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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Milton and Denice Johnson Donate $10 Million to Belmont University’s Newly Established Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine

Hope Buckner
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Milton and Denice Johnson Donate $10 Million to Belmont University’s Newly Established Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine

Gift made in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. and Johnson’s longtime work with HCA Healthcare

Belmont Board of Trustees Chair, alumnus and retired HCA Healthcare Chairman and CEO Milton Johnson and his wife Denice today announced a $10 million gift to Belmont’s newly established Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine 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 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.  

“Denice and I are overjoyed to make this gift in honor of my mentor—Tommy Frist—and the many decades he has dedicated to transforming healthcare,” Johnson said. “Nashville celebrates its status as the nation’s healthcare capital today largely because of Tommy’s transformational work. He was also a leader of outstanding character. I’m eager to watch as the next generation of healthcare providers are trained at Belmont with a similar drive to serve and care for patients, families and communities.” 

The College of Medicine, which Belmont is establishing 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, is built on a strong history between the two organizations.  For many years the organizations and their leadership have constructed a variety of significant partnerships to address healthcare challenges across the region, train excellent providers in a variety of disciplines and more. 

“Belmont is dedicated to providing transformative education to our students—and the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine is a tremendous opportunity to further the University’s efforts to solve the world’s most complex problems by equipping our students with the skills they need to serve their communities,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “With support from extraordinary leaders like Milton and Denice Johnson we are able to further this work, providing our students with incredible opportunities to sculpt their futures and impact our world.” 

The gift adds to Milton and Denice Johnson’s ongoing support of the University – including their creation of a $10 million endowment to support the University’s Bridges to Belmont initiative in 2015. Just last week, the Program announced an expansion from 34 Metro Nashville Public School high need, high deserving students each year to 50 students from 10 area high schools. Both Milton and Denice remain active across campus, supporting a variety of University initiatives and dedicating their time to serve as mentors to countless Belmont students and alumni. 

Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inducts 2020, 2021 Classes at Annual Ceremony

Hope Buckner
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Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inducts 2020, 2021 Classes at Annual Ceremony

Ten-member, joint class–inducted today by event emcee John Seigenthaler–recognizes esteemed pioneers, leaders, educators, executives and researchers in health and health care from across the state

The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame today inducted its 2020 and 2021 classes at a ceremony held in Belmont’s newly opened Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The dual-year class is made up of 10 health care leaders and legends from across the state.

The Hall of Fame, which was created by Belmont University, Belmont’s McWhorter Society and the Nashville Health Care Council, seeks to recognize and honor the leaders that have formed Tennessee’s heath and health care community.

“Over the course of the past year and a half, the COVID-19 pandemic has refocused the spotlight on the health care industry and the important role health care professionals play in each of our lives,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Now more than ever, we want to honor the leaders in this vital field—individuals who demonstrate the character, compassion and strength of purpose that quite literally transforms lives on a daily basis.”

Inductees include:

2020 Inductees

  • Monroe Dunaway “M.D.” Anderson: Health care philanthropist; Former Treasurer, President and CEO for Anderson, Clayton and Co., Namesake for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the no. 1 cancer center in the world for research, diagnosis and treatment
  • Governor Phil Bredesen: Entrepreneur who started HealthAmerica and other prominent health care companies; Former Mayor of Nashville (1991—1999) and Gov. of Tennessee; Redesigned TennCare to become a model managed-care Medicaid program widely studied and replicated by other states
  • Kathryn M. Edwards, M.D.: Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Endowed Chair in Pediatrics and a Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Work has focused on the evaluation of vaccines for the prevention of infectious disease; Contributed to vaccine development for Haemophilus influenza type B, pertussis, influenza, avian influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, smallpox, rotavirus, malaria and others
  • Donald S. MacNaughton: Former CEO and Chairman of HCA Healthcare; Chairman of the executive committee at HealthTrust; Mentor to numerous health care providers and leaders
  • G. Scott Morris, M.D.: Founder and CEO of Memphis’s Church Health who developed a model for whole person health care and led Church Health to become the largest faith-based, privately-funded health clinic in the country; Speaker on community and faith-based health care

