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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Co-Creators of VeggieTales Visit Campus to Host WELL Core Events

Leah Kuhn
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Co-Creators of VeggieTales Visit Campus to Host WELL Core Events

“Who do you think you are?”

This was the question Phil Vischer, co-creator of VeggieTales with Mike Nawrocki, posed to open his WELL Core event. Nawrocki visited campus the week prior. Having found themselves on career paths vastly different from the ones they anticipated, both shared their insights on navigating personal identity and trusting God’s plan.

From the beginning, Vischer was passionate about making films. As a child, he loved to watch MTV, but noticed the videos didn’t usually reinforce the values he learned in Sunday school. This gave him the inspiration to create videos and films to share the Gospel. Nawrocki on the other hand, was not always passionate about films and animation, although he had always loved to make people laugh. At 13, he gave his life to Christ and dedicated his future occupation to serving Him. Being from a STEM-centered family and not wanting to become a pastor, he decided he wanted to become a missionary doctor.

Reminiscing, Nawrocki laughed, “I had no idea I’d grow up to be an animated cucumber!”

Mike Nawrocki speaks in Chapel

Mike Nawrocki

Nawrocki and Vischer met on the puppet team while attending college in Minneapolis. They both enjoyed making people laugh while sharing the Gospel in a creative way. After three semesters there, they were both asked to leave on account of not fulfilling their chapel attendance requirement. They planned to take a semester off to re-group before transferring to another school in California as roommates. In the first of many twists and turns to their story, Vischer landed an internship in Chicago and decided to stay. Faced with a tough decision, Nawrocki decided to scrap his original plans and spontaneously move to Chicago.

Vischer noted, “For me, joy is a huge indicator of whether I’m walking with God or chasing my own dream.”

The production company that had hired Vischer also hired Nawrocki to cover some evening shifts after his biology classes. Loving to be creative and make people laugh, they borrowed the production equipment from the studio on weekends to create short films and music videos. Utilizing blossoming technology, the duo sought a way to re-create what they had done with puppets in animation. The characters needed to be simple because creating animation for hair, arms and clothes was incredibly difficult. Vischer originally made the characters as candy bars, but his wife cautioned him that mothers would not want their children learning biblical lessons from candy, so they became vegetables instead. With these characters they created “Take 38,” which served as their trial project for investors. Hoping to develop the characters into a regular series, they sought after companies, organizations and families who believed in their mission.

Nawrocki finished his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago and applied for the Peace Corps to continue pursuing his plans to become a missionary doctor. His acceptance to the Peace Corps and reaching the investment goal for VeggieTales happened in the same month. He had reached another fork in the road of his life and understood that this decision would change the trajectory of his future. After a lot of prayer, Nawrocki felt called to continue working with Vischer on VeggieTales and turned down his plans for medical school.

“I had a real passion for storytelling and performing,” Nawrocki recalled regarding his decision.

The future of VeggieTales would have many ups and downs, from reaching peak sales to enduring devastating lawsuits. The rollercoaster of near overnight success created potential for incredible potential as well as fast failures. During his WELL Core event Vischer shared, “If you find success at a very early age, it can do things to your identity.”

Through it all, they were able to impact the lives of many children and families through their creative work and dedication. Even though they are no longer making VeggieTales episodes, their journey to creatively sharing the love of God has not ended. Nawrocki has continued animating and will be releasing new projects soon, while Vischer has gone on to start a podcast, “The Holy Post.” Their journeys serve as a reminder to everyone that dreams can be reinvented and often reaching them requires an unexpected path.

Nawrocki closed with, “Make your plans, work hard and study hard, but always be open to God using you in ways you never imagined.”

Voight Presents at Sports Medicine Fall Symposium

Haley Charlton
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Voight Presents at Sports Medicine Fall Symposium

Dr. Mike Voight, professor in the School of Physical Therapy, was an invited speaker this past week at the 16th Annual University of Colorado Sports Medicine Fall Symposium. 

This marks the second time Voight has spoken at this well-attended meeting for physicians and rehabilitation providers. The focus of this year’s meeting was the management of injuries to the lower quarter. In addition to serving as a panelist with other surgeons, Voight presented on multiple topics: “Return to play after non-operative and operative treatment to the knee;” “Rehabilitation following regenerative injections for the knee;” “Overview of the clinical examination of the hip;” and “Five keys to the successful management of core muscle injuries.” 

