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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Torry Johnson to Serve on Governor’s Criminal Justice Investment Task Force

Haley Charlton
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Torry Johnson to Serve on Governor’s Criminal Justice Investment Task Force

Belmont Law Professor Torry Johnson is one of five appointed leaders for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Criminal Justice Investment Task Force as established by Executive Order 6. The group will work to develop public safety solutions.

In addition to Johnson, the task force steering committee includes:

• Brandon Gibson (Chair), Office of the Governor

• Bill Gibbons, University of Memphis

• Decosta Jenkins, Nashville Electric

• Josh Smith, Master Dry

The task force also includes appointees who will oversee key areas for study. According to a press release from the Office of the Governor, Gov. Lee said the task force represents multiple perspectives including law enforcement, state agencies, crime victims and families, community leaders and formerly incarcerated individuals.

“We are committed to addressing all aspects of the criminal justice system to improve public safety and reentry in our state,” said Lee.

The additional appointments include:

• Division VI Criminal Court Judge John Campbell, Criminal Code and Sentencing Examination

• Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, Violent Crime

• Executive Director of Men of Valor Raul Lopez, Education, Workforce Development and Re-Entry

• Deputy Counsel to the Governor Clark Milner, Juvenile Justice Implementation Council

• Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Commissioner Jennifer Nichols, Drivers of Crime

• Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Tony Parker, Probation/Parole

• Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams, Mental Health and Substance Use

Over the next two legislative sessions, the task force will develop legislative and budgetary recommendations regarding the following public safety and reentry issues:

• Crime prevention and recidivism reduction

• Punishing violent crime promptly and effectively

• Supporting crime victims and their families

• Addressing mental health and substance abuse issues that impact and lead to incarceration

• Revising sentencing guidelines and parole/probation standards

• Addressing the rising fiscal and social costs of incarceration

• Preparing inmates to re-enter society and find pathways outside of crime through education and technical job training

• Equipping families and communities with tools to help returning citizens become productive members of society

Learn more about Johnson’s expertise in this area on his Belmont faculty bio page.

Dr. Susan West Named to Nashville Post’s ‘2019 All-Star Board’

April Hefner
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Dr. Susan West Named to Nashville Post’s ‘2019 All-Star Board’

Belmont Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Susan West was recently named to the Nashville Post’s “2019 All-Star Board.” Published in the Post’s Summer 2019 print edition, the All-Star Board recognizes leaders who bring “tremendous brainpower and inspiring generosity” to their service on local business and nonprofit boards.

West was one of only six individuals in Middle Tennessee to be honored in the publication for her work in helping “improve, grow and guide” local organizations. A Belmont employee since 1988, she currently serves on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Saint Thomas Health and the Middle Tennessee State University Friends of the College of Liberal Arts.

Belmont Athletics Lands in Exclusive Academic Company Based on NCAA Data Reports

April Hefner
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Belmont Athletics Lands in Exclusive Academic Company Based on NCAA Data Reports

Belmont University Athletics continues to add to its reputation as a model for academic excellence within NCAA Division I.

In assessing the 2019 NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) data reporting, Belmont stands in exclusive company as one of only 11 NCAA Division I institutions with at least nine athletic teams earning APR Public Recognition List honors – men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s golf, women’s golf, women’s cross country, men’s cross country, men’s track & field, women’s soccer and women’s tennis – while also having at least 60 percent of its total sport offerings making the list.

The 11 institutions meeting that high standard represent a veritable who’s who of the most prestigious universities in the country:

  • Belmont
  • Bradley
  • Colgate
  • Columbia
  • Gonzaga
  • Holy Cross
  • Lehigh
  • Northwestern
  • Notre Dame
  • Saint Louis
  • Villanova


Taken further, Belmont and Gonzaga are the only schools in 2019 to reach the APR milestone and have both men’s and women’s basketball programs reach the NCAA Tournament. In addition, the men’s basketball team is the only institution in Division I to make the Public Recognition List every year since its inception and was lauded in 2019 for the third time as the NCAA March Madness Academic Bracket Champion by InsideHigherEd.com. Belmont’s women team also made it to the Academic Championship Game in their bracket this year, coming in second overall to the national winner, Stanford.

For the 2019 spring semester, the overall grade point average (GPA) for Belmont student-athletes was 3.379, which marks the 43rd consecutive semester they have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Bruins currently hold the 2017-18 Ohio Valley Conference Academic Trophy, signifying the OVC institution with the greatest percentage of its eligible student-athletes that earn a 3.25 grade-point average or higher for that academic year. Belmont has claimed its conference’s academic achievement award 15 of the last 17 years. The current year’s trophy winner will be announced later this summer.

Belmont Ranked Top 12 Christian University in America

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Ranked Top 12 Christian University in America

Belmont is one of the best Christian universities in America, according to a list by The Edvocate that ranked the University no. 12 on its recent list of 2020 Best Christian Colleges and Universities in America.

In addition to the overall list, Belmont tied for fourth place for outstanding undergraduate teaching. The site ranked Belmont no. 5 among regional universities in the South, highlighting the university’s offerings for veterans and degrees in music and music production.

Dr. Todd Lake, vice president for spiritual development, said, “Belmont is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic Christian universities in the country because we have both broadened and deepened how we live out the Christian faith.”

The University now has 20 student-led Christian faith development organizations, sends hundreds of students on mission trips each year, brings Chapel speakers to campus in every academic discipline, and directly serves Nashville residents who are homeless or in need of legal or healthcare services.

Belmont student takes communion at a campus Chapel service.
Student partakes in communion at Belmont Chapel service.

