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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Belmont University Celebrates Women’s History Month

Staff Writer
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Belmont University Celebrates Women’s History Month

Belmont University will be celebrating Women’s History Month this year with a focus on visionary women. The month long celebration features several events that students, faculty and staff can take part in to consider how “throughout history, women have received, shared and shaped visions that have changed the world.”

The remaining events of the month include:

  • Women’s History Month Wikipedia Edit-a-thon, Mar. 18, 10 a.m.: Come be a part of information creation by contributing to editing Wikipedia page biographies about different women.
  • Screening of the film “The Rape of Recy Taylor,” Mar. 20, 7 p.m.: Dr. Heather Finch, faculty fellow of English, and Marlene Hall, Campus Security’s assistant chief of programming, outreach and advocacy, will proctor the film and facilitate a follow up discussion.
  • Visionary Women Keynote Address: Caron Gentry, Mar. 25, 10 a.m.: This keynote address will focus on feminist Christian realism as an approach to anxiety in international politics and how it can be applied to certain social issues.
  • What Have We Learned from #Churchtoo with speaker Jenna Barnett, Mar. 29, 10 a.m: This convocation will discuss how churches have responded to sexual assault and how we respond as people of faith.
  • Take Back the Night, Apr. 4, 6:30 p.m.: This powerful annual event and march focuses on giving students a voice in their own safety on their campus.

The events of Women’s History Month are sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and coordinated by English professors Dr. Sarah Blomeley and Dr. Amy Hodges Hamilton. Several of the events are also sponsored by other campus groups and organizations.

“The national theme for the 2019 Women’s History Month is ‘Visionary Women,'” said Dr. Hodges Hamilton. “We’ve decided to sharpen out focus on visionary women who have not been widely studied before but certainly changed history, both locally and globally. Join us this month as Belmont honors these women who have worked tirelessly to restore humanity in their own lives and the lives of countless others.”

For more information on the events, be sure to check Bruin Link and the Campus Calendar.

Belmont Pharmacy Graduates Excel on Licensure Exams

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Pharmacy Graduates Excel on Licensure Exams

The results are in, and graduates of Belmont University College of Pharmacy have beaten the national average once again. After graduating with their Doctor of Pharmacy degree, students must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) to become licensed to practice pharmacy. This exam is focused on in-depth knowledge of drugs and their proper therapeutic uses. For Belmont graduates taking the NAPLEX in 2018, 93.4 percent passed on their first attempt; the remainder passed on their second attempt. This beats the national average for all first-time takers of 89.5 percent on this exam and the Tennessee average of 90 percent.

The Multistate Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) is another required licensure exam in most states, including Tennessee. The MPJE is focused on the laws governing the practice of pharmacy. All Belmont graduates taking the MPJE for Tennessee in 2018 passed on their first attempt. Among students taking the exam out-of-state, 89 percent passed on their first attempt. This compares to a national average pass rate of 85 percent, overall.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work put in by our students and faculty,” said David Gregory, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “These results come from many years of careful preparation. Not every school of pharmacy can point to the consistent results we see year after year. We are thankful for that.”

Belmont’s graduates have beaten the national average pass rate on the NAPLEX exam every year since 2013. They have exceeded the average on the MPJE five of the last six years.

Clifford M. Nellis Presented Belmont’s Champion for Justice Award

April Hefner
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Clifford M. Nellis Presented Belmont’s Champion for Justice Award

The Belmont University College of Law Champion for Justice Award was recently presented to a lawyer whose life’s work exemplifies Belmont’s mission to uphold Jesus as the Christ and the measure for all that we do.

Clifford M. Nellis is the founder and executive director of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center. After completing his Juris Doctorate at the University of Chicago Law School and a federal clerkship, he decided to pedal his bicycle from Denver to San Diego to Miami before embarking on what could have been a very lucrative legal career. But on that trip, on which he took a Bible his brother had encouraged him to read, Nellis sensed a call to work with youth when he happened across a guard shack in front of a boys’ correctional facility in New Mexico. He began to pray for youth in juvenile correctional facilities and asked God to give him a vision for serving them.

Eight years later, after crossing paths with Lawndale Christian Community Church located in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, Nellis helped found the Lawndale Christian Legal Center. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree to learn how to better integrate faith and justice.

