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 Send Letters of Love

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Physical Therapy Students Send Letters of Love

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond, many have felt the effects of self-isolation, as they stayed home to protect others. With the hope of spreading joy and a sense of togetherness, Belmont School of Physical Therapy Class of 2024 students teamed up with Lauren Scanlon, a geriatric certified specialist at Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute at Vanderbilt, to provide letters to senior adults as part of APTA’s 100 Days of Service.

Together, letters and artwork were crafted and sent to Letters Against Isolation, an organization that provides handwritten letters to residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

student writing card

Associate Professor Christi Williams said, “This project served as a great way to get connected with the community and put a smile on someone’s face. Thank you to Pi Beta Phi for collaborating with our physical therapy students on such a thoughtful project. Spread joy and togetherness today and every day!”

For more information about the Letters Against Isolation organization, visit: https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/

Fall 2021 ‘Tower Talks’ Shares BOLD Personal Stories of Growth in Leadership

Haley Charlton
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Fall 2021 ‘Tower Talks’ Shares BOLD Personal Stories of Growth in Leadership

This week, Belmont’s Office of Leadership Development (BOLD) hosted “Tower Talks,” an opportunity for students to share their personal leadership stories and demonstrate their transformational growth over the years through a range of leadership experiences like BOLD programs, therapy, Nashville Skate and even martial arts. Their stories of perseverance, courage, humility, cultivating friendships and overcoming fear touched the hearts of attendees and inspired student leaders to continue engaging in personal leadership development.

One junior at Belmont shared her story of overcoming the fear of failure. Through her leadership development experiences in BOLD, she explained that “nobody is perfect and that it is our imperfections that lead to connection with others.” 

A senior who has participated in BOLD since 2018 stated, “I used to run from leadership roles. I thought I would not qualify because I was resolved and quiet. I learned that I can still lead when I am quiet and resolved because of my character. I am capable of integrity, humility and loving kindness.”

students at event

These student stories were powerful and served as an incredible display of what character-forming leadership development can do to impact the life of a student who is embracing their leadership journey.

Presenters’ hope-inspiring stories encouraged their peers to take action on- and off-campus and challenged them to begin recognizing the importance of developing leadership skills of their own. With a community of leaders across campus, Belmont in turn becomes a better place for all. For example, one student leader connected their leadership experiences to their martial arts training saying, “A black belt is a way of life. It’s something you are! I’ve learned to become my best and not the best.”

As the end of the Fall 2021 semester approaches, students can look forward to the release of the Spring 2022 BOLD schedule. With events such as Social Change & Me and The Belmont Is Global or B.I.G Leadership Exchange, there will be many opportunities for students to continue growing through transformational leadership experiences. Email bold@belmont.edu for more details.

Spring, Stewart Share Bonnaroo U Curriculum at International Music Conference in Netherlands

Haley Charlton
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Spring, Stewart Share Bonnaroo U Curriculum at International Music Conference in Netherlands

Associate Professor Dr. Ken Spring and Associate Professor Dr. Sarita Stewart recently presented their paper “Bonnaroo U: Building A Sustainable Music Festival Curriculum” at the 12th International Music Business Research Days conference in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The conference was held at the Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture November 3-5. 

Stewart said many professors in attendance (mainly from Europe) were interested in adapting the material for their own purposes. 

On November 4, Spring served as chair for a panel on Platforms & Streaming. On November 5, Stewart spoke on a panel titled “Resilience of the Music Industries,” which focused on the live music sector. The panel examined the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, both in The Netherlands/Europe as well as the U.S.

Department of Chemistry and Physics Hosts 5th Annual ‘Celebrating Women of Physical Science’ Outreach Event

Haley Charlton
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Department of Chemistry and Physics Hosts 5th Annual ‘Celebrating Women of Physical Science’ Outreach Event

Belmont University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics hosted the 5th annual Celebrating Women of Physical Science outreach event on Monday, November 8. Organized by the Department of Chemistry and Physics STEM Outreach Committee–Drs. Krista McBride, Davon Ferrara and Rachel Rigsby; lab manager Jeff Gustafson; and Committee Chair and Associate Professor of Chemistry Education Dr. Danielle Garrett — this event not only highlights the past and current contribution of women in STEM, but it also seeks to make the physical sciences relatable and accessible to high school students, exposing them to key equipment, materials and skills needed in science and math classrooms.

“Every year, we work to make this event engaging, informative and fun,” Garrett said. “We were so glad to be able to hold our event live this year, and the feedback has been very positive. Seeing the excitement and interest these students have in science and being a part of helping them explore their passion for learning is the best part of developing and hosting these events.”

