Dr. David Dark, assistant professor of religion and the arts, sat down with Belmont alumna Katie Pruitt on her podcast “The Recovering Catholic” to share his insights on the complexities of faith and religion.
“True religion, good religion, is based in questions; is based in skepticism; is based in inquiry. Whereas bad religion, or I would say, false religion, is a monologue; is shutting people down; is trying to control people,” Dark advised.
The premise of the episode is to discuss some of the obstacles people might face when encountering religion. Dark called upon his expertise in Biblical historical context to debunk a number of misconceptions surrounding faith.
“Religions are whatever cultures happen to have power in any given context… Religion is culture and we never get out of culture. We’re always cultivating it in one way or another,” Dark said.
Dark has published a number of books on theology in addition to having his writing in publications such as the Nashville Scene, MTV News, America Magazine and The Tennessean.
In addition to delicious food, games, caroling and Gingerbread House building competitions at the annual Campus Security Service Recognition and Christmas Celebration on December 3, the team set time aside to present departmental awards. The celebration also included some reflections on Christmas and hope from Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones and Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones.
“While it’s been a challenging year at times with COVID continuing, our officers continued to find ways to go above and beyond in seeking to help others,” said Pat Cunningham, chief of Campus Security.
Excellence in Service Awards, in recognition of anticipating customer needs, taking ownership of issues and maintaining the customer perspective at the forefront of all interactions, were presented to:
Officer Lauren Sheppard
Officer Derek Akin
Officer Shika Benford
Officer Nik Mladzhov
Sergeant Jakob Emanuelson
This year’s Annual Excellence in Service Award was presented to Officer Ron Baggett.
While multiple awards may be presented for Excellence in Service, the annual award is presented to the staff member who best exemplified the commitment to providing exceptional service over the previous year. Previous recipients included Officer Tim Kelton, Officer Jim Ruffin, Officer Malcolm McDole, Captain Tiffany Cooper and Officer Benjanique Amos.
The Meritorious Service Awards are presented in recognition of dedicated, unselfish and faithful service to Campus Security and the University Community, presented to staff who continuously displays professionalism and excellence in performing his or her duties, who frequently assists fellow staff and other members of the University community, and whose actions and attitude bring credit to Security and to the University Community. This year’s awards were presented to:
Officer Andy Pappas
Officer Justin Click
Officer Maria Pena
Captain Mike Moultry
Captain Mike Moultry receives a Meritorious Service Award. (Masks were removed briefly for the photo.)
Certificates of Commendation or Appreciation may be presented for exceptional performance in a significant event or specific situation, or for noteworthy contributions or service not included under another award category. This year, recipients included:
Student Group Assisting Campus Security with promoting student engagement initiatives: Madalyn Lenaz, Brooke Elliott, Somer Henry and Catherin VanStratum,
Campus Partners: Dean of Students Dr. Tamika Williams and University Photographer Sam Simpkins
Dr. AdriAnne Sternberg, associate dean and director of leadership development in Belmont Student Life, has been published in the recently-released book “Operationalizing Culturally Relevant Leadership Learning.” The resource highlights the Culturally Relevant Leadership Learning Model and its application in a variety of aspects related to the field of leadership development and education.
Sternberg’s narrative contribution on the creation, development and implementation of the student leadership development framework for Belmont University is highlighted within the text on co-curricular program development. Sternberg details how her experiences and role as a leadership educator in Student Life’s Belmont Office of Leadership Development (BOLD) have allowed her to apply culturally relevant leadership learning to her work at Belmont.
In conjunction with campus-wide leadership development opportunities, Belmont students increase their leadership capacity and efficacy in the BOLD levels of engagement. Student leaders return to the classroom, internships and the community more equipped and prepared to lead.
This book is part of the Contemporary Perspectives on Leadership Learning Series available by Information Age Publishing and on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/x4bed76f). This book, or any other books in the series, can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/tvwmcr7n.
Sara Wigal, director of publishing and assistant professor of cinema, television & media, recently had a nonfiction creative essay published in University of Louisville’s literary journal and had another essay nominated for a Pushcart prize.
Wigal’s piece nominated for a Pushcart prize from Variant Literature is entitled, “Manual Labor Cleanse.” Read it here.
Her piece published in University of Louisville’s literary journal, “Miracle Monocle,” is entitled, “Hackberry.” Read it here.
