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 Launches Scholar-in-Residence Program, Encourages Diversity in Higher Education

Hope Buckner
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Belmont Launches Scholar-in-Residence Program, Encourages Diversity in Higher Education

Belmont University welcomed President of Stillman College Dr. Peter Millet to campus last week as the University’s first Scholar-in-Residence, a program created to celebrate diversity within higher education and encourage students to consider the field as a career. An initiative of the University’s Welcome Home Team, a committee focused on diversity and inclusivity across Belmont’s campus, the Scholar-in-Residence Program will continue throughout the 2016-17 school year.

Each of Belmont’s nine colleges will select and schedule a diverse scholar in a field related to their disciplines to spend an extended period of time on campus with faculty, staff and students. While at Belmont, the scholar will host sessions on topics of their choosing and interact with students to offer guidance and opportunities for advanced work leading to a career in academia.

Belmont’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences welcomed Millet to campus as the inaugural scholar and hosted a number of events open to campus. Longtime friend of Dean Dr. Bryce Sullivan, Millet spoke on diversity, leadership and determination and attended meetings with many committees and groups across campus.

Sullivan said, “It was my honor to welcome my friend and colleague to Belmont as the University’s first Scholar in Residence. The Scholar in Residence Program encourages underrepresented students to choose higher education as a career and to increase the number of African-American faculty in the applicant pools across the disciplines. Dr. Millet fulfilled this goal, and in doing so, made a significant impression on our students, faculty and staff. I look forward to the impact this program will continue to have on our campus community.”

Alumna McWhirter To Publish First Book in May

Staff Writer
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Alumna McWhirter To Publish First Book in May

Alumna Kathleen McWhirter (2010 ), a social entrepreneurship major and member of the honors program, is releasing her first book next month.

After leaving Belmont, McWhirter completed an M.A. in Modern History at the University of York in York, England and graduated with the highest possible honors. She returned to Nashville in late 2014 and began her own business as a writer and historian, allowing her to work on thumbnail_IMG_5696numerous local history initiatives. A few accomplishments of note include collaborating with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Music Industry Coalition on efforts related to preserving Music Row.

McWhirter was also the lead historian and scriptwriter for an event held by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. The past few months have been spent writing her first history book, which will be released on May 12. The book, titled “Fierce Rivalries & Enduring Friendships: 75 Years of the Iroquois Steeplechase,” is about Nashville’s annual steeplechasing event held at Percy Warner Park. When published, the book will be available at the event on May 14 and on the Iroquois Steeplechase online store.

Students Take Science to Nashville’s MLK High School

Hope Buckner
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Dani's StudentsBelmont’s National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) student chapter recently took science on the road by bringing a series of physical science and chemistry demonstrations to students at Nashville’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet High School.

NSTA President Katlin Stodard, Vice-President Sarah Cannavino, Secretary Illyana Illieva and members Mary Barber, Lindsey Dennis and Chris Burdette performed fun with liquid nitrogen, the iodine clock reaction, magic pepper and “elephant toothpaste.” Faculty sponsor and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Danielle Garrett said she hopes this will become an annual event, allowing Belmont students to share their passion for science with the community.

When asked why events like these are important Stodard said, “Being able to share the joy of science with others is the primary goal of NSTA. That’s what happened during the demos at MLK – students learned that science is fun! As a future teacher, watching students engage with the activities was a beautiful sight.”

Belmont Recognized as Finalist in Strobel Volunteer Awards

April Hefner
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Belmont Recognized as Finalist in Strobel Volunteer Awards

On Thurs., April 21, Hands On Nashville celebrated Middle Tennessee volunteers during a luncheon for the 30th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards, the community’s largest celebration of volunteerism. For the University’s “125 Hours of Service” project last fall and overall service initiatives, Belmont was named a finalist for The Civic Volunteer Group Award, which recognizes representatives of civic, membership, faith-based or noncorporate groups that volunteer together for a specific cause or issue.

More than 600 volunteers and agency representatives attended the luncheon and ceremony at the Music City Center downtown. Presented by Hands On Nashville, the annual event recognizes volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community. The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards are named in memory of the late Mary Catherine Strobel, known for her extensive and charitable efforts toward improving the lives of Middle Tennessee’s homeless, impoverished and less fortunate populations. The annual awards ceremony celebrates her service and recognizes those who continue her legacy.

