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 Celebrates Women’s History Month 2022

Julia Couch
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Belmont Celebrates Women’s History Month 2022

“Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Belmont’s Women’s History Month celebration kicked off March 1 celebrating how women in all cultures have provided hope and healing throughout history. This year’s theme is a tribute to both the unwavering work of caregivers and frontline workers during our ongoing pandemic, as well as the countless ways women care for and champion flourishing for all.  

Never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard seed germinates and roots itself. − Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale gives us a tangible example of healing and well-being for humanity. As a nurse during the Crimean War, she faced daunting conditions: depleted staff, short supplies and a myriad of sick and dying soldiers. Yet she pressed on and eventually helped save thousands of lives. Nearly two hundred years later, in the wake of a devastating global pandemic, we have a renewed appreciation for such agents of hope who aid in renewal and restoration. During Women’s History Month 2022, the Belmont community will celebrate women who—whether attending to mind, body or spirit—have planted mustard seeds of healing and hope. 

“For Women’s History Month this year, we wanted to focus on the power of healing and hope on our campus, in our city and in our larger communities,” said Sarah Blomeley, professor of English and Women’s History Month co-chair. “The past two years of pandemic life have been hard, but they have also brought about incredible stories of innovation, compassion and leadership. Our programming this month is really a celebration of resilience in the face of adversity, whether historical or contemporary, and we hope the Belmont community will be inspired by the stories they’ll hear throughout the month of March.” 

In addition to Blomeley, Women’s History Month is co-chaired by Heather Daugherty, university minister, and Amy Hodges Hamilton, professor of English. Women’s History Month programming runs March 4-31, 2022. View a full schedule below:

  • Women’s History Month Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
    Lila D. Bunch Library | Friday, March 4, 10 a.m.

    Millions of pages are edited every month on Wikipedia, but only 19% of the 1.5 million biographies are about women, and less than 20% of editors are women. Come be part of the information creation process and help close the gender gap with Jenny Mills, Coordinator of Research Services and Nicole Fox, Research and Instruction Librarian. Bring your laptop to the library, and we’ll show you how to set up your Wikipedia account and edit articles. Join us in improving the gender imbalance on Wikipedia by contributing to articles on notable women. No experience necessary, and all are welcome! Co-Sponsored by Library Faculty and Welcome Home Diversity Council.
  • Healing and Hope
    Gabhart Chapel, Janet Ayers Academic Center | Monday, March 7, 10 a.m.

    Healing and Hope are often elusive for women who have been abused and exploited. And yet, in the midst of hardship, there are women who are finding ways to bring just that to those women and children who have suffered so much. Allison Hale, missionary and founder of Mercy Jewelry, and Joy Reyes, founder of New Hope Girl’s Academy, will share stories of their work in the Dominican Republic. Co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, the Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Welcome Home Diversity Council, and University Ministries.
  • Passing the Torch – The Journey of Women in Athletics
    Gabhart Chapel, Janet Ayers Academic Center | Monday, March 21, 10 a.m.

    In her forthcoming book, Belmont Professor Mary Ellen Pethel features 50 women connected to Title IX in TN over the last 50 years, including some of Belmont’s own. This chapel will explore her work and the lasting impact women have made in Athletics in the last 50 years. Co-sponsored by Belmont Athletics and Welcome Home Diversity Council.
  • Reflecting on The Black Church
    Gabhart Chapel, Janet Ayers Academic Center | Monday, March 23, 10 a.m.

    Stacey L. Holman is an award-winning filmmaker who most recently produced and directed the PBS documentary series “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song,” hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. of Harvard University. She is currently at work with him on an upcoming PBS film, “Making Black America.” Sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Development and Welcome Home Diversity Council.
  • Abuelita Faith
    Gabhart Chapel, Janet Ayers Academic Center |Monday, March 28, 10 a.m.

    Kat Armas is a second-generation Cuban American who grew up on the outskirts of Miami’s famed Little Havana neighborhood, and her earliest theological formation came from her grandmother (“abuelita”). In her new book, “Abuelita Faith,” Armas asks the question, “What if the greatest theologians the world has ever known are those whom the world wouldn’t consider theologians at all?” She shows us how voices on the margins–those often dismissed, isolated, and oppressed because of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or lack of education–have more to teach us about following God than we realize. Sponsored by University Ministries and Welcome Home Diversity Council.
  • Take Back the Night
    Gabhart Chapel, Janet Ayers Academic Center |Thursday, March 31, 6:30 p.m.

