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 Celebrates Music’s Biggest Night with Faculty, Alumni, Student Contributions

April Hefner
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Belmont Celebrates Music’s Biggest Night with Faculty, Alumni, Student Contributions

The 60th annual Grammy Awards will be aired live from Madison Square Garden in New York City Sunday night on CBS, and 20 Belmont students will be working the event. The 20 Service Corps members–15 from campus, four from Belmont East and one from Belmont West–will assist with artist/arrival escort duties at the MusiCares Gala on Friday night, Pre-GRAMMY Gala on Saturday night and GRAMMY Awards on Sunday. Service Corps is designed to offer Belmont students opportunities for experiential learning in the entertainment industry, thereby preparing them for their future careers.

But Belmont’s celebrations alongside the 2018 Grammy Awards goes far beyond the red carpet assistance these students will provide. Numerous alumni and faculty wrote, produced, played and mixed on many of the nominated songs and albums that will be celebrated during the broadcast and pre-broadcast event. In addition, a number of alumni play major roles with the record label, PR and management companies behind some of this year’s nominees biggest names.

Just a few of Belmont’s highlights include:

  • Best Pop Solo Performance: “Million Reasons,” by nominee Lady Gaga, was co-written by Belmont alumna Hillary Lindsey, who also contributes guitars and vocals for the Lady Gaga album “Joanne.”
  • Best Pop Vocal Album: Nominee “Rainbow,” by Kesha, was mixed by Belmont alumnus Chuck Ainlay.
  • Best Country Album:
    • Belmont alums Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Jon Nite, Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Ryan Hurd, Jordan Reynolds, Hailey Whitters, Connie Harrington and Natalie Hemby wrote or co-wrote songs on four of the albums nominated in this category.
    • Belmont alum Clint Highham is the manager for Kenny Chesney, and Belmont students won a contest in which they created the music video for the song “All the Pretty Girls” from Chesney’s nominated album, “Cosmic Hallelujah.”
    • Belmont alum Jesse Frasure co-produced Thomas Rhett’s nominated album, “Life Changes.”
  • Best Rock Performance: Belmont alumni bands Wilder and Judah and the Lion both toured with nominee Kaleo in 2017.
  • Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: Nominee “Oh My Soul,” by Casting Crowns, was co-written by Belmont alum Bernie Herms.  And, Casting Crowns is managed by Proper Management, which is owned by Belmont alum Mike Jay.

To learn more and share in Belmont’s celebrations, keep an eye on social media this weekend to follow the story on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

Music Business Major Performs with Keith Urban

Staff Writer
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Music Business Major Performs with Keith Urban

Keith Urban’s “Without You” was the song that carried music business major Ashley Sorensen to Belmont with just a guitar and a dream of one day becoming a country music star. Last week, Sorensen came one step closer to living that dream when Urban invited her up on stage where she joined him in performing that very song.

Ashley Sorenson holding sign that says "Nashville, TN 8.24.18"Urban played a spontaneous show at Exit/In last week where he announced plans for his upcoming Graffiti U tour. Sorensen was picked from the crowd to join Urban on stage and unveil the Nashville tour date. When Urban found out that she was a music business major at Belmont, he invited her to sing with him on a song of her choice. About “Without You,” Sorensen noted that the song was her favorite when she lived in California. “I used to plug in my earbuds and listen to that song on repeat, and just picture myself taking the next bus to Nashville… just me and my guitar.”

Urban also invited her to sing the song with him on Aug. 24 when he returns to Nashville for the Graffiti U tour. She wrote that one of her biggest dreams has been to perform in front of a live Nashville audience, “and Keith has blessed me with the opportunity to fulfill this dream…To say I’m ecstatic is an understatement!”  Although she doesn’t yet have all the details, Urban tweeted at her after the show, “Bring it!”

To watch the full clip, click here. Sorenson is called to the stage at approximately the 30:00 minute mark.

Kimmons Recognized by Salama Ministry as Superstar Spotlight

Staff Writer
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Kimmons Recognized by Salama Ministry as Superstar Spotlight

Joy Kimmons smiling with young studentDr. Joy Kimmons, associate professor in the M.Ed. program, was recently featured in Salama Ministry’s Newsletter as a Superstar Spotlight. Kimmons is partnering with Salama for the fourth consecutive year to bring her students to the ministry as tutors for the Ministry’s K-4 students.

Through this program, not only do the young students at Salama receive individualized tutoring, but Kimmons’ own class receive on-site classroom experience. Approximately 150 Belmont students have served more than 3,500 hours at Salama, and Kimmons has even created an internship for interested PR students.

