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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Book of Poems by Sisson Selected for Publication by Glass Lyre Press

Haley Charlton
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Book of Poems by Sisson Selected for Publication by Glass Lyre Press

“Small Fish in High Branches,” a full-length book of poems by Dr. Annette Sisson, Belmont English professor, has been selected for publication by Glass Lyre Press, located in Glenview, Illinois. The book will likely be available in 2022.

Glass Lyre is an independent literary press that publishes poetry collections, chapbooks, select short and flash fiction and the occasional anthology, offering fine literature “to rejuvenate the spirit, fuel inspiration and nourish the soul.” The Glass Lyre vision is to connect the world through language and art and publish collections that one returns to time and time again, rather than stashing them away after reading.

According to the company, their hope is “to expand the scope of poetry and short fiction for the general reader through exceptionally well-written books which call forth our deepest emotions and thoughts, delight our senses, challenge our minds and provide clarity, resonance and insight.”

Dr. Bob Fisher Wraps Up 21 Years as Belmont University President

Haley Charlton
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Dr. Bob Fisher Wraps Up 21 Years as Belmont University President

After 21 years at the helm, Dr. Bob Fisher is wrapping up his last week as president of Belmont University. His more than two decades of service to the University are marked with phenomenal growth, dramatic rise in national prominence, dedication to student success and a legacy of serving others.

Fisher’s last weeks as president were spent offering interviews with numerous local media outlets, attending his final ribbon cutting for the brand new Crockett Center for Athletic Excellence, securing significant scholarships for students in the Watkins College of Art, offering a preview of the soon-to-open Belmont University Performing Arts Center and its partnership with the Nashville Opera and announcing that the University surpassed its “We Believe Campaign” Fundraising goal, exceeding $326 million for student scholarships, faculty support, missions, athletics and more, to name a few.

Affectionately nicknamed “Bob the Builder” among students, faculty and staff, Fisher has shaped Belmont University into a nationally recognized, premier institution, leading the campus through extraordinary development since his tenure began in 2000 with more than $1 billion invested in new construction, renovations and property acquisitions. The expansion has been needed to serve a rapidly growing enrollment that has nearly tripled under his leadership.

Dr. Fisher walking near Bell tower
Dr. Fisher walks away after completing his final commencement ceremony before retiring.

Beyond the campus and population expansions, Fisher’s fingerprints can be seen on nearly every accolade Belmont University has accomplished since he took office in 2000, and it is an extensive and impressive list. View some of these highlights in the announcement of Fisher’s retirement on Belmont News.

Belmont faculty and staff came together to thank both Bob and Judy Fisher for their longstanding commitment to the University in a special event on May 20. The event offered the chance for several speakers to chronicle fond memories of the Fishers and to present the couple with several gifts, including 21 roses, custom Belmont chocolate bars, a handmade wooden memory box filled with hundreds of thank you cards and a custom leather-bound photo book showcasing highlights from their 21-year tenure. Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Dr. Wayne Lewis Named President of Houghton College

Haley Charlton
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Dr. Wayne Lewis Named President of Houghton College

Dr. Wayne Lewis, inaugural dean and professor in Belmont’s School of Education, will assume a new appointment as president of Houghton College on June 15. Houghton College is a nationally ranked Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences in New York.

An announcement on Houghton College’s website says the Board of Trustees was looking for a leader “who would embrace and build upon the College’s clear mission and history, strong institutional reputation and sound financial position to propel the institution to its next level of excellence.” The announcement cites that Lewis’ approach to his role at Belmont can “best be summarized as being a champion for students and focusing on improving educational access, opportunities and experiences for students, including those who have historically been underserved.”

Under his leadership, Belmont’s School of Education saw increased enrollment in undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs, launched new undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and increased engagement with partners through new and expanded advisory councils for current students, alumni and schools and school district partners.

