October 29, 2009
RSVP now for the Class of 2003 and 2004 Reunion
The Classes of 2003 and 2004 will host a reunion on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Bound'ry
911 20th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
The event is hosted by Amber Humphrey, Londa Morgan, & Carla Worthey.
Please RSVP by November 9th to either
Londa: londa@hardcastleconstruction.com/(615) 500-1443 or
Amber: amber.humphrey@vanderbilt.edu/(615) 293-8259.
August 27, 2009
Massey Alum Caputo named CEO of Hospital
Louis Caputo, Massey MBA '02, was recently named the new chief executive officer of Summerville Medical Center, outside of Charleston, SC.
Prior to his new position, Mr. Caputo served as chief operating officer at South Bay Hospital in the Tampa, FL area. In Nashville, he worked for HCA Inc.
Congratulations to Louis Caputo!
Massey Alum Hininger named CEO
Damon Hininger, Massey MBA '00, will soon become chief executive officer of Corrections Corporation of America, following the retirement of the current CEO.
Mr. Hininger currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of CCA and has spent 17 years with the company. He has also served as Senior Vice President, Federal Customer Relations.
Congratulations to Damon Hininger!
Massey Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony & Reception
Please join Dean Raines, the Massey faculty, and the Massey Alumni Advisory Board to celebrate the third annual Massey Distinguished Alumni Award on Thursday, October 1st at The Acorn in downtown Nashville.
The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the award ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
For more information...
The Massey Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed upon a Massey Alumni who has displayed strengths in the areas of professional achievement, community involvement, and contribution to the Massey School. This year’s award winner will be announced after August 15th, and invitations will be mailed shortly thereafter.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Students and alumni may bring a guest.
Contact Londa Morgan for more information, londa@hardcastleconstruction.com or (615) 500-1443.
July 31, 2009
Massey Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony & Reception
Please join Dean Raines, the Massey faculty, and the Massey Alumni Advisory Board to celebrate the third annual Massey Distinguished Alumni Award on Thursday, October 1st at The Acorn in downtown Nashville.
The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the award ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
For more information...
The Massey Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed upon a Massey graduate who has displayed strengths in the areas of professional achievement, community involvement, and contributions to the success of The Massey School. This year’s award winner will be announced after August 15th, and invitations will be mailed shortly thereafter.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Students and alumni may bring a guest.
Click Download file to read about past award recipients.
Contact Londa Morgan for more information:londa@hardcastleconstruction.com or (615) 500-1443.
Attention Alumni: Mediation Class Open
A recently added class, Mediation For Today's Business Leaders, has proven to be popular with both current students and alumni. Sixteen alumni sat in on the new course the first time it was offered this past spring. When combined with the entry level Negotiation course, a student is certified as a Rule 31 Mediator by the Tennessee Supreme Court!
Currently, a limited number of spots are available in this course for the fall session. The class is held in the 5-week session, and the first class will be Tuesday, November 10. Decision Making and Negotiation Skill (MGT 6940) is a prerequisite.
If you would like to audit the class, please contact Melissa Mitchell at melissa.mitchell@belmont.edu.
Save the Date: Massey Reunion for the Graduating Classes of 2003 and 2004
A reunion for the May and December graduating classes of 2003 and 2004 will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Warner Park, Area 6, 2500 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville. Families welcome.
Hosted by Amber Humphrey, Londa Morgan, and Carla Worthey. Invitations forthcoming.
For more information, email londa@hardcastleconstruction.com.
June 29, 2009
Nominations Due for Massey Distinguished Alumni Award
The third annual Massey Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony & Reception will be held this year on:
Thursday, October 1st, at The Acorn in downtown Nashville.
All Massey Faculty and Alumni are encouraged to nominate at least one Massey graduate for this esteemed award. Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients are selected based on professional achievements, community involvement, and commitment to the Massey Graduate School.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 3rd and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
It is important to note that while it is preferable for nominees' activities to support all three areas of criteria, it is not necessary that you be able to provide all of this information when you make your nomination. Massey Alumni Advisory Board members will contact nominees to request more detailed information on their activities.
Please click here to submit your nomination, or copy and paste the following link into your internet browser: http://www.sitemason.com/form/jPLleM.
