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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Alumnus Cliff Neeley (’06) Recalls How Campus Leadership Opportunities Prepared Him for Success

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

By Lillian Adamson

Out of Belmont University’s class of 2006 came Cliff Neeley, who graduated with a business management degree that ultimately led him into his current position as Vice President of Stewardship at Ramsey Solutions.

Ramsey Solutions is a nation-wide, financial education organization that works to give hope and empowerment to people all over the country.

Neeley is originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, but moved to New York to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after high school. After finishing his time there, Neeley was in search of a business school to follow his true passion.

After finding Belmont, Neeley became Student Government Association senior class president and homecoming king during his time on campus. With hopes to find a life outside of Nashville, he followed his passion for leadership and helping others and landed in South Sudan Africa working for Samaritan’s Purse International Relief. Neeley spent his time there building churches and managing employees in construction logistics and operations.

However, Neeley returned to Nashville to propose to Kristine Lang, another Belmont alum, and landed a job as a sales advisor in 2007 at Ramsey Solutions.

During his senior year at Belmont, Neeley was able to be a part of Belmont’s first Enactus team (then called SIFE, or Students in Free Enterprise). He quickly worked his way to the top of the team, helping to lead them to a win at the regional level and presenting at the national exhibition in Kansas City. Neeley even spent his post-graduation time mentoring and stewarding Belmont’s second year Enactus students — helping them develop and sustain community partnerships that were enabling area nonprofits to conceive and build social enterprises.

In all of his Belmont roles, Neeley found leadership to be a valuable experience. “Being involved with a group of peers who have a similar mindset and passion to grow in all aspects of their lives is a crucial part in developing your personal and professional strengths,” he said.

Neeley also believes his leadership opportunities at Belmont were what first allowed him to development his communication skills and taught him how to work well with others to achieve a common goal. Although he believes his business degree is what made his early transition into the professional world easier, he wants to make sure current students understand just how critical internships are to a successful future. It is in internships where students “are able to network, build referrals and gain hands on experience,” said Neeley.

Neeley considers his biggest mentor during his time here at Belmont to be Dr. John Gonas, associate professor of finance. “Cliff is a great example of the big heart, big brain student that successfully engages at Belmont and uses his tools and skills to bless and empower others,” said Gonas.

When asked the best advice he was ever given, Neeley answered, “Pray like it all depends on God, and work like it all depends on you.”

Neeley currently serves on Belmont’s Alumni Board of Directors. He says that if he could tell current Belmont students anything, he would tell them that “a positive attitude, an eagerness to learn and strong work ethic are three of the best traits you can have as a professional.”

Alumna Jeannette Ceja (’08) Achieves Dream of Being Travel Host, Travel Writer

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

Profile by Madeline Leesman

Jeannette Ceja is a bilingual travel journalist, travel host, travel expert and a global public speaker. Founder of Jet Set with Jeannette, she combined her love of media and travel into an internationally recognized brand. Ceja graduated from Belmont with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008.

Since then, Ceja has contributed as a travel journalist and travel expert for various outlets, such as Fox 11 KKFX, Frequent Flyer Magazine, Hip Latina and Travel Talk. She has interviewed numerous celebrities, politicians, athletes and travel experts including Anthony Bourdain, Samantha Brown and Rick Steves.

Ceja’s calling to be a travel journalist began at age 12, when her family traveled through Europe for 10 days and visited eight countries. Ceja, who had never traveled outside of the United States and Mexico, felt determined to document everything she experienced on their journey.

“I got a notepad and pen and started writing everything down,” said Ceja. “I got a disposable camera and just started recording everything. My eyes were opened to the world. I felt compelled to tell everyone how amazing the world is.”

Years later, Ceja arrived at Belmont and began working towards her degree in journalism with the intention of becoming a travel reporter after graduation.

“I remember one of my first days at Belmont, I walked into Thom Storey’s office and told him I wanted to be a travel reporter,” said Ceja. “He told me exactly what I needed to do in college to be a travel reporter as my full-time job.”

Ceja credits much of her success at Belmont to the late Thom Storey, the founder of the the journalism program at Belmont and former chair of the media studies department. Ceja describes Storey as her “mentor,” “friend” and “biggest cheerleader.”

“Belmont had so many expectations for you but in a good way,” said Ceja. “If you didn’t do your best, they knew it. They always pushed me to do more than I thought I could do.”