Dr. Lewis came to Belmont from the Kentucky Department of Education where he served as the state’s chief state school officer. His experience as a classroom teacher, teacher educator, postsecondary faculty member, program administrator at the undergraduate and graduate levels and an executive in state government has been the ideal background for his work at Belmont. Dr. Lewis has provided a clear vision, consistent leadership and a collegial atmosphere in the School of Education during his tenure. In his brief period at Belmont, he and his faculty and staff have established a new foundation for the School.

As the commissioner of education for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Lewis oversaw an agency with more than 1,100 employees and a $5 billion annual budget while also working as a faculty member at the University of Kentucky. Through these experiences, Lewis led the expansion of early postsecondary opportunities for high school students, launched Go Teach KY to increase and diversify the public school teacher workforce, led doctoral programs delivered through hybrid and fully online formats, supervised more than 10 successful doctoral dissertations and more than 15 successful master’s and education specialist degree projects, and served as the founding faculty director of the University of Kentucky’s Black and Latino Male Student Success Initiative. Prior to that, Lewis taught in K-12 public schools of Louisiana and North Carolina.

A native of New Orleans, Lewis is a graduate of St. Augustine High School, completed undergraduate study at Loyola University New Orleans, earned a master’s degree at The University of Akron’s Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, completed post-baccalaureate teacher certification at The University of New Orleans, and earned a Ph.D. at North Carolina State University’s College of Education.

Dr. Lewis’ last day at Belmont will be June 6. Belmont has initiated a national search for the College of Education’s next dean. Find more information on the University’s job posting.

Belmont University Surpasses ‘We Believe Campaign’ Fundraising Goal, Exceeds $326 Million

April Hefner
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Belmont University Surpasses ‘We Believe Campaign’ Fundraising Goal, Exceeds $326 Million

In the final week before Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher’s retirement, the University announced today that it had successfully surpassed the initial goals for the We Believe campaign, the largest comprehensive fundraising effort in Belmont history. Launched publicly five years ago at the conclusion of the institution’s 125th anniversary celebration, the We Believe campaign aimed to raise and invest $300 million to support five strategic priorities: scholarships, faculty, missions, athletics and the annual fund. As of today, the campaign’s total lands at $326,674,688, more than $20 million beyond the original goal.

“When we launched the We Believe Campaign in 2016, we did so with five fundraising priorities identified that are critical to us living out our mission in even greater ways,” said Dr. Fisher. “We set our sights on the most ambitious fundraising goal in Belmont history and never looked back. Not surprisingly, our Belmont family—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, trustees and other supporters—heard the call and responded in record numbers. As a result, our endowment has grown more than 233% from $102 million to more than $340 million, ensuring our Christ-centered mission will endure and Belmont will thrive for many, many years to come.”

Specific priorities of the We Believe campaign included:

  • $141,913,684 for Endowed Scholarships to ensure more qualified students can receive a Belmont education regardless of financial means
  • $16,948,793 for Faculty Support through endowed chairs/professorships to attract and retain preeminent experts in their fields
  • $6,048,489 for Missions Support to expand endowed funds to enhance Belmont’s undeniably Christian environment and further students’ ability to serve in the U.S. and abroad
  • $14,416,735 for Athletics funding for endowed scholarships to support high-caliber student athletes who embody Belmont values and represent the University around the world
  • $51,922,588 for Annual Giving to support the student experience (research, lectures, travel, etc.) and create a culture of philanthropy among Belmont constituent groups that encourages consistent, long-term giving

Vice President for Development and External Relations Dr. Perry Moulds added, “Every donation, large and small, from the more than 23,000 contributors to this campaign creates more opportunities for students to receive an exceptional and distinctive education at Belmont University. I am thrilled that we could cross this threshold prior to Dr. Fisher’s retirement as it’s his visionary leadership that has paved the way for all that Belmont has become. Our donors’ belief has now set the stage for an even more dynamic future.” 

To learn more about the We Believe campaign or to invest in a Belmont University scholarship or other initiative, visit webelieve.belmont.edu. 

