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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Smith Whitehouse Publishes ‘Kickstart Creativity’

Haley Charlton
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Smith Whitehouse Publishes ‘Kickstart Creativity’

Honors Program Director and Professor of English Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse recently published her latest writing tool, “Kickstart Creativity.” The writing tool, which launched at a virtual celebration sponsored by Nashville’s Parnassus Books on February 10, is a set of 50 interactive cards — each with a creative exercise — designed to prompt unexpected ways of thinking.  

The writing tool is made to challenge the way problem-solving is thought about and executed. “Choose an action card to learn a new skill, a perspective card to see the world in a novel way and an intention card to influence more meaningful and mindful choices,” said Smith Whitehouse, as she described how the cards are used. 

Nashville poet Ciona Rouse, who hosted the release event through Parnassus Books, called the interactive cards “fierce” and led Smith Whitehouse through the process of their creation. 

Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse

“This deck is for anybody who wants to play around with things they haven’t thought about before,” said Smith Whitehouse. “They’re meant to open up your eyes to an important value or a new lesson. I wanted this to be accessible to teams, individuals, educators – it’s not just part of our jobs, it’s part of who we are as humans to be creators.” 

Smith Whitehouse decided on a set of interactive cards rather than a book because she “wanted to create a tool, not a narrative,” as she explains in a recent interview with Chapter 16’s Tina Chambers. The goal of “Kickstart Creativity” is to ease the pressure attached to creativity, by allowing time and space for interactive ways of challenging oneself.  

“The impulse to invent can lead to a more fulfilling life, but I think we also need to consider how those impulses can serve others—how they can bring about justice, encourage generosity, cultivate mercy, and so on…Exploring creative potential should include meditating on how our work can have a deeper significance, a higher aspiration,” she said. 

Smith Whitehouse, who has taught for 23 years, published “Afoot and Lighthearted” in 2019, an interactive journal that teaches readers how to harness the power of walking to cultivate and nourish attention, inspiration and determination, as well as combat distraction, anxiety and the dreaded creative block. 

Published by New York City-based Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, “Kickstart Creativity” is organized to assist with and inspire a new take on the creative process. The card set offers its users the opportunity to engage with different cultural philosophies and insight from past trailblazers, all while challenging how creativity can be cultivated today. 

More information can be found here:  www.bonniesmithwhitehouse.com

Belmont Alumnus Performs at Super Bowl LV Halftime Show

Emma dela Pena
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Belmont Alumnus Performs at Super Bowl LV Halftime Show

Belmont alumnus Zach Walker received the opportunity to perform at the 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside award-winning artist, The Weeknd. Walker attended Belmont as a religion major and has since been signed to Xcel Talent Agency in Atlanta. 

He shared that although the choreographer selected him for the job after applying through his agency, “the circumstances that had to be in place for this to happen were all God.” Walker expressed his shock to get the call only days before the big performance but could not pass up the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

The Super Bowl LV Halftime Show was not Walker’s first chance at a big stage. Some of his big opportunities have been performing at multiple CMT, Dove and K-Love Award shows and on TV Shows such as American Soul (BET), Tell Me a Story (CBS) and Step Up: High Water. One of his favorite gigs was Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, which was a Super Bowl halftime show reenactment that he expressed is ironic to him now. 

“Nothing I’ve done has compared to the energy and anticipation of the crowd, the feeling of accomplishment and the level of support I’ve received from performing at SBLV. I count it an even greater blessing to be recognizable in the madness,” shared Walker. 

Walker is currently in the midst of taking acting classes and preparing for what is ahead as he prepares to move to Atlanta.

McEntire Published in Perspectives in Religious Studies

Emma dela Pena
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McEntire Published in Perspectives in Religious Studies

Belmont Professor Dr. Mark McEntire was recently published in the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion’s “Perspectives in Religious Studies” publication with his article “Competing Visions of the Wilderness in Numbers 10-21.” 

He provided an abstract of the piece sharing that “Numbers 10–21 is a combination of three wilderness traditions that can be adequately separated by procedures common to the Neo-Documentary Hypothesis. The test of applying a source-critical evaluation is threefold here.” 