Motion Pictures Students Fare Well in Nashville Film Festival

Staff Writer
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Alumna Hilary Bell (2015), a motion pictures major, won the Student Grand Jury Prize in the Tennessee First section of the Nashville Film Festival recently for her short film, Gogurt. In addition, current motion pictures student Trevor Krulcik was nominated for the TN Horizon Audience Award, also in the Tennessee First Section, for his work, Naiad. From the 171 short films selected for the competition from nearly 3,700 submissions, only 23 received awards.

Nursing Students Present at Regional, National Summit

Hope Buckner
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Nursing Students Present at Regional, National Summit
AACN Policy summit 2016
L to R: Dr. Martha Buckner, associate dean of nursing, Rice and Cook

Doctor of Nursing Practice students Angie Cook and Justin Rice were recently selected to attend the AACN Nursing Policy Summit in Washington D.C., two of only four Tennessee nursing students who were selected to attend. During the conference, the students were immersed in didactic program sessions focused on federal policy processes and nursing’s role in professional advocacy. They also visited with legislative staff from Senator Alexander and Corker’s offices to advocate for nursing in patient health improvement.

Following the summit, more than 90 Belmont nursing students participated in the Tennessee Nurses Association Legislative Summit. Undergraduate, RN-BSN and graduate students gathered in the War Memorial Auditorium with other Tennessee nursing students to learn about the state’s legislative processes. This year’s keynote speaker was ANA president Dr. Pam Cipriano.

 

Senator Lamar Alexander Speaks at Belmont on Education Legislation

April Hefner
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Senator Lamar Alexander Speaks at Belmont on Education Legislation

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today told a room full of Tennessee education leaders, legislators, teachers and students that “Tennessee public school classrooms are back in your hands,” thanks to the new education law that fixes No Child Left Behind and restores local control of public schools.

In a special event held in Belmont’s Wedgewood Academic Center conference space, Alexander was interviewed by Dr. Jesse Register of the University’s Center for Improvement of Educational Systems on new education legislation that he authored. Centered on the topic, “Landmark Reauthorization of Federal Education Funding: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and What It Means for Tennessee,” Register and Alexander spoke in depth on the new education law, its impact and its implementation.

Alexander said, “This new law is the biggest devolution of federal control in a quarter century, according to the Wall Street Journal, which means that now you have the ball, and my role is to be your most aggressive defender.”

“I’d recommend that you form a coalition in Tennessee of teachers, principals, superintendents, legislators, along with Governor Haslam and Education Commissioner Candace McQueen, and work together to write a new state education plan, which is necessary to receive federal dollars for your schools. The national coalition that worked to pass the law, is now working to see that it is implemented it as Congress wrote it—a state coalition is just as important.”

Alexander said the Senate education committee will hold at least six hearings this year on oversight and implementation of the new education law.

Alexander worked to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act last year which restored to states, local school districts, classroom teachers and parents the responsibility for deciding what to do about improving student achievement.

The new law ended the National School Board run out of Washington, DC, the federal common core mandate, “Mother May I” conditional waivers, highly qualified teacher definitions and requirements, teacher evaluation mandates, federal school turnaround models, federal test-based accountability and adequate yearly progress.

 

The bill was passed by the House 359–64, passed by the Senate 85–12, and signed by the president in December. Alexander attributed much of the law’s success to a unique coalition of national organizations—including governors, teachers, parents, superintendents, chief state school officers and principals.

Alumna Awarded Silver Bullet in Young Guns International Competition for Number One Podcast

Staff Writer
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Alumna Awarded Silver Bullet in Young Guns International Competition for Number One Podcast

Belmont design communications alumna Rachel Moore, class of 2014, of BBDO New York, was awarded a Silver Bullet in the Young Guns International competition. Moore’s project, “The Message for GE,” included a 2015 iTunes no. 1 podcast.

Each year, the Young Gun Awards recognizes the “tomorrow” of the communications industry–who and what to watch out for from a creative team under the age of 30. This year, Moore and her creative partner Darina Khafizova were recognized for their work on the weekly episode podcast that tells the fictional story of Nicky Tomalin, a podcast host covering the decoding of an alien message from outer space received 70 years ago. The story is inspired by the idea that sound can heal. The idea is currently being examined by GE through life sciences research in ultrasound therapy and ExAblate technology, technology that has  allowed for noninvasive acoustic surgery to treat neurological disorders.