In addition to in-person attendance at this meeting, there was also a large virtual audience participating. Following the meeting, Voight was a special guest at the Colorado Buffalo vs Texas A&M football game held the following day.

Belmont Sophomore Lucy Cloud Makes Music City Mayhem’s Top 30

Charlotte Maracina
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Belmont Sophomore Lucy Cloud Makes Music City Mayhem’s Top 30

Belmont Sophomore Lucy Cloud placed in Music City Mayhem’s Top 30 earlier this summer. Presented by Lightning 100, Music City Mayhem features thirty-two artists out of hundreds of applicants and pits them against each other. The radio station plays music from each artist on-air and online so the listeners can vote for their favorites to proceed to the next round.

Cloud’s social media manager, Blair Miller, decided to enter her song “Crash and Learn.”

“It was a surreal experience getting to have my music in a competition like this,” said Cloud. “I was in Michigan visiting my boyfriend when it was happening and we got to listen to my song on the radio which was a life changing experience. I loved getting to listen to the other artists’ songs and being surrounded by all of the talent that was in the competition.”

While getting to hear her song on the radio was an amazing experience, seeing the support from friends, family and strangers was her favorite part of competing.

Cloud, who is currently managed by family friend Kevin Jonas Sr., has spent the past several years of her life creating music. Her music style, which she describes as indie pop with a hint of soul, is inspired by her love for R&B pop.

Listeners can find Cloud’s music on all streaming platforms. She recently released a remix of her song “Crash and Learn” with her friend Lucas, which can also be found on every streaming platform.

Curb College Students Landon Ryle, Elise Del Mar Perform at Lollapalooza

Charlotte Maracina
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Curb College Students Landon Ryle, Elise Del Mar Perform at Lollapalooza

This past July, Curb College students Elise Del Mar and Landon Ryle had the opportunity to perform at the Chicago-based music festival Lollapalooza.

The duo first got together spring 2021 when they met in a demo production class taught by Jason Garner.

“I had mentioned something about making EDM music during class,” Del Mar explained. “Landon and I connected over that and have been working on music together ever since.”

Although the duo just recently started collaborating, they were able to land a major performance at Lollapalooza thanks to the help of one of Ryle’s old friends.

“Jake Duby, who is a DJ/producer from my hometown Lexington, Kentucky, reached out to me with the opportunity to produce music and perform it at Lollapalooza. While in the process of getting music together for the show, I reached out to Elise to see if she wanted to write to the track we made and sing on it,” Ryle explained. “This turned into the opportunity for her to perform our song ‘Run Into You’ with us at Lollapalooza.”

Prior to this performance, Ryle and Del Mar never played a show of that scale.

“This was both of our biggest performances. We have both played small shows around our hometowns and Nashville, but never anything to this scale,” the duo said.

Both Ryle and Del Mar agreed that the environment and behind the scenes of the festival was by far the best part of their experience. They said, “Going to a music festival as an artist is such a different experience from attending one as a part of general admission. It gave us the opportunity to go backstage of other artists’ sets, giving us a new perspective of live performances we hadn’t had before.”

Lollapalooza is just the beginning for Ryle and Del Mar. The duo are currently in the process of releasing another single entitled “Stay Another Night” anticipated to be released in the near future. In the meantime, listeners can currently stream “Run Into You” on all streaming services.

Alumni Band Juke of June to Play Halftime Show at the Titans Game

Charlotte Maracina
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Alumni Band Juke of June to Play Halftime Show at the Titans Game

Juke of June, a band composed of Belmont alumni, recently won the Inaugural Titans’ Battle of the Bands. The band will be playing a halftime show at the January 2, 2022 Titans vs. Dolphins game.

Band members Jackson Hahn, Jackson Kilburn, Ben Ballard, Zach McCoy, Bradley Crowe and Emily McCreight all came together in typical Belmont fashion.

Bassist Emily McCreight said, “The band was first formed in 2017 when Jackson Hahn, Jackson Kilburn and Ben Ballard first met in their first classes at Belmont. After that, Zach McCoy came into the band through meeting Jackson Kilburn in Patton because they lived on the same floor. Two years later, Bradley Crowe and myself joined the band ultimately completing what is now Juke of June!”