Carr Shares Insights on the Future of Higher Education

Haley Charlton
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Carr Shares Insights on the Future of Higher Education

Cheryl S. Carr, associate dean in the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, presented “Reimagining the Power of Higher Education to Shape Cultural Race Narratives” during the annual conference for the Association of Arts Administration Educators. Her presentation discussed the potential for both the cultural sector and higher education to create positive social and educational outcomes through new narratives and leadership models.

Early Facility Rendering Demonstrates Belmont’s Ambitious Goals for New Frist College of Medicine

April Hefner
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Early Facility Rendering Demonstrates Belmont’s Ambitious Goals for New Frist College of Medicine

Fresh on the heels of announcing its new medical school would be named after a healthcare icon, Belmont University revealed today a proposed rendering and location for the facility that would house the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. Current plans for a 160,000 square foot structure that includes a 350-space, below ground parking garage puts the building in line with the size and scope of other medical school buildings while also allowing for room to grow. Subject to Metro Planning Department approval, the site is within a block of the campus’ Gordon E. Inman Center and McWhorter Hall, which collectively are home to Belmont’s well known nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, public health and pharmacy programs.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I’ve noted before that we have exceedingly high aspirations for this new College of Medicine, and the name ‘Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine’ signals our determination to create an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to compassionate, patient-centered care that will settle for nothing less than the very best. This building must follow suit, providing state-of-the-art technology and opportunities for extensive collaboration. As health care continuously evolves, we are committed to creating an atmosphere where our students will be trained to lead the way in healthcare design and delivery.” 

The initial plans for the Frist College of Medicine building continue the rich architectural detailing for which Belmont is known, extending the campus’ footprint further down Wedgewood Avenue. The facility is being designed to create a fully interdisciplinary educational experience, allowing students in Belmont’s existing health science programs to interact with aspiring MDs and work together as a team just as they would within a normal healthcare delivery system. 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. The facility is also anticipated to be flexible to adapt both to new technologies and equipment as well as to changes in health care models. In addition, the building is expected to establish a physical space dedicated to honor inductees to the Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame.

Belmont University announced May 3 that its new College of Medicine will be named in honor of health care icon Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr., co-founder of HCA Healthcare. In addition to its name, the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University enjoys strong ties with HCA Healthcare, whose Nashville-based TriStar Health will provide residencies and clinical rotations for students of the college. 

Dr. Frist noted, “Belmont has a history of building programs that are exceptional. I know with the leadership at the University, we have the potential to build a school that produces physicians with the same heart for service that guided my own career – not just for Nashville but also for a nation that desperately needs more practicing physicians.” 

The Frist College of Medicine is built on a strong history of connections between Belmont and HCA Healthcare, one that traces back to another of the company’s co-founders Jack Massey, a staunch Belmont supporter and the namesake of the Jack C. Massey College of Business. Since those early years, the organizations have worked together on a number of initiatives, including the Partners in Nursing Consortium to address a nursing shortage in Tennessee. HCA Healthcare also worked with the University as the local health advisor for the Oct. 22, 2020 Presidential Debate at Belmont.

A Nashville native, Dr. Thomas “Tommy” Frist, Jr., his father Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. and Jack C. Massey formed Hospital Corporation of America (now HCA Healthcare) in 1968. As one of the nation’s first investor-owned hospital companies, HCA Healthcare modernized the way health care was delivered in the United States while keeping patient care and safety first. Dr. Frist served HCA Healthcare in various leadership roles including President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. He remained on the Board of Directors of HCA Healthcare until 2009 and currently serves as Chairman Emeritus.

Teams of health care leaders, faculty and consultants have been gathering in retreats to formulate the vision and goals for the new college, ensuring it aligns with the mission that makes a Belmont education distinctive. Currently in the midst of hiring faculty and developing curriculum to share with the accrediting body, Belmont hopes to begin construction on the Frist College of Medicine building by the end of the year.

