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January 30, 2006
Nobel Prize Winner to Visit Belmont
On March 22, Belmont students and members of the Nashville community will have the opportunity to hear an address by Dr. Robert William Fogel, who won the Nobel Prize for economics in 1993. Dr. Fogel will speak at Belmont on The Contribution of Enthusiast Religion to the Shaping of American Civilization. There will be a reception at 3:00 PM in the Maddox Grand Atrium in the Curb Event Center to be followed by his presentation at 3:30 PM.
Robert Fogel won the Nobel Prize for being a leader in the field of “New Economic History.” This branch of economic history combines economic theory, quantitative methods, hypothesis testing, counterfactual alternatives and traditional techniques of economic history to explain economic growth and decline. Simply put, Dr. Fogel applies economics and statistics to the study of history.
Dr. Fogel will be speaking at Belmont as part of The James M. Medlin Speaker Series in Business Ethics. James Medlin was a highly successful real estate developer who served on Belmont’s Board of Trustees for twelve years. In the business world, he was recognized as man who stood tall, believing and practicing high moral and ethical standards of conduct in all business relationships. This program will be a part of the Medlin Speaker Series, and there will be no fee for attending the reception and the presentation by Dr. Fogel.
Professor Fogel’s parents immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1922 and he was born in New York City in 1926. Mr. Fogel was heavily influenced by his brother’s passion for learning. Mr. Fogel fondly remembers overhearing his brother and his classmates having intense discussions about the Depression and its social and economic impact. Educated in the public school system, Mr. Fogel aspired to a career in science. It was at Cornell that Mr. Fogel’s interest turned from physics and chemistry to economics and history. After completing a BA at Cornell in 1948, Mr. Fogel continued his studies at Columbia, receiving his Master’s degree in 1960. In 1963, Mr. Fogel obtained his PhD from John’s Hopkins University.
Mr. Fogel is well known for his work on the role of railways and their impact on the economic development of America. He concluded that railways were not a crucial part of explaining economic development and that; in fact, the railways’ effect on the growth of the United States GNP was less than 3%. In his controversial work on slavery in the United States, Fogel argued that the market would not have ended slavery, as it remained a profitable and efficient system for slave owners. This refuted the commonly established belief that the institution failed because of economic weakness. Fogel asserted that, while inhumane, slavery was economically efficient and failed because of moral and political decisions. Mr. Fogel’s recent book, The Fourth Great Awakening and the Future of Egalitarianism, integrates the history of religious revivals, or awakenings, with social reform and the American pursuit of equality.
Mr. Fogel is the Charles R. Walgreen Distinguished Service Professor of American Institutions in the Graduate School of Business and Director of the Center for Population Economics in the University of Chicago. He has taught at the University of Rochester, Cambridge University, and Harvard University. He has received numerous awards and prizes for his work, including the Arthur C. Cole Prize (1968), the Schumpeter Prize (1971), the Bancroft Prize (1975), the Gustavus Myers Prize (1990), and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science (1993).
If you would like to register to attend Dr. Fogel’s presentation, please contact Dr. Harry Hollis at Belmont’s Center for Business Ethics at hollish@mail.belmont.edu
News from the Career Development Office
Finance Preview Night
The College of Business is sponsoring a Finance Preview Night mixer for students interested in the Finance industry. The event will be held Thursday, February 9th in the Neely Dining Hall. Representatives from Nashville's top financial firms and alumni working in Finance have been invited to attend. The reception begins at 5:00 pm with a brief program including introductions of key members of the Finance community. RSVP to careerdev@mail.belmont.edu if you plan to attend.
Also due to increased job opportunities in Finance, we are trying to get a list of MBA students that are working on the Finance track and are interested in pursuing opportunities in Finance now or upon graduation.
Please contact career services at careerdev@mail.belmont.edu if you consider yourself to be on the Finance track and want to be included on our list.
Nashville Career Fair
Massey students meet recruiters and enhance your job search at the Nashville Career Fairs on Tuesday, February 14th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Tennessee State Fair Grounds.
• Over 120 employers from business, industry, government and education are already registered including: AmSouth Bank, Bellsouth, BMI, BB&T, The CIA, Dell, Emdeon(formerly WebMD), Internal Revenue Service, LifeWay Christian Resources, and Tractor Supply.