2021 Inductees

  • Tom Cigarran: Co-founder, former Chairman, Director, President and CEO of Healthways (now Tivity Health), the largest chronic disease management company and well-being provider in the U.S.; Co-founder, former Chairman, Director, President and CEO of AmSurg, Corp (now Envision); Two-time former Chairman of the Nashville Health Care Council and active community leader
  • Autry O.V. “Pete” Debusk: Founder and Chairman of DeRoyal Industries, Inc., a world-wide medical device manufacturer; Member of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to Congress; Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Lincoln Memorial University who helped launch multiple healthcare graduate and professional degree program
  • William E. Evans, Pharm.D.: Former CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who led the hospital to consistent national rankings and increased cure rates for the most common pediatric cancers from 50 percent in 1975 to more than 90 percent in 2021; Author of more than 450 scientific publications; Elected member of the Institute of Medicine of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2002) and the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (2015)
  • James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D.: President and CEO of Meharry Medical College who catapulted the institution to the national stage; Widely known and acclaimed Immunologist, virologist, researcher and health care educator; Advisor to local, state and national government on infectious diseases; Advocate for minority communities and leader in fight for health equity
  • Robert Sanders, M.D.: Former Chairman of the Accident Prevention Committee of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Successful advocate and lobbyist of the Child Passenger Protection Act, leading to his name “Dr. Seat Belt;” Former director of the Rutherford County Health Department

In addition to recognizing Tennessee’s most influential health and health care leaders, the Hall of Fame serves as an on-going educational resource to document the rich history that has contributed to Tennessee’s position as a leader for national health care initiatives. Sponsors of the induction ceremony contribute to not only the long-term viability of the Hall of Fame, but also to the McWhorter Society Scholarship Fund, which benefits students pursuing careers in the health sciences. Since the inception of the McWhorter Society and the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame, more than $3.7 million has been raised to support McWhorter Society Endowed Scholarships, and there have been more than 160 scholarship recipients since 2014.

  • Ms. Tammy Buchanan accepts on behalf of Monroe Dunaway “MD” Anderson.
  • Dr. Kathryn Edwards
  • Governor Phil Bredesen
  • Dr. G. Scott Morris
  • John Seigenthaler accepts Don. MacNaughton’s award on behalf of his family.
  • Dr. James Hildreth
  • Ms. Pat Sanders, on behalf of her husband Dr. Robert Sanders.
  • Tom Cigarran
  • Dr. William E. Evans

Jones added, “The inductees of the 2020 and 2021 classes of the Hall of Fame have helped shape and advance the industry, paving the way for future health care leaders. As we continue to draw the best and brightest to Belmont’s health care programs, and as we plan for the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine, I’m thankful for our inductees’ inspiration and countless contributions. I can think of no better way to solidify the hope we have for our health care students than by honoring the heroes and heroines we want them to emulate.”

Because last year’s inductee classes was not able to be recognized in person due to COVID-19, this year’s scaled-back event honors both the 2020 and 2021 classses.  

More information and a complete list of the more than 30 individuals inducted since 2015 can be found on the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame website.  

Alumna Piper Jones Featured Vocalist in Postmodern Jukebox Cover of ‘Driver’s License’

Haley Charlton
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Alumna Piper Jones Featured Vocalist in Postmodern Jukebox Cover of ‘Driver’s License’

Alumna Piper Jones is the featured vocalist on Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox’s recent 50’s style cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s  “Drivers License.” Jones graduated in 2012 with her degree in commercial music.

Jones was recommended by fellow commercial music alumna Melinda Doolittle, class of 1999. Doolittle had previously toured with the group and recommended Jones for new projects over dinner in Nashville.

“I met up with Scott and sang through some songs for him,” said Jones. “He flew me to Los Angeles to film. It was super fun. They were really kind.”

Postmodern Jukebox is known for reworking popular hits with vintage styles form the early 20th century. See the cover below.

Wigal Published in Annual Edition of Chaffin Journal

Haley Charlton
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Wigal Published in Annual Edition of Chaffin Journal

Belmont Director of Publishing Sara Wigal was recently published in the Chaffin Journal, an annual print journal. Wigal’s nonfiction essay “If You Had Lived” can be found in the most recent print edition of the Journal.

The Chaffin Journal writes this on their website: “We seek diverse and original poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction rooted in literary tradition. We value assured voices, freshness of vision, precision of language and a sense of urgency in all the work we publish.”

Nelms to be Named TNTESOL Journal Editor

Haley Charlton
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Nelms to be Named TNTESOL Journal Editor

Dr. Amanda Nelms, assistant professor in the College of Education, will be appointed the Tennessee Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TNTESOL) Journal Editor on October 22. 

TNTESOL is the professional association for English as a Second Language (ESL) educators and advocates. The purpose of the organization is to promote scholarship to strengthen instruction in teaching of English to speakers of other language or dialects, while advocating and supporting state and national initiatives to assure equitable educational opportunities for linguistically diverse students. 

