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 Selected as New Alternate 2016 Debate Site by Commission on Presidential Debates

April Hefner
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Belmont Selected as New Alternate 2016 Debate Site by Commission on Presidential Debates

Decision comes following Wright State’s withdrawal

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced today that Belmont University will now serve as the official alternate site to host a 2016 Presidential or Vice Presidential Debate. The news comes as Wright State University (Dayton, OH) withdrew from its hosting duties late last month, and first alternate Hofstra University (Long Island, NY) was tapped as the new host for the political season’s first presidential debate on Sept. 26.

Washington University (St. Louis, MO) and University of Nevada-Las Vegas  are currently slated to host the other two presidential debates this fall on Oct. 9 and 19 respectively, while Longwood University (Farmville, VA) will host the vice presidential debate Oct. 4.

“Belmont University served very successfully as a presidential debate site in 2008.  We are grateful that Belmont has agreed to serve as an alternate site this debate cycle, and our team would look forward to working with them if the need arose,” the Commission said in a statement.

Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Hosting the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate was a great honor for our campus, our city and our state, marking the first presidential debate to be held in Tennessee. I continue to enthusiastically support the work of the Commission in its mission of helping educate American voters and, in the process, creating a stronger democracy. While I sincerely hope that all goes as planned at the selected sites, we will work diligently to be prepared in the outside chance that we’re called on. I know the entire Belmont community welcomes the opportunity to contribute to such an important political process. ”

In addition to the confidence expressed in the Belmont team to host a debate again, Fisher also pointed out the immense support Belmont is receiving from city and state officials both in the application process and now with the news of the alternate selection.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam said, “Time and time again Belmont University has proven its commitment to its city and state by hosting community, cultural and educational events. The University has shown it can exceed expectations for a debate on this level, and this would be another opportunity to put the best of what Tennessee has to offer on display on this national stage.”

“It would be an honor for Belmont University and the city of Nashville to once again host a Presidential or Vice Presidential debate,” said Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. “Debates present an exciting opportunity for voters to move beyond speeches and ads and truly get an insight into how a candidate thinks, feels and will act under pressure. Belmont did an outstanding job hosting one of the Presidential debates in 2008, and as Mayor, I will do whatever I can to support the university’s efforts to successfully host another debate if given the opportunity.”

Belmont University was one of 16 sites nationwide under consideration for a presidential or vice presidential debate during this year’s election cycle. Belmont previously hosted the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate, moderated by NBC News’ Tom Brokaw, between then candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama. The 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate was the first and only presidential debate to date to be held in Tennessee.

Belmont Diversity Group Representing Five Colleges Publishes ‘Cultural Leadership’ Journal Article

Hope Buckner
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An article co-authored by Professors Cheryl Carr, Curb College, Hope Campbell, Edgar Diaz-Cruz and Leela Kodali, College of Pharmacy, Michelle Guinn, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Hyangsook Lee, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Bernard Turner, College of Business, has been published in the Journal of Interdisciplinary Education.

The article, titled “The Cultural Leadership Cohort Group Initiative: Empowered Community-Building for Faculty of Color,” reports findings from a qualitative self-study of their experiences within a faculty of color cohort group, describes the origins of the initiative, explores related research and makes recommendations for future initiatives within higher education.

Bentheimer Selected as Walmart Scholar by American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Hope Buckner
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Marisa Bentheimer, a fourth year pharmacy student at Belmont University, was recently chosen as a Walmart Scholar by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). The scholars program recognizes select students and their faculty mentors in an effort to strengthen the recipient’s skills and commitment to a career in academic pharmacy. Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Dr. Adam Pace serves as Bentheimer’s mentor.

In speaking of Bentheimer Dr. Pace said, “Marisa is incredibly enthusiastic. She also has great leadership abilities and a marked interest in teaching.” Bentheimer is interested in enhancing the role of the community pharmacist through scholarly teaching in that area. After pharmacy school, she plans to complete a residency program in community practice and become a pharmacy practice faculty member.

In addition to its recognition, the Walmart Scholar program provides scholarships to student-faculty pairs to attend the AACP annual meeting and Teachers Seminar, recently held in Anaheim, California.

Bentheimer said of the conference, “Attending the AACP conference has given me the building blocks to start my career in pharmacy academia. From the seminars to the poster sessions, the unique teaching methods I observed gave me the motivation to explore new avenues through which students can learn. I feel that this experience will help prepare me not only for my upcoming academia rotations, but my future as well.”

