Eight Belmont faculty traveled to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for the 32^nd Lilly International Conference on College Teaching Nov. 15 through 18 .

Professor of Psychological Science Pete Giordano presented “Relational Virtuosity in the College Classroom: What Teachers Can Learn From Classical Confucianism.”  He also presented with colleagues Professor of Computer Science Joyce Crowell , Professor of Religion  Steve Simpler and Professor of Art David Ribar “Valuing the Hidden Curriculum: Stimulating Teaching Vitality in Mid- and Late-Career Faculty.” Assistant Professor of English  Sue Trout and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Mike Awalt contributed to the presentation but could not attend the conference.

Professor of English Annette Sisson, Assistant Professor of Honors Kristine LaLonde and Professor of Religion Steve Simpler presented “Learning By Doing: Assessing the Relationship Between Liberal Learning and Experiential Education.”  Colleagues Jason Lovvorn and Linda Holt of the Department of English attended the conference as well.

Lilly Conferences are retreats that combine workshops, discussion sessions, and major addresses, with opportunities for informal discussion about excellence in college and university teaching and learning. Internationally-known scholars join new and experienced faculty members and administrators from all over the world to discuss topics such as gender differences in learning, incorporating technology into teaching, encouraging critical thinking, using teaching and student portfolios, implementing group learning and evaluating teaching. Click here for more information about the conference.

The Public Relations Society of America Nashville Chapter elected Public Relations Department Chairman and Associate Professor Bonnie Riechert to serve as its president-elect in 2013. Riechert has served on the chapter board in numerous positions since 2006, including accreditation co-chair and chair, national assembly delegate and secretary.

PRSA is the world largest and foremost organization of public relations professionals, with 21,000 members. The Nashville Chapter includes almost 200 members.

College of Pharmacy Assistant Professor Elisa Greene and Dean Philip E. Johnston prepared a nationwide webinar titled “Anaphylaxis Screening and Protection Program” as a  continuing education program for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, developed for the American Pharmacists Association and presented Nov. 13.  The program’s goal is to inform pharmacy personnel of the signs of anaphylaxis, use of the auto injectable devices available, management of persons who require injectable epinephrine for anaphylaxis and ongoing needs of persons with anaphylaxis history.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church recognized Belmont Director of Community Relations Joyce Searcy with its Eagle Award on Nov. 11. The church gives the award annually to a university faculty or staff member during the church’s College Sunday, a service led by and for college students. Click here to view a video of Belmont employees and students reflecting on Searcy’s good work for them and the University. Click on “November Sunday Series,” then “College Sunday” and fast forward to 1:07:22.