    We seek to raise awareness about violence against students, to give students a voice in their own safety on campus, and to provide easily accessible resources for violence prevention and student safety through a Take Back the Night march and keynote address by founder of Rest Stop Ministries Rondy Smith and a sex trafficking survivor. Together we can break the silence and give each other a voice, take safety into our own hands, and make campus a safer place for all students. This is for us to reclaim the night. Co-sponsored by University Ministries, the Office of Campus Security, the Title IX Office, and Welcome Home Diversity Council.

College of Business Student Presents at the Issues in Political Economy 2022 Annual Meeting 

Charlotte Maracina
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College of Business Student Presents at the Issues in Political Economy 2022 Annual Meeting 

Mark Wardlaw, an economics minor in the Jack C. Massey College of Business, recently attended and presented a paper titled “Wage Differentials Across Degree Fields and Levels of Education for Immigrants vs. Natives” at the Issues in Political Economy (IPE) 29th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference in Economics. The conference was held in New York February 25 – 26. The conference brings together undergraduates from across the country to present and share their research with peers. Students presenting at the IPE also serve as discussants. 

Using data from the American Community Survey over an 11-year period (2009-2019), the research rigorously examines the extent of any wage differentials between natives and immigrants living in the United States. After controlling for a wide range of relevant factors informed by theory, the findings indicate that, overall, natives earn more than immigrants, with the differences in wages decreasing with increasing education levels. An important finding is that immigrants with STEM degrees earn more than their native counterpart. The findings of this study offer some insights into the wide variation in wages between natives and immigrants across various spectrums. There are important policy implications which can guide policymakers and regulators in their approach to immigration reforms.  

Early contributions to the research came from fellow students Dawson Flint, Keita Suzuki, Sean Cleaver and Lauren Dansbury during a course in labor economics taught by Dr. Colin Cannonier, who served as research advisor and also in attendance at this conference.  

Belmont, Belmont Alumni Recognized as Billboard ‘Country Power Players’

Charlotte Maracina
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Belmont, Belmont Alumni Recognized as Billboard ‘Country Power Players’

Belmont University was recently named one of Billboard Magazine’s top ten “Leading Schools of the Country Power Players– The Most Frequently Cited Alma Maters of the 2021 Class of Honorees.”

Belmont alumni also made a name for themselves in the article that features dozens of artists and music industry professionals who continue to be trailblazers in the country music world. The article celebrates all who have contributed to the massive success of country music and looks forward to where the industry heads in a post-pandemic world.

Curb College alumni listed include:

·         Ben Vaughn, now president of Warner Chappell Music

·         Andrew Kautz, COO of Big Machine Label Group

·         Cindy Mabe, president of Universal Music Group

·         Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing

·         Clint Higham, co-owner and president of Morris Higham Management

·         Mike Sistad, ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership

·         Tom Lord, Head of Marketing for Red Light Management

 Read the full Billboard article here.

Kyle Cavanaugh ’94 Named NBA President, Administration

Julia Couch
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Kyle Cavanaugh ’94 Named NBA President, Administration
Photo of Kyle Cavanaugh

The National Basketball Association (NBA) recently named Kyle J. Cavanaugh (’94) as NBA President, Administration.  Cavanaugh, current Vice President of Administration at Duke University, starts his new role with the NBA on June 1.  

In his new role, Cavanaugh will oversee the global facilities, information technology, security, risk management, people and inclusion, and administrative affairs of the league and its related entities.

Cavanaugh has spent the past 13 years at Duke and has more than 30 years of experience in human resources and administration. During his time at Duke, he was responsible for human resources and benefits, labor and employee relations, executive compensation, international employment, security and police, emergency management, and other administrative functions for a workforce of 43,000 and student population of 15,000. 

He was played a significant role in establishing Duke’s affiliated campus in China and supported numerous global activities. During his tenure at Duke, Cavanaugh led the University’s COVID-19 management strategy.

Prior to Duke, Cavanaugh served as Senior Vice President for Administration at the University of Florida, where he oversaw a range of business, financial and operational activities.  He previously held senior administrative positions at the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University and Vanderbilt University and Medical Center.