April 27, 2009
Nominations for 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award
[Pictured left: 2008 Recipient Charles Hagood, Dean Pat Raines, and Barbara Massey Rogers]
Nominations are now being accepted for the third annual Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award. If you know of a Massey graduate that should be recognized for their professional achievements, community involvement or commitment to The Massey Graduate School, nominate them. The 2009 Award Recipient will be recognized at a special alumni banquet this fall.
January 20, 2009
Massey Alumnus Named Director at Tennessee Technology Center in Dickson
Last October Mark Powers, MBA, was appointed as the Director of the Tennessee Technology Center in Dickson after serving in the same position at the TCC at Hermin for the previous 7 years. He has replaced Bob Sullivan, who retired after 32 years as director. The Center is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents and has 4 locations in the middle Tennessee area. Congratulations Mark!
For more information on this story click here
December 03, 2008
Massey Alum to Head Human Resources at Duke
Massey Alumn Kyle Cavanaugh, MBA, has been named the Vice President of Human Resources at Duke University. Cavanaugh will lead an HR staff of about 130 people and work with the HR team for the Duke University Health System. Prior to heading to Duke, Kyle worked for numerous universities, including Florida, Texas, Rice and Vanderbilt. He also holds Master's degrees from Vanderbilt and the University of Illinois.
Congratulations Kyle!
October 30, 2008
Second Annual Distinguished Alumni Event
The Massey Alumni Advisory Board would like to invite you to join us for the 2nd Annual Massey Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation and Reception to honor Massey MBA graduate, Charles Hagood (1993).
Thursday, November 20th
Maryland Farms Mere Bulles
5:30 to 7:30pm
Please show your support for the Massey School and your 2008 award winner by celebrating with us.
Please contact the Massey School for more information, (615) 460-6480 www.belmont.edu/business/events.html.
Charles Hagood, MBA
Charles Hagood, President and CEO of Healthcare Performance Partners, LLC (HPP), has overseen the implementation of Lean Healthcare systems in numerous healthcare organizations across the US including some of the largest non-profit hospitals, small critical access hospitals, clinics, and large for-profit systems. HPP is one of the few organizations that have successfully translated Lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System (TPS) to the healthcare industry. Charles also is a founding Principal of The Access Group, LLC (TAG), which is headquartered in the Nashville, Tennessee area along with HPP, and has worked with Fortune 100 companies throughout the world in their Lean transformation and process improvement initiatives. Charles received his MBA from Belmont University's Massey School of Business.
October 06, 2008
Massey's Sue Spero Receives Award
[Thursday, May 1, 2008] Earlier this summer, with her colleagues, friends and family in attendance, Massey alum Sue Spero was named Transportation Professional of the Year. The top honor was given by The Nashville Traffic & Transportation Club and Delta Nu Alpha,Volunteer Chapter #135.
Sue is a 1998 graduate of the Massey School and is a Certified Transportation Broker through the TIA. She has over 35 years of experience in the transportation industry, and in 1993, co-founded Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc., a non- asset based third-party logistics company and transportation brokerage. In December 2006 and December 2007, Carrier Services was featured as one of the Top Woman-Owned Businesses by the Nashville Business Journal.
In other Alumni news, Massey Alum Aaron Chambers (MBA 2006) and his wife Jess welcomed a baby boy, Brody Rayf, into their family on September 12. Congratulations Aaron and Jess!
September 03, 2008
Massey Alum Named President and COO of Corrections Corporation of America
Damon T. Hininger, Massey MBA (2000), was recently named the President and Chief Operations Officer of Corrections Corporation of America. He joined CCA in 1992 as a corrections officer at the Leavenworth Detention Center in Kansas. He quickly moved through the ranks becoming a Training Manager in 1994 and, after being named the 2004 company-wide Employee of the Year, was promoted to the corporate office in 1995 as the Manager of Facility Start Ups. Damon moved to Vice President of Federal and Local Customer Relations in 2002 and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2007.
Corrections Corporation of America is headquartered in Nashville, TN and was founded more than 25 years ago. The company focuses on construction, expansion and management of all levels of prison facilities. CCA is the nations largest for-profit prison company, managing more than half of all prison beds under contract with similar providers in the United States. CCA has plans to add 10,000 prison beds in new or expanded prison facility in five states through the end of 2009.