This year, more than 40 students from eight area high schools attended the event where they talked with undergraduate research students and participated in lab tours, demonstrations and hands-on lab activities focusing on optics – including forming images with lenses, the wave nature of light with single and double slits, spectroscopy with vapor light sources and polarimetry. The afternoon events were developed and led by Ferrara, Gustafson, McBride and Rigsby. Administrative Assistant Makayla Kadner and Belmont undergraduate students were also on hand to help make this event a success.

Visiting high school students also had the chance to talk with representatives from the Office of Career & Professional Development. Peer Career Advisors Ashley Sawyers and Jamie Emerick shared information focused on career opportunities in sciences and mathematics. Students also had the opportunity to learn about the Belmont undergraduate Women in Science (WIS) student organization.

Davidson Academy high school chemistry teacher Ellie Reynolds shared, “The students I brought had a wonderful time and we learned a lot. Everyone was very welcoming and informative.”

Girl uses tool

The event ended with Dr. Rosario Porras-Aguilar’s keynote address Light from the Macro and Micro Universe. Porras-Aguilar currently serves assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Optical Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is the head of the Active and Reconfigurable Optics Laboratory. Dr. Porras’s research harnesses the optical properties of nanomaterials to obtain quantitative 3D information for biological and industrial applications.

Porras-Aguilar is also committed to fostering environments of inclusion and diversity in STEM and has organized numerous events to encourage and promote the participation of women in STEM areas in Mexico and the involvement of first-generation Latin@ students at UNC Charlotte. Earlier in the day, Porras-Aguilar held a Zoom session hosted by the Teaching Center – Fostering an Inclusive Academic Environment. More than 30 faculty members from across the University joined in for this session.

Students Pitch Their Way to the Top at Center for Entrepreneurship’s Business Pitch Competition

Haley Charlton
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Students Pitch Their Way to the Top at Center for Entrepreneurship’s Business Pitch Competition

On Wednesday November 17, Belmont students had the opportunity to compete in the Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship’s Business Pitch Competition. The winners of this year’s competition are Hannah Rodriguez and Emily Heneger in first and second place respectively, with Chandel Shanklin and Penny Kapadoukakis tying for third. The pitch competition helps bring students’ business dreams to life by allowing them to give a one-minute, shark-tank style business pitch to a panel of four judges with the first place winner receiving $2,000, second place receiving $1,000 and third place receiving $500. Each of the winning students plans on using the prize money to help grow their business.

First place winner Hannah Rodriguez wants to invest in help garnering a larger audience for her workbook planner company, “Dream Achieve.” Although Dream Achieve has some success on an international level, Rodriguez wants to showcase her product in the Atlanta trade show to help the product gain more traction.

In second place, Emily Henegar impressed the judges with her already-established designer cookie business, “Cookie in the Kitchen.” Post-graduation Henegar hopes to expand her business and will use the prize money to purchase new commercial machinery to make better quality products.

Chandel Shanklin took on of the third place positions for his business “Dream Camp Media,” which aims to enhance outdated arts education. Shanklin plans on using the money he won to promote his education plan at various educational trade shows.

Penny Kapadoukakis took home the other third place position for Local Music Hub, which is an app that serves as a hub for users to find everything about their favorite or soon-to-be new favorite local artists in Nashville. With Local Music Connect, users can find their music linked on all platforms, all local house shows and venue concerts, and follow and learn more about new artists from their area.

This year’s judges included the three alumni Entrepreneurs-In-Residence Ryan Residorf, Meredith Mazie, Matt Fiedler and alumnus entrepreneur Clark Buckner. Following the student’s one-minute presentation, the judges had one minute to ask the students questions regarding their businesses. Thirteen students pitched to the judges on business ideas ranging from electric cars to redefining arts education. All of the businesses pitched were focused on making more sustainable products as well as products that positively impact the community around them.

The business pitch competition held is a precursor to the larger business pitch competition that will be held in March. The Thomas F Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship aims to help all student entrepreneurs regardless of major to exceed in their business plans. Learn more about the center on the Cone Center website.

Wiley, Mills Share Research on Librarians as Undeclared Advisors at National Advising Conference

Charlotte Maracina
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Wiley, Mills Share Research on Librarians as Undeclared Advisors at National Advising Conference

Claire Wiley, research and instruction librarian, and Jenny Mills, coordinator of research services, presented at the National Academic Advising Association–NACADA– Annual Conference last month.