“I am thrilled to have been invited to join the leadership team at the NBA and look forward to serving the various constituents of the league and its related entities,” said Cavanaugh.  “Having had the chance to learn more about the organization over the past two months, I could not be more impressed with the assembled talent and I am excited about the opportunity.”

Cavanaugh earned his MBA from Belmont University in 1994.

Eng Published in Music Pedagogy Journal

Charlotte Maracina
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Eng Published in Music Pedagogy Journal
Clare Eng
Dr. Clare Sher Ling Eng

Associate Professor of Music Theory Dr. Clare Eng, Ph.D., LLB (Honors) had an article published last week in Volume 8 of Engaging Students: Essays in Music Pedagogy. This volume is a special issue with the theme: “Beyond Western Musicalities.” It contains a number of interesting articles that touch on recent conversations around diverse and inclusive voices in music curriculum. 

Eng’s article titled “Teachers in Liminal Spaces: From Solitude to Solidarity” deals with her own experiences as a person who immigrated to the United States. The article aims to expand conversations about the need for greater diversity in the music theory space.

Read the full article for free here.

Belmont University Data Collaborative Launches First Data Warehouse Project Focused on Prevention, Solutions to Nashville’s Growing Hypertension Challenges

Haley Charlton
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Belmont University Data Collaborative Launches First Data Warehouse Project Focused on Prevention, Solutions to Nashville’s Growing Hypertension Challenges

Belmont University’s Data Collaborative (BDC) today announced the launch of its first Data Warehouse project which will focus on gathering and analyzing publically available data to develop creative solutions to Nashville’s hypertension challenges. Working alongside several community partners, the Nashville Health Hypertension (NHH) project will be the first opportunity to leverage data gathered by and housed in the university’s new Data Warehouse, Tennessee’s first hub for a variety of publicly available state-wide data. 

The warehouse will be leveraged for many projects moving forward, all aimed at solving the world’s most complex problems. Given the incredible threat of hypertension in Nashville, particularly as the illness disproportionately impacts minority communities, the Data Warehouse working group, “Healthy Community Insights,” will take on its first project focusing on developing creative interventions to address high blood pressure throughout the Nashville area. Moving forward, the team will analyze this aggregated data for insight into other challenges, health or otherwise, that keep people and communities throughout the mid-state region from flourishing. 

BDC Executive Director Charlie Apigian said the Belmont community wants to be radical champions for helping individuals and communities thrive. “We want to solve societal problems, and data is one of the best resources we have to accomplish that goal. We have an energetic team ready to analyze the data at our disposal to both find what is preventing our communities from flourishing and find solutions to those obstacles that will better the lives of those around us,” he said. “As data tells us the story of what is holding our communities back, we can inform meaningful, life-giving change. And we’re starting with health–one area of our lives that most impacts our ability to thrive.” 

The idea to establish the Data Warehouse to address hypertension originated with Tennessee Senator Bill Frist on behalf of NashvilleHealth, who first approached Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. With Belmont’s commitment to strengthening its role as a data-driven, future shaping, community engaging organization, it was a quick “yes” to having BDC lead the charge. 

NashvilleHealth reports nearly one-third of adults in Nashville have been diagnosed as hypertensive, and that number increases for those without a high school diploma. Further illustrating the health disparities in the city, the Nashville Community Health + Well-being Survey found nearly half of African American adults in Nashville have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, compared to 27 percent of white, non-Hispanic Nashvillians.

Senator Frist said, “To drive the change needed for a healthier, more equitable Nashville, we must understand the disparities and inequities that exist and work to remove the obstacles to health that many in our community face. I am excited to see how the solutions developed from the Data Warehouse projects – and collaborative efforts of the many organizations involved – ensure that every Nashvillian has a fair and just opportunity to a long, healthy life.”

The initiative will take a community-based approach to health and wellbeing through a two-phased data analytics strategy. Currently in the first phase, the Healthy Community Insights team is collecting statewide data and working with community partners on storytelling services that will eventually inspire and empower others toward change. Upon analysis, the project team expects to complete Phase 2 with a report that will provide actionable insights into the determinants for hypertension, guiding solutions and interventions for better health outcomes within communities in Nashville.

