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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Thiel Named a PCAOB Scholar for 2020-21 Academic Year

Haley Charlton
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Thiel Named a PCAOB Scholar for 2020-21 Academic Year

Maria Thiel, an accounting student at Belmont University, was named a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar for the 2020-2021 academic year. PCAOB, a nonprofit corporation that oversees auditors of issuers and broker-dealers, has awarded academic scholarships to undergraduate and graduate accounting students since 2011.

Thiel is one of 234 students from U.S. colleges and universities who were selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year.

“Our PCAOB scholars represent the future leaders of the accounting and auditing profession,” said PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke. “We congratulate them for their academic dedication and achievements, and we wish them the best as they complete their education and begin their careers in the profession.”

The PCAOB Scholars Program aims to benefit outstanding students who are likely to become accountants and auditors. PCAOB Scholars are nominated by their educational institution, and participating educational institutions select their nominees from students enrolled in their accounting degree programs. Schools are encouraged to consider students from populations that historically have been underrepresented in the accounting profession.

A description of the program, including information on the nomination process, the selection of nominating institutions and other details can be found on the scholarship program page of the PCAOB website. All participating institutions, along with the named PCAOB Scholars, are listed on that site, as well.

Belmont Law Alumnus Selected for Membership in Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Law Alumnus Selected for Membership in Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court

The Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Courtrecently selected Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Aaron Klein as an Associate member. Klein earned his J.D. from Belmont’s College of Law in 2016.

Associate members are lawyers with one to five years of experience, and their terms of membership are two years. There will be six meetings during the membership year 2020-21, starting in September.

The Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court is one of approximately 400 American Inns of Court in the U.S. and was founded in 1995. The mission of the American Inns of Court is to foster excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility and legal skills. Members are divided into one of four categories: Master of the Bench, Honorary Masters, Barristers and Associates.  Masters select the new members and place them in the appropriate category. 

Klein is an attorney in the firm’s Louisville office and is a member of the Construction Service Group. His practice focuses on advising owners, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals and trade and materials contractors in all phases of the building process. He brings value to clients through experience in both construction litigation and transactional matters. 

Outside of the firm, Klein is active in both professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Young Lawyers Division for the Louisville, Kentucky and American Bar Associations. He serves as the Vice President of the Kentucky Bar Association’s Construction and Public Contracting Section and holds leadership positions in the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law. Klein also serves as a member of the Board of Regents of Farmington Historic Plantation.

About Stites & Harbison

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service business and litigation law firm with 10 offices in five states – Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee and Virginia. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is one of the oldest law practices in the nation. For more information, visit www.stites.com.

Bonner, Park Publish ’12 Strategies for Minority Faculty Teaching Race at Predominantly White Institutions’ through Wabash Center

Haley Charlton
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Bonner, Park Publish ’12 Strategies for Minority Faculty Teaching Race at Predominantly White Institutions’ through Wabash Center

Dr. Layla J. Bonner, assistant professor in Belmont’s Mental Health Counseling graduate program, and Dr. Gideon Park, assistant professor of religion, recently co-wrote an article for the Wabash Center’s Social Justice and Civic Engagement blog series. Their article lists “12 Strategies for Minority Faculty Teaching Race at Predominantly White Institutions.”

Read the article here.

Belmont Voices Lend Expertise to NPR for Beethoven’s 250th Birthday

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Voices Lend Expertise to NPR for Beethoven’s 250th Birthday

Nashville Public Radio published an article, “It’s Beethoven’s World. We’re Just Living In It,” on July 9 in honor of the classical composer’s 250th birthday. School of Music faculty members Mark Volker and Tracy Silverman, as well as alumna Melanie Joy Alvey, are quoted extensively in the article.

The article interviews local, modern composers for their thoughts on Ludwig Van Beethoven’s musical legacy and how it has affected their work.

Silverman, a violinist, mentioned that he finds Beethoven to be problematic and takes more joy in listening to his works than playing them. “It was assumed that we all considered Beethoven to be one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time. It had to do not only with his technical innovations and mastery of harmony and form, but of his sense of the musician as creator of art rather than as artisan. In this way, he was a thought leader of the Romantic era,” he explained in the article. “This was the narrative I grew up with and which I struggled with for years: that Beethoven and the art music of Europe that he represents was the most evolved form of music yet created… As I attempted to bridge the gap between the obvious artistic merit of Beethoven’s work and this rather narrow world view, I came down on the side of non-European musicians. The more I discovered the music of other cultures, the more respect I gained for it, and the more the genius of Beethoven became just another wonderful expression of a musical culture, in his case European, like so many other wonderful music cultures around the world and through history.”

Alvey, who now composes and arranges for strings, retains a fondness for Beethoven. “In high school, I learned the Op. 18 and his ‘Spring Sonata.’ This experience gave me my first real taste of the joys of chamber music,” she said. “In certain periods of my life when external factors prevented me from performing and composing, I thought back to Beethoven’s unbelievable perseverance through the most difficult of situations a musician can be in. I feel led to fulfill my own calling through his example.”