The Edvocate used a variety of categories to rank universities for the list, including graduation and retention rate, faculty and staff resources, reputation, student selectivity, financial resources, accreditation status, employer and student success, affordability, and alumni giving and engagement. Learn more about how these methodologies were used to rank each school here.

Peetz Published in Journal of Contemporary Athletics

Haley Charlton
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Peetz Published in Journal of Contemporary Athletics

Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Administration Dr. Ted Peetz co-authored a manuscript that appears in the newest edition of the Journal of Contemporary Athletics.

The article, “Predicting consumption of rival sport team games: The importance of team identification and perceptions of the rival,” was designed to examine predictors of consumption of athletic contests involving a favorite team and a rival. To read the article, download the attachment below.

Peetz’s research interests include fandom, sport consumer behavior and celebrity athlete endorsers.

Predicting Consumption of Rival Sport Team Games: The Importance of Team Identification and Perceptions of the RivalDownload

Anderson’s Book Discussed in Online Symposium

Haley Charlton
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Anderson’s Book Discussed in Online Symposium

Professor of Philosophy Mark Anderson’s 2018 book, “Thinking Life: a Philosophical Fiction,” is the subject of a symposium hosted online by Syndicate.

The symposium consists of essays by four academic philosophers with replies by Dr. Anderson. The project developed out of the ‘Author Meets Critics’ session on Dr. Anderson’s book which was part of the Tennessee Philosophical Association’s annual meeting in the fall of 2018.

Belmont Students and Alumni Take the Stage at 2019 CMA Music Festival

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Students and Alumni Take the Stage at 2019 CMA Music Festival

Tens of thousands of people will fill the streets of music city for the “ultimate country music fan experience” June 6-9. The 48th annual CMA Fest will host concert goers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and 36 international countries for performances on 11 official stages, many of which will be taken by Belmont students and alumni.  

To see a full list of those performing and a schedule of events, visit the CMA Music Festival website.

Among those performing with a Belmont connection are:

  • Trisha Yearwood
  • Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley
  • John Osborne of the Brothers Osborne
  • Chris Young
  • Steve Moakler
  • Devin Dawson
  • Current student Maggie Renfroe
  • Current student Lauren Weintraub
  • Current student Matthew Burhans
  • Levi Hummon
  • Russel Dickerson
  • Paul Amundson
  • Kassi Ashton
  • Anna Vaus
  • Ryan Hurd
  • Paulina Jayne
  • Ty Herndon
  • Clare Dunn
  • Carlton Anderson
  • Rachele Lynae
  • Chad Warrix from Halfway to Hazard
  • Porter Howell and Duane Propes of Little Texas
  • Curtis Justin Solar of CJ Solar
  • Mignon E. Grabois of Mignon
  • Olivia Harris of Maybe April

Those interested in experiencing CMA Fest, but looking for more affordable events, may want to check out two other low-cost options. On Wednesday, June 5, there will be a Songwriters Series at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased here. Additionally, there are shows three nights of the festival at the Ascend Amphitheater for $10. Learn more and purchase passes on the Firestone Country Roads stage website page.

Smith Whitehouse’s Book Praised by BookPage

Staff Writer
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Smith Whitehouse’s Book Praised by BookPage

Belmont Honors Program Director and Professor of English Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse’s book, “Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking,” was recently praised by BookPage.

The book was listed as the top pick for their Lifestyles: May 2019 feature. The article notes the book’s six different sections and how each helps the reader explore the benefits of walking differently. Full of prompts and literary passages, the journal is described as a “smart, fetching book” by BookPage.

Inman Honored at McWhorter Society Luncheon

Staff Writer
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Inman Honored at McWhorter Society Luncheon

At the recent McWhorter Society luncheon at Belmont University, trustee and Vice Chairman of Belmont’s Board of Trust Gordon E. Inman was honored with the 2019 McWhorter Society Distinguished Service Award. This award was established to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the health and health care related academic programs at Belmont University and who’s life work serves as a powerful example for students.

Inman was a major contributor to the construction of the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing complex in 2006. The impact of this facility allowed Belmont to triple its nursing enrollment while also providing expanded laboratories for other health care programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and social work.

Over the years, Inman has been an active member of the McWhorter Society at Belmont named after his close friend, the late Clayton McWhorter, whom he honored in his acceptance speech. After accepting the 2019 McWhorter Society Distinguished Service Award, Inman shared stories of his late friend and expressed his gratitude for being chosen as a recipient.

“I am incredibly thankful to everyone who is responsible for giving me this award,” Inman said. “I’m also honored and I’m truly humbled to be standing here before such a distinguished crowd. I’m very proud today to accept this award.”

Banker, businessman, entrepreneur, real estate broker, developer and community leader summarizes Inman’s dynamic career and civic leadership to date. He has been involved with numerous organizations in Middle Tennessee including Boy Scouts of America, the Nashville Symphony, Cheekwood and Brentwood Baptist Church, among others. Presently, he is Director Emeritus and Middle Tennessee Chairman of FIRSTBANK.

Dark’s Book Reviewed by Chapter 16

Staff Writer
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Dark’s Book Reviewed by Chapter 16

Assistant Professor of Religion and the Arts Dr. David Dark recently had his new book, “The Possibility of America: How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed, God-Forsaken Land,” reviewed by Chapter 16.

The question-and-answer style review discussed his goals of returning to the subject of the book 14 years after his previous book was published, his vision of a “Beloved Community” and other insights into the book’s topics.

Dark’s latest book follows in the footsteps of his previous book “The Gospel According to America.” It expands on ideas of broken and redeemable Christianity.

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