The Lawndale Christian Legal Center has grown to include 45 employees who not only offer direct services to thousands of youth and young adults, but also lead cross-sector partnerships between government and nonprofit leaders in Chicago and as far away as New Delhi, India. In addition, Nellis helped establish the first Restorative Justice Community Court for emerging adults in Chicago, and he has served as president of the Chicago Bar Association Legal Aid Council.

This marked the fourth Champion for Justice Award presented by Belmont Law. Belmont presented its first Champion for Justice Award to the Rev. Fred Gray, a minister for six decades who also served as the attorney for Rosa Parks and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The second Champion for Justice Award was given to Gary Haugen, the founder and president of International Justice Mission, the largest anti-human trafficking organization in the U.S. IJM lawyers and their co-workers around the world pray together daily as they work to free victims of human trafficking.

The third Champion for Justice Award was presented to Bryan Stevenson, the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative. His team of lawyers works on prison and sentencing reform, with a focus on the death penalty and the mass incarceration of people of color. In addition, he was the founder of the nationally acclaimed Lynching Memorial and Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

History Alumnus Publishes Book on Kentucky Basketball

Staff Writer
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History Alumnus Publishes Book on Kentucky Basketball

James Bolin, a 1978 history alumnus recently published his book “Adolph Rupp and the Rise of Kentucky Basketball.”

His book features a full-length biography of Rupp and more than 100 interviews with University of Kentucky athletics officials. The book can be purchased on Amazon here.

Bolin currently serves as a professor of history at Murray State University and has written several publications with topics ranging from sports to women’s education to Kentucky history.

Belmont Alumna Amanda Shoffner Lands New Job at ASCAP

Staff Writer
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Belmont Alumna Amanda Shoffner Lands New Job at ASCAP

Faces of Belmont : Alumni Impacting the World
This series represents a collaboration between the Office of Communications and the Department of Public Relations, providing students practical experience in writing bios and creating profiles of Belmont alumni.

By Aliah Tayyun

“Fearlessness opens up opportunity for growth.” This is what graduate Amanda Shoffner had to say when asked about her experiences as a student at Belmont. Shoffner has taken this motto and incorporated it into her everyday life. The Los Angeles resident now looks back on her time at Belmont as she starts her new job at ASCAP.

Shoffner started at Belmont in the fall of 2006, as part of the first group of students to go through the Entertainment Industry Studies program. As a freshman, she was in awe of what Nashville and Belmont had to offer.

“I don’t think there is a better learning ground than Nashville. Nashville is the true melting pot of creativity,” said Shoffner. She was impressed at how she could run into a professor or recording artist at a local coffee shop and stop to chat with them. This, to her, was one of the most impressive aspects of Belmont’s relationship with Nashville’s music scene. As an EIS major, she was able to connect with an array of people on and off campus. “There is something special about walking onto campus and throwing a rock and finding someone like you. There is just something special about music people.”

A curious student, she attended almost every event that related to her major, and even some that did not. Her main goal was to experience as many things as possible, and she was able to do this through the study abroad program. Before she started at Belmont, one of her major deciding factors was the study abroad program. While here, she was able to study in London for a summer and attended the Belmont West program in LA. Both programs had a profound impact on her, but the Belmont West program was what truly pushed here to move to California as it reassured her that she was prepared for the industry and made her feel comfortable being in a new city. The Belmont West program is the sole reason she moved to Los Angeles where she currently resides and works.

After her move, Shoffner had a few jobs but recently landed what she calls her ‘dream job.’ She now works on the film and television team at ASCAP and loves every moment of it. The primary goal at her current job is to increase membership and spread the word about ASCAP. “I get to be a problem solver for clients and really help them,” she said. Without Belmont, she would not be where she is now.

As she looks back, she shares how Belmont played a pivotal role in her life and encourages students to do two things. “Belmont really encourages you to invest in yourself professionally, but also invest in yourself personally,” she said.

With this, Shoffner was able to make a name for herself and become confident in her professional and personal life. She hopes current students have this same outlook and seize every opportunity that comes their way. “You don’t know the impact someone can have on you,” she said, “so let them have an impact.”

Belmont Doctorate of Physical Therapy Students Go to Capitol Hill

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Doctorate of Physical Therapy Students Go to Capitol Hill

The Belmont Doctoral Physical Therapy Class of 2020 was given an opportunity to learn first-hand about legislation and its effect on health care. On Friday, March 8, Dr. Natalie Michaels, professor in the College of Health Sciences, brought her Health Care Systems Class to meet Dr. Joe Black, the legislative committee co-chair for the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA).