Volker acknowledges that Beethoven occupies a unique place in western European art and culture. “The bold innovations of his later music in harmony, musical development and musical form were actual leaps forward in musical thinking, not just evolution,” Volker told NPR. “Unlike most music, I find that the more I hear his, the more it resonates. Also, the more I have learned about him and his music, the more I appreciate it. I think many modern composers still idealize Beethoven because he represents the combination of craft, creativity, and passion for which so many of us strive.”

Read the full article here.

Rhone Speaks on CoSIDA Race, Athletic Communication Webinar

Haley Charlton
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Rhone Speaks on CoSIDA Race, Athletic Communication Webinar

Belmont’s Director of Digital Media and Social Strategy Kenisha Rhone recently sat on a panel for CoSIDA’s first Race & Social Justice Initiative webinar, “Critical Conversation: The Intersection of Race and Athletic Communications.”

The webinar focused on answering audience questions and establishing a dialogue among the CoSIDA membership. In a candid, honest and wide-ranging conversation, the panelists touched on many ideas including what advantages and disadvantages they have been afforded because of their race, how to support student-athletes and provide a forum for their voices to be heard, and how to deal with lack of support. Each shared personal examples of how race has impacted their lives.

Rhone’s key takeaway was to get comfortable being uncomfortable. “You may have been uncomfortable for the last four months but some of your colleagues have been uncomfortable for four or five decades,” she explained.

Watch or listen to the webinar recording here.

Sorenson Releases First Single

Haley Charlton
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Sorenson Releases First Single

Commercial voice major Brijony Marquis Sorenson recently recorded two original songs in collaboration with NYC producer Tony Coluccio. Her first single “Lost” was released on July 4 and her next single will debut in August.

Recently having taken a trip to El Salvador to help dig a well, she will help bring clean water to those in the world who currently have no access to it by donating a percentage of her profits to that cause. 

Visit Sorenson’s website here to follow along and stream her music.

McDowell To Study in Inaugural Class of Tianjin Juilliard School

Haley Charlton
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McDowell To Study in Inaugural Class of Tianjin Juilliard School

Belmont alumnus and Lila D. Bunch staff member RJ McDowell, who graduated in 2019 with his Master’s of Music in Viola Performance, was recently accepted into the inaugural class of The Tianjin Juilliard School. McDowell will be getting another Master’s degree in Orchestral Studies.

“Getting into a program like this is inspiring to say the least,” McDowell commented. “Throughout the admissions process I got to work with some of the Tianjin Juilliard faculty on some of the music I had been playing and it got me excited to be a part of their community. I know they will help me develop and refine my musicianship.”

The program is one of the most comprehensive and selective of its kind in Asia and will train musicians at the highest level for careers as members of symphonies and other large ensembles of that kind. Major study revolves around participation in the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra and through private lessons and coachings from world renowned faculty-in-residence who will play side-by-side on occasion with their students in orchestra. Course work is centered around the development of orchestral repertoire throughout history.

“I would like to thank my viola teacher Ms. Sarah Cote, for sending me the link about this program back in early January. I would not have even thought about applying to a program like this without her encouragement,” said McDowell. “She and her husband, Daniel Reinker, were really helpful throughout the application and audition process.”

McDowell hopes to travel to China as early as October of 2020 to start this next chapter of his career.

Alumna Scaife Interviews Dr. Susan West for ‘Black History Matters 365’ Podcast

April Hefner
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Alumna Scaife Interviews Dr. Susan West for ‘Black History Matters 365’ Podcast

Alumna Joann Scaife recently became the spokesperson with Black History 365, an educational entity whose purpose is to create cutting-edge resources that invite students, educators and other readers to become critical thinkers, compassionate listeners, fact-based, respectful communicators and action-oriented solutionists.

Specifically, Scaife will be working with the company’s new U.S. history textbook, which documents the unique stories of Black persons, groups and cultures in North America, beginning in Ancient Africa continuing to modern events and movements. Full of rarely told history lessons, the BH365 curriculum has exclusive access to more than 3,000 original artifacts that take students and educators on a colorful journey to embracing an inclusive account of American history.

In addition to the curriculum support, Scaife is also leading a new, weekly podcast series, “Black History Matters 365,” that explores the true account of African American history as American history. Featuring weekly interviews with history makers and current influencers, special ‘round table’ talks and series, as well as community-focused events important to urban culture around the globe, BHM365 seeks to set the historical record straight for today and for future generations. In the show’s July 10 episode, Scaife interviews Belmont Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Susan West. The show can be heard on the BHM365 website, on Spotify and other podcasting outlets.