Their presentation titled “Librarian Advisors for Undeclared Students: Understanding the Advisee Experience” detailed their grant-supported research on the librarian-as-advisor model. Wiley and Mills’s presentation included data from interviews with formerly undeclared students, detailed the qualitative methods used for analysis, shared study findings and suggested next steps to improve support for undeclared students. 

Alumna Named CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence

Charlotte Maracina
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Alumna Named CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence

Alumna Lauren Wilkerson Baker, music education class of 1993, was recently named a Country Music Association–CMA– Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence. Baker currently teaches music at Clovercroft Elementary in the Williamson County School District. 

“I am so blessed to be called as a music educator,” said Lauren. “I love my students, the now grownups all the way down to my youngest. Spending your day making music with children is a great life!” 

McMakin Published in Oxford Handbook of Public Music Theory

Charlotte Maracina
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McMakin Published in Oxford Handbook of Public Music Theory

Director of Belmont’s OceanWay Studios Patrick McMakin was recently published in The Oxford Handbook of Public Music Theory.

McMakin’s chapter, co-written with Jennifer Snodgrass, discusses musicianship on Music Row. McMakin conducted various interviews and cited different research that reveals the specific knowledge and skills valued.

Read McMakin’s full abstract here.

First-Year Students ‘Plunge’ Into Nashville Community in Service

Charlotte Maracina
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First-Year Students ‘Plunge’ Into Nashville Community in Service

This past fall break, Belmont University freshmen took a ‘plunge’ into the Nashville community and spent their time away from class completing community service around the city. Plunge is an annual, four-day immersion experience for first year students, meant to introduce them to the kind of disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith that Belmont values for its students. As a Christ-centered university, Belmont instills the importance of service to the community as early as possible.

Typical Plunge trips involve travelling to one of five different locations nationwide. However, with the lingering threat of COVID-19, this year’s trips focused on giving back to the local community in Nashville. Over the extended weekend, approximately 55 students, faculty and staff participated in the program, which offered service experiences with approximately 10 different ministries and organizations in Nashville and opportunities to build community with other first-year students.

“The Mission Engagement Council–the student leadership team–wanted to give students the same meaningful experience they would have if they were in another city. Since most first-year students are new to the city, it is a great way to introduce them to some of the amazing things happening here that they can get connected to throughout the year,” said Associate University Minister and Director of Spiritual Formation Christy Ridings.

Belmont University students invest their Fall Break into Plunge Mission Trip. On Monday, after a weekend of many adventures in Mission work in Nashville, the students did a seminar with Open Table and Lindsey Krinks, co-founder of Open Tables.

Plunge helps to give students a new perspective into the community in which they live and learn.

“The hardest part of the service was learning about all of the injustices occurring in the world today. I was aware that many of these things were occurring; although, the extent that the people in my own community in Nashville are being affected is unreal,” said freshman Claire Falcone. “But, the most rewarding part of my service was learning more about organizations within my own community that are working with those who are neglected by society in some way.”

Falcone said she would recommend this trip for other first-year students because they will build relationships with other first year students. She said, “You can form strong connections with them while also obtaining connections with staff and upperclassmen who can help guide you through your career at Belmont. The people on the Plunge trip are devoted to you and want to form those relationships and want to pour into you even after the trip is over.”

Students interested in taking part on a mission trip can visit the Belmont on Mission webpage for more information. Mission trips typically take place over fall, winter, spring and summer breaks.

Bynum Published in Two Public Health Publications

Charlotte Maracina
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Bynum Published in Two Public Health Publications

Dr. Leigh Ann Bynum, associate professor in Pharmaceutical, Social & Administrative Sciences in the College of Pharmacy, recently had her manuscript “Preparing Student Pharmacists to Care for Patients Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence” accepted for publication in Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning journal. Her case “When Love Hurts: Caring for Patients Experiencing Interpersonal Violence” was also recently published in the 2nd edition of the Public Health in Pharmacy Practice: a casebook.

Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning is devoted to dissemination of high quality, peer-reviewed scholarship relevant to all areas of pharmacy education—promoting educational research excellence.

Public Health in Pharmacy Practice: a casebook, is a collaboration of more than 90 individuals with expertise and training in public health pharmacy. A total of 54 chapters are presented, covering a broad array of topics relevant to pharmacy applications of public health. This work is the result of a successful collaboration with The University of Mississippi Pharmacy Administration Program.

Intimate partner violence–IPV–is a serious public health problem. Little is known about pharmacists’ IPV knowledge and awareness. This study assessed student pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and awareness of IPV and examined the impact of a brief curricular unit on these factors. Moreover, the published case defined IPV, examined its impact and identified methods to appropriately respond to IPV.

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