October 29, 2009
Business etiquette expert visits Massey
Massey AMBA, MACC, and PMBA students were given an opportunity in October to learn from professional business etiquette and protocol consultant, Rebecca Stroupe Pitts. Pitts presented to a combined graduate student audience on October 21st, from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. in the Vince Gill Room on Belmont's campus.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Rebecca's professional background includes her most recent position as Vice President and Protocol Officer for Bank of America. She is certified by Image Improvement, Inc., an international corporation since 1969, and spends countless hours traveling each year and training professionals on the "dos and don'ts" of appropriate business networking and social behaviors.
Pitts worked with ~50 students during her visit to Massey, where her interactive presentation included topics ranging from "how to work a professional event room" to "maximizing one's use of a traditional business card" to "how to actually build a successful network of professional contacts."
Lean Healthcare Goes International
Early in 2008, when The Massey School first began discussions with Massey MBA Alum Charles Hagood on the potential for partnering on the delivery of a professional development course on Lean Healthcare here at Belmont, the focus was a long-term plan for building a sustainable program to do what we could do to improve the quality of heatlhcare here in the U.S. A little over one year into the process, that partnership has quickly blossomed into what has become an internationally-respected training program for administrators and healthcare providers around the globe.
The fourth offering of the "Lean Healthcare Course," which was just finished last month on the Belmont campus, included 31 participants from the U.S., as well as five professionals from Singapore, and two who traveled all the way from New Zealand. In fact, the most recent course was filled to capacity back in September, with a waiting list now being managed for future registrants.
Why do healthcare professionals travel from so far away to Belmont for this one-week course experience? The answer is very simple. What Charles and his group of professionals are able to do in a one-week seminar gives participants a basic skill set that can save patient lives, as well as save what in many cases can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more within an organization over time. And at at time when the University of Michigan recently cancelled its own lean healthcare course due to low enrollment, Belmont's program is sold out.
According to Massey Associate Dean Joe Alexander, part of the difference is the quality of instruction within Belmont's program, with a national group of lean healthcare experts brought in from all over the U.S. to deliver their specific skills and expertise to attendees. The other difference is what The Massey School has long been known for in the delivery of its own academic programs--namely, "hands-on learning." In cooperating with the Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing next door, HPP experts can now teach in state-of-the-art and nationally known simulation labs, offering participants the opportunity to learn by doing, rather than simply taking notes in a traditional classroom.
Building on what began as the Toyota Production System (TPS) for improving product quality, safety, and performance within the manufacturing industry, Heatlhcare Performance Partners was able to take those very same principles and adapt them to the healthcare environment. The results of that adaptation are being sought out by healthcare professionals from across the industry. Highly satisfied participants are now returning to their organizations and doing more than simply talking about improving healthcare--they're actually making change happen.
And the Massey-HPP partnership appears ready to move to an international forum this next year, with talks currently underway to expand program delivery to Europe in late 2010. For more information on the Massey Lean Healthcare Course, visit: www.buleancourse.com
Join Massey students, faculty, and alumni as we Bowl for Kids’ Sake!
On Saturday, November 14th, Massey graduate students, faculty, and alumni will be teaming up for a friendly bowling tournament to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. The event will be held at Hillwood Strike & Spare (3710 Annex Avenue Nashville, TN 37209) from 2-4pm. You can sign up to be matched with other participants or organize a team of your own.
To participate in this event and for more information, please contact Harry Allen, current Massey student and VP of Finance for Big Brothers Big Sisters, at harry.allen@bbbs.org, or by phone at 615-329-9191 x264.
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and Belmont's involvement, click below.
Not only will you help advance the mission of a worthy organization, but it will also be a great opportunity to network with fellow students and show support for the “Belmont Bigs” program. Belmont is a long-time supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters through its Belmont Bigs Program, matching undergraduates, as mentors, to children in Metro Nashville public schools.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the leader in one-to-one mentoring , with over a century of proven success in creating positive friendships that benefit children, volunteers, families, neighborhoods and communities!
September 30, 2009
Join the Massey Graduate School of Business LinkedIn Group – Win a Prize!
We have almost reached our 2009 goal of 500 members – now we need one last push. If you are the 500th member to join the Massey Graduate School of Business LinkedIn Group, you will win one of our brand new Massey Briefcases. The Massey LinkedIn community has been proven as a networking and job placement tool – and it will only get stronger with more members! Join now!
Join Massey in Bowling for Kids’ Sake!
On Saturday, November 14th, from 2-4 p.m., Massey graduate students and faculty will be teaming up for a fun and rewarding evening of bowling to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.
Bowl For Kids' Sake is the organization's largest annual fundraising event. Not only will you help advance the mission of a worthy organization, but it will also be an excellent opportunity to network with fellow students and show support for the Belmont Bigs program. We’ve invited undergraduate “Bigs” and their “Littles” to join us as well!
