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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Physical Therapy Students, Faculty Volunteer at Music City Skate Jam

Students from the Belmont University School of Physical Therapy recently volunteered at the inaugural Music City Skate Jam. Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore combined his love for music and skateboarding when he teamed up with international skateboarding champion Tony Hawk in downtown Nashville for the charity event.

The day began early in the morning as the students, along with faculty members Drs. Pat Sells and Mike Voight from the School of Physical Therapy, turned Nashville’s Hall of Fame Park into a music venue with an enormous half pipe for the celebrity skate board performers. The free concert and skating exposition, held at Music City Walk of Fame Park, served as a fundraiser to aid hurricane relief. It also brought awareness to both both Moore’s and Hawk’s foundations, which aim to build skate parks for kids in inner cities. Fans who donated were treated to a day of fun-filled events including performances by Jordan Davis, Dee Jay Silver and Moore himself, along with a thrilling skate demo by Tony Hawk.

Physical Therapy Faculty Volunteer at Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

Belmont University School of Physical Therapy Faculty Members Drs. Pat Sells, Danny Smith and Mike Voight recently volunteered for the 2017 Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament. The event was presented by Keith Urban and sponsored by ASCAP, City National Bank and Tim McGraw.

This long-running charity event has raised more than two million dollars for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee in its three-decade history. Voight said, “It is fun to participate in an event that we can see fruits of the fund raising efforts. The funds raised help to build wheel chair ramps that physical therapy students go out and volunteer to build.” The 30th annual tournament took place on Monday, August 21 at Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee.

Belmont Honors Students Attend Nashville Honors College Consortium

Honors College students from Belmont, Fisk, Lipscomb and Tennessee State Universities recently met at TSU for the first meeting of the Nashville Honors College Consortium and leadership workshop. Dr. Jonathan Thorndike, director of Belmont’s Honors Program, organized the meeting in collaboration with Dean of the TSU Honors College Dr. Coreen Jackson and Belmont Faculty Member Dr. Beverly Schneller.

The Honors College directors discussed the advantages of programs for students and their philosophy of leadership. The students met to discuss ideas for future projects including social events, service events, cultural events, case studies workshops and panel discussions. Students discussed ideas for a future service events to help with the Walk for Cervical Cancer, volunteer for disaster assistance work groups and communicate on future Nashville-wide collaborative programs.

Director of the Fisk Honors College Dr. Patrick Fleming said, “As the first in a series of collaborations between Honors Programs at TSU, Belmont, Lipscomb and Fisk, we couldn’t have asked for a better event than the leadership symposium hosted by Dr. Jackson and Dr. Miller at TSU on September 16. Students from all four programs came together to develop their leadership skills, and benefited immensely from the experience…Everyone involved was impressed and looks forward to future endeavors.”

Pictured above are Sarah Everett, junior journalism major (front row, left); Miriam Turner, junior music therapy junior (front row, second from left); Steven Metrejean, sophomore music business major (second row, 3rd from left) and Dylan Arndt, junior music business major (back row, left). All are members of Belmont’s Honors Program and the Honors Student Council leadership team. Also pictured above are Dr. Jackson, Director of the Lipscomb Honors College Dr. Paul Prill, Associate Director of the TSU Honors College Dr. Tyrone Miller and Director of the Fisk Honors College Dr. Patrick Fleming.

Michael Burcham, Brady Plummer to be Recognized with Massey Distinguished Graduate Awards

Belmont’s Massey Graduate School of Business alums honored for excellence in professional achievement, community involvement 

Belmont University’s Massey Graduate School of Business Alumni Board will recognize two outstanding alumni—healthcare innovator/entrepreneur Michael Burcham and Parallon CIO Brady Plummer—who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of professional achievement, community involvement, and commitment to the Massey School. Both alumni will be honored at the Alumni Board’s Distinguished Graduate Awards event on October 3.

A. Marshall Family Foods’ Marketing Director Rachel Layton, a 2015 Massey graduate and chair of the Distinguished Graduate Awards, said, “We’re thrilled to honor such incredible alumni making a giant impact on the Nashville community. These recipients continue to set the standard for achievement and community involvement for Massey alumni.”

Michael BurchamA Massey MBA graduate, Michael Burcham is a healthcare CEO, strategist, entrepreneur and innovator. He began his healthcare career after graduating from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1983. In addition to his graduate degree from Belmont University, he also holds a Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. Burcham is the CEO of Narus Health, a healthcare organization whose care management services and technologies support individuals with serious medical conditions, their families and the medical community engaged in their treatment. He was the founding president and CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center which has been recognized nationally as one of the country’s leading startup organizations. In addition to his work in the healthcare industry, Burcham teaches Healthcare Innovation and Launching New Ventures at the Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt University), and he recently served as the Co-Chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the U.S. Secretary of Commerce (2014-2016). Residing in Nashville, he is a frequent national speaker on executive leadership, entrepreneurial thinking and healthcare innovation.

