Belmont University’s Office of Admissions was nominated for Excellence Awards in the Activity in Users’ Community and Product Expertise categories at the recent Connect University 2009 conference in Boston. Connect U, the EMT Users’ Conference, brings together higher education experts from across the globe for four days of training, networking and sharing of best practices in admissions and enrollment management.
40/40 Class Returns to Nashville After 9,300 Mile Journey
After a 9,300 mile journey through 40 states, Belmont’s “40 States in 40 Days: Rediscovering America” class returned to Nashville late Wednesday evening. Despite skipping the last city on the tour, Montgomery, Ala., due to a mechanical failure on their bus, the ten students along with traveling faculty members Ken Spring and Andi Stepnick arrived home with new perspective on their country and culture.
Junior Jenni Kilen blogged earlier this week, “Either CNN has done a total revamp, or I really have changed a lot over the past 37 days. As Emily, Shirah and I sat down to the glorious cheap salad bar in the grocery store we are parked near, I found myself absorbed in the T.V. Instead of tuning out information that was either too depressing or didn’t seem relevant in my life, CNN was more like a collage of stories that weaved gracefully into my thought process these last six weeks… I don’t think travel is necessary for these kinds of discoveries, but I am thankful to have had the privilege to have my eyes opened.”
The class continued to receive media coverage throughout its journey, including an article in the July 17 Chronicle of Higher Education Daily Report. Click here
to read “What It Means to Be an American (Hint: It Involves Freeway Travel).”
Kiningham to Be Published in Journal
Dr. Kelley Kiningham, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy, was recently informed that an article she co-authored titled “Progestin Stimulation of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase and Invasive Properties in T47D Human Breast Cancer Cells” has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Cusic Signs Books at Cowboy Hall of Fame
Music Business Professor Dr. Don Cusic was at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City recently to sign copies of his latest book, The Trials of Henry Flipper, First Black Graduate of West Point. Cusic’s biography of Flipper, who was court martialed in 1881 in one of the most controversial courts martial in history, looks beyond that event and chronicles a young black man who was born a slave, lived through the Civil War and died as World War II began in Europe.
Rives Competes at Track and Field Championships
Lynette Rives wrapped up her stellar collegiate career in June at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, becoming the first Belmont athlete, male or female, to compete at the elite meet in program history. As was the case throughout the postseason, the Clarksville, Tenn., native was seeded in the fourth and final heat of the 200m. Among the sprinters she competed against in her heat were Olympic medalist Allyson Felix and bronze medalist at the 2007 World Championships Carmelita Jeter. Rives went on to finish 20th overall with a time of 23.71 (3.4) in the staggeringly deep and accomplished field. Click here for more on this story.
40/40 Trip Receives Press Coverage in Philadelphia
Drs. Ken Spring and Andi Stepnick (Sociology) and 10 students are finishing up their 9,300+ mile trip across the country for the “40/40: Rediscovering America” trip, a first-of-its-kind, study-at-home journey in which the class sought answers on what it means to be an American. Earlier this week, the class was profiled in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Click here to read the piece.
The group arrived in Washington, D.C. on Thursday with just four cities remaining: Williamsburg, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; St. Augustine, Fla. and Montgomery, Ala. Click here to read student blogs and see photos of their journey.
Sturgis, Students Contribute to Book
Dr. Amy Sturgis, adjunct professor in the University College’s liberal studies program, is publishing a book next month that she co-edited titled The Intersection of Fantasy and Native America: From H.P. Lovecraft to Leslie Marmon Silko. The book features a collection of essays by an international, interdisciplinary and multi-ethnic group of scholars, most of whom are seasoned professors. However, a few students also contributed to the book, University College graduate Grace Monk and current liberal studies major Tripper Ryder, who represented the only undergraduate contributor. Click here to read more about the book.
Renfroe Signs Pro Basketball Contract
Former Belmont University men’s basketball player Alex Renfroe has signed a professional contract to play for Latvia VEF Riga. Renfroe, a local product from Hume Fogg High School and an NAIA All-American at Trevecca Nazarene before coming to Belmont, blossomed into one of the most exciting and productive point guards in the nation. After helping the Bruins to signature victories over Cincinnati and Alabama in 2007-08, Renfroe burst on the national scene in the 2008 NCAA Tournament against three-time National Champion Duke. Click here for more on this story.
Monahan Named to Elison Project Board
Dr. Diane Monahan, assistant professor in communication studies, was recently named as a board member of The Elison Project, a nonprofit organization that provides financial grants for the purpose of assisting in the adoptions of special needs children from China.
Murphree Gives Insect Presentation
Dr. Steve Murphree (Biology) gave an invited presentation on Mon., June 29 titled “Insects of the Night: a Summer Nocturne” at the Head of the Sequatchie Valley State Park southeast of Crossville. Click here for more information on the event.