After defining their musical style, which McCreight describes as “surf-psych-funk,” the band began releasing EPs. Their most recent July release, Good Weather, helped the band gain enough traction to bring them to the Top 5 in the Titans’ Battle of the Bands.

Once in the Top 5, the competition was just beginning.

“The Top 5 bands had the opportunity to play on the rooftop of 5th & Broadway in front of five judges who were well-respected musicians/songwriters/executives in the music industry. We were judged on originality, audience interaction, songwriting and performance for the three original songs we performed,” said McCreight.

For their performance, the band chose to perform three songs they felt expressed their originality and sound. After much thought, the songs they chose were “Cry Through the Drywall,” “Boy Named Paul” and “Good Weather.” The band clearly chose wisely because their performance led to them being brought on stage and declared the winner.

While winning was a euphoric feeling, it wasn’t the most memorable for McCreight.

“The most memorable part had to be the performance itself. We played the best show we’ve ever performed and we couldn’t be more proud of the results. We had the best crowd there to cheer us on, and nothing beats the feeling of performing in your hometown for all of your closest friends and family,” McCreight recalled.

McCreight says that the band is so excited and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to perform in both the Battle of the Bands and at the Titans game.

Aside from their upcoming Titans performance, Juke of June has a lot of upcoming projects and performances.

“Our future looks very bright! We are playing a lot of shows this fall and can’t wait to play at more Nashville venues that we’ve been dreaming of playing! We also just released our 3rd EP in July, “Good Weather.” It’s out on all streaming platforms and we are currently working on an album now, due to come out sometime next year,” said McCreight.

To find out more about Juke of June, visit their website. Don’t forget to go to the Titans game on January 2, 2022, to support the band and see them play the halftime show.

Belmont Cuts Ribbon on The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

April Hefner
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Belmont Cuts Ribbon on The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

In a special ribbon cutting ceremony held earlier today, Belmont University dedicated The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, a new $180 million multifunctional facility designed with a vision to be the best performance venue on any college campus in the world. Fashioned after traditional European opera houses, the new hall adds another diamond to Music City’s ring of world-class venues as it caters to diverse audiences with major concerts, plays, operas, dance, musical theatre and other performances while also supplying Belmont’s nationally renowned arts students with a unique learning and performing environment.

Exterior of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts was dedicated on Sept. 14, 2021 at Belmont University.

Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones said, “The beauty and performance capabilities of The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts are simply unmatched, and its possibilities are unparalleled. From inspiring audiences with globally-minded performances to celebrating our students’ talents onstage and behind the scenes to serving Middle Tennessee through partnerships and programs, the Fisher Center offers unlimited potential. This venue will equip students with the confidence and real-world experiences that set them apart as Belmont graduates while also attracting world-renowned artists to share their immense talents with our campus and the local community. With Belmont’s rich tradition of creativity and imagination across our campus, the Fisher Center will be a place for those values to come to life through curating, producing and presenting stories and art that inspire.”

Fisher and Dickens Families Honored

Today’s ceremony also marked the unveiling of the name of the new facility and the plaza in front of the building to celebrate two families who worked together to lead Belmont University for more than 20 years and who inspired the facility’s vision, design and construction. The Fisher Center is named in honor of recently retired Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher and his wife Judy, who have been long-time advocates for the arts both on Belmont’s campus and in Nashville. Also unveiled in front of the Center were sculptures of the Fishers along with a plaque commemorating all they have contributed to Belmont University. In addition, the area in front of the building will be called Dickens Plaza to honor the contributions of former Board of Trustees Chairman Marty Dickens and his wife Betty.

Judy and Bob Fisher stand in front of the sculpture presented in their honor
Judy and Bob Fisher stand next to the statue presented in their honor at the dedication ceremony for The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Milton Johnson, retired chairman and CEO of HCA Healthcare and current chairman of Belmont’s Board of Trustees, noted, “Together, Marty and Bob dared to dream of building a performing arts center that would be the finest to be found on any college campus in the world. Their vision, inspiration and commitment truly represent the foundation of this venue. Placing their names on this site further cements their legacies while reminding each and every patron of their impact on Belmont University.”

A special, invitation-only concert featuring internationally acclaimed violinists and composers, the Mark O’Connor Duo with Maggie O’Connor, will be held this evening to celebrate the Fisher Center’s dedication and pay tribute to the Fisher and Dickens’ families. The Fisher Center will also host the Dec. 1 performance of the annual “Christmas at Belmont” concert, which features more than 800 student musicians and vocalists and will be filmed for national broadcast on PBS.