Her work has also been published in Library Journal, The Tennessean, Publishers Weekly, Writer’s Digest and The Chaffin Journal.
Wigal is the co-chair of the Next Chapter Society, a section of the Nashville Public Library that promotes, sustains and strengthens library programs.
In addition to her work with the Next Chapter Society, Wigal frequently speaks at literary conferences on a range of topics related to Publishing, such as author branding, digital platforms for authors and the general business of books.
You can find her on Twitter @sarawigal and Instagram @shewritespirates.
Dr. Chelsa Deanes, Clinical Pharmacist Fellow in Drug Information with Belmont University College of Pharmacy and Aegis Sciences Corporation, earned board certification in medical affairs through the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA).
The ACMA’s mission is to raise the bar for pharma industry professionals with a particular focus on Medical Affairs and Medical Science Liaisons.
When asked about this achievement, Deanes shared, “Studying for the BCMAS certification while maintaining my responsibilities as a fellow was challenging. Honestly, I was somewhat intimidated by the process but, hard work always pays off! I am so thrilled to have accomplished my goal of earning my BCMAS certification. In addition to the intensive training that I have received as a fellow over the past year and a half, I am confident that I will excel in my future endeavors.”
The expertise gained from this prestigious specialized training will serve Deanes well as she continues to engage with the Belmont University College of Pharmacy students, faculty and staff in advancing the strategic priorities of the college and advancing pharmacy practice.
Three faculty members in the College of Theology and Christian Ministry presented during the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, which combined an in-person meeting in San Antonio with a virtual meeting.
Dr. Amanda Miller, associate professor of Biblical studies, presented “Lessons about Whiteness from the Syro-Phoenician Woman of Mark 7/Matthew 15.”
Dr. Gideon Park, assistant professor of religion, presented “The Ethnic Prejudice of the Judean Jesus in Matthew 15:21-28.”
Dr. Mark McEntire, professor of Biblical studies, presented “Observations on the Masorah Ketonah of Four Tiberian Codices in Deuteronomy 28-34” (along with co-presenters Dr. Timothy Crawford of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Dr. Daniel Mynatt of Pfeiffer University).
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont has held several events this semester, bringing in alumni and music industry leaders to speak with current students.
2021 Songwriter Hall Of Fame Inductee Rhett Akins spoke with Curb College Students in the Johnson Theater on November 16 about his illustrious 25+ year career. Akins has 32 No. 1 singles, including hits from Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Locash, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett and John Pardi.
Akins speaks with Senior Career Development Specialist Nina Woodward
Warner Music Nashville Artist and Belmont Alumnus Ian Munsick also visited campus on November 30 and spoke with students about the importance of building a great team as they start their careers. Munsick was joined by his manager and wife Caroline R. Munsick, Clark Tedesco (Senior Director, Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville), and Belmont Alumna Stephanie Davenport (Senior Director at A&R Warner Music Nashville).
After graduating from Belmont, Munsick went on to sign a major label record deal with Warner Music Nashville, earned more than 70 million global streams and has been named one of Spotify’s inaugural “Hot Country Artists to Watch.” His debut single “Long Haul,” which was the most-added new-artist single upon impact at country radio, has twice charted on Spotify’s US Viral 50 and been praised for its “heart-tugging tenor” and “marvelous sense of melody” (MusicRow). His debut album “Coyote Cry,” featuring his mile-high tenor, is out now and his helping shape the future of country music. This November, Munsick was named as one of Music Row’s “2022 Next Big Thing.” His unique brand of country is finding more fans on the road, as Munsick is currently opening for Cody Johnson.
Psychological Science Professor Dr. Timothy Schoenfeld published an article with neuroscience major Chance Swanson in Biomolecules.
The article, entitled “A runner’s high for new neurons? Potential role for endorphins in exercise effects on adult neurogenesis” extensively reviewed current literature to understand how endorphins, often credited for the infamous “runner’s high,” may instead be helpful in promoting the creation of new neurons in the brain.
These new neurons are thought to contribute to learning, memory and positive mood states, all things that exercise enhances. The article can be accessed in the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/11/8/1077.