Belmont Sells Watkins Campus for $22.5 Million, Creating Significant Arts Scholarship Fund

April Hefner
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Belmont Sells Watkins Campus for $22.5 Million, Creating Significant Arts Scholarship Fund

Belmont University recently closed on the sale of the former Watkins College of Art property to a joint venture of affiliates of Chartwell Residential LLC and EJF Capital LLC for $22.5 million. As planned when the Belmont-Watkins merger was announced last year, net funds from the sale of the Rosa Parks Boulevard campus will create an endowment to provide scholarships for visual arts students in Belmont’s Watkins College of Art. The Watkins College of Art at Belmont Scholarship Endowment will be used exclusively to provide need and merit-based scholarships for students studying the visual arts. The endowed fund is expected to produce more than $800,000 annually for arts scholarships upon maturation.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “The scholarships funded by this endowment will enable Watkins College of Art at Belmont to attract exceptionally talented aspiring artists, giving them a well-rounded education in the midst of a vibrant and creative arts community, both on this campus and within Nashville. Already a top tier institution in numerous fields—including music, health care and entrepreneurship—these scholarships will further elevate Belmont’s visual arts programs to an international level.” 

“From research done by Belmont’s Development team, we believe the sale of this property will create one of the nation’s largest arts endowments to be used exclusively for student scholarships,” added Watkins College of Art Dean James Pierce. “That’s a game changer for us, as having such scholarships available to aspiring artists will propel our program into being a clear leader in art and graphic design education. Belmont and Watkins arts programs have drawn top talent to Nashville for years. Now the combined legacy of these programs united with the opportunities this endowment will bring represents a true gift that will impact the art world for generations to come.” 

In the inaugural year of the new merger, Belmont’s Watkins College of Art consists of 143 majors, 5 MFA students and 17 full-time faculty and staff, along with another 94 students holding a minor within the Watkins College. Though public exhibitions weren’t possible this year due to the pandemic, Watkins students have access to multiple galleries to display their work and be inspired by visiting artists, including the Leu Art Gallery, Gallery 121, Meaders Student Gallery and the Wedgewood-Houston Gallery at The Packing Plant. Moreover, the students and faculty at Watkins continue to demonstrate their talents and creativity virtually through significant award recognitions, media placements and innovative online exhibits.

The Watkins College of Art at Belmont University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and recognizes the importance of a comprehensive art education by offering programs relevant to a range of traditional artistic disciplines and encouraging creativity, practice and scholarship. Programs of study in Art History, Art Education, Design Communications, Experiential Design, Illustration, Photography and Studio Art as well as new graduate programs (Master of Fine Arts) integrate experiences in perennial foundational skills with emerging concepts and technologies for students desiring to pursue the visual arts as a profession or as a focus for graduate studies. Watkins College of Art also hosts a dynamic Community Education program with courses, workshops and camps for students of all ages and skills taught by practicing artists.

The Watkins Institute opened in 1885, following the death of entrepreneur Samuel Watkins, who in his will left $100,000 and downtown property on what is now Church Street for the establishment of a school that would teach the “business of life” to people in need. The transition of Watkins Institute to a full college began in 1977 when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approved associate degrees in fine art and interior design. Later years saw the additions of bachelor programs in film, interior design, photography, graphic design and fine art.

More recently, changing demographics resulted in economic challenges for small independent colleges, and particularly for limited program institutions such as art colleges, causing Watkins to pursue strategic alternatives. That process resulted, in early 2020, in negotiations that resulted in the Watkins College of Art and Belmont University boards unanimously approving a merger of the two institutions. The new Watkins College of Art at Belmont preserves the college’s long-held mission of advancing culture through the illuminating power of art, while opening new doors for students that were previously not available to them. 

Lashlee-Adams, Jenkins Present at TN SHRM Strategic Leadership Conference

Haley Charlton
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Lashlee-Adams, Jenkins Present at TN SHRM Strategic Leadership Conference

Belmont Center for Executive Education Executive Director Dr. Melanie Lashlee-Adams and Senior Manager of Programs and Marketing Bobbie Jo Jenkins presented the Center’s COVID Transitions report during the annual Tennessee Society of Human Resource Management’s Strategic Leadership Conference.