Ceja distinctly remembers the journalism curriculum at Belmont as “convergent,” because students are required to learn how to write for news media, as well as photograph, create videos and understand journalism law and ethics.

In addition to the journalism curriculum, Ceja also gained valuable experience in the many forms of journalistic media offered at Belmont. She reported for the student-run television station, the school newspaper and the university’s radio station. Additionally, she balanced her jam-packed schedule with an internship at The Tennessean, where she pitched story ideas and wrote for the publication.

Post graduation, Ceja moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue her passion of working as a travel journalist. Although finding work as a travel reporter proved to be difficult, she never gave up on her dream. Ceja continued her education at UCLA to study in the professional film and television producing program and worked in production for Fox Sports. In the meantime, she pitched different job ideas to prominent travel publications to create her own portfolio to advance her career as a travel reporter.

“The travel industry is amazing but very hard,” said Ceja. “You have to do a lot of ground work and build yourself from the ground up. I never waited for any opportunities to fall into my lap. I went out and got my opportunities. And some of those seeds I planted years ago are helping me get opportunities now.”

Since then, Ceja has visited more than 50 countries to date and makes appearances at travel conferences and travel workshops across the globe. She speaks English, Spanish and Italian fluently. Most recently, Ceja attended the World Woman Summit 2018 at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she worked as the official Travel Host.

“I aspire to be a Latina woman in the travel industry who is paving the way for other women,” said Ceja. “Travel is the best gift you can give anyone – including yourself. I want more women to experience that.”

In the future, Ceja plans on hosting more travel workshops as well as attending more travel conferences. Additionally, Ceja aspires to write a book surrounding the themes of travel, self-love and women empowerment to add to her already impressive resume.

“I love Belmont’s saying, ‘from here to anywhere,’” said Ceja. “Because you never know who you are inspiring and what opportunities will come to you when you are truly passionate about something.”

York Named as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville’s 2019 Board President

Dr. Stan York, associate dean and associate professor of management in the Jack C. Massey College of Business, has been named as the 2019-2020 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville’s 2019 Board President.

Programs run by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville, the 32-bedroom Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the 5th Floor of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt offer a place for parents and family members to relax, refresh and experience the comforts of home while staying close to their sick child. Since 1991, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville has been “keeping families close” by providing service and hospitality to more than 15,000 families from throughout the country and around the world.

The 11 officers and chair of the RMHC of Nashville Board serve voluntarily and will actively contribute to the development, management and growth of the organization by attending board meetings, participating on standing committees, providing consultation on matters related to their areas of expertise, assisting with and attending events, providing fiduciary and management oversight and contributing to the needs of the organization. Officers hold their positions for one year. The full board of directors comprises 65 members.

For more information about the RMHC of Nashville board of directors, click here.

Belmont Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Disseminate Research Findings

Belmont’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Class of 2019 students recently completed and disseminated their research findings with a poster presentation in the lobby of McWhorter on November 6 and a formal platform presentation in Janet Ayers Academic Center on November 13.

Several student research groups had their research accepted for a platform presentation or poster presentation at a national level conference for physical therapists, Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), which will be held in Washington D.C. in January 2019.

Dr. Kathy Galloway, PT, DSc, ECS and her student research group will be presenting the following 2 platform presentations at CSM:

  • Superficial to deep fibular sensory nerve communication in the foot: Samantha Cook, SPT, Royale Lopez, SPT, Colleen Manning, SPT, Jessie Mills, SPT, Ashley Thomas, SPT, Kathleen Galloway, PT, DSc, ECS
  • Normal values for deep fibular nerve musculoskeletal ultrasound and deep fibular sensory nerve conduction: Samantha Cook, SPT, Royale Lopez, SPT, Colleen Manning, SPT, Jessie Mills, SPT, Ashley Thomas, SPT, Kathleen Galloway, PT, DSc, ECS

Dr. Kevin Robinson, PT, Dsc, OCS and his student research group will be presenting the following 2 poster presentations at CSM:

  • The Use of Proximal Hip Strength and Kinematic Motion to Identify Dancers at Risk for Lower Extremity Injury: Eric Bengtson SPT, MA, ATC, Kristyn Harris SPT, Meredith Massengale SPT, Ross Gentry SPT, Kevin Robinson PT, DSc, OCS
  • Investigation of an Eight-week Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Biomechanical Parameters of the Lower Quarter in Collegiate Pivoting Athletes: Craig Parker, PT, DPT, Kevin Robinson, PT, DSc, Tyler Hoek, SPT, Tiffany Bennett, SPT, Sheyenne Turk, SPT, Zach Petrosky, SPT, Pat Sells, DA

Dr. Christi Williams, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT and her student research group had their research accepted for publication:

  • An Animal-Assisted Intervention’s Influence on Graduate Students’ Stress and Anxiety Priot to an Examination in Open Access Library Journal: Williams C, Emond K, Maynord K, Simpkins J, Stumbo A, Terhaar T. Click here for access.