Great job, Damon! We're proud of your successes. For more information on CCA please visit their website.
June 30, 2008
Alumni Happenings
If you have a news item you would like to share with the Massey community, please email masseygrad@mail.belmont.edu. We would like to hear from you!
Chris Palmer (MBA '07) has joined the faculty at Murray State University in Murray, KY where he will be heading up their music business emphasis. Palmer was formerly general manager and senior vice president of marketing at Warner Brothers Records.
October 01, 2007
Official Opening of Renovated Third Floor Study Area
In 2004, the Massey Alumni Board identified the remodeling of the third floor common area of the Massey Building as the key fundraising priority for the Massey Annual Fund. Since then, many of our graduate alums have made donations toward the remodeling project, which is currently valued at approximately $50,000. Our alumni board has done the lion’s share of fundraising on this project and what it took to raise the necessary funds.
The result is a first-class study area that will support our graduate and undergraduate business students for many years to come.
This achievement was celebrated on Monday, October 1 at a ceremony recognizing contributing alums. The reception also offered an opportunity for current students and alumni to meet the new faculty members who joined us this fall.
Left: Dean Raines presents the plaque recognizing the contribution of the Alumni association to current Alumni President, Anthony Anderson.
Below: Graduate students enjoying the newly renovated study and group space. 
September 03, 2007
The Massey School Recognizes Generous Alumni Donors
The Massey School would like to thank the following generous donors who have contributed to The Jack C. Massey School of Business in 2006-2007 academic year. Annual giving by donors helps The Massey School to continue providing high-quality educational opportunities to our current students while increasing the value of your degree. Showing your support through an annual gift raises the alumni giving percentage, demonstrating to the business community and prospective students the high value you place on your education from The Massey School. We appreciate your invaluable support!
For more information on how to make an annual gift, please contact Cindy Painter at painterc@mail.belmont.edu or 615-460-6179.
Thank you again to the following donors who have demonstrated their commitment to The Massey School.
Class of 2007
Dee Dee Addison
Class of 2006
Julie Boos
Donita Brown
Dixie Carroll
Heath Chambers
Gregg Colson
Kristin Diamond
James Ellis
Quentin Fussell
Schreba Grimes
Chris Huskey
Chase John
Wells Johnson
Terry Johnson
Andy Jones
Melody Kief
Doc McGee
Jared Monger
Holly Nelson
David O'Loughlin
Charlotte Overturf
Tommy Rains
Michelle Sabados
Obioma Ugboaja
AnnaBethValentine
Bryan Webb
Freeman Wizer
Class of 2005
LaTisha Baskerville
Rebecca Burcham
Emily Clifford
Scott Cochran
Michael Dillon
Wendy Gao
Angela Gentry
Latonya Gist
Dan Groover
Ron Jannetta
Kelley Johnson
Anne Kiessling
David Power
Tiffany Preti
Dan Soukup
Jim Stefansic
Olivia Swallows
Raven Teeples
Ben Wagonfield
Lori Wilson
Amber Woodward-Smith
Class of 2004
Elizabeth Adams
Anthony Anderson
John Clemence
Kyle Duvall Jr
Joseph Flynn
Justin Fontenot
Jim Greene Jr.