Rachel MooreMoore said the project was challenging but very rewarding to work on. “I was the art director on the project, so anything visual that is associated with the podcast–branding, album art, landing page, etc–was my work. In addition to that, my copywriter and I built and maintained the online component,” she said. “With “The Message,” we had a perfect storm of talented people and trusting clients that allowed us to create a universe that listeners and the online community believed in and cared about–believe me, the rarity of that opportunity is not lost on me. I feel very lucky to be where I am, working with such brilliant creative minds.”

“The Message” goes beyond the story by creating an online world for the characters with extra content including Cypher’s website, Nicky Tomalin’s blog and more. The podcast launched at no. 47 on iTunes and spent 7 days at no. 1, making it the most successful branded content podcast in history.

For listeners who want to try their own hand at cryptology, the team weaved pieces together with a online alternate reality game – hiding puzzles and clues throughout the content, an online “papertrail,” that unlocked a bonus recording at the end. “We kept an eye on the online reactions each week and adapted the puzzles and content throughout the season to strike a perfect balance of challenge and intrigue with listeners. Last I heard, we had more than 4 million downloads and about 60K listeners who interacted with the online papertrail and unlocked the final recording,” said Moore.

 

 

 

McGinnis Goes ‘Over the Edge’ for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Staff Writer
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over theedgeCity Auto’s Over The Edge Nashville held a rappelling event on April 15 on the side of the 269-foot Omni Nashville Hotel to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Rappellers had to fundraise at least $1,000 to participate, and all money raised directly benefited the Big Brothers organization. President of Bigs@Belmont Mary Allyson McGinnis raised her share of the money to scale the building. The event collectively raised $128,486 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development Patricia Jacobs expressed how proud she was of McGinnis for conquering her fear. “Mary Allyson was fearful about going ‘over the edge,’ but she said she thinks about the fears of children and decided she could do it for the children,” she said.

McGinnis said her “littles” were her motivation, as they face the fears of homelessness, death and divorce each day. “Taking the first step off the edge was the hardest part, but once I got the hang of it, it was more fun.  It was rewarding knowing that the money I raised will go to a child facing adversity to be matched with a ‘Big,'” she said. “As a ‘Big’ myself, I’ve seen firsthand  how mentoring the lives of young children positively impact them for the better forever.  I  want to see every child be afforded this opportunity to set them up for a successful future.”

McGinnis continued about her love for the nonprofit. “My passion for Big Brothers Big Sisters is so great that I have made it my community service platform, Start Something BIG, for Miss Tennessee in which I will be competing in June as Miss Murfreesboro 2016.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships to at-risk youth in Nashville and the surrounding counties. It is a volunteer and donor driven organization that matches children in need with a positive adult role model. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety, and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.The nonprofit partnered with City Auto to bring Over the Edge, a special events company that provides signature fundraising events for nonprofits, to Nashville.

City Auto Marketing Manager Lynsey Freeman said this event is an amazing way to grab attention for the important work Big Brothers Big Sisters is doing. “Mentorship makes such a difference in the lives of our youth, no matter what their background is. And an extreme event like rappelling is a unique way to connect with the public, young professionals and other leaders to engage and educate them about the opportunity to make a positive impact in a child’s life,” she said. “It takes a lot more energy and nerve to scale a wall – it’s easy to be friend.”

To date, Over the Edge has helped raise more than $45 Million through 500 events.

Dean Cynthia Curtis Recognized with the Applause Award

Staff Writer
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Dean Cynthia Curtis Recognized with the Applause Award

Belmont University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts honored Dean Cynthia Curtis with the Applause Award at Saturday night’s 27th Annual President’s Dinner and Concert, celebrating her 35 years with Belmont. The Applause Award is the most distinguished award presented by Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and is given annually to honor those who have made significant contributions to the arts.

PresidentDinner2016-039-X2The President’s concert is a unifying event, often bringing alumni back to celebrate the successes of the school. This year hosted alumni Melinda Doolittle (’99) and Rayvon Owen (’13) to perform with the Phoenix Ensemble.

The President’s Concert features School of Music student ensembles and groups that highlight the musical diversity of the program. The Applause Award is presented during the concert. All funds raised by the dinner and concert provide scholarships for students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, which includes the School of Music as well as the Department of Art and the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Previous Applause Award honorees include Michael W. Smith, the Grand Ole Opry, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, The Beaman Family Foundation, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Donna Hilley, Ronn Huff, Martha Ingram, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Nashville Symphony, Barbara Massey Rogers, Kenneth Schermerhorn, Ricky Skaggs, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Jerry Warren, Sam Wilson and CeCe Winans.

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