Fisher Center to Partner with Local Arts Organizations

Partnerships with local arts organizations will be an integral aspect of the facility’s identity, as Belmont seeks for the Fisher Center to be shared with Nashville and the surrounding region as a center for artistic storytelling, inspiration and celebration. The May 2022 Nashville Opera collaboration on Richard Wagner’s epic “Das Rheingold” is anticipated to draw talent and audiences from around the country, while a June 2022 Nashville Ballet residency will bring three spectacular debut performances to the venue. Conversations are underway for the Nashville Symphony to perform in the space in 2022 as well.

Located between Belmont’s Massey Performing Arts Center, Curb Event Center, Troutt Theater and McAfee Concert Hall, the Fisher Center completes a performing arts district along Belmont Boulevard. Moreover, the horseshoe-shaped hall promises ultimate adaptability with design features that make it a perfect fit for a wide variety of functions, from both acoustic and amplified music concerts to theater and dance performances and broadcast events. The entire facility has been acoustically designed to provide an optimal listening experience to all audiences.

Facility Demonstrates Extraordinary Attention to Detail

While every performance in the new space will be a considerable draw, the building itself will prove its own attraction as acute attention to detail makes this project particularly inspiring. Throughout the Fisher Center, visitors will find elaborate details and special touches that further enhance the beauty within and symbolize uniquely Belmont traits. A few highlights of the new performing arts center include:

The main concert hall at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
  • Column capitals that feature icons specific to Belmont’s campus, including roses, fountains, trees and bees in honor of Bob Fisher’s long-held hives on the roof of the Ayers Academic Center
  • Variable acoustic system within the hall includes curtains placed in wall pockets that can be deployed to manage audio needs, or literally tune the room, for different events
  • Three-story Grand Lobby designed to host banquets, galas and special events for up to 900 guests 
  • Side ballroom spaces that can be individually cordoned off for separate acoustic or amplified smaller performances, or—since both areas feature floor space as large as the main stage—each can also be used as viable rehearsal spaces
  • Flexible stage, lifts, rigging and lighting in the main hall provide maximum adaptability
  • Top of the line theatrical equipment that gives superior visual and acoustical experiences
  • Innovative orchestra pit accompanied by two lifts allow the pit to be extended above, below or flush to the stage depending upon the production
  • Ten-foot-wide medallion with fiber optic night-sky lighting details add a striking element to the performance hall dome 
  • An acoustically transparent domed ceiling, constructed of ornate plaster and metal grillwork, allows sound to travel up into the attic volume before being diffused, or absorbed, depending upon the nature of the event

The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts was designed by local architectural firm ESa, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and ChaseCo, LLC served as overall project manager. Other project partners included:

  • R.C. Mathews – General Contractor
  • Akustiks, LLC – Acoustical Consultant
  • Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc. – Theatre Consultant
  • Lee Company – HVAC/Plumbing Contractor
  • Enterprise Solutions, LLC – Electrical Contractor
  • Inman Foodservices Group, LLC – Food Service Consultant
  • Curtain Wall Design & Consulting, Inc. – Exterior Envelope Consultant
  • Fire Protection Associates, Inc. – Fire Protection Consultant
  • Jensen Hughes, Inc. – Code Consultant
  • Kenneth B. Bonifay, DBA – ADA Consultant
  • Randy Burkett Lighting Design, Inc. – Lighting Designer
  • I.C. Thomasson Associates – MEP Engineers
  • Ross Bryan Associates – Structural Engineer
  • Hodgson Douglas, LLC – Landscape Architecture
  • Catalyst Design Group – Civil Engineers
  • SSRCx – LEED Consultants and Commissioning Agent
  • Kelly Construction – Masonry Contractor

Continuing Belmont’s efforts toward sustainability, The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts is pursuing LEED Gold certification, which would make it the fifth LEED-certified building on Belmont’s campus.

Belmont administrators and students, along with city officials, cut the ribbon today on the new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Picture left to right: Butch Spyridon, Mayor John Cooper, Dr. Greg Jones, Dr. Bob Fisher, Judy Fisher, Marty Dickens, Milton Johnson, David Perry, Avery Goodwin, Denice Johnson and Betty Dickens.
Belmont administrators and students, along with city officials, cut the ribbon today on the new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Picture left to right: Butch Spyridon, Mayor John Cooper, Dr. Greg Jones, Dr. Bob Fisher, Judy Fisher, Marty Dickens, Milton Johnson, David Perry, Avery Goodwin, Denice Johnson and Betty Dickens.