The Belmont Center for Executive Education sought to assist partner organizations in understanding emerging trends in employee development and in navigating COVID-19 specific challenges facing their workforce.

The report was created from data collected via survey responses, anecdotal evidence from clients and qualitative interviews from individuals in key industries that either thrived or struggled during the pandemic. The Center for Executive Education team shared themes and insights regarding organizational transitions throughout the pandemic and offered emerging best practices for adapting talent development to conference attendees.

The Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management Strategic Leadership Conference is an annual conference that brings together human resource leaders and professionals from multiple organizations and industries to learn from each other and discuss relevant topics within the industry.

To learn more information about the Belmont University Center for Executive Education or the COVID Transition Report please e-mail cee@belmont.edu or visit belmontleadership.com.

Belmont Receives Japan Foundation Grant

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Receives Japan Foundation Grant

The Japan Foundation of Los Angeles announced that Belmont University has been awarded a grant covering materials related to teaching enrichment for Japan culture and language.

Dr. Christopher Born, assistant professor of Asian studies and Japanese language, said, “As our Japanese program has been growing in number and course levels, many students desire to take the JLPT exam at the N3 or N2 level, and a few wish to try for the N1 level. These materials will be of great assistance in enhancing student learning toward goal-oriented outcomes, such as passing the JLPT examination.”

Japanese has been offered as a baccalaureate minor at Belmont since 2005, and the University has the only Japanese program that is coupled with an International Business, Music Business and Audio Engineering programs in the region. Belmont works closely with the Office of the Consul-General of Japan in Nashville to promote programming and is a supporter of the Japan Exchange and Teaching program.

Belmont was also recently the only U.S. university to receive the Foreign Minister of Japan’s commendation in 2020.

Highlighting the 2021 Graduating E.S. Rose Scholars: Emily Vo and Haleema Shamsuddin

Haley Charlton
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Highlighting the 2021 Graduating E.S. Rose Scholars: Emily Vo and Haleema Shamsuddin

Emily Vo

Belmont University political science graduate and E.S. Rose Scholar Emily Vo will pursue her juris doctorate degree this fall.

The Martin Luther King Academic Magnet High School alumna was involved in many things while a student at Belmont, including the Belmont Speech and Debate Team, a two-semester study abroad program in Seoul, South Korea, Pi Sigma Alpha – the Political Science Honor Society, and Belmont’s Asian academic and service clubs: Chinese Cultural Association, Japan Culture Club and the Asian American Association.

Vo said, “I was honored to be trusted with the responsibility to give back to my community in honor of Rev. Rose and as an ambassador of Belmont University. It was a great opportunity to be involved in my community, while upholding the values of Rev. Rose and Belmont: leadership, service and faithfulness.”

Vo said her favorite memories at Belmont come from being a member of Speech and Debate team and attending the debate tournaments. “It was a great experience to be surrounded by intellectual and passionate students and to represent Belmont University on the state, national and international levels,” she said. “I learned and grew so much with the support of the members on the Belmont Speech and Debate team. I will forever look back on those memories fondly.”

Haleema Shamsuddin

Belmont University honors biochemistry and molecular biology graduate and E.S. Rose Scholar Haleema Shamsuddin will pursue further education by attending medical school.

The Hume Fogg Academic High School alumna was involved with many organizations during her time at Belmont, including the executive council of the Student Government Association, executive council president for Belmont Ambassadors, the American Chemical Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Honors Society and Women in Science. 

“Being able to do community service to honor Rev. Rose has been such an inspiring experience where I have been able to learn more about the E.S. Rose community and make life-long bonds with many individuals,” Shamsuddin said. “These experiences have shaped who I am today and my utmost passion for community activism.”

From insightful classes to being part of amazing organizations, Shamsuddin said her experiences at Belmont were absolutely incredible. Her favorite memory is leading the Belmont Ambassadors group as vice president in co-hosting the Christmas at Belmont event at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Congratulations to both of these outstanding graduates.

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