Nelms works with the ESL programs in Belmont’s College of Education. The ESL programs at Belmont include initial teaching licensure in ESL, an ESL endorsement or a minor in ESL. 

Belmont PRSSA Receives Eight National Awards

Haley Charlton
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Belmont PRSSA Receives Eight National Awards

The Belmont University Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America and its members received eight national awards at the society’s 2021 International Conference.

Belmont PRSSA received the national Dr. F. H. Teahan Outstanding University Service Award, recognizing its members’ service including work in Bruin Recruiters, Belmont Ambassadors, Towering Traditions leaders, the Belmont-hosted Presidential Debate, Lambda Pi Eta communication honor society and BOLD.

Senior Abigail Roering was one of only two students in the nation to receive a 2021 PRSSA National President’s Citation in recognition of her leadership in Tower Creative Communications (Belmont’s student-run firm), including WELL-Core programming and partnership with faculty and students at Tennessee State University.

One Belmont senior and four recent graduates received the PRSSA National Gold Key Award, recognizing chapter leadership, high academic performance, internship excellence and professional promise. Honored were Olivia Blumb, who graduates in December, and recent graduates Katie McAdams, Emily Stembridge, Aliah Tayyun and Lucy Walsh. 

Belmont PRSSA also received a 2021 STAR Chapter Award for meeting 11 criteria of excellence including ethics advocacy, community service and professional engagement by its members. Belmont PRSSA is one of only two chapters to receive this honor each year since the award was established in 2009.

PRSSA is a pre-professional society sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America. Belmont PRSSA was chartered in 2005.

Nashville Native, Dr. Mary Frances Berry, Describes Journey to a Lifetime of Fighting Injustice

Leah Kuhn
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Nashville Native, Dr. Mary Frances Berry, Describes Journey to a Lifetime of Fighting Injustice

Nashville native visited campus to celebrate Diversity Week, share her perspective with the Belmont community

Dr. Mary Frances Berry has devoted her life to the pursuit of knowledge and education.

She received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and holds more than 35 honorary doctoral degrees from a variety of institutions, alongside a large collection of other honors and awards. Currently serving as a Professor of History and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Berry spent time on campus in late September to celebrate the University’s 7th annual campus-wide Diversity Week. While on campus, Berry participated in a variety of events to share her perspective with faculty, staff and students, including one intimate conversation with a small group of attendees where she shared her story and offered insight.

As a child, Berry lived in a children’s home with her brother and endured significant hardships–not entirely unlike the way orphanages are portrayed in the media, Berry told a group of students. She remembers her brother always crying because he was hungry and their mother visiting as often as she could while attending beauty school to better support her family.

Berry looks back on this time now, recognizing that this difficult environment without the consistent comfort of her mother’s love had a significant impact on her life. It made her incredibly persistent and resilient, she said, which would go on to serve her, and those who have the privilege of interacting with her, well in the future.

After their mother completed beauty school, Berry’s mother moved her family into an apartment with their uncle and his family. It was a small space to accommodate so many people–conflict was inevitable.

When Berry was just a toddler, her older cousin hit her in the head while they were playing in the yard. Instead of crying for help, she sat contently and cared for herself until an adult came calling. This earned her the nickname, Plankhead,” for her thick skull–literally and figuratively.

Berry has been fighting battles of injustice her whole life, with her curiosity and ferocity for truth driving every step. As a graduate student, she became involved with the anti-war movement and decided that if she was to understand the conflict in Vietnam, she must go herself. Her options were limited–she could enlist in the military or become a war correspondent. She chose the latter.

Not knowing how to come upon such a position, Berry sent the U.S. Pentagon a letter. They responded with instructions–solicit sponsorship by newspapers with enough subscribers to qualify. Berry began with the University of Michigan newspaper, The Michigan Daily, and continued to ask local papers all across southwestern Michigan. With enough sponsors, she went to Vietnam and was one of few women to step into the combat zone.

After recounting some of the stories that shaped her, she opened the floor for questions. She advised students to question everything they believe and read at least three news sources in order to seek truth. Dr. Berry also encouraged students to practice true activism and “show up” for their causes, just as she went to Vietnam to fight for her beliefs.