Belmont University today announced the establishment of the Jeffrey Buntin, Sr. Award for Creative Ventures, an award that will be given to Belmont students who are starting an enterprise at the intersection of the creative arts and business. Established by the Buntin family in Jeffrey, Sr.’s honor, this endowed fund which will compound annually will support students from Belmont’s Jack C. Massey College of Business, Watkins College of Art and the O’More College of Architecture and Design.
“Our children and I are excited to partner with Belmont University to honor Jeffrey Buntin, Sr., whose successful career applying creative solutions and good business practices mirror the unique combination emphasized in Belmont’s many programs,” said Varina Buntin, Jeffrey, Sr.’s wife and mother to Jeffrey Buntin, Jr. (and wife Kemp), Frazer Buntin (and wife Tiffany) and Varina Willse (and husband Walker). “This award will recognize Belmont students whose career pursuits align with Jeffrey’s, celebrating the creative, innovative and savvy businessman he is and the incredible example he provides the next generation of leaders.”
Jeffrey Buntin, Sr.
Beginning in Spring 2022, a sizeable award will be given annually to a student through a competitive pitch process where the most creative new business idea with the highest potential for viability and long-term success will be selected. Participating students, who can be studying in undergraduate or graduate programs on campus, will pitch their ideas in a formal presentation to a panel of judges including local entrepreneurs, faculty members and representatives from the Buntin family.
In addition to the financial award, winning students will receive additional support and coaching from the Cone Entrepreneurship Center at Belmont on best practices and training in launching and scaling a start-up venture.
“When we look across the state of Tennessee, we see countless examples of incredible entrepreneurs who found the intersection between their drive for creativity and an innate business sense,” said Sarah Gardial, Dean of the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University. “We see this same example in Jeffrey Buntin, Sr., a longtime entrepreneur who founded one of Nashville’s most successful advertising agencies and is a giant in his field. We are grateful for the example he and his family set for our students, and we look forward to the ways this fund will serve as a springboard for creative business solutions that can impact our communities in transformative ways.”
Jeffrey Buntin, Sr., founded The Buntin Group in 1972 and has been instrumental in the agency’s success, as well as the success of thousands of its clients. After receiving an original loan of $5,000, the firm now claims $200 million in capitalized billings and ranks among the top independent agencies nationally. Since his earliest days, Jeffrey has personally impacted major client successes including developing the formative strategies and creative work that helped define some of Nashville’s most enduring businesses including Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Dollar General Corporation, HCA, Tractor Supply Company, Captain D’s and many more.
Featured Photo Caption: (Back Row L to R) Walker Willse, Varina Buntin Willse, Kemp Buntin, Jeffrey Buntin Jr., Tiffany Buntin, Frazer Buntin, James Buntin, Rush Buntin, Gaits Buntin; (Front Row L to R): Pierson Willse, Neely Buntin, Campbell Willse, Varina Buntin, Jeffrey Buntin Sr., Anne Barnett Buntin, Mary Varina Willse
Team continues work toward accreditation, oversees new facility, and sets College strategic direction
The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University, first announced in October 2020, has made significant strides over the last year including the recent naming of its comprehensive administrative leadership team. Under the guidance of Founding Dean Dr. Bill Bates, who was appointed in December 2020, the College’s leadership team is made up of experts from across the country including:
Reuben A. Bueno, Jr., M.D.—Associate Dean for Clinical Education, Professor of Surgery
A graduate of Yale College and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Dr. Bueno has completed training in integrated plastic surgery/general surgery, hand and upper extremity and pediatric plastic surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery and Hospital for Sick Children, respectively. Prior to joining Belmont, he was Chief of the Institute for Plastic Surgery at SIU Medicine in Springfield, IL.
Karen A. Lewis, Ed.D.—Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity
Dr. Lewis has served as a leader in student affairs, enrollment management and diversity at Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Des Moines University and Carolinas College of Health Sciences. She has experience in allopathic, osteopathic, and podiatric medicine; physician assistant, physical therapy, masters and doctoral programs in biomedical sciences; nursing, radiologic technology, and laboratory science programs. She holds degrees from Clayton College and State University, Georgia State University and Vanderbilt University.
Stephanie McClure, M.D.— Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs and Professor of Medicine, Geriatric Medicine.
Dr. McClure earned her medical degree and completed an internal medicine residency at Quillen College of Medicine of East Tennessee State University and served on the faculty with an active clinical practice. She is board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. Prior to joining Belmont University, she served as the Executive Vice Dean for Student and Academic Affairs at Meharry Medical College.