To find out more, click below...
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the leader in one-to-one mentoring, with over a century of proven success in creating positive friendships that benefit children, volunteers, families, neighborhoods and communities!
Belmont is a long-time supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters through its Belmont Bigs Program, matching undergraduates, as mentors, to children in Metro public schools.
To find out more information or to join a bowling team, please contact Harry Allen at harry.allen@bbbs.org.
Don't miss the last golf outing for 2009!
Don't miss your opportunity for one last golf outing before cold weather sets in. Join classmates and alumni for a round of golf and networking...
When: Sunday, October 11th
Networking and warm up at 1:00pm, tee times start at 2:10pm
Where: President’s Reserve at Hermitage (www.hermitagegolf.com)
Cost: Special Massey green fees of $35.50 for 18 holes, includes cart and range balls
Golfers at all skill levels are invited to join these monthly golf events to facilitate networking and build relationships. Come out for the pre-round networking and hit balls at the driving range, play a full round or only nine holes.
For details and info on how to sign up, see below...
• An advanced reservation and credit card number are required to secure your tee time. Call the Hermitage pro shop at 615.847.4001 for your reservation. Be sure to tell them you are with the Massey/Belmont group, 2 pm tee times on October 11th.
• Sign up for Hermitage’s FREE-quent player program – Buy four rounds of 18 holes and get one free!
• Please email teresawade@comcast.net with your skill level or handicap AFTER you make your reservation. These outings are not formal tournaments.
• Be sure to arrive in time to mingle and get warmed up at the range.
• October 4th is the actual deadline to sign up, but we can probably accommodate others up to the 8th.
The will be the last golf outing for 2009. Stay tuned to the 2010 E-leader for the spring schedule!
Dr. Jennie Carter Thomas named one of Nashville’s Best Dressed
The September issue of Nashville Lifestyles Magazine named Dr. Jennie Carter Thomas as one of seven local style icons in its “Nashville’s Best-Dressed” feature. The article, titled “Teaching Elegance,” praises Dr. Thomas’s ability to “keep her style fresh and exhilarating – whether teaching a class in business management, enjoying a lunch out or attending a charity event.”
Dr. Thomas cites her mother as her stylistic role model and serves on the board of directors for exclusive clothier, JAMIE, Inc., a store she visited on the first day it opened, in 1973.
To see the Nashville Lifestyles photo feature, click here.
August 27, 2009
Congrats to our August Grads!
Fifteen individuals graduated from Massey this past month with either an MBA or MACC degree and are now ready to take the next steps in their careers. Graduates were recognized by Massey faculty and staff, along with family and friends at a special hooding ceremony in Neely Dining Hall on Thursday, August 13th.
Amy Thran Wolanski was recognized as the Outstanding Graduating MBA Student by her peers, while Rebecca Tatum received distinction as the Outstanding Graduating MACC Student.
MBA student Jay Crosson was selected by graduates to deliver the Reflections from the Graduating Class remarks at the hooding ceremony, and Jay was also recognized for achieving the highest-ever scores by a graduating MBA student on the nationally-standardized ETS Major Field Test in business.
Learn more about Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity
Delta Simga Pi Professional Business Fraternity will be holding an interest meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in Room 203A at 5:30 pm. The interest meeting is targeted to current students but alumni who have previous experience with Delta Sigma Pi are also encouraged to attend.
Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity is open to male and female students pursuing degrees and careers in business and economics and to the faculty. Equal opportunity is extended to full and part time students. All business students are invited to come learn more about how they can help bring this exciting organization to campus. Those who make the decision to join will have an opportunity to become founding members of a Belmont chapter.
Delta Sigma Pi was founded at New York University in 1907, and now has over 220,000 members, representing over 200 colleges and universities nationwide. As a national business fraternity, members have found their association to be invaluable in providing an instant national professional network.
Come learn more about the benefits of membership from alumni of the organization! There is no cost or obligation to attend a meeting. Come and bring a friend! We look forward to meeting you.
If you have any questions, please visit the website at www.dspnet.org, or contact Kimberly May, MBA '09, at DeltaSigmaPi_Nashville@hotmail.com.
Massey Team victorious in Dragon Boat Race
[submitted by MBA Candidate Jessica Betts] In August, TEAM MASSEY set out to “take care of business” at the 2009 Dragon Boat Race and we did!! On August 22nd, The Massey Graduate School participated in Nashville’s annual Dragon Boat Racing event for the first time. The event was an effort to raise awareness around green initiatives benefitting the Cumberland River Compact and the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association. Hundreds of people - teams, rowers, sponsors, supporters, and onlookers - came from as far away as Canada to participate in the excitement of the day. It also proved to serve as an excellent team building effort between fellow Massey students, faculty, alumni and friends of the Massey School.