Stacey Hardison
Steve Kohl
Karen Kressenberg
Danny Mai
Mora Moran
Londa Morgan
Amanda Patterson
Cindy Warner
Kyle White
Carla Worthey
Class of 2003
Rob Coleman
Drew Covington
Thomas Favreau
Gregory Heard
Amber Humphrey
Jared Humphrey
Cate Loes
Steve Mason
Rajman Pater
Krista Ramsey
Reginald Ramsey Jr
Dan Sheehan
Katie-Faith Stone
Class of 2002
Melody Alford
John Anthony
Carrie Campbell
Louie Caputo
Christopher Chamberlain
Mitsi Howard
Teresa Kuharsky
Glenn Mizell
Bradley Place
Michael Reid
Keith Sykes
Jason Truss
Class of 2001
Katherine Beakes
Barry Boster
Heather Boyet
Jose Gonzalez
John Lavey
Justin Lawson
Adam McBride
Heather McIntyre
Paul Moffat
Robert Riggar
Lori Stone Badgett
Matthew Wilson
Class of 2000
Abilgail Caputo
Philippe Cayanni
Steve Galloway
Tesha Garcia-Taylor
Kenneth Harmon
Damon Hininger
Christy Hooper
Robert Hughes
Ken MacDonald
Bryan Martin
Phil McGovern
Barney Regen
David Roberts
Daniel Solarz
Class of 1999
Stuart Brown
Tony Colombo
Carrie Hininger
Ray Massengill
David Sopko
Richard Treadway
Class of 1998
Wendy Brandon
Kathleen Catasus
Lisa Headley
Ken Howell
Javier LaFontaine
Anne Marie Main
Claudetta McMurtry
DeAnna Owens
Daniel Parker
Carol Portis
Nicole Roberts
Jeanne Rybolt
Sue Spero
Class of 1997
Wesley Allen
Teresa Broyles-Aplin
Keith Gothard
Robert Lowe
Class of 1996
Carol Eck
Wendy Ferguson
Valerie King
Kim Sprout
Class of 1995
Suzanne Alexander-Vaughn
James Dugger Jr.
Kathleen Emerson
Donna Gilley
Ralph Kennedy
Sandra Rogers
Class of 1994
Jackie Henson
Cynthia Moynihan
Ruth Rock
Tommy Scudder II
Class of 1993
Michael Bohleber
Karen Crowder
Butch Eley Jr.
Charles Hagood
Leslie Homra
Mary LaGrone
Jennie McClendon
Susan Moore
Cindy Painter
Charles Seaman
Jeffrey Wagner
Don Weathers
Class of 1992
Jennie Bowman
Andrew Clark
David Fleming
James Knight
Nancy Leach
Class of 1991
Michele Boyce-Obenchain
Bettye Daugherty
Lucy Garrabrants
Daniel Lathrop
Robert Matthews
Class of 1990
Benjamin Dishman
Jeffrey Jordan MD
Sally McKay
Class of 1989
Marilyn Hayes
Andrew Rambo P.C.
Class of 1988
Lisa Henline
Karen Story
December 07, 2006
Jared and Amber Humphrey - Alumni Spotlight
Amber Humphrey is the Assistant Administrator for the Vanderbilt multi-specialty physician practice in Franklin, TN. While, Jared Humphrey is currently working in recruiting and human resources for Gallagher Financial Systems, a private applications developer for both consumer and mortgage-banking lending solutions.
e-Leader: What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
Amber: I was an office supervisor at Vanderbilt, and I realized very quickly that I needed an MBA to maximize my opportunities within the organization.
Jared: I was making the transition from a sales role into the human resources position for Gallagher and realized that the more strategic role was a better fit for me. Given that, the various disciplines of management, finance, and operations that comprise an MBA aligned with my long-term goals.
e-Leader: What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
Amber: Online learning did not appeal to me. The Massey School allowed me to attend classes in the evenings while working full time. I was also attracted to Belmont’s reputation for high-quality education.
Jared: The ability to earn my degree while continuing to work was a key factor. Also, the chance to be part of an institution founded on the principals of one of the areas most important business leaders was a strong motivator.
e-Leader: Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
Amber: I collaborate with other managers daily, so the team projects at Massey were very beneficial to me. My time management and critical thinking skills were also fine-tuned during the program.
Jared: I have been able to look at an organization as a whole to better understand the needs and motivations of the various disciplines within the overall system.
e-Leader: Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
Amber: Our international trip to Prague was incredible! I hope everyone enjoys their trip as much as our group did.
Jared: The international trips are hard to beat. Outside that, I really did enjoy working on the group projects.
e-Leader: Since graduation, what have you done to continue your learning?
Amber: I have continued to take advantage of management seminars and events offered by Vanderbilt, including an initiative known as ‘Elevate’ led by nationally recognized healthcare consultant, Quint Studer.
Jared: In early 2006, I attained the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Massey also helped to refuel my love of reading so I try to continually have a new book going.
e-Leader: Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
Amber: Stay connected after graduation. I’m a bit partial, but the Alumni Board has great networking events and is working hard to improve communication with Alumni.