Brady Plummer, a Massey Masters of Accounting graduate, is the CIO of Parallon Business Performance Group, where he is responsible for setting strategy and providing leadership for the technology supporting Parallon BPG’s business processes. Plummer provides leadership to more than 500 technology professional and manages a complex budget. He was previously an assistant vice president of internal audit for HCA, where he focused on information technology risk and compliance. He has more than 18 years of experience designing operating procedures and assessing efficiency and effectiveness through process improvement and information technology projects, operational and compliance audits, and project management. Plummer is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and he serves on the board of Rest Stop Ministries, Belmont Accounting and MIS Advisory Board, and Trevecca Association of Business Professionals.

The Massey Distinguished Graduate Award Ceremony will be held Tues., Oct. 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Reserve at Fat Bottom (800 44th Avenue North, Nashville). Click here to purchase tickets to the event.

 

Billboard Names Curb College One of the ‘Best Music Business Schools in 2017’

Billboard magazine recently recognized Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business as one of the top “15 Best Music Business Schools in 2017.” The article noted, “Across the nation, from Los Angeles to New York, Miami to Nashville, colleges and universities with music programs are preparing students for a new era of entrepreneurship. Gone are the days when aspiring artists simply sought to ‘sign a deal’ to launch their careers. For young musicians and those seeking music careers behind the spotlight, the availability of higher-education music business programs has never been greater. These 15 schools are at the top of their class.”

In praising the Curb College program, Billboard noted the campus’ recent addition of The Gallery of Iconic Guitars, The GIG, writing that “It’s the latest example of the hands-on approach to a music business education at Belmont’s Curb College.” In addition, Billboard also recognized the University’s sponsorship of Ken Burns’s upcoming “Country Music” documentary and the internship doors that deal has opened for Curb College students. Also, the magazine recognized the industry partners, like the National Music Publisher’s Association and Miranda Lambert, who are helping provide scholarships for Curb College students as well as the countless artists, writers, musicians and executives who frequently speak on campus. The full article can be found here.

Alumnus Peter Rosenberger Announces Syndication of Radio Show

Peter Rosenberger seated and smilingPeter Rosenberger (’86) recently announced the syndication of his radio show, “Caregivers with Hope,” which has become the first-ever syndicated radio show dedicated to America’s caregivers.

The show will air on Sept. 17 via the Truth Network. Additionally, over 240 stations will air Rosenberger’s “Today’s Caregiver Minute,” offering daily tips for caregivers every week.

Rosenberger has been a caregiver to his wife, who suffered a tragic car accident during her first year at Belmont, for over 30 years. He has been featured on NewsRadio 1510 for more than four years, offering help, humor and compassion for fellow caregivers. According to Stu Epperson, CEO of the truth network, “Coming out on the other side with knowledge and grace to share with others, Peter’s show will unquestionably continue to inspire people across the country with its syndication.”

Rosenberger is also an author, speaker and advocate for caregivers. He has published “Hope for the Caregiver” (2015) and “7 Caregiver Landmines and How to Avoid Them” (2016).

State Representatives Love, Gilmore Discuss Intersection of God and Legislation

“Religion, faith and belief in God go hand-in-hand with being a public servant, and I consider myself a public servant,” said Representative Brenda Gilmore at last week’s convocation event “Can Legislation Help Us Do God’s Work?”

Gilmore joined Representative Harold M. Love to discuss the impact that their faith has had on their careers in public office. The event was sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Learning and Experience in collaboration with the Office of Spiritual Development, the Black Student Association and HOPE Council, who believed that the event would demonstrate how “church and state can work together for the betterment of society.”

The representatives spoke at length about the progression of their careers and how God has led them there. According to Love, “there’s always been an intersection between faith and politics.” He describes this intersection as a marriage. For instance, when the Maternal Mortality Review and Prevention Act of 2016 was enacted, he introduced a health summit at his church in conjunction with the legislation to help explain these needs.

The speakers also discussed an important piece of advice for students and community members: be active in your government. Gilmore asserted, “Good legislation bubbles up from the community… Don’t be silent,” and “if there are issues that are important to you, be involved.”