NTT DATA, a global business and IT services leader that recently opened a Digital Innovation Center in Nashville, will provide BDC with vital analytics and advisory support to complete Phase 2’s actionable report. 

Lisa Esch, chief of strategy, innovation and provider industry solutions at NTT DATA Services said, “The technology to put health data to use improving the wellbeing of our communities is there, but taking on large scale projects requires resources, quality data and advanced analytics – a challenge for any organization to take on alone. This project will have long-lasting positive impacts for the community and can be a shining example of innovation that Nashville can be very proud of, and an example of collaboration for cities around the country and possibly the globe.”

In addition to NashvilleHealth and NTT DATA, several other early key community partners have joined the Healthy Community Insights group, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, ChangeHealthcare and the American Heart Association to name a few.

The NHH report is expected to be made available early this summer and will include actionable insight for change. BDC and its partners hope to define disparities on a local, community level and invite others to join the conversation as the city works together to create solutions that lead to flourishing lives for all Nashvillians.

Greene Recognized as Woman of Influence

Jennifer Justus
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Greene Recognized as Woman of Influence
headshot of Belmont Associate Professor Elisa Greene

Dr. Elisa Greene, Belmont associate professor in the College of Pharmacy, has been selected as a 2022 Nashville Business Journal Woman of Influence. 

The honor recognizes 35 women in Middle Tennessee with an impressive track record of success. As the Nashville Business Journal notes, “winners are leading top companies and nonprofits, supporting their communities and inspiring those coming behind them.”

Through her work with the university over the past 10 years, Greene also has maintained a practice-site at Siloam Health where she has acted as the Ambulatory Care pharmacist, consulting directly with patients, collaborating with medical and office staff and training students to provide whole-person healthcare to the immigrant and refugee community in Nashville.

The Nashville Business Journal accepted nominations from the public for Women of Influence, and entries were reviewed by an independent panel of judges made of former Women of Influence winners.

Greene joins an impressive group of leaders in this year’s list including Becca Stevens, president and founder of Thistle Farms; Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson, vice president of brand and partnerships at the National Museum of African American Music; Berenice Oliva, community health worker at Siloam Health; Joycelyn Stevenson, executive director of Tennessee Bar Association, among others. 

The Nashville Business Journal will recognize this year’s honorees in a special print piece published on May 13. 

Belmont University to Launch New Partnership with Tennessee Department of Education to Train and Support Mathematics Teachers

Hope Buckner
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Belmont University to Launch New Partnership with Tennessee Department of Education to Train and Support Mathematics Teachers

In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education and local public school districts, today, Belmont University announced a new initiative to recruit, train and support the next generation of mathematics teachers in the Midstate region.

The newly established Belmont University Math Teacher Residency will leverage partnerships with area school systems—including in several rural communities—to enable high-quality potential candidates to become mathematics teachers in secondary schools across Middle Tennessee. 

With $2 million in grant funding awarded to Belmont University through a competitive state grant process, the program will place each teacher candidate in an in-school “residency”– a paid educational position in a classroom where they will learn from and receive support from an experienced mentor teacher. Concurrently, candidates will enroll in high-quality, intensive online coursework at Belmont, deepening their content knowledge and learning effective pedagogical strategies. Belmont professors will work alongside candidates’ mentor teachers to ensure that instruction has immediate and meaningful classroom application.

“At Belmont we are committed to solving complex problems that keep our communities from thriving,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “This incredible new program will tackle one of those challenges—access to education—by providing high quality mathematics educators for a variety of communities, including those in more rural areas of the Middle Tennessee region. I am excited for this program and look forward to the many ways it will further our opportunities to help communities and people flourish.” 

This new program will recruit, train, and support two cohorts of 25 candidates over the next two years, meeting a need in local public schools. Candidates will complete the program in one year, graduating with a Master of Arts in Teaching and with eligibility for initial licensure as a math teacher in Tennessee. 

Teacher candidates will have tuition for the graduate degree program discounted by 86%. The program aims to develop 50 exceptional math teachers who will commit to staying within their residency district for at least five years after graduation and be well prepared to deliver high quality instruction. 

The math teacher residency will leverage effective practices from Belmont’s highly successful existing Teacher Residency Partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools, including recruiting a diverse pool of aspiring math teachers. Candidates can also pursue an additional endorsement in English as a Second Language. 