Jared: Networking really is key in business so take advantage of working with group members from different companies in your classes.
September 30, 2006
Stuart Brown, Massey Alumni Spotlight
Stuart Brown is currently working as a Quality Engineer with Peterbilt Motors. He is responsible for auditing the assembly and installation processes on the manufacturing floor and maintains a corrective action system to address problems and implement improvements. He also functions as the coordinator for maintaining ISO 9001 certification.
e-Leader: What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
I saw the MBA program as a way to broaden my skills and differentiate myself as a more effective communicator and leader.
e-Leader: What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
The Massey School had good reputation as an up-and-coming program for business people already entrenched in their careers. The location of the school was also an important factor. Since my business required me to cross Nashville on a daily basis, Belmont was conveniently located between work and home.
e-Leader: Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
I have found my MBA most valuable with my company’s six sigma quality improvement initiatives. The Quantitative Statistics course was directly valuable in helping to reinforce the basics of measurable variation in systems and processes. I trained as a Six Sigma Black Belt about a year after entering the program. Otherwise, all course programs provided a great framework for understanding the measurements required for business success.
e-Leader: Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
Yes, a Decision Management course that involved running a business via an interactive software program. The class was divided into competitive teams. All the factors required for managing on a global scale were inputs for decisions to be made: hiring, training, plant capacity, financing, marketing, price strategy, bidding, inventory control, reinvestment, etc. The whole course was a blast for me. I recall spending hours in the computer lab evaluating the effects of the decision inputs and planning strategies. It was great fun. Though not a particular memory, the friendships and acquaintances of many were great and I always enjoy seeing one of my former classmates!
e-Leader: Since graduation, what have you done to continue your learning?
That’s a good question … probably not enough, but I became active in the Middle Tennessee section of the American Society for Quality (ASQ). As a volunteer officer, I assist in securing speakers for educational programs for our membership of quality professionals. We frequently learn about pioneer activities in business re-engineering.
e-Leader: Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
Never underestimate the power of a smile and eye contact in all that you do!
September 07, 2006
Massey Alumni Participating in Hands on Nashville
The Massey Alumni Group will be participating in Hands on Nashville (HON) Day for Metro Schools on Saturday, September 30th from 8:00am to noon at Hickman Elementary School. Massey volunteers will be painting walls in the cafeteria and hallways and reorganizing storage areas. In order to participate, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and donate a minimum of $20.00 to HON. Massey volunteers are welcome to recruit friends and family to help!
Please contact Stacey Hardison at shardison@tractorsupply.com or (615) 324-4281 for more details and to sign-up.
Hands On Nashville
September 30, 2006
Hickman Elementary
112 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, 37214
May 04, 2006
Debbie Crean, Massey 1999 - Alumni Spotlight
Student description:
Massey Healthcare Management class of ‘99
What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
Change Management efforts in Healthcare; searching for solutions to manage cost containment while resolving best practices.
What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
Belmont offered an “entry level equalizer” for someone who took such a long break between undergraduate and graduate programs-GMAT preparation! Belmont showed me the way.
Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
The values are endlessly evident. The program delivers self confidence, helping me to recapture the zeal to learn more.
Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
My final presentation in Dr. Jane Finley’s IT class challenged all of my Massey learning. My passion for solutions, growth of self confidence gained through class participation led me to exploring the topic of then a constant quagmire of healthcare information. What I researched with Dr. Finley’s encouragement, then presented to my classmates in July of 1999 though only whispered at the time, is now being adopted across the healthcare community-namely Electronic Medical Records. She helped me to stretch my mind; and over look controversy in the process. A valuable lesson!
What do you find valuable about auditing classes post-graduation?
Staying current; gaining fresh perspectives of others in class; obtaining the same level of excellent teaching/engagement without the pressure of reaching a grade.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
Always reach for more. Don’t take “no” seriously.
March 21, 2006
Janell Puryear, Massey 1994 - Alumni Spotlight
I graduated from The Massey School in December 1994. In 1995, I took a position on the Alumni Board and remained until 2005. During this time I have seen growth with on-going quality. For a period of time, I served as the secretary of the board. I have made many phonathons to alums requesting support, attended many Homecoming functions, art sales, theatre functions, basketball games and to welcome guest speakers. What a privilege to have been a part of this board.