Murphree Featured in Tennessean Article, Goes ‘Bug Wild’

Hope Buckner
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Murphree Featured in Tennessean Article, Goes ‘Bug Wild’

steve_murphreeIn an article written by the Tennessean’s Ms. Cheap, “Go Bug Wild at Insects of the Night,” Professor of Biology Dr. Steve Murphree is featured as a resident bug expert. Known around campus as the “bug guy,” Murphree answered ten questions surrounding his love for insects and more.

Murphree’s interview promotes Warner Park Nature Center’s “Insects of the Night,” an annual family festival with “creeply-crawly fun” for the whole family. Complete with insect Olympics, the event exposes children to the joys of science through experiencing a bug’s life.

In his interview Murphree pointed to the eyed elater beetle as his favorite bug (though he said the choice is a hard one) and said his favorite bug to show off to kids is the praying mantis. Murphree also described his personal bug collection. With a 12-15 year old Chilean rose hair tarantula named Rosie and five Madagascan hissing cockroaches, Murphree’s collection is unique.

He went on to answer Ms. Cheap’s questions and describe how his love for bugs came about recalling his childhood on a farm in Bedford County and his involvement in 4-H. “I was one of those kids that liked bugs and never grew up,” he said. After earning his master’s degree in biology and a Ph.D. in entomology, Murphree has been known as Belmont’s bug guy for 25 years.

Murphree concluded his time with Ms. Cheap by heeding a warning to the public and asking for their respect to the bug kingdom saying, “[Kids and their parents] need to know that most bugs are not dangerous and should not be stomped…they play a big part in the world and are an important part of our ecosystem.”

Alumni Lead Young Entertainment Professionals Group

Hope Buckner
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Alumni Lead Young Entertainment Professionals Group

Nine Belmont alumni were recently featured in an article on forbes.com, “Meet the Twentysomethings Changing Nashville’s Networking Tune,” highlighting Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), a networking group in Nashville that brings together young members of the entertainment industry.

These nine alumni including Andrew Cohen, YEP founder and director, MaryAnn Keen, Rachel Knight, Caroline Melby, Katie Roth, Garrison Snell, Alina Thompson, Laura Williams and Amelia Varni are members of YEP’s 11-person Board of Directors and have contributed to the organization’s growth. Beginning as an idea between two new graduates and entertainment industry newbies, YEP has now morphed into the city’s premiere young professional networking group with more than 4,000 engaged members.

In the article, Cohen describes YEP’s success as a jumping-off-point for many members. “I hear stories all the time,” he said. “At literally every event I meet people who’ve just moved to town in the past two weeks, and the next time I see them they have jobs. I just met a girl who said, ‘I moved 2,000 miles across the country because YEP helped me find a job.”

In addition to its regular meet-up events, YEP recently launched a mentorship program, Springboard, that matches “impressive” members with executives from partner agencies.

Photo provided by Jason Myers Photo.

Cates Named 2016 Nashville Business Journal Woman in Music City

Hope Buckner
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Cates Named 2016 Nashville Business Journal Woman in Music City

486428_797816502512_664463637_nSarah Cates, director of development and industry relations at Belmont and a 2003 alumna, was recently named as a Nashville Business Journal’s 2016 Woman in Music City.

Nominations for the award are taken from the public and the final selections are made by an independent panel of industry experts. The awards honor those women committed to merging the business and music industries who have assisted in creating Nashville’s successful music industry. This is the second consecutive year that Cates has been selected for this honor.

In a release on the announcement NBJ Publisher Kate Herman said, “What women in the music business are doing deserves to be highlighted and honored, not only because of what they bring to the industry, but also to show tangible examples of success for other women entering the industry. All of our winners of this program — from artists to business leaders — are essential pieces of Nashville’s growing economy and vibe.”

Tiffany Dunn, Julie Boos and Ericka Wollam Nichols, all Belmont alumnae, were also included on NBJ’s 2016 list. The recipients will be honored at an awards dinner held at the Omni Hotel on September 27 and in a special printed and online publication.