“Belmont University’s College of Education always seeks to support and meaningfully enhance the education of students in our region,” said Dean of the College of Education Dr. Jim McIntyre. “This grant initiative will enable us to do exactly that by partnering with local school districts, including in rural communities, to meet one their greatest needs: excellent math teachers.” 

For more information on this new program or for information on how to apply, contact Dr. Ryan Fox—Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and the grant’s Primary Investigator—at ryan.fox@belmont.edu. 

Alumna Appointed Chair of National AIMP Committee

Haley Charlton
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Alumna Appointed Chair of National AIMP Committee

The Los Angeles, Nashville and New York Young Professional Committees of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) have selected Belmont alumna Ashley Morey, director, client services at HFA/Rumblefish, as chair of their national Young Professional Committee (YPC).

Following the formation of AIMP’s regional Young Professional Committees in Los Angeles, Nashville and New York, the national YPC was launched in the fall of 2021. The committees’ primary purpose is to educate, inform and share insight on the inner workings of independent music publishing, while also encouraging and involving members in the young professional music community.

“Our Young Professional Committees are a vital part of the AIMP providing education, collaboration and idea-sharing opportunities to those shaping the future of our industry,” said John Ozier, AIMP National chair and president of the Nashville Chapter. “With Ashley’s strong background in music publishing and her expertise in the digital space, I have no doubt she will lead the YPC to accomplish great things this year.”

“As both a musician and a publishing professional, helping to educate publishers and songwriters and ensuring they are properly compensated is my mission and my greatest reward,” said Morey. “Through leading the Young Professional Committee, I look forward to working alongside the AIMP and my peers to provide crucial programming and strengthen our industry for the generations to come.”

Morey, who has extensive experience supporting publishers and songwriters from her 8+ years at HFA, will be tasked with coordinating the YPC’s national meetings, handling communication on behalf of the committee and mobilizing its members.

She began her career in the music industry as an assistant roadie before earning her BBA in Music Business from Belmont and interning in the Licensing and Membership departments at ASCAP Nashville. From there, she joined HFA as an Inquiry Agent in 2013 and worked her way up through the ranks, taking on the director, client services role in September 2021. Over the past several years, Morey has also toured and released music with her husband, Justin Morey, as the duo Sunshine & The Rain.

Top Audio Production Industry Professionals Talk to Curb Students about ‘Dream Jobs’

Haley Charlton
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Top Audio Production Industry Professionals Talk to Curb Students about ‘Dream Jobs’

Curb College students had the opportunity to learn from top industry professionals in the audio engineering field on Monday, February 21. Dream Jobs: Audio Production explored the many different career paths students may explore using their degrees. This panel was organized by the Office of Career & Professional Development’s Caroline Melby Rupard, who works specifically with Curb College students wishing to start a career in the entertainment and music business.

Panelists included Mark McBryde, Jim Yakabuski, Jen Miller and Scott Gerow.

McBryde is a Belmont alumnus and Foley artist based in Los Angeles, California. As a Foley artist, McBryde utilizes his musical abilities and audio engineering knowledge to design sound for film/TV. He advised students on ways to navigate the LA industry and get their first start in sound design.

Yakabuski represened the live sound industry with his extensive experience in live sound engineering ranging from monitor mixing for Aerosmith to running front of house for Van Halen, as well as a past Superbowl halftime show. He is currently working for Solotech, which provides production for tours all around the world. His advice for students was to stay grounded in work ethic and the intricacies of client relations.

Producer Jen Miller served as the third panelist representing the producer and songwriter career path. Miller has paved the path for many female engineers working towards a career in the R&B and pop genre. As an accomplished producer, Miller shared tips for developing high quality client relations and finding ways to get the best recording despite tough studio scenarios.

Gerow, owner of Battery Lane Studios, rounded off the panel representing one of the more popular career paths for the audio engineering students. Gerow owns his own studio where he acts as engineer, producer and songwriter. He has previously worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Devin Dawson, Dylan Scott and more. In addition to his work with artists, Gerow has written songs for dozens of major TV shows. He shared important tips for getting started in a career path as a studio engineer and successful writer.

The panel was moderated by Emily Pikul, recent graduate of the Audio Engineering Master’s program.

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