I am a Second Language English teacher at Franklin High School. However, in previous years I taught business at the high school level both at University School of Nashville and Franklin High. My summer vacations are spent teaching either business or ESL internationally. This volunteer work is done through the Baptist International Mission Board. I have taught in Brazil, Portugal, and China, but my favorite is Bangkok, Thailand. This summer I will return to teach in Bangkok. My experience teaching business in Bangkok is at the college level with classes aimed at preparing students to write their resume, application and interview for a job with an American, British, or Australian company.
What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
Having a career in business education, I have always felt the need to know more business. An MBA seemed the perfect manner to learn more about the business world. Actually while at Massey, there was another business education teacher who was completing the program. I would suggest an MBA for all high school business teachers.
What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
Probably my age brought me to the Massey School. I was approaching 50 at that time, had children in high school and was working at University School. I did not have the option of applying to Northwestern, Harvard or any of the big name business schools. However, I found that Belmont was half the price of Vanderbilt and yet shared some of the same professors. What more could one ask?
Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
The value of my MBA is often found when I am in the classroom. Students are very impressed when I am able to speak of situations not mentioned in the text. Many times I am able to bring in information about the stock market, international business and even operations management. When I teach Business Law there is always a connection to the Business Ethics class with Dr. Hollis and when I teach entrepreneurship, there is always a business plan required.
Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
I had never had a statistics class before. The first night of the class, I asked the guy on my right side how much he had and he said 3 semesters in undergraduate. I then asked the guy on the left and he said he had 4 semesters. I knew at that moment that I was in trouble. I took the class with Dr. Dennis and worked so hard. As a result I got a B and was happy. I decided to audit the class for the next semester. The first time through I struggled, the second time through I could complete the problems almost before the professor. I felt so proud!
Please fill in the blank: I would rather take Finance again than to ___________ ever again.
Take Financial Management with Dr. Mastrapasqua.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
You will be proud of what you have accomplished with a Massey degree. With the high-quality instruction received, you will acquire good communication skills, team building, and quality and leadership preparation. The university is very well known and you are lucky to be a part of The Massey School program.
February 14, 2006
Jim Posey, Massey 2003 - Alumni Spotlight
Jim Posey, MBA 2003, works as a supervisor at Peterbilt Motors. In the army, Jim was an executive officer for an attack helicopter unit. Jim was the number two man for a 340+ unit and served 18 months mobilization with 12 months in Iraq.
What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
While at Peterbilt, Jim saw the MBA as a career enhancer to propel him forward to a higher level of management.
What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
After talking to several Massey alumni at Peterbilt, Jim came and interviewed with Dr. Finley. He also had discussions with students that sold him on the program. Jim now sits on the alumni board which has provided him with a network of fellow graduates.
Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
The systems class that Dr. Ranney taught was very helpful to Jim in Iraq. This foundation gives people an organized look at system and process components affecting organizations. Jim’s unit crashed two aircraft while in Iraq and he was able to implement systems management in dealing with the recovery of the aircraft and personnel.
Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
Jim enjoyed the whole program and found the experience to be very beneficial in networking and career advancement.
Please fill in the blank: I would rather take Finance again than ________ at The Massey School ever again.
He does not want to ever take Finance again.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
Stick with it — sometimes it seems long, but it is worth the journey.
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.
November 10, 2005
Alumni Spotlight
Cate Loes, is currently Adjunct Instructor of Marketing at Belmont. She graduated with an MBA from Massey in December 2003. She was co-founder of the Massey Graduate Council and is currently President-Elect of the Massey Alumni Board. A native of Minnesota she has been Nashville for 12 years and has been married to Eric Loes for 7 years. They have three children, Julia 6, Maggie 3 ½ and Jack 16 months.
What was going on in your career that would compel you to seek an MBA?
I had always known I wanted to go back to school to get a graduate degree, but thought I would return for an MA is Speech. The farther away from my undergraduate degree I got, my thoughts of getting a MA changed to thoughts of earning a MBA. I realized that a business degree combined with my work experience would allow for greater opportunities. I was fortunate to have a very supportive and encouraging boss and husband and took advantage of the timing.