You may be wondering....what is a Dragon Boat Race?? A Dragon Boat race consists of twenty rowers, sitting in a long canoe-like vessel, who must paddle in absolute harmony to a chosen finish point, or victory is unattainable. A drummer sitting at the head of the boat sets the pace.
This year TEAM MASSEY consisted of MBA and MACC students, alumni, faculty (our own Dr. Jane Finley kept the beat at the helm!), friends and affiliates.
After an invigorating Tuesday night practice, Team Massey was armed and ready for victory adorned in our Massey T-Shirts at Saturday’s races. The morning was filled with incredible performances by dancers and actors veiled in Chinese Dragon costumes. The air was thick with competition, uncertainty, and an unspoken camaraderie between teams vying for victory. After three grueling heats of counting, rowing, and sailing to the finish, TEAM MASSEY finished first overall in our division and second to the overall victors, a veteran Canadian rowing team, by a mere 4 seconds! Throughout the day our strategic planning skills, teamwork, passion, excitement, and desire to grow were clear. As a result we continued to improve with each paddle stroke, racing at the end with the fastest time of the day!
If you weren’t able to participate this year, we highly encourage you to join TEAM MASSEY at next year’s event, where we do plan to claim victory! To close with our team chant... “We are the MASSEY, the MASSEY, the MASSEY MACHINE!! We’re GONNA ROW TO THE FINISH LIKE YOU AIN’T NEVER SEEN!!”...and we did!!
Run with the Massey Milers!
Massey Milers is up and running again this year! The group was formed in the spring semester to provide students and alumni an opportunity to socialize and network outside of a classroom setting. Several members in the group are currently training for different local races including the IRunForTheParty Halloween 5K and 10K as well as their half marathon, the turkey trot in Belle Meade, and many more. The group is pictured after running in the Country Music Marathon in April.
There will be a group runs every Friday at 5:45 am starting outside the Massey Business Center on campus led by Mindy Craven AND Saturday mornings at various locations led by Isaac Lewis. Runs begin the Friday after Labor Day.
Additional benefits of the group include:
-Free of charge and no obligation
-Participate even if you do not plan on running in a race
-Runners at every level are encouraged to participate
-Access to sample training plans
-Information about additional running groups in the Nashville area provided
-Great way to meet other students and alumni (and get in shape!)
For further information, please contact Mindy Craven by email at mindy.craven@vanderbilt.edu or join the Google Group at http://groups.google.com/group/massey_running_group .
Belmont Awarded Grant to Enhance International Business Education
From the university press release
The College of Business Administration was recently awarded more than $188,000 in federal grant monies to enhance international business education at Belmont and to sponsor international business and trade activities in Nashville.
The grant and proposed initiatives are spearheaded by Dr. Jeffrey Overby, director of international business programs and associate professor of marketing at Belmont. “This is certainly a great honor for Belmont University,” Overby said. “However, it is even more significant that it will allow us to foster a stronger international outlook among students, faculty and the greater Nashville community. Thinking internationally is no longer an option in today’s business environment; it is a necessity.”
The Title VI Grant was made through the Business and International Education (BIE) Program of the U.S Department of Education.
Belmont University’s College of Business Administration (COBA) has strengthened its international focus since Dean J. Patrick Raines arrived on campus in 2003. Dean Raines said, “The BIE grant will give COBA students and faculty an opportunity to gain a wider view of the world. Understanding global business is essential to be competitive in a ‘flat’ world and graduates frequently report that studying abroad was their single-most life-changing experience.”
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the Nashville Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce supported the grant efforts. Belmont will use the grant to partner with these organizations to present seminars and workshops on various international topics to the greater Nashville business community along with support for international business research and analysis.
The funds will finance five key initiatives:
1) Internationalize Belmont’s current curriculum across the board by investing in faculty expertise development and course enhancement
2) Develop study abroad opportunities and co-curricular activities in order to foster a global mindset among students and faculty
3) Develop international career and internship opportunities for Belmont’s COBA students
4) Serve and educate the greater Nashville business community to increase global awareness and build trade expertise
5) Enable the development of a higher profile for International Business at Belmont to facilitate connections with the Nashville and international business community
In addition to Overby and Raines, the grant proposal and related initiatives are supported by team of key faculty members that includes Dr. Howard Cochran, Dr. Marieta Velikova and Jose Gonzalez.
For more information, or to read the press release in its entirety, click here.
Volunteer with Habitat on September 19
Massey students and alumni will have the opportunity to volunteer on September 19th with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat builds affordable homes and provides interest free mortgages for low income families.
Massey and volunteers from CAT Financial, led by Massey Alum Aaron Murdock, are teaming up once again. We will be working on day 3 of the typical 8-day build process and will install siding, soffits, and other fixtures in and outside our assigned house. This is a fun day to trade in your desk job for a hammer and tool-belt.