Belmont University Celebrates 7th Annual Diversity Week

Charlotte Maracina
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Belmont University Celebrates 7th Annual Diversity Week

Belmont University recently wrapped up its 7th annual Diversity Week, which ran from Friday, September 17 – Friday, September 24. Diversity Week at Belmont began in 2015 to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across campus and to foster meaningful conversations within the Belmont community and beyond.

A complete list of this year’s events can be found here.

A sampling of this year’s events included:

With a goal to help students experience various cultures and spark dialogue, the event lineup started September 17 with the playing of the Korean film Minari and the serving of Korean food at Harrington Place Dining Hall.

How Do We Make Diversity a Responsibility for All of Us on Sunday, September 19 at 7 p.m. in the Curb Event Center: This year’s First Year Seminar guest speaker Dr. Mary Frances Berry discussed diversity, equity and inclusion. The recipient of more than 35 honorary doctoral degrees and many awards, Berry’s experience in African American studies is extensive. She currently serves as a Professor of History and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Berry also held a more intimate conversation with the Belmont community on September 20, met with Belmont faculty and staff of color for breakfast on September 21, joined a panel discussion on civil rights on September 21 with Belmont History Professor Dr. Pete Kuryla and Vanderbilt University Law Professor Dr. Karla McKanders and visited Belmont College of Law for an exclusive student-only event on September 22.

Celebrate Chinese Culture: Mid-Autumn Festival on Tuesday, September 21 at 6 p.m. in the Massey Boardroom: Sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Association, this annual event for the Belmont community celebrated Chinese culture and the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival. Presentations were given by officers of the Chinese Cultural Association and Asian American Association. All attendees received free “MoonCakes.”

God of Diversity: Henry Beecher Hicks, Jr. on Wednesday, September 22 at 10 a.m. in the Gabhart Chapel: Rev. Hicks led Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. for 37 years, growing it to become a 6,000-member congregation with more than 60 ministries. Rev. Hicks is the author of five books and was designated by Ebony Magazine as one of “America’s 15 Greatest African American Preachers.”

Minding the Gap: A Diversity in Entertainment Industry Symposium – A Call to Action took place on Thursday and Friday, September 23-24, in multiple locations. This year’s symposium included film screenings, student music performances, conversations and more. Featured events on Friday, September 24 in the Johnson Center Large Theater (Room 115) included:

  • The Narrative that Kills…and Lives! at 9 a.m. : What role does the entertainment industry play in shaping what we know, see, and believe about ourselves and others? Is there a connection between police shootings, what makes us feel safe, and film, media and music? CEMB Professor Dr. Cheryl Carr and guests discussed opportunities for new narratives in the entertainment industry.
  • African-American Music and Musicians in Nashville: A Timeline at 10 a.m.: Don Cusic presented a timeline that spans the history of African American music in Nashville. Dr. Cusic is the author of more than 30 books, including “James Weldon Johnson: Songwriter” and “The Trails of Henry Flipper: First Black Graduate of West Point.” As a record producer he has produced a collection of James Weldon Johnson songs by Melinda Doolittle (co-produced with Mike Curb). Cusic has appeared on numerous TV shows and on NPR. He is Belmont’s Curb Professor of Music Industry History.
  • Reporter Roundtable – Race, Gender and the Entertainment Industry at 11 a.m.: Paige Pfleger, reporter for WPLN, moderated a discussion with Rissi Palmer, host of Color Me Country, and BMI’s Shannon Sanders about race, gender and the entertainment industry.

Movie: “In the Heights” on Friday, September 24 at 7:30 p.m. on the Belmont Lawn: The Student Activities Programming Board hosted a showing of “In The Heights” on the lawn on an inflatable movie screen for the Belmont community.

The Welcome Home Diversity Council is devoted to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across campus. Learn more about the council here.

WalletHub Features Loes as Expert in Car Insurance Article

Haley Charlton
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WalletHub Features Loes as Expert in Car Insurance Article

WalletHub recently featured Belmont Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Cate Loes in their article “Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio.”