According to the feature, Kimmons “brings a heart of compassion, a posture of humility, and a desire to listen to the needs of our students. She is a true champion for students ages six to sixty, and we could not be more grateful for her commitment to our ministry.”

Kimmons holds a B.A. and M.Ed. from Middle Tennessee State University and Ed.D. in educational leadership from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. She has taught courses in educational psychology, educational research, child development, middle school perspectives, educational tests and measurement and gifted education. Her current research interests include promising practices in teacher education, developing and sustaining learning communities and alternative licensure.

Alumna Spata Named Tennessee Bar Association’s Law Student Volunteer of the Year

Staff Writer
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Alumna Spata Named Tennessee Bar Association’s Law Student Volunteer of the Year

Alexa Spata HeadshotBelmont College of Law alumna Alexa Spata (’17) has won the Tennessee Bar Association’s Law Student Volunteer of the Year award for her work with TALS (Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services), a local legal services organization and Belmont Law pro bono partner. The Law Student Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a Tennessee law school student who provides outstanding volunteer services “while working with an organization primarily engaged in providing legal representation to the indigent.” Executive director of TALS, Ann Pruitt, who nominated Spata for the award, wrote via email that “starting with her interview, it was clear that Alexa was committed to jumping into our mission and helping us deliver strong outcomes.” She said, “Alexa has been outstanding in every respect.”

Spata said that she intends to stay involved with pro bono work and advocates that other lawyers do the same. “I feel like we all should,” she said. “We should feel obligated to give back in any way we can, and I think the biggest thing is using our skills and our knowledge to just help people… I do think we have a duty to do what we can to give back… no matter what kind of law you actually practice.”

Dark Featured in Spotify Documentary

Staff Writer
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Dark Featured in Spotify Documentary

David Dark headshotDr. David Dark, assistant professor of religion and the arts, has been featured as a critic and author on the new Spotify mini-documentary “U2 in America.”  The documentary, which released on Dec. 1, 2017, chronicles the Irish rock band’s success in America and the making of their new album, “Songs of Experience.”

Dark discusses the band’s political activism and contributions, saying that Bono “has accomplished what no one else seemed to be able to accomplish using his own celebrity as currency.”

View the entire clip here.

Alumna Promoted to Head of Nashville PR Firm

Staff Writer
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Alumna Promoted to Head of Nashville PR Firm
Regina Stuve headshot
Photo Credit: Ashley Hylbert

Alumna Regina Stuve, who majored in marketing, will be heading a new Nashville office of New York-based marketing and public relations firm PFA Entertainment Media and Marketing. PFA already represents Nashville-based clients including country artist Keith Urban and Ryman Hospitality’s Opry City Stages. Additionally, Stuve will be bringing her current clients, country artist Jake Owen and author Farrell Mason.

Stuve said, “2018 brings  new chapter for me, an incredibly exciting opportunity to work with Paul to establish what I believe is a long overdue Nashville decision.” Her previous work experiences include Capitol Nashville, Universal Music Group and Sony. She has represented artists like Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley and Sugarland.

PFA founder and president Paul Freundlich said about Stuve, “Her unparalleled dedication and professionalism precede her reputation and her strategic approach to her craft will serve our clients most of all. I’m so proud to have someone with her experience running our new Nashville division.”

Hawley Published in The Physics Teacher

Hope Buckner
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Hawley Published in The Physics Teacher

Dr. Scott Hawley, associate professor of physics, recently had his article, “Visualizing Sound Directivity via Smartphone Sensors”, published in The Physics Teacher (TPT). TPT publishes peer-reviewed papers on the teaching of introductory physics, contemporary physics, applied physics and the history of physics. Dedicated to strengthening the teaching of introductory physics at all levels, including secondary schools colleges and universities, TPT provides peer-reviewed content and materials to be used in classrooms and instructional laboratories.

An image from Hawley’s article was also selected as The Physics Teacher’s cover for this edition.

Since publication, Hawley’s article has begun receiving favorable reviews on the “Audio Educators Forum”.

Photo of Tall Hall Chosen as ‘2017 Year in Construction’ Winner

Staff Writer
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Photo of Tall Hall Chosen as ‘2017 Year in Construction’ Winner

A photo of Belmont’s recently topped Tall Hall has been chosen as a winner of Engineering News-Record’s “2017 Year in Construction” photo contest.

Rick Smith, the artist behind the photo, was hired by R.C. Mathews, Belmont’s contractor for Tall Hall. “The morning was very foggy,” Smith said about the photo, “and since the project was already topped out and on top of a hill, it made for a surreal effect of being above the clouds. The Sunrise gave great opportunities for a silhouette of the worker in the distance.”