Dr. McEntire has been teaching for more than three decades and has taught in Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Zambia and Ethiopia. As an educator in the College of Theology and Ministry, he has been able to intersect his interests in the arts and biblical studies.

Belmont Professor Publishes Book on Epidemics, Pandemics

Emma dela Pena
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Belmont Professor Publishes Book on Epidemics, Pandemics

Professor Dr. Joseph Byrne, an emeritus professor of history, recently published a book entitled “Epidemics and Pandemics [2 volumes]: From Ancient Plagues to Modern-Day Threats.” The book is his seventh since coming to Belmont with the other books focusing on medical or plague history. 

Dr. Byrne’s co-author Jo N. Hays wrote the second volume consisting of 50 descriptions and analyses of historical epidemics or pandemics around the world. His contribution is 14 chapters that begin with scientific and medical foundations for understanding epidemic disease, including factors influencing emerging diseases. Later chapters explore thematically the world-historical intersections of human activity and epidemic disease. 

“The scope of this challenging project took me far afield from my home of medieval and early modern Europe, but the effort and collaboration were both fruitful and very enjoyable,” Dr. Byrne’s shared.

The newly published book can be found on Amazon. 

Belmont Songwriting Consultant Pat Alger Tops Hard Rock Songwriters Chart

Emma dela Pena
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Belmont Songwriting Consultant Pat Alger Tops Hard Rock Songwriters Chart

Belmont Songwriting Consultant of Curb College Pat Alger and Country music star Garth Brooks topped the Billboard: Hard Rock Songwriters chart on February 6. The accomplishment came as metal band, State of Mine, and No Resolve released a cover of Brooks and Alger’s “The Thunder Rolls.”

The Billboard article shares that “Alger also has a longstanding career in country music and on Billboard’s charts. Among the hits that he’s co-written are fellow Brooks Hot Country Songs No. 1s “Unanswered Prayers” (1991), “What She’s Doing Now” (1992) and “That Summer” (1993).”

OT Professor Dr. Natalie Michaels Receives National Award for Aquatics Research

Emma dela Pena
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OT Professor Dr. Natalie Michaels Receives National Award for Aquatics Research

Occupational Therapy Department professor Dr. Natalie Michaels was awarded the 2021 Richard Ruoti Research Award for Excellence last week by the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy, a section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

One of the association’s most prestigious awards, the Richard Ruoti Research Award for Excellence was established in 2002 and is named after Dr. Ruoti, whose achievements have helped to set the standards of volunteer leadership for the academy. He spent years combining bench research with the application with a focus on aquatic physiology and rehabilitation.

Dr. Michaels has been actively involved in aquatic physical therapy for many years and has published numerous articles in the field ranging from the use of aquatic exercise for weight loss in older adults to the efficacy of activity monitors on land and in the water.

She is also the recipient of the Hydroworx Research Grant and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy. She holds an Aquatic Clinical Competency Certificate through the Aquatic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and an Aquatic Certification through the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI).

Belmont University Awarded Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation

Haley Charlton
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Belmont University Awarded Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation

Belmont University was the only American university this year to receive the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Commendation. At a ceremony on February 10, the Consul-General of Japan, Ms. Kayoko Fukushima, presented the award to Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher. The award is conferred upon Belmont in recognition of the school’s contribution to promoting Japan and strengthening mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients. This year, the Commendations were awarded to 172 individuals and 65 groups, with only 54 groups residing outside of Japan.

Director of the Japan English Teaching program of the Office of the Consulate General of Japan, Nashville, Tye Ebel wrote, “I would like to congratulate you on this auspicious occasion. We truly appreciate our friendship with you, the Asian Studies Program and the University as a whole.”

Dr. Fisher "elbow bumps" The Honorable Kayoko Fukushima, Consul-General of Japan in Nashville
Dr. Fisher “elbow bumps” The Honorable Kayoko Fukushima, Consul-General of Japan in Nashville

Dr. Ronnie Littlejohn, director of Asian Studies, wrote in the summary of collaboration, “Since 2010, the partnership between Belmont University and the Office of the Consul-General of Japan has been significant in changing the academic culture of the University, and in reaching into regional education and community culture to create greater understanding of Japan, its people and culture. We have enjoyed ongoing and productive partnerships through three different Consuls General of Japan in the Nashville, Tennessee office.”