College of Pharmacy Attends Tennessee Pharmacists Association Summer Meeting

Hope Buckner
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College of Pharmacy Attends Tennessee Pharmacists Association Summer Meeting

The Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA) 2016 summer meeting attracted hundreds of participants including pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, who met from July 18 through July 20. Belmont University College of Pharmacy representatives included Assistant Professor Dr. Elisa Greene, Director of Experiential Education Dr. Angela Clauson, Assistant Professor Dr. Traci Poole, Assistant Professor Dr. Leela Kodali and Dean Dr. Phil Johnston and student pharmacists Brittany Hayes, Becca Moore, Shelby Blalock and Jessica Porreca.

The summer meeting provides an opportunity to attend continuing education sessions, greet and renew acquaintances with Tennessee pharmacists, learn about new products and services and receive updates on new legislative issues.

During the meeting, Clauson presented “The Multigenerational Workplace,” Blaylock served as President of the Tennessee Society of Student Pharmacists, Hayes presented “Transitions of Care and the Use of Technology: Telehealth Models with iPad/Skype to Reach Underserved Areas,” Johnston and Porreca served in the House of Delegates and Greene was introduced as the winner of the TPA Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award.

 

Attached are images of student pharmacist Brittany Hayes presenting, and a group picture taken immediately after the presentation of Dr. Greene’s award.  (pictures l to r are Becca Moore (P3), Phil Johnston, Elisa Greene, Brittany Hayes (P4), Jessica Porreca (P2) and Shelby Blalock (P4).)

 

Student Group Travels to China for Study Abroad Experience

Hope Buckner
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Student Group Travels to China for Study Abroad Experience

For the 12th year, Belmont students conquered China’s Great Wall, hiking at the famed Mutianyu site and enjoying the tobaggan speed ride from its heights during the University’s first study abroad summer session in China.

The group of participants, including 16 students and three faculty members, spent 3 weeks in China during early June visiting China’s Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Mt. Tai and Confucius’s home in Shandong province and Belmont’s partner institution, Zhengzhou University, the largest university in China.

Using Zhengzhou as their base, Belmont students made excursions ranging from FoxConn, manufacturer of over 70 percent of iPhones used worldwide, to the Shaolin Monastery, home of Chinese gongfu (kongfu). Again this year, the group took gifts to Maria’s Big House of Hope in Luoyang, a Christian facility dedicated to the highest care for orphans with special needs from newborn to age five and founded by the family of Steven Curtis Chapman.

 

Asian Studies Department Hosts International Student Group

Hope Buckner
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Asian Studies Department Hosts International Student Group

Belmont’s Department of Asian Studies has partnered with its sister school in China, Zhengzhou University, to bring the first group of Zhengzhou students to Nashville for a summer program. The nine participating students are undergraduate English majors interested in studying abroad for the first time with aspirations to travel after graduation, become teachers or translators and interpreters for businesses and government. The students are accompanied by Professor Zhao Jianxia, party secretary of the School of Foreign Languages and professor of British and American literature and culture.

The group has been in Nashville for nearly three weeks and are participating in two courses including Dr. Ronnie Littlejohn’s “American Culture Through Film,” featuring classics including “Dances with Wolves” and “The Color Purple” and Dr. Marcia McDonald’s “American Literature,” which surveys writers from the Revolution to the contemporary musical lyric.

In addition to studying film and literature, the students have participated in excursions featuring the best of Music City — dancing at the Wild Horse, Opry Mills, Wave Country Water Park and a Nashville Sounds baseball game. They also enjoyed a one-day homestay with Belmont faculty volunteers. The students are also encouraged to explore the city on their own or with program staff, selected from Belmont’s Asian Studies majors and graduates. The trip also features some of southern culture’s traditional foods including Cracker Barrel, Hattie B’s hot chicken and Tex Mex.

This year’s program will be the first of many to follow, highlighting the relationship between Belmont and Zhengzhou University.

Shook Creates Software to Study Laser-Based Acoustics

Hope Buckner
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Steven Shook, physics/audio engineering technology double major, created a video showing results for an ongoing laser-based acoustics experiment to visualize oscillation modes of musical instruments via the electronic speckle pattern interferometry methods. Shook’s research was completed as part of Belmont’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.

Originating with former Belmont Professor of Physics Dr. Christian Thomas, this experiment has been continued by students under the direction of physics faculty members Drs. Robert Magruder and Davon Ferrara.

In the video, the laser illuminates the shapes of resonances of a metal plate for various frequencies. It is a “first light” result given the Janet Ayers Academic Center’s new laboratory set-up and uses new software written by Shook and his research advisor Dr. Scott Hawley, physics. Efforts are currently underway to improve image quality via both image-processing and optical techniques.

 

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