Loes shared her advice as to whether celebrity endorsements used in car insurance ads are meant to mislead potential customers. In the article, she described the appeal of celebrity endorsements to indecisive customers as well as restrictions against misleading advertising.

 “Celebrity endorsements of products have a long history of impact on consumer decision-making, car insurance is no different,” she explained. “Thankfully the FTC is charged to determine whether companies mislead customers or not.”

To read the full feature, visit WalletHub.

Curb College Alumna Caroline Watkins Signs with SMACKSongs

Charlotte Maracina
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Curb College Alumna Caroline Watkins Signs with SMACKSongs

Former Belmont music business student and Nashville native Caroline Watkins recently signed a worldwide publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

In an article on MusicRow.com, Cole said, “I’ve always been a fan of SMACK, but when I met Robin, Carly [Sater] and the rest of the team, they immediately made me feel so at home and like part of the family, and I could not imagine a better place to get to write songs every day. I am just so thankful to them for believing in me and my songs and am so excited for my future with them.”

During her time at Belmont, Watkins received the Miranda Lambert Women’s Scholarship. The scholarship is intended to help encourage women to pursue their careers in the music industry. Watkins did just that.

Read more about Watkins’ success here.

Get to Know Belmont’s New Dean of Students Dr. Tamika Williams

Charlotte Maracina
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Get to Know Belmont’s New Dean of Students Dr. Tamika Williams

This past June, Belmont University announced its new Dean of Students Dr. Tamika Williams! As the new school year starts, take some time to get to know Dr. Williams in a Q&A below.

What does a “Dean of Students” do exactly?

As Dean of Students, I oversee the Division of Student Life at Belmont University. I am supported by a team of professionals who aid in creating a meaningful out-of-classroom experience for college students. In total, there are 12 areas that comprise the Division of Student Life. These include Residence Life, Counseling, Health Services, Campus Fitness and Recreation, Accessibility Services, Belmont Office of Leadership Development (BOLD), Student Engagement, Community Accountability, Office of Care and Support, GPS, Bridges to Belmont and Multicultural Learning Center.  Through collaborative efforts, we help shape and form future leaders by instilling institutional values of Integrity, inquiry, collaboration, service and humility; provide opportunities for engagement through programs and services offered; address issues and concerns faced; and serve as a resource for students needing support navigating the college experience. It is hoped that through these measures students can gain tools that will prepare them for graduation as well as for life after Belmont. 

What are you looking forward to this school year?

The return of our students has brought a renewed energy. While COVID-19 is still present and steps have been taken to reduce the spread, I am grateful that we are in a position to return to in-person services and programs. 

Where are you coming from and why did you choose Belmont?

Prior to Belmont I worked at Rhode Island College, located in Providence, Rhode Island. While at RIC I served as the assistant vice president and Dean of Students. 

I chose Belmont because of its mission and values. Oftentimes there is a desire to ensure that college students are prepared to graduate. While this is perfectly fine, I like that Belmont takes this a step further by saying that we want students to be prepared for life. There is intentionality to focus on and support the ‘whole’ student. 

If you could tell students one thing you’d like them to know going into this school year, what would it be?

This past year has not been easy. You have gone through experiences you did not anticipate nor did you ask for them to happen. Yet, you are here (and I am happy that you made the choice to be here). As you continue through this chapter of your life, you may experience successes and there may be some setbacks. Remember to be patient with yourself; celebrate victories and learn from mistakes. There is purpose in your story.

What is a fun fact about you?

I absolutely LOVE plants. Prior to moving to Nashville, I owned roughly 60 plants and set a goal to have 100 plants. I created my very own plant bucket list. However, as part of my move, I had to give away many of my plants. Now, I am starting over. If you have a love for plants, share your favorite with me, and maybe we can do a plant swap!

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading “Woman Evolve” by Sarah Jakes Roberts. If you have a recommendation, let me know. 

What show are you currently binging?

I am currently binging “Family Reunion (Netflix Original).” Loretta DeVine is one of my favorite actresses. She has a maternal spirit and her laugh can fill a room. If you have a recommendation, let me know (and bonus points if you can share a show that has at least three seasons). 

How can someone reach you if they’d like to connect?

I can be reached via email at deanofstudents@belmont.edu. My office is located in the Beaman Student Life Center, Dean of Students Suite which is located on the 2nd Floor. 

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