• Go to www.nashvillefairs.org to view a full listing of companies that will be in attendance at the fair.
• Employment opportunities offered exclusively to students/alumni from participating colleges
• Drawing for an iPod Nano at the Fair sponsored by Nashvillejobslink.com
• Register and park free
• To register and request a ticket contact The College of Business Career Development Center – Room 215 Massey Business Center; 460-6947 or careerdev@mail.belmont.edu
BellSouth Power Lunch
On Wednesday, January 25th, Massey students, alumni and Dr. Ian Stewart had the opportunity to meet with Marty Dickens, President of BellSouth Tennessee. Mr. Dickens also serves as the Chairman of the Belmont University Board of Trustees. Our group was hosted on the 21st floor of the BellSouth Building, commonly known as the Batman Building, in downtown Nashville. Mr. Dickens spoke about the future of technology and how quickly technology is changing. Mr. Dickens stated that, based on the rate of technological advancement, no one can predict what the technology sector will be like in three years, not even industry professionals.
Mr. Dickens shared his thoughts on the work/life balance and the importance of realizing what matters most, which in his case, is family. Mr. Dickens had advice for students as they look forward in their careers. A common mistake is looking too far down the road at future opportunities. Mr. Dickens believes that no job is just “passing time” and that the best approach to advancement is to perform well at the job one is in. The BellSouth Power Lunch was a great kick off to the spring semester series with excellent attendance and meaningful advice.
Hot Jobs Opportunities posted on Career Connector
Healthcare Realty Trust
Financial Analyst: Corporate office of a (NYSE:HR) Real Estate Investment Trust seeks Financial Analyst to work with acquisitions group. The position will involve analysis and underwriting of potential real estate investments, research, structuring proposals and offers. The selected candidate will have degree in Finance, Real Estate or related area and two years experience. Real Estate and Healthcare background a plus. Excellent communication skills, computer proficiency with strong
Excel knowledge required. We offer an excellent salary/benefit package and the opportunity to join a growing and dynamic company.
Vanguard Health Systems
Vanguard Health Systems (www.vanguardhealth.com) is currently recruiting for a Decision Support Manager to work in the Financial Operations Department, under the direction of the Director of Decision Support. This position will:
* Manage the Avega decision support database, including issues with daily data feeds and reconciliation to hospital source system, new user setup and training, cost accounting setup and reconciliation, net revenue modeling, new facility setup, and special projects.
* Manage Avega myAlliance decision support website, including new report design, monthly usage reports, and new user training
* Travel to Vanguard hospitals to train and audit users on cost accounting, contract modeling, and reporting functions.
* Perform cost accounting and financial analysis special projects to support Regional/Hospital CFO's and other executives
* The requirements for this position are: Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Business or Accounting. A Master's in Business or Healthcare Administration (MBA or MHA) preferred. Two to five years of relevant health care experience in hospital finance, cost accounting, or decision support experience required This position is based in Nashville, TN and approximately 25% travel may be required.
Louisiana Pacific: Associate Brand Manager
Purpose: Maximize Brand profit contribution, market share, and dollar volume with focus on new product development. Other areas of attention include market segmentation, financial analysis, proposing appropriate strategies, market research, and effective market planning and implementation.
Responsibilities:
* Manage new product development process.
* Assist in the development and approval and lead execution of major brand business and marketing plans.
* Manage and direct market research projects and communicate clear insights *Utilize SWOT, competitive and business situation analysis to formulate strategic implications.
* Lead cross-functionally and within marketing teams to ensure flawless execution of major projects.
Qualifications:
*Working knowledge of Stage Gate process or similar NPD process*Demonstrated analytical, quantitative and financial skills.
* Ability to effectively and efficiently manage and keep projects on track
*Strong problem solving skills*Demonstrated sales and marketing skills
*Strong written and oral communication skills
*Thorough knowledge of LP products and features
*Demonstrated understanding of legal requirements affecting marketing
*Good conflict resolution skills
*Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
*Ability to build and maintain relationships.
Education:
*Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing or equivalent experience. MBA preferred.
Experience:
*7+ years' previous marketing and sales management experience
*Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the key responsibilities of this position.