ENR’s annual “The Year in Construction” photo contest accepts submissions  of construction photos taken anywhere in the world. Belmont’s Tall Hall has joined the ranks of winners from across the United States as well as Denmark, Belgium and Qatar. All of the winners are featured in ENR and published in a 2017 ENR Photo Contest Winners Gallery.

Belmont University Dedicates New Belmont Ministry Center on 12 South

April Hefner
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Belmont University Dedicates New Belmont Ministry Center on 12 South

Site to serve as home for campus’ Room in the Inn program, other ministry events

Following several months of renovations, the new Belmont Ministry Center at 2005 12th Avenue South was dedicated today as part of Belmont University’s campus. The more than 100-year-old building, the former home of the Bass Street Baptist Church which sold the property to the University in 2014, will now be home to numerous worship services and ministry opportunities of the campus.

Specifically, the Belmont Ministry Center will become the home for the University’s Room in the Inn Program, which currently involves more than 150 students serving homeless guests every Wednesday and Friday night that classes are in session during the winter months. In addition, the building will be available for more than a dozen Christian Faith Development Organizations to meet for worship services and special events and as a place for students to engage in a wide range of ministries to the community.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Belmont has grown and changed dramatically in recent years, but one thing that remains constant is the University’s commitment to its Christian identity. Offering housing for our Room in the Inn guests each winter is just one of many ways that our students engage in active, hands-on ministry.  The Ministry Center increases our capacity to meet needs in our community and also provides more space for students to develop and deepen their faith through worship and leadership opportunities.”

The renovation of the facility included updated plumbing and electrical work and a new roof as well as new HVAC systems, doors and windows. Fresh paint and new carpet and tile accompanied interior changes that also brought new kitchen appliances, a laundry room and shower to the center. The sanctuary, meeting rooms and fellowship hall of the Belmont Ministry Center will allow students to participate in large and small group worship, Bible study and fellowship, while the kitchen will provide the ability to better serve Room in the Inn guests as well as open up possibilities for student fellowship and special events.

Dr. Todd Lake, vice president for spiritual development, added, “This facility will expand our ability to do ministry locally and globally as we seek ways to more deeply embed missions within many of our academic offerings. In partnership with various Belmont programs, the Belmont Ministry Center offers a unique chance to create specialized service-learning opportunities in a faith-based context for students to help others by using their skills in a wide range of academic disciplines.”

Senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honors Student Pursues Genetic Breakthrough

Staff Writer
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Senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honors Student Pursues Genetic Breakthrough

Hope Kramer always knew she wanted to do medical research, and when she came to Belmont, she planned to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. But after a few eye-opening experiences and long conversations with her mentor, Kramer began focusing her interests on the history of genetics. She was recently recognized in Study Breaks for her work.

As a science major in the Honors Program, Kramer is required to carry out an original research project and compose her senior Honors thesis. For these projects, Kramer decided to combine her love of history and science into one comprehensive exploration of the history and recent breakthroughs of genetic research.Hope Kramer doing lab work

Specifically, Kramer is interested in transgenerational epigenetics, a recent revolution in the field. She studied the worm C. elegan, a possible example of this phenomenon. Her idea to combine this project with her Honors thesis was inspired by the book The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee, assigned to her by her mentor. One section addresses the idea of transgenerational epigenetics through the historical case of the “Dutch Hunger Winter,” which exemplifies the idea that expressions of genetic adaptations as a result of environmental pressures can be passed down through generations, even when those pressures are removed. This idea is revolutionary to the study of genetics.

Kramer said, “I was blown away by both the controversial nature of this subject and the similarities it has to some previously debunked scientific ideas from centuries ago.” The book, and subsequently her thesis, maps the history of scientific thought.

The pursuit of complicated scientific ideas is not new to Kramer, who studied at the University of Glasgow and worked full-time there in a microbiology lab. She has also served as volunteer for Remote Area Medical, a non-profit airborne medical relief program in Knoxville, in addition to her year-long internship with Siloam Health Clinic last year. Through these experiences, Kramer said, “I realized how much I love the human interaction aspect of being a physician,” as well as the “intellectual act of diagnosis and understanding the amazing complexity of the human body.”

As a result of her experiences and research, Kramer has chosen to pursue an M.D. after she graduates in May. She intends to specialize in infectious diseases “and hopefully combine my love of research and underserved populations to help reduce health disparities in the world of caring for diseases.”

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