Philosophy Professor Dr. Mark Anderson recently published Pure: Modernity, Philosophy, and the One, an experimental work of philosophy in which the author aspires to think his way back to a “premodern” worldview derived from the philosophical tradition of Platonism. The book was published by Sophia Perennis and is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Watkins Presents Paper in Spain
Dr. Cynthia Watkins, associate professor of education, presented a paper titled “Using Case Study Methodology in Higher Education to Enhance the Understanding of Differences” at the 11th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education held at Universitat d’Alacant in Alicante, Spain, July15.
Pinter Presents Poster
Dr. Mike Pinter, professor in the mathematics and computer science department, presented a poster titled “Encouraging Mathematical Problem-Solving the First Day of Class” as part of the First Day of Class Activities poster session at the annual national Mathematical Association of America Mathfest meeting in Portland, Ore., Aug. 6-8.
Hobbs Develops Equipment Innovations for Amputees
Dr. Chad Hobbs, an August 2009 Physical Therapy graduate, received a Special Recognition award last week for his work in developing equipment innovations for amputees. As part of his clinical education experience, Hobbs worked at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Amputee Center in Washington, D.C., where he created a glove for an amputee who had lost a portion of his hand and elliptical foot plates for lower extremity amputees.
In his recognition at the School of Physical Therapy Hooding Ceremony, Professor and Associate Dean of Physical Therapy Dr. John Halle introduced Hobbs, noting, “As an inventor and entrepreneur, he exhibits a collaborative and humble spirit that facilitates working with other health care providers and patients. He has developed collaborative devices with two clinical instructors, a faculty member and with patients. He has eight products that are in the final stages for marketing and four more products in development. Additionally, he has taken his products and combined them with existing health care products to develop a company that can meet patients’ needs with ‘one stop shopping’ at a reduced cost.”
Jellissen Publishes Article in Journal
Dr. Susan Jellissen, assistant professor of political science, recently had an article published (with Fred Gottheil, University of Illiniois) titled “Marx and Engels: In Praise of Globalization” in the journal Contributions to Political Economy (June 2009).
Belmont Rises to No. 7 in U.S. News & World Report Ranking, Highest in Tennessee
School also honored as one of top two schools nationwide for ‘leading the pack in improvements and innovative changes’
For the first time in its history, Belmont University breaks the Top 10 ranking in the Best Universities Master’s level South category from U.S. News & World Report’s annual analysis of America’s Best Colleges. Soaring to No. 7 in the 2010 edition, Belmont was also honored for the second year in a row as one of the top two schools nationwide for “leading the pack in improvements and innovative changes.”
Belmont ascended four spots from its ranking in the 2009 issue of 11, joining other Top 10 institutions such as Rollins College, Elon University, James Madison University, The Citadel and Stetson University. In addition, Belmont landed a ranking of third in its category for its strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, one of only 80 colleges and universities nationwide to be honored by its peers for this aspect of academic life. Furthermore, three components of Belmont’s nationally recognized and innovative general education program were identified as “outstanding examples of academic programs that are commonly linked to student success”; Belmont’s First-Year Experience, Learning Communities, and Senior Capstone were all featured as “stellar examples” and demonstrate Belmont’s ongoing commitment to engage students in key issues affecting their lives.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “What a day for Belmont! To be recognized so highly and in so many categories is a true compliment to our entire university, particularly our dedicated and gifted faculty. I’ve long known that Belmont University was providing a first-rate education to its growing student body, but it’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized by our peers for those accomplishments. Our faculty and co-curricular programming are providing students with the education and resources they need to complete the Belmont mission, empowering men and women ‘to engage and transform the world.’ Seven is the perfect number—until we reach six!”
Belmont Awarded $188,000 Grant to Enhance International Business Education
Belmont University’s College of Business Administration (COBA) was recently awarded more than $188,000 in federal grant monies to enhance international business education at Belmont University and to sponsor international business and trade activities in Nashville.
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the Nashville Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce supported the grant efforts. Belmont will use the grant to partner with these organizations to present seminars and workshops on various international topics to the greater Nashville business community along with support for international business research and analysis.
The Title VI Grant was made through the Business and International Education (BIE) Program of the U.S Department of Education. The grant proposal, titled “Collaborating to Equip Belmont and Nashville for the Dynamic Global Economy,” received BIE funding over a two-year period which began August 1.
The grant and proposed initiatives are spearheaded by Dr. Jeffrey Overby, director of international business programs and associate professor of marketing at Belmont University. “This is certainly a great honor for Belmont University,” Overby said. “However, it is even more significant that it will allow us to foster a stronger international outlook among students, faculty and the greater Nashville community. Thinking internationally is no longer an option in today’s business environment; it is a necessity.”
Dave Berryman, chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s International Business Council, said, “The Nashville area has a strong worldwide reputation for music; now we need to build the region’s reputation as an international destination for business. The grant that Belmont has received will go a long way in making this possible.”
Belmont Holds August 2009 Commencement
Belmont University held its August 2009 commencement for graduate and undergraduate students on Fri., August 14 in the Curb Event Center.
Belmont celebrated the graduation of a total of 209 students, with 99 undergraduate, 75 master’s and 35 doctoral degrees being conferred. Dr. Robert C. Fisher, president of the university, provided the commencement address and presented the graduates with their degrees.
Click here to view a photo gallery from commencement.
Tradeline Publishes Extensive Feature on Inman Center
Tradeline, an organization that provides resources for facilities planning and management, recently published an extensive article on the Gordon E. Inman Center. The 1,900 word article is titled “Belmont University Facility Provides Real-World Training: Inman Center Increases Nursing School Enrollment while Becoming a Community Resource” and was based upon a presentation made by Nursing Professor Dr. Debra Wollaber and Earl Swensson Associates’ Wendell Brown at a conference in October. Click here to read the full article.
Public Relations Class Conducts Service Project for READing Paws
Students in Dr. Bonnie Riechert’s Public Relations Campaigns class (MDS 4190) conducted a service learning public relations campaign over the summer for the local READing Paws organization. Katie Feldhaus, Julie Kenny, Michelle Lorge and Lauren Summerford gave a presentation on their campaign Aug. 10 in 312 Wheeler. Attendees included Helen Wahl of READing Paws, who reported recruitment of new teams has already increased as a result of the students’ promotional efforts. READing Paws is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy skills of children through the assistance of nationally-registered therapy dogs who, with their owner/handler volunteer, go to schools and libraries as reading companions for children. Students in the class provided informational material to area veterinarians, who might help identify potential new dog volunteers for the program. The students also focused on social media promotion and planned an annual membership event.