What originally brought you to The Massey School from all the other programs available in the area?
More than any other determining factor, flexibility was a primary consideration. I had a one-year old, was working, and was a busy community volunteer. I needed a program that understood that I had other obligations. Massey also has a strong reputation in the community with both business professionals and students and because of that; there were few other programs I considered.
Where in your career have you found the value in your Massey MBA?
I find value in my Massey MBA in so many facets of my life. The negotiation skills I learned I have used in both personal and professional situations, my knowledge of marketing I have used to help local non-profits market new programs and raise funds, and the combination of many of the skills I gained have allowed me to secure consulting projects. Finally, I would not be teaching full-time at Belmont without my Massey MBA. It is because of the skills I gained while a student and the contacts I have made through Massey that have been instrumental in forming my current and future career path.
Is there a particular memory you have about The Massey School that really sticks with you that you would like to share?
Instead of one distinct memory, I find myself reflecting on three in particular events: the first was orientation. I recall as I sat and listened to students and alumni talk about their great experiences and wondered what I would encounter during my time at Massey and if I would make it through! The second was about mid-way through my program when I realized I was ½ way done! I realized that the time had gone by so quickly; I had learned a great deal and made some great friends. Lastly, I recall my final class. The anti-climatic ending to a long journey and the task that appeared insurmountable at times was over. I realized how much I had grown throughout the program and how the path I was thought I would take looked much different.
Please fill in the blank: I would rather take Finance again than ________ at The Massey School ever again.
Search for a place to park at Belmont.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current Massey School students?
Be engaged! Get Involved! And meet as many people as you can. There is no greater tool than the network that is available to Massey students!
October 07, 2005
Three Massey Alumni Make Music City Future 50
The 2005 Music City Future 50 winners are a young bunch.
More than half of the companies, recognized as among the fastest-growing private companies in Middle Tennessee, have been in business five years or less. Roughly one-third got started no more than three years ago.
The firms, which will be honored at a banquet September 29th by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, employ an average of 61 people. Average revenue is $18 million.
Add it all up and this year’s Future 50 winners have roughly $900 million in annual sales, and serve as a testimony to the important role that small businesses play in driving the local, regional and national economies.
The winners, picked after a financial review by Kraft CPAs, come from a wide variety of fields: technology, consulting, real estate, telecommunications, marketing and health care among them.
They all project revenue and employment growth of 10% or more for the next three years. Owners of the Future 50 businesses define themselves as a hardworking lot.
In surveys prepared for the chamber, owners reported working anywhere from 50 to 70 hours a week to build their companies.
That hard work is paying off.
~ from “Young Companies Charge Ahead” by Randy McClain of The Tennessean
Both Dean Raines and Dr. Fisher attended this event. The following three honorees are Massey Alumni.
Parthenon Publishing, Inc.
28 White Bridge Road, Suite 209, Nashville, TN 37205
615-627-2200
Fax: 615-627-2197
Web: www.parthenonpub.com
E-mail: bobby.stark@parthenonpub.com
Chief decision-maker: Bobby Stark, president
Major business: Other – publishing
Main product/service: Custom publishing services
Annual Revenue: $2.8 million
Mr. Stark earned his MBA from The Massey School in 1993.
Horizon Resource Group 
1620 Westgate Circle, Suite 120 Brentwood, TN 37027
615-771-8781
Fax: 615-771-7446
Web: www.horizonorg.com
E-mail: brad.oshoney@horizonorg.com
Chief decision-maker: M. Todd Abner, CEO
Major business: Other
Main product/service: Group purchasing organization for educational institutions.
Mr. Abner earned his MBA from The Massey School in 1997.
Infrastructure Corporation of America
5110 Maryland Way, Suite 120 Brentwood, TN 37027
615-377-4730
Fax: 615-377-4745
Web: www.ica-onramp.com
E-mail: rrodgers@ica-onramp.com
Chief decision-maker: Howard H. “Butch” Eley Jr., president
Major business: Construction
Main product/service: Comprehensive highway, structure, and facility maintenance services to state and local governmnts
Annual Revenue: $45 million
Biggest challenge: Communicating a consistent vision in a growing organization.
Mr. Eley earned his MBA from The Massey School in 1993.