College of Health Sciences, Nursing Dean Taylor Helps Pass New Tennessee Tobacco Legislation

Charlotte Maracina
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College of Health Sciences, Nursing Dean Taylor Helps Pass New Tennessee Tobacco Legislation

College of Health Sciences and Nursing Dean and Professor Dr. Cathy Taylor recently served on the Chronic Disease Prevention Task Force for the State of Tennessee, spearheaded by Senator Rosalind Kurita. Taylor, along with two other experts, received an invitation from the Governor’s Office, in conjunction with the commissioner of health, to act as a subject matter expert to make recommendations for improving the health of Tennesseans.

Taylor and her team, which included Belmont public health students Genevieve Delano and Deviyani Bajpai, conducted online research and interviews to make recommendations to the task force. Despite the interruption of COVID-19 on the team’s research, Taylor and her team contributed to the final recommendation to allow local authorization to limit tobacco smoking and vaping in public spaces. The recommendation was passed into legislation by the 112th General Assembly.

“Restricting exposure to tobacco or vaping products and smoke is clearly linked  to better health outcomes, especially for children (e.g., fewer asthma attacks, colds and ear infections – even better school attendance and fewer SIDS deaths (Suddent Infant Death Syndrome),” said Taylor. “This legislation opens a door to a much larger issue called preemption. Preemption limits the ability to pass more comprehensive smoke free laws in Tennessee’s cities and counties.”

Tennessee’s 2007 Non-Smoker Protection Act, which prohibited smoking in all enclosed public places, was the last significant tobacco legislation enacted  prior to the passing of this newest legislation. Although the passing of new tobacco regulations is a step in the right direction, the fight against tobacco use is far from over.

“Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoke, is the single greatest contributor to preventable disease and death. It literally harms every organ in the body, yet Tennessee currently ranks 43rd in the nation for tobacco use and 44th for overall health,” said Taylor. “I’m very proud of this small step, but it’s time to do more, and that likely means taking on the hard work of addressing current laws that limit our ability to create safer, smoke-free environments for all.”

To read the official legislation, visit the Tennessee General Assembly website.

Alumna Alix Rogers Wins ‘Access to Justice’ Award

Charlotte Maracina
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Alumna Alix Rogers Wins ‘Access to Justice’ Award

Alix Rogers, Belmont Law Class of 2018, recently won the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services Access to Justice New Advocate of the Year Award. Each year, TALS recognizes individuals who contributed to furthering Tennessee’s equal justice community. This year, Rogers became one of several recipients to be honored with this award.

 Since graduating from Belmont, Rogers passionately defends and protects domestic violence survivors, ensuring that all her clients return to a safe environment. She organized a phone-based legal clinic when in-person clinics were unavailable due to the pandemic. Rogers endlessly works to build, maintain and strengthen her firm’s ties within the community. 

The award ceremony was hosted virtually on September 21-23. To read more about the recipients and the award ceremony, visit the TALS website here.

U.S. News and World Report Includes Belmont University Numerous Times in 2022 National Rankings

Haley Charlton
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U.S. News and World Report Includes Belmont University Numerous Times in 2022 National Rankings

Belmont University once again appears numerous times in the 2022 rankings of America’s Best Colleges according to a recent analysis from U.S. News & World Report. Praised for the 14th year in a row in the “Most Innovative” category, Belmont continues to move up the ladder with this year’s ranking at no. 34 in the country. With Vanderbilt coming in at no. 40, Belmont is one of only two schools in the state to make this category.

In the publication released September 13, Belmont was also placed in the top 30 universities showing a “strong commitment to undergraduate teaching” and ranked thirteenth nationally for Learning Communities, among other accolades.

Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones said, “At Belmont, we aim to develop leaders of character and purpose who possess a transformational mindset and are equipped to make the world a better place. It’s gratifying that our peer institutions recognize the innovative approaches we have implemented to accomplish that mission. We will continue our focus to cultivate an educational approach that empowers students to become hope inspiring, future shaping, bridge building, community engaging and character forming people.”

With its focus on student success, enriched curriculum offerings and strong outcomes, Belmont earned acclaim in the following categories as well:

  • Service Learning: Ranked 20th nationally.
  • Undergraduate Nursing: Ranked 148th nationally for the first time in this category.
  • First Year Experience: Ranked 21st nationally for building into the curriculum programming that helps freshmen connect to their institutions.
  • Learning Communities: Ranked 13th of only 23 institutions recognized in the nation. In these communities, students typically take two or more linked courses as a group and get to know one another and their professors well.
  • Best Colleges for Veterans: Belmont was one of only three schools in the state to be recognized on the national list.
  • Best Value: Belmont remains the second highest ranked school in the state it its category for the quality of education versus the cost of attendance.
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