He introduced the class to Lobbyists Lou Alsobrooks and Estie Harris who spoke about their work with Congress and the Senate to support the physical therapy profession. Black also spoke to the students at length about physical therapy, the importance of staying involved and his role with the TPTA. He then led the group on a tour of the grounds.

“The students were engaged and extremely professional. I’m humbled and proud to be able to be part of the prestigious faculty-team who teach these amazing men and women,” Michaels said.

Building a Business Brick by Brick

Staff Writer
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Building a Business Brick by Brick

Faces of Belmont : Alumni Impacting the World
This series represents a collaboration between the Office of Communications and the Department of Public Relations, providing students practical experience in writing bios and creating profiles of Belmont alumni.

By Chelsea Lomartire

“Embrace the season that you’re in as an emerging professional. Blend your personality and work ethic, and you are set up for success.”

Johnathan Pushkar is a May 2018 graduate of Belmont University. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pushkar made the journey to Nashville to study music business. Following his sophomore year, he switched to public relations, which led him to jump start his own public relations consulting business.

When asked how the business started, Pushkar explained the impact of his internship with Dennis Scott Productions and the WannaBeatles.

While there, Pushkar was focused on booking, cold calling, social media strategy and production. He immediately connected with the office and one semester internship turned into being hired and working with them for the past two years.

This is where his consulting business started. He was hired as a freelance consultant by WannaBeatles member Bryan Cumming and from there, he created connections that ultimately turned into clients.

Today Pushkar has worked with over 20 clients across the country from New York, to Los Angeles, to Nashville. Some of the clients he works with currently include Bill Cinque (Neil Diamond’s bassist), Rob Shanahan (renowned music photographer), the WannaBeatles and the Pool Kings from the hit DIY Network series. He is also working  as an associate producer on a Mister Rogers tribute album and is the mastermind behind MiniSuperHeroesToday, an Instagram account he started four years ago.

The social media page focuses on posting an original LEGO photo each day, with figures in different poses and interactions. In four years the concept has grown from just Instagram to Facebook and a YouTube channel. His Instagram page currently has over 54,000 followers and his YouTube channel has over 10,000 subscribers. Through this concept, Pushkar has had the opportunity to interact with Marvel movie celebrities and directors, Disney accounts and Gary Vaynerchuk and has been invited to create marketing videos for the LEGO company.

“MiniSuperHeroesToday has allowed me to cut my teeth with social media,” he said. “It has taught me the importance of social media strategy, analytics, hashtagging and working with influencers. The secret to all of it is figuring out how a brand can bring value and consistency to an audience through authenticity.”

Pushkar also spoke about his time at Belmont and how it prepared him for life after graduation. “There is a certain weight and value that the Belmont name carries in the Nashville community. The university gave me a great education and amazing networking opportunities. The professors in the Department of Public Relations have become lifelong mentors and friends.”

Some of the biggest pieces of advice that Pushkar has learned throughout his time at Belmont include:

“Put yourself out there. You are only as strong as your network. It is not necessarily about what you know or who you know, it’s about who knows you.”

“Find a mentor or model yourself after an emerging professional. Follow in their footsteps but be authentic to your own character.”

“Don’t be afraid to work for free as a college student. Always be aware of when your being taking advantage of and know your value. But know the value of the experiences you have and the connections you make.”

Pushkar is excited for the opportunity to see what creative opportunities life will present to him. His ultimate goal is to continue to live in happiness and contentment doing what he loves. Pushkar frequently returns to Belmont’s campus to give back to future professionals.

To speak with Pushkar further, email him at jpushkarmedia@gmail.com or visit JPushkarMedia.com.

Belmont Pharmacy AI Team Project Featured in Internationally Recognized Pharmacy Education Publication

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Pharmacy AI Team Project Featured in Internationally Recognized Pharmacy Education Publication

The Belmont University College of Pharmacy student A.I. team’s Artificial Intelligence Software for Amazon Alexa was the subject of an article in the February 2019 issue of Academic Pharmacy Now, the news magazine of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) is the national organization representing pharmacy education in the United States. The mission of AACP is to lead and partner with members in advancing pharmacy education, research, scholarship, practice and service to improve societal health. The association is comprised of all accredited colleges and schools with pharmacy degree programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

The article featured College of Pharmacy students and their work with Amazon Alexa, an artificial intelligence platform capable of interacting with various types of information from thermostats to medical devices. As of January 2019, Amazon says more than 100 million Alexa-powered devices have been sold. Belmont students have added to the body of knowledge that Alexa possesses each year for the past 3 years.