Such activities include annual joint projects, exchange teaching programs, educational symposiums and lectures on campus, partnerships with Japanese universities and other Belmont-sponsored events that promote the history and culture of Japan. Learn more about Belmont’s Asian Studies program here.

2021 Belmont University Homecoming Preview: Homecoming at Home

Emma dela Pena
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2021 Belmont University Homecoming Preview: Homecoming at Home

Belmont University will celebrate its 2021 “Homecoming at Home” festivities this year the week of Monday, February 15 – Saturday, February 20. Homecoming recognizes the University’s strong community and the bond alumni carry with them beyond graduation. The celebration must go on, although this year’s events will look a little different from in years past due to the coronavirus.

Throughout the week, Belmont will feature COVID-safe events that allow students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate on their own time including a Virtual Polar Bear 5K Challenge, a Belmont Athletics Pop-Up Scavenger Hunt and exclusive discounts from The Belmont Store.

“From the comfort of one’s home, Belmont alumni all over the country should be able to join in the festivities, even if they normally would not have time or be able to make the drive to Nashville,” shared Director of Alumni Relations Julie Thomas. “There is a great advantage for us to reach a wider base of alumni than ever before. Our goal is to continue to ‘Defend our Den’ following the established safety protocols, while simultaneously working to expand the cherished traditions of Homecoming.”

The University also emphasizes its Homecoming Community Service Initiative with the PENCIL Foundation where pencil donations will be collected at the Foutch Alumni House and the Office of Service-Learning (Janet Ayers Academic Center 1014) during the month of February. 

The week features a set intention for each day including Mission Monday, T-shirt Tuesday, WOW Wednesday, Thank You Thursday and FANtastic Friday. A preview of the week’s events is listed below, but more events and further details can be found on Belmont’s Homecoming page.

Homecoming Build-A-Bruin 2020
Homecoming Bears at Belmont University’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration

Mission Monday: February 15

  • Join Belmont Alumni who own or work with area non-profits at the Virtual Alumni Non-Profit Fair from 12 – 1 p.m. (Register here)
  • The annual Build-A-Bruin competition will commence and be offered all week long with bears available for curbside pickup in the Beaman Student Life Center. 
  • Local non-profits will speak on a panel for Radical Generosity: Helping Others in the Midst of a Pandemic at 6 p.m. (Register here)

T-Shirt Tuesday: February 16

  • Tune into Belmont Women’s Basketball on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. 
  • Hear from Casey Alexander, Men’s Basketball Head Coach, and Bart Brooks, Women’s Basketball Head Coach, for Coffee with the Coaches at 9 a.m. (Register here)
Homecoming Tailgate 2020
Belmont Homecoming tailgate at Belmont University on February 15, 2020. Disclaimer: Photo was taken pre-COVID

WOW Wednesday: February 17

  • Homecoming Bruin Break: The Early Belmont Days will feature Belmont alumni sharing their stories from their time at Belmont at 12 p.m. (Register here)
  • Students and alumni are invited to join a College of Business Virtual Mixer from 5 – 6:30 p.m. (Register here)
  • Young Alumni Trivia Night will feature questions about Nashville in the 2010s at 6 p.m. (Register here)
  • The Virtual Murder Mystery Event, presented by Belmont’s Department of Theater and Dance, will take place at 7:30 p.m. with actors leading participants through an evening show with a rehearsed performance and audience interaction. (Register here) Performances run Wednesday, February 17 – Sunday, February 21.

Thank You Thursday: February 18

  • Belmont Faithful members will be recognized with an annual “thank you” luncheon.
  • Tune into Belmont’s Basketball Double Header on ESPN + at 4 p.m. for Women’s Basketball against Jacksonville State and at 7 p.m. for Men’s Basketball against Jacksonville State. 

FANtastic Friday: February 19

  • Alumni are invited to participate in “a safe and brave space to voice all opinions,” at the Alumni Real Talk: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace at noon. (Register here) 
  • Join Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher as he speaks at the Homecoming Chapel: What Really Matters at 3 p.m. (Register here)
Homecoming Court 2020
The Homecoming Court is announced at Belmont’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration. Disclaimer: Photo was taken pre-COVID.