Love’s closing advice for students at Belmont was to register to vote in Tennessee. He asserted that because these students live in this district for eight or nine months out of every year, the policies that are enacted here affect them more than those in their hometowns, “and there’s nothing better than having active participation.” He especially  emphasized the importance of voting locally because legislation is so based in belief and values, and the public elects officials who reflect their own beliefs. He cited the state budget as an example. “The state budget is a moral document, because we fund what we value.”

Love is a state representative for District 58 and the Pastor of Lee Chapel AME Church. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in public administration. Gilmore is a representative for District 54 and a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Honors Neuroscience Major Inspires Middle School

Crystal Lemus writing at a deskHonors student Crystal Lemus recently visited Springfield Middle School to speak at their auditorium’s grand opening. Her speech, “Time is Always Ticking,” alluded to the recent solar eclipse as a symbol of observing time passing. Lemus used this analogy to encourage the students to pursue their dreams.

She said that speaking at her alma mater was a bittersweet experience. “I owe so much to my old teachers and faculty… agreeing to this [presentation] has made me realize how thankful we all should be for those that have helped mold our past. Once I graduate… I plan on keeping this mindset alive.”

Lemus is an Honors neuroscience major on a pre-med track. She plans to attend medical school upon graduation, with the hopes of shaping lives “through clinical care, medical research advocacy.”

Department of Fitness and Recreation Offers Outdoor Excursions, Special Events

Students joined Belmont’s Department of Fitness and Recreation (FitRec) last Saturday at Hamilton Creek Marina on Percy Priest Lake for a paddleboard yoga session. Students of all experience levels were able to work out with FitRec while relaxing in the scenery of the lake. Also, students recently joined David Good, strength and conditioning coach for the Nashville Predators, in exercises frequently used by the Predators players as part of a “Train Like the Preds” special event

Students in yoga poses on paddleboards on a lake

These programs are just a few of the many opportunities offered to students, faculty, staff and alumni through Belmont FitRec. In addition to off campus outdoor excursions, the department also offers on campus options for sports and recreation. Intramural sports include spikeball, flag football and volleyball, among others, and Belmont club sports include tennis, swimming, equestrian, hiking, and many more.

As part of their outdoor programming, FitRec also hosts an annual Boulderdash Climbing Competition, which aims to test men and women against gravity while building outdoor community. Last year, 26 climbers participated in the climb, and another 65 students participated in its accompanying convocation.

According to James Zeller, Director of FitRec, “It is our hope that each person that comes through our doors can find ‘their fit’ within our department. It could be taking advantage of the climbing wall, racquetball courts, rec gym or weight room; participating in a group exercise class like Zumba, Yoga or Interval Training; playing intramural basketball, volleyball or wiffleball with your friends; or getting individualized workout sessions with your personal trainer. There are plenty of opportunities to find your fit with FitRec!”Students doing jumping jacks in the rec center gym

Upcoming FitRec events include:

  • Tues., Sept. 19, 8-11 p.m.: FitFest 2
  • Fri., Sept. 22, 5-6 p.m.: Parent and Family Weekend Barre class
  • Fri., Sept. 29, 2-3 p.m.: Train like a Titan Cheerleader
  • Oct. 2-6: Wellness Week events

For a full list of events and group fitness classes, visit the campus calendar.

Membership to the fitness center is included in all tuition and fees for students and is free for all faculty and staff. Memberships are also available for purchase for alumni and family members.

The Department of Fitness and Recreation exists to provide members of the Belmont community with facilities, programs and services that educate, promote and support a healthy and active lifestyle.

Shadinger Prepares for Retirement, Hosts ‘Favorite Things’ Concert

Dr. Richard Shadinger, professor in the School of Music and Belmont’s long-time carillonneur, will be retiring in May. To kick-off his final year at Belmont, Shadinger will be playing a concert full of his favorite tunes on the carillon Sunday, September 24 at 4 p.m. Shadinger has been playing Belmont’s infamous bells, a campus and neighborhood staple, since the carillon system returned to campus in 1986.

Located in Belmont’s Bell Tower, the 43-bell carillon is one of only 180 across the country and is played by hand, multiple times each week including large events, basketball games, Homecoming celebrations, between class changes and more. It’s seen many impressive memories and sights including annual Christmas concerts, marriage proposals and even its own rendition of the Star Wars Theme Song.

A pianist originally, Shadinger learned to play to the carillon for Belmont–having never even seen a carillon before Belmont’s arrived on campus. He showed immediate interest in the system and has taken an extreme liking to the instrument, traveling to conferences, attending weekly lessons for years and even taking a sabbatical to further his skills.

Shadinger and his talents were recently featured in an article in the Tennessean, “Belmont’s Unique Carillon Makes Lovely Music, Thanks to Richard Shadinger.”