counsel for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation since 2016. Her prior roles with Tennessee State Government include serving as a legal intern at TDEC and as an elections intern with the Tennessee Secretary of State. She has also interned with the Tennessee General Assembly Senate Committee on Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources working with Sen. Steve Southerland and his staff.

As assistant commissioner for legislative affairs, Witcher will develop the department’s annual legislative package and work with key members of the Tennessee General Assembly to ensure passage of key departmental initiatives. She will coordinate all TDH reports mandated by the legislature and facilitate departmental advisory committee appointments.

“The Department of Health’s mission to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee is important to me, and I am honored to continue my service to the state as a member of the dedicated and talented TDH team,” said Witcher.

Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

Alumna Emily Telford Yamada Named Regional Business Development Representative

Haley Charlton
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Alumna Emily Telford Yamada Named Regional Business Development Representative

Exodus HR Group has appointed Emily Telford Yamada as regional business development representative in its Tennessee office in Brentwood.

After earning her bachelor of arts degree in public relations with minors in both journalism and philosophy at Belmont in 2009, Yamada completed her master of arts degree in teaching at Belmont in 2012. She joined Exodus HR Group in January 2019 after teaching in Williamson County Schools for more than seven years. Prior to that, she served as a communication associate at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in Nashville.

Mike Edmonds, Exodus HR Group chief executive officer, said Yamada is utilizing her unique prior experience to meet the needs of the company.

“Emily discovers the needs of employers and develops service strategies to meet those needs. I encourage all of our local business owners not to miss the opportunity to meet Emily and let her be part of your company’s growth plan,” Edmonds said. “Emily has a ‘get it done’ attitude and a ‘never meets a stranger’ personality that will serve her well in her role at Exodus HR. We are excited about Emily joining our Nashville sales team and putting her skills and energy towards the growth of our company.”

Yamada participates in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Williamson Inc. through the Exodus HR Group membership. In addition, Exodus HR Group is a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Headquartered in Durant, Okla., Exodus HR Group is led by a highly experienced team of trained professionals. Exodus HR Group customizes human resources solutions to help businesses attract and retain top talent, reduce employee risks, eliminate administrative tasks and provide customized programs and trainings for employees.

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