To view full descriptions or to apply online: http://belmont.erecruiting.com. Use bu in front of your SS# as your username and the last 4 digits of your social as your password. Go to Jobs/Internships from the top menu bar and select Job Search from the drop down. Click on "Newest Jobs for MBAs/Experienced Candidates" to see the list.
January 27, 2006
Massey Graduate Council Update
Congratulations to the newly elected Graduate Council Officers:
Aaron Chambers - President
Jeff Johnson - President Elect
Sean Bellinger - Secretary
Gregg Colson - Technology Relations Chair
Elizabeth Kraft - Social Chair
James Ellis - Alumni Relations Chair
The Graduate Council holds monthly meetings that are open to all current students. The next meeting will take place Thursday, February 9th, at 5:15 p.m. on the 3rd floor. Minutes from previous meetings and more information on the Massey Graduate Council can be found at campus.belmont.edu/massey.
January 26, 2006
Krista and Reggie Ramsey, Massey 2003 - Alumni Spotlight
Reggie and Krista Ramsey are one of several Massey alum couples. Although Krista and Reggie graduated from The Massey School in the same year, their paths never crossed while they were at Belmont. Luckily for us, this couple had mutual friends who recognized their commonality and introduced them later. They are each currently serving on The Massey School Alumni Board and Reggie is Chair of the Development Committee. You may be hearing from him soon as he works to recruit other alums to join him in the upcoming Alumni Phone-a-thon. Reggie has generously put his experience in non-profit fundraising to good use on the board.
Reginald N. Ramsey, Jr. (Reggie) received his Master of Business Administration from the Belmont University Massey School in 2003. Reggie joined HCA in the fall of 2004 as a Financial Analyst in the Managed Care Reporting group. Prior to HCA, Reggie held positions at John Hancock Financial Services and National Community Foundation. Reggie volunteers for several programs in Middle Tennessee, including the United Way and an Alumni Advisor for students at the University of the South. Reggie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of the South.
Krista Ramsey also received her Massey MBA in 2003. Krista currently works as a management consultant for the North Highland Company, a local consulting firm. Prior to joining North Highland, Krista worked at Caterpillar Financial as both a 6 Sigma Black Belt and a business analyst for various departments. Krista also volunteers as an examiner for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence.
e-Leader: What reason did you have for pursuing an MBA?
Reggie: My first job out of college was in sales. I knew that sales was not my long-term career path, and I felt a MBA would help me transition from sales into business operations.
Krista: I was mapping out my career path and realized that many of my business mentors have a MBA degree. I saw the value of the MBA through the work they were doing, and at the time it seemed like a logical next step for me.
e-Leader: Was there a particular reason you chose The Massey School for your MBA?
Reggie: I was deciding between Massey and the other big MBA program. I was not willing to completely quit working and become a full time student. I believe that working while pursuing an MBA helps a student to see how the things learned in the classroom can be applied to the real world.
Krista: I liked Belmont’s curriculum – it was focused on shaping future business leaders while providing the flexibility to continue working.
January 24, 2006
Gregg Colson - Current Student Spotlight
Name: Gregg Colson
Employer: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Position: Director, Project Management Office
Contact Info: 615-872-5862 work; gregg.colson@nfib.org
What did you do before you came to the Massey School?
I’ve worked in various middle and senior management positions since graduating from Belmont in 1984 with a major in Marketing. I also taught high-school math for 4 years (Overton, Hillsboro). Managing in call centers (Comdata Networks), technology retail (Micro Mart), government (Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee), and banking–related services (Private Business, Inc) added breadth to my experience. In 2001, I attempted to make a job change after managing the post-merger integration of two public companies. I found it difficult to get interviews for senior positions without an MBA. That’s what brought me back to Belmont for another degree nearly 20 years after getting the first one. Coming back to school has been a reaffirming and confidence-building experience for me.
What is unique about your current job? Will this change after you earn your degree? If so, how?
I was recruited to start a formal Project Management Office (PMO) in a technology department that needed project structure. After more than two years here, my team and I are still working to build a lasting culture of project management. My goal is that the project methodology will take root as the way to do technology projects at NFIB and will outlive my tenure here. My role at NFIB probably won’t change after I complete the degree, so I plan to look for opportunities that take me out of technology. I want to be able to use my general and operations management skills in the service or entertainment industries after graduating in August.