Scaife graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Belmont in religion and doubled minored in psychology and music. She is a candidate for Master of Divinity and a scholarship recipient for the Women Leadership Initiative program at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Alumni Launch ‘Everything But the Show’ Podcast

April Hefner
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Alumni Launch ‘Everything But the Show’ Podcast

Belmont alumni Eric Kilby (2000) and Mike Jay (1996), who both graduated with degrees in commercial music with an emphasis in music business, recently unveiled “Everything BUT The Show,” a podcast that dives deeply into touring, road life and life behind the scenes in the music industry. The music business veterans created and co-host the podcast, which currently has seven episodes released, including interviews with concert promoter Roy Morgan, vocal coach Diane Sheets, Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall and tour bus company owners Trent and Joey Hemphill. This week the duo releases a new episode with fellow Belmont alumnus, producer and Grammy-winning songwriter Bernie Herms.

Mike Jay head shot

Jay, is an artist manager who co-owns Proper Management, overseeing artist careers, creating touring and live events and pursuing strategic partnerships and brand development.

“Belmont helped to give me a solid foundation and understanding of both music and the music business,” Jay said. “I felt Belmont offered me practical and relevant hands on experience, and I learned the value of relationships and networking. I still work with many of my classmates in the music business, from Belmont, nearly 25 years later.”

Kilby serves as director of tour operations for Compassion LIVE, where he oversees all tour logistics (staffing, budgets, transportation, lodging, production, show flow, vendors, etc.). In addition, he also serves as an adjunct professor for his alma mater, enabling him to teach, encourage and mentor current students.

“Belmont opened my eyes to so many elements/avenues in the music industry, many of which I didn’t even know existed,” Kilby noted. “Through an internship, I met contacts who would help guide and shape my career path forever. The professors I had were so impactful to me, pushing me to strive for excellence.”

Together, Kilby and Jay bring more than 45 years of combined experience within the music industry to the Everything But the Show podcast.

Kilby said, “It is my hope that our podcast will help enlighten, equip and encourage current students to push through the hard, learn the unknown and strive for success. Take it from two guys who were current students, right where they may be. Don’t give up – it is worth it, 100%!”

Jay added, “I hope that current Belmont students will be encouraged to continue to pursue their dreams and that they are able to take away some practical trade tips and life lessons. I hope they can learn a bit more about what life is like on the road and in the music business and get a good feel for what each position and team member does and what it takes to pull off events on every level. I hope the stories will be both entertaining and fuel their passion for music!”

Everything But the Show Logo

Kilby and Jay will welcome a guest for each episode of Everything But The Show, interviewing people from all aspects of the touring industry.

“I am personally so excited about this show,” Kilby shares. “We will get the opportunity and privilege to sit around the table with experts from every angle of the touring community. The lessons learned, the stories we all share, and some invaluable takeaways from each guest just refresh and bring so much joy to me. To be on this journey alongside Mike Jay, someone I greatly admire and respect is just icing on the cake. I hope and pray this will spark healthy conversation, will pour into, and give a little something back to the music industry that we both love. Everything BUT The Show is truly a dream come true!”

The podcast can be heard on the Everything BUT The Show website as well as all podcast platforms. 

White Coats for Black Lives: College of Pharmacy Takes a Knee to Speak Out Against Racial Injustice

Haley Charlton
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White Coats for Black Lives: College of Pharmacy Takes a Knee to Speak Out Against Racial Injustice

On June 18, Belmont University College of Pharmacy invited faculty, staff, students and administrators to participate in a demonstration of “White Coats for Black Lives.”

Participants joined together to listen, take a knee and observe a moment of silence for racial equality.  The event drew a wide array of people from across the organization; in addition to family members and university staff.

Nigel Heard, president of the Student National Pharmacy Association chapter at Belmont University, organized the demonstration and was one of the speakers. “The purpose of this event today is to not only bring awareness to police brutality but also, and more importantly, systemic racism, especially in the healthcare setting,” said Heard. “The purpose is to give insight on the pain carried by a community that influences reactions. To help you understand the weight on our shoulders as we maneuver through our everyday lives. To shine light on police brutality, the unnecessary deaths of people who look like me, and the lack of accountability for those that murder them. It is not good enough to not be a racist. You must be actively anti-racism.”

Dr. Marilyn Thompson Odom, chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical, Social, and Administrative Sciences in the College of Pharmacy, spoke on the impact of racism and poverty on her as she was growing up in Alabama. After she shared other experiences, she spoke of how racism is impacting her two daughters and how she is helping them process the current state of racism in their environments.

Dean of the College of Pharmacy Dr. David Gregory also spoke at the demonstration. “I’m grateful for our students and faculty taking a stand against systemic racial injustices. Today’s speakers educated everyone on the history of health inequities and racial injustices against black people, and the College of Pharmacy is committed to helping change our society for the better,” he said.

“Black Lives Matter is not a movement that should be led by black people. It is FOR black people, therefore it must be supported by people of all other races,” said Dr. Angela Hagan, associate professor in the College of Pharmacy. “We must remember that systemic racism is everywhere: our government and legal system, our education system, our healthcare system. We have built this system and upheld its racist policies by not voicing our opposition to policies that may favor us, but disadvantage others. We must protect one another from racism. We can change the system.”

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