In June 2018, 12 students from the College of Pharmacy were recognized by Amazon Alexa’s certification team for acceptance of their artificial intelligence submissions. Since the inception of this initiative in fall 2017, Belmont’s team of student pharmacists has grown from eight initial members to a group of 35 registered Amazon Alexa developers. To date, the student pharmacists have developed more than 25 skills that have been peer-reviewed and certified by the Amazon Alexa team and subsequently made available in the Amazon store.

AACP’s article on the Belmont College of Pharmacy students may be found on page 16 at: https://issuu.com/aacp/docs/apn-2019issue1

Alumna Named First Poet Laureate of Chicago Suburb

Staff Writer
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Alumna Named First Poet Laureate of Chicago Suburb

Belmont 2007 alumna Chastity Gunn has been named as the first poet laureate of Elgin, Illinois. In a recent article in the Daily Herald, Gunn discusses the honor of this designation.

Originally from Alabama, Gunn worked for a few years as a reporter in Tennessee after graduating from Belmont and went on to earn her masters degree in creative writing. Eventually she moved to Elgin where she now spends her time working for Youth Empowerment Program and as an adjunct instructor at Judson University.

While her poetry is what earned her this title, it has not always been her main focus. According to the Daily Herald article, Gunn did not identify herself as a poet until pursuing her masters degree. In the poet laureate position, Gunn will help bring poetry to her community.

She also recently released a book about how nursery rhymes can be used to teach children how to write, titled How to Create a World.

Alumnus Jimmy Berthaud (2006) Makes His Mark as Neurology Faculty

Staff Writer
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Alumnus Jimmy Berthaud (2006) Makes His Mark as Neurology Faculty

Faces of Belmont : Alumni Impacting the World
This series represents a collaboration between the Office of Communications and the Department of Public Relations, providing students practical experience in writing bios and creating profiles of Belmont alumni.

By Morgan James

A Middle Tennessee native, Dr. Jimmy Berthaud, came to Belmont as an undeclared major and graduated in 2006 with a degree in biology. He went on to receive public health and medical degrees from Columbia University and Meharry Medical College. Berthaud thought about music business as many Belmont students do, before deciding the business side of things wasn’t for him. He finally landed on biology as a major after taking a class that peaked his interest.

After Belmont, Berthaud headed on to medical school. He chose to go into neurology specifically because he wanted to do something more focused and logical. While neurology specifically targets conditions of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles, Berthaud believes it allows for many career options and directions within the field. He also was attracted to the flexibility of the job and mentioned that he has the ability to create his own work schedule.

During the college search process, he looked into Fisk University as well as TSU but landed at Belmont due to their impressive pre-med and health track. In his time at Belmont he was involved in Towering Traditions, SGA and Phi Mu Alpha (the music fraternity on campus). He also served as a research assistant at Vanderbilt while attending Belmont.

Asked who were some impactful people in his professional life, Berthaud explained that his father is a physician, so he had grown up seeing his father do medical work. Some other people who received honorable mention in his development were current biology faculty members Dr. Nick Ragsdale and Dr. Jennifer Thomas.

After graduating from Belmont, Berthaud trained to be a doctor for six years before he acquired his current job. He currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and works as an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan. While Berthaud’s time is primarily spent on his academic duties, his day-to-day work varies and entails seeing patients in clinics, teaching, taking calls and much more.

Berthaud offered up some advice for current students and also medical students. “If you want to go into medical profession, make sure it is exactly what you want to do. It is a lot of work so you have to be really dedicated to your studies and know what the profession entails.”

He recommended to be “committed and ready for a professional career because this is something you will do for years.” Some of his future and career goals are getting promoted to the rank of professor. Berthaud would like to continue to build on his educational career and hopes to receive a leadership role in the future.

Berthaud has truly invested in his education and has worked hard to obtain the career success he has today. He continues to work hard to achieve his goals and further his career and for that, Berthaud’s education from Belmont and beyond is truly taking him “from here to anywhere.”

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