Research topics at the Belmont University Symposium included:

  • Examination of Pediatric Balance Scale, 2nd Edition (PBS-II) Performance in Children with Down Syndrome: Student researchers Maria Drake SPT, Amy Marple SPT, Cassie Mosher SPT, Macey Thornburg SPT and faculty mentors Nancy Darr PT, DSc, NCS
  • Accuracy of Heart Rate Monitoring in Apple and Garmin Watches: Student researchers Brittany Gooch SPT, CSCS, Mackenzie Jones SPT, Maura McAfee SPT , Kaylie Shingleton SPT and faculty mentor Suzanne Greenwalt PT, DPT, CCS, GCS
  • The Effect of Direct Sensory Electrical Stimulation of the Ham-string Muscles on Hamstring Extensibility: Student researchers Nathan Dyer SPT, Elie Hsu SPT, Nichole Raaf SPT, Lauren Estes SPT, Courtney Vick SPT and faculty mentor Cathy Hinton PT, PhD
  • Does using electromyography feedback improve physical therapy students’ dry needling accuracy when asked to dry needle specific muscles?: Student researchers Kendall Knisley SPT, Russell Cook SPT, Dakota Herren SPT, Michelle Klontz SPT, Spencer Petett SPT and faculty mentor John Halle PT, PhD, ECS
  • Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) on Physiological Variables During Low Intensity Treadmill Walking: Student researchers Justin Avila SPT, Chase Batty SPT, Clay Henson SPT, Lindsay Jackson SPT, Kara Mae Sheft SPT and faculty mentor Patrick Sells DA
  • Investigation of an Eight-Week Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Biomechanical Parameters of the Lower Quarter in Collegiate Pivoting Athletes: Student researchers Tyler Hoek SPT, Tiffany Bennett SPT, Sheyenne Turk SPT, Zach Petrosky SPT and Faculty mentors Craig Parker PT, DPT, Kevin Robinson PT, DSc, OCS and Patrick Sells DA, John Halle PT, PhD, ECS
  • Hip Rotational Range of Motion and Driving Distance in PGA Tour Golfers: Student researchers Clint Lester SPT, Jack Davis SPT, Shelby Smith SPT, Ryan Tapp SPT and faculty mentor Mike Voight PT, DHSc, SCS, OCS, ATC, CSCS, FAPTA

Voight Presents at 2018 Orthopaedic Summit

Dr. Mike Voight, professor in the School of Physical Therapy, recently gave four invited presentations about the hip at the 2018 Orthopaedic Summit, a prestigious meeting for Orthopaedic Surgeons with a distinguished faculty from around the world.

More than 1,800 surgeons and health care providers attended the meeting, held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Occupational Therapy Students Named to Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association Board

Three Master’s of Occupational Therapy students were recently added to the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Board including Whitney Joy, Megan Colletti and Kaylin Flamm. Joy was named as the West District Chair, Colletti was named as the East District Chair and Flamm was named as the Mental Health Chair.

AirBNB Executive Shares Wisdom Learned from Disruptive Innovation

Just 26 years old when he began his boutique hotel business, AirBNB executive Chip Conley has learned a great deal about how innovations, particularly with modern technology, can disrupt the best-laid plans of entrepreneurs and established businesses. On Thursday morning he shared his wisdom with members of Belmont’s Executive Learning Network and other attendees in an hour-long talk in the Curb Event Center.

He began by discussing how he was recruited by the founders of AirBNB to aid in further developing their young company as they wanted to democratize the hospitality business. While the founders understood technology and business, they needed someone with expertise in hospitality. “The best disruptors,” Conley said, “are adept at both high tech and high touch. Disruption is a combination of algorithm and people business.”