Complete this phrase, “I’d rather retake Dr. Smolira’s finance class than…”
Sorry, there would be nothing worse than having to retake Dr. Smolira’s finance class.
What quote guides your life?
“Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
January 23, 2006
Celebration at Cabana a Success
The Massey Graduate Council holds an end of semester celebration at the end of each 10-week and 5-week session. This is a great chance to mix and mingle with other students. The last end of semester event was held at Cabana in December. This was the best semester ending party yet! Turnout was great, with a record attendance of over 30 students and many spouses and guests. Some came to eat, some to drink and some just for the company. Both the MACC and MBA programs were well represented. Cabana provided Massey students with a private area where all students could sit together and socialize while enjoying the southern fare. Thanks to those who attended. Hope to see you all at the celebration on March 23rd, marking the end of the spring 10-week session. Only seven weeks to go!
Elizabeth Kraft
Graduate Assistant
January 21, 2006
Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence sponsors conference
There is a unique learning opportunity coming to middle Tennessee next month. If Belmont Massey students want to attend, please call Dr. Susan Williams X6395 and she will help you with a discounted rate for the conference.
The Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence is sponsoring a conference in Nashville, Feb. 23 and 24, where six winners of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (including four CEOs) will share their insights:
• Texas Nameplate Company – Dale Crownover is president of Texas Nameplate Company, a privately-held manufacturer in Dallas, which is the smallest business ever to win the Baldrige Award and the only small business to receive the Award twice. He is an informal speaker who prefers telling stories over power point presentations.
• Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business – Joe Alexander is Dean of Monfort College at the University of Northern Colorado, the first business college ever to receive the Baldrige Award.
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton – Deb Baehser (Sr. VP Clinical Services) and Shashi Madhok (VP Quality) will explain how a New Jersey hospital, RWJ Hamilton, has achieved excellence in service to patients and overall performance, becoming the fifth health care system in the U.S. to win the Baldrige Award.
• Sunny Fresh Foods – Ann Burns, Continuous Improvement Facilitator, will talk about how Sunny Fresh in Monticello, MN, has strengthened its competitive position, culminating in a 2005 Baldrige Award.
• Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation – Kent Adams was named president of Cat Financial in Nashville a year after the company won the 2003 Baldrige Award. He will talk about the impact of leadership transition on Cat Financial’s journey to business excellence.
• Pal’s Sudden Service – Thom Crosby, president of Pal’s, headquartered in Kingsport and 2001 winner of the Baldrige Award, will join the other Baldrige winners for a panel discussion.
In addition to the keynote presentations, 20 leaders of organizations inside and outside of Tennessee will present breakout sessions on specific tools they have used to help accelerate their organizations’ improvement initiatives. Presenters include representatives from FedEx, Turner Broadcasting System, Bridgestone/Firestone, Nuclear Fuel Services, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, and our newest Tennessee Excellence Award winner, Mountain States Health Alliance.
Detailed conference information is available at www.tncpe.org or can be requested by calling the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence at (615) 889-8323.
January 19, 2006
Networking Events for February
Our next Networking @ Noon lunch is Thursday, February 23rd. We will
have lunch at PF Chang's on West End. Alumni & Current Students are
invited. Please RSVP to shardison@tractorsupply.com.
Our First Networking After Hours will be at Jonathan's in Cool Springs
Tuesday, February 7th, at 5:30. This is an informal way to Network or
just catch up with classmates that you have not seen in awhile. RSVP to shardison@tractorsupply.com.
If you are interested in the above events but can't make the date,
please write Stacey an email so that she can get you on the Networking
Email list.
If you are interested in being a member of the Networking Committee
please let Stacey know!
January 10, 2006
Belmont, Chamber Release Music Industry Economic Impact Study
Belmont University and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce today released a new study showing the total economic impact of the music industry in Nashville is $6.38 billion. The study, The Economic Impact of the Music Industry In the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro MSA, is the first ever to assess the economic impact of Music City's signature industry. It was commissioned by the Chamber and its Music Associations Task Force and conducted by the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business at Belmont.
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