Marilyn Odom, Ph.D.—Chair of the Department of Medical Education
Dr. Odom graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences and a specialization in Pharmacology. She completed her postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. From 1999-2008, she served as a faculty member at Meharry Medical College, and most recently, she served as Chair of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences in Belmont’s College of Pharmacy.
Anderson Spickard, III, M.D., M.S.—Associate Dean for Spiritual Growth and Development, Professor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Educator
Dr. Spickard earned his M.D. from Vanderbilt University and his Masters of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Washington. Most recently, prior to his appointment at Belmont, he served as Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean of Education Design and Informatics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
“I am honored to be leading such an accomplished team of experts who will oversee the foundation of this new College,” said Founding Dean Dr. Bill Bates. “We understand that health care is representative of so much more than the aspects of our identities that are discussed in the clinical setting. Within our curriculum, we plan to train students who embrace a whole-person approach to healing inspired by the love of Christ and develop a deep appreciation for all factors that influence health for our communities.”
In addition to his role as Associate Dean and Professor of Internal Medicine, Dr. Spickard has been appointed as Special Assistant to the President for Health, a new position established by Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. This role will consider the intersections of health, life, and faith across Belmont’s campus, inviting collaboration among all Colleges and establishing a foundation of the importance of health for human flourishing.
“The creation of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University, as well as the appointment to Dr. Spickard as the Special Assistant to the President for Health, signifies an incredibly significant point in the institution’s trajectory,” said Dr. Jones. “Belmont has been educating future leaders of our health care industry for decades, and the addition of a medical degree to our comprehensive health care programming is the natural next step. As we recognize that health intersects all aspects of our lives, we are committed to finding new ways to integrate a commitment to health and wellbeing into all disciplines across our campus.”
Additional faculty have been hired by the leadership team since their appointment including:
Rebecca “Beth” Conway, Ph.D.—Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Scientist Educator
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Connecticut Health Center.
Michael Frederick Hill, Ph.D.—Associate Professor of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Scientist Educator
Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Richard Preston Hobbs, III, M.D.—Professor of Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, Clinician Educator
M.D. from University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
Andrew Michel, M.D.—Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Clinical Educator
M.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Eszter Szentirmai, M.D.—Assistant Professor of Anatomic & Clinical Pathology, Clinician Educator
M.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Faculty from other Colleges at Belmont have received dual appointments to teach within the College of Medicine including:
Duane Hatch, Ph.D.—Associate Professor of Biochemistry, College of Sciences & Mathematics
Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from University of Cincinnati
Nick Ragsdale, Ph.D.—Associate Dean, College of Sciences & Mathematics
Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Tennessee, Memphis
Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D.—Professor of Immunology and Microbiology, College of Sciences & Mathematics
Ph.D. in Microbial Pathogenesis from Northwestern University
David Wyant, Ph.D.—Assistant Professor of Biostatics, College of Business
Ph.D. in Health Services Research, Policy and Administration from University of Minnesota—Twin Cities
Belmont is establishing the Frist College of Medicine in collaboration with HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services with 187 hospitals across the country and in the United Kingdom. This collaboration is built on a strong history between Belmont and HCA, whose Nashville-based TriStar Health will provide residencies and clinical rotations for students in the College of Medicine.
Last month,Belmont Board of Trustees Chair, alumnus and retired HCA Healthcare Chairman and CEO Milton Johnson and his wife Denice gave $10 million to the College in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr., the College’s namesake and HCA Healthcare co-founder, and Johnson’s many years of work with HCA Healthcare. The Johnson’s gift will name the Milton and Denice Johnson Lobby of the College’s new building, construction of which is currently underway on Belmont’s campus.
The nearly 200,000-square-foot building, which was announced in May of this year, includes a 650-space, below ground parking garage, and will be located within a block of Belmont’s Gordan E. Inman Center and McWhorter Hall, which house the University’s well-known health, health sciences and pharmacy programs. The facility has been designed to create a fully interdisciplinary educational experience, allowing students in existing programs to work alongside aspiring MDs—just as they would in a clinical setting. Large lecture spaces and learning studios will be complemented by high-tech simulation areas that utilize virtual and augmented reality as part of their simulated offerings.