Conley related entrepreneurship to his new hobby, surfing, noting that you don’t need to be a marine biologist to succeed on the water but surfers do need to see and understand the wave. He offered four examples of how the two relate:

  • Storms (difficult times) can provide the best conditions
  • Free form, not regimented
  • A fellowship of unwritten rules
  • You need to know what’s going on underneath the surface

He also examined what puts companies at risk, including growing complacent with past successes, losing touch with core customers’ evolving needs and not taking new competitors seriously. He offered Netflix as a positive model of pivoting–from DVDs to streaming–as customers’ needs and desires changed with evolving technology.

“You have to find a tool for understanding your customer’s core need. What’s your shortcut to understanding the psychographics of your customers? What business are you in?”

A New York Times bestselling author and hospitality entrepreneur, Conley served as founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality for 24 years. He then accepted an invitation from the founders of AirBNB to help transform their promising home-sharing start-up into the world’s largest hospitality brand. In four years as Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy, he taught his award-winning methods to hundreds of thousands of AirBNB hosts and created the world-renowned AirBNB Open. He is the author of several books, including “PEAK: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow” and his newest release, “Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder.”

Billboard’s Women in Music Honors Several Alumnae

Every year Billboard magazine honors women in music through a special edition of their magazine. The edition, coupled with an event in New York City, celebrates groundbreaking women in several aspects of the music industry. This year’s Women in Music edition includes several Belmont alumnae who made it on the Top Women in Music List.

The Belmont alumnae honored include:

  • Julie Boos – Boos has been working in the music industry since 1995 and currently works for Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy, Inc. She graduated from the Massey Graduate School of Business with her MBA in 2006. Boos has also been nominated by Billboard on their Top Women in Music list, Top Business Manager list and Nashville Power Player list previously.
  • Cindy Mabe – Mabe graduated from Belmont in 1995 and has worked in the music business since then. She now serves as the president of Universal Music Group Nashville after previously serving as senior vice president of marketing. Universal Music Group encompasses Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
  • Gina Miller – After getting a degree from Belmont in music, Miller has stayed in Nashville working for Light Records before it was acquired by Entertainment One. Currently serving as the vice president and general manager for Entertainment One, Miller has held various vice president positions for the past six years.
  • Alison Smith – Smith currently serves as the executive vice president of distribution, publisher relations and administrative services at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). She has been previously honored as one of Billboard’s Women in Music as well as one of their Top 30 Power Players. Smith has a Bachelors in Business Administration from Belmont.
  • Carla Wallace – Co-founder and co-owner of Big Yellow Dog Music, an independent music publishing company based in Nashville, Wallace graduated from Belmont with a B.B.A. in Music Business. In the company’s 20 years, Big Yellow Dog has been responsible for four Grammys, 36 No. 1 songs, four Song of the Year awards, an ASCAP Global Award,  and many more. In addition, the film, television and brand division had over 400 placements in both 2016 and 2017.

Women featured in this special issue of Billboard magazine are those who have changed the music industry and broken new ground in publishing, touring and more. Besides the Top Women in Music list, several other categories are honored including Trailblazer, Rising Star, Icon and Woman of the Year, among others.

Billboard’s Women in Music special issue is available now.

Elliott Recognized with ‘A. J. Masters Award for Dedication to the Craft’

Songwriting Department Chair James I. Elliott, was one of the recipients of the 2018 Wild West Songwriters Festival “A. J. Masters Award for Dedication To The Craft.”

In addition to the award, he was presented with an Epiphone Guitar signed by all the songwriters who performed at the festival. Kevin Williamson of Interscope Records presented the award to Elliott on stage the final night of the Wild West Songwriters Festival in Deadwood, South Dakota. Elliott performed in two songwriter rounds at the festival. The other recipient of the award was Dave Berryman, president of Gibson Guitars.

Belmont Student Caroline Kole Opens for Live.Life.Love Concert

Belmont junior and entertainment industry studies student Caroline Kole recently opened for 107.5 The River’s Live.Life.Love event, a suicide prevention concert, that featured Day + Shay, Kim Petras, Lauv and more. Created as a benefit for To Write Love On Her Arms, the concert raised more than $20,000.

Kole was selected as the event’s opener thanks to a local contest hosted by the station that included more than 3,000 submissions. Followers had the chance to submit the name of the artists they were interested in seeing at the show, and Kole won the top spot. In addition to her place in the line-up, Kole participated in an on-air interview prior to the concert and her song, “What If,” was played by the station.

“It was and still is a shock to me,” she said. “It’s an absolute honor to be chosen, especially considering the immense amount of talent in Nashville.”

Photos and videos from the event can be found here.