Homecoming Saturday: February 20

  • Join the Belmont community on the 15-minute Virtual Guided Prayer Walk Through Campus, beginning at 10 a.m. (Register here)
  • Learn about the impact COVID-19 has had on Healthcare Delivery at 10 a.m. (Register here)
  • The Presidential Scholars Virtual Homecoming Gathering: A BOLD Leadership Experience will take place from 12 – 1 p.m. (Register here)
  • Stream Belmont Women’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech at 1 p.m. and Belmont Men’s Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech at 4 p.m. on ESPN+. The 2021 Homecoming Court will be announced between games.
  • Listen in as the annual Homecoming Carillon Concert takes place at the Bell Tower at 3:30 p.m.

Event details and the alumni website can be accessed on Belmont’s Homecoming page. For any further questions regarding homecoming, please contact our Alumni Office.

Belmont University Admissions to Remain Test Optional for Next Year

Haley Charlton
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Belmont University Admissions to Remain Test Optional for Next Year

In an ever-changing world, Belmont University is committed to remaining flexible and adaptable through a holistic admissions application process. Implemented during the 2020-21 undergraduate application cycles due to the challenges the coronavirus has placed on the college search process, Belmont will officially continue its test optional policy for the 2021-22 admission application cycle (i.e., for students applying for Spring and Fall 2022 admittance).

Undergraduate students who apply as a test optional applicant will not be required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission and scholarship purposes. Graduate students can check with their individual program for admissions requirements. Belmont admission counselors are also available to help answer any questions and guide prospective students through the application process.

Belmont Associate Provost and Dean of Enrollment Services Dr. Chris Gage said that while the number of higher education institutions adopting a test-optional admission policy has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, most are likely to continue this path, and Belmont is proud to do so as the decision signifies a student-centric admission process. He explained, “We want to ensure equity in our admission process by acknowledging the unique skills and talents of every student interested in a Belmont education. Students are more than a test score, and our holistic review process guarantees all students receive equal consideration for admission and merit scholarships regardless if they are a test submitter.”

Belmont is committed to using a holistic approach in reviewing each applicant for admission, reviewing all required components of an application such as essays, resume of activities, transcripts and school counselor recommendations. Belmont will also equally consider every student for merit-based scholarships regardless of their decision to submit a test score. A list of frequently asked questions and answers about this policy can be found on Belmont’s Test Optional information page.

“At Belmont, the admission team is not just admitting students for their first year; rather, our framework is to admit future alumni, so our process seeks to honor all student achievements,” Gage said. “As with nearly every aspect of life, COVID-19 has disrupted college admissions and Belmont seeks to remove barriers to entry rather than make the enrollment process more challenging and complex.”

Another hallmark of Belmont’s COVID-era admissions strategies is the opportunity for more robust virtual visits. Freshman and transfer students alike can join Belmont admissions counselors and student tour guides for the newly revitalized Virtual Admissions Information Sessions and Campus Tours. These sessions cover general information about the University and its program offerings, as well as the admissions and financial aid process. The tour guide will provide a virtual tour of campus and residence halls, incorporating Belmont’s unique history with their own personal stories. These sessions are offered weekly through the semester and can be scheduled through Belmont’s BU4U accounts.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Belmont’s campus in person. Although limited in size due to COVID-19, these tours and visits are still available. Updated safety guidelines for campus visitors can be found on Belmont’s admissions website.

Pharmacy Students Aid in Vaccination Efforts at Siloam Health

Haley Charlton
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Pharmacy Students Aid in Vaccination Efforts at Siloam Health

Fourth year pharmacy students, Bassel Alhashemi and Patty Hernandez assist with the COVID-19 vaccination efforts for patients over the age of 75 as part of their learning experience at Siloam Health this month.

Siloam Health is a faith-based nonprofit that provides medical care for the underserved, community health for marginalized immigrant populations and student education for the next generation of health care providers. Siloam Health serves as a training site for pharmacy students under Dr. Elisa Greene, associate professor in the College of Pharmacy.

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