If you would like to participate, please contact Isaac Lewis at isaac_lewis@bellsouth.net.
July 31, 2009
Fall Massey Networking Events
Summer will soon be coming to a close, and networking activities will resume! A new season brings new opportunities for you to expand your social and professional networks by attending our networking events. All events are open to current Massey students, as well as alumni.
The first networking event of the fall will be the Fall Networking Breakfast, hosted by Dean Raines at the Nashville City Club.
The breakfast will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Radio Talk Show host, Steve Gill (bio), of 99.7 WWTN FM’s The Steve Gill Show will speak to attendees on Individual Branding.
Networking will be held from 7:00-7:30 and 8:00 to 8:30. Steve Gill will speak from 7:30-8:00. A buffet breakfast will be served. Attendees are only responsible for parking fees.
Please RSVP for the September 2nd breakfast no later than Friday, August 28th. Email all RSVPs and other networking inquiries to Courtney_Hensley@ars.aon.com.
Click below for the Fall Schedule...
Other Upcoming Fall 2009 Massey Networking Events:
September 17th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Stoney River Restaurant, 3015 West End Avenue, Nashville TN 37203
October 1st - Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation & Reception, The Acorn, 1146 28th Avenue North (Reception, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Award Presentation, 6:30 p.m.)
October 15th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Mere Bulls, 5201 Maryland Way, Brentwood TN 37027
November – Evening Social, Predators Game, Game Date & Time TBA (Families Welcome)
November 19th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Brick Top's 3000 West End Avenue, Nashville TN 37203
December 17th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Sunset Grille, 2001 Belcourt Avenue, Nashville 37212
Email all RSVPs and other networking inquiries to Courtney_Hensley@ars.aon.com.
Contact Londa Morgan regarding the Distinguished Alumni Award, londa@hardcastleconstruction.com.
Current MACC/MBA Students and Alumni: Get Involved with SIFE
The Belmont chapter of SIFE is looking for volunteers from the Belmont business community. Current graduate students and alumni are encouraged to explore the opportunity to serve as project leaders, working with undergraduate students to make a measurable impact in the community. (Last year's award-winning Belmont national team is shown in the photo to the right.)
SIFE’s motto is “A head for business, and a heart for the world.” The non-profit organization partners with business leaders and universities to empower college students to make a difference in their communities through the positive power of business.
How can you help? Click below for more…
What is needed?
Volunteers with business experience to help guide projects. SIFE projects are evaluated within the Belmont chapter and then at a national competition based on three key factors: economic impact, measurable outcomes, and service to the community.
Belmont has experienced a great deal of success at the national competition, and with your input, can build on that to achieve even more.
SIFE involvement offers:
• Resume-worthy project management
• Recruiting exposure – many of the Fortune 500 and largest global non-profits use the national competition as a forum to recruit talent to their organizations
• Measurable project outcomes
• Serious competition
• Significant community impact
• Leadership development
• Mentoring opportunities
If you would like more information about the opportunity, please email BelmontSIFE@gmail.com.
To learn more about SIFE, click here.
July 20, 2009
Massey School and Export University - Nashville
Dear current Massey students and alumni,
We are excited to announce that the Jack C. Massey School of Business will be co-sponsoring an event conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Export University - Nashville will be held July 30, 2009. The day-long event is an opportunity for Tennessee exporters to gain a competitive edge, and is intended for those that are currently exporting and those that are new to it. Topics will include export sales, finance and logistics solutions.
We think that Export University - Nashville will be an excellent learning experience for all who have the opportunity to be involved.
Details below:
What: Export University - Nashville
Where: Regions Bank, 315 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37237.
When: July 30, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Registration fee is $59. Includes lunch and a copy of The Basic Guide to Exporting.
Click here for the flyer: View image
Register now by clicking here.
For more information, please contact Dean.Peterson@mail.doc.
June 29, 2009
Students Near Half-Way Mark in SAI
A record number of students were admitted to the 2009 Summer Accounting Institute and have been working for more than a month toward program completion. Designed as an intense immersion in accounting for those that did not pursue accounting studies in their undergraduate degree programs, the program fills a unique need.
"The SAI is a perfect fit for someone transitioning into accounting from another career, as I am doing," says participant Wendy Stallings. "It streamlines the major material covered in an undergraduate degree into one intense summer, so that I don’t have to earn a second bachelor’s degree before beginning the MACC program."
When asked about her experience, Wendy reiterates what many SAI participants have said: The program is intense.
"Or maybe very intense would be more appropriate. When you dream about journal entries and T accounts (as I did the other night), you know you’re doing a lot of accounting."
All the work serves to get the students where they want to be, as quickly as possible. It also serves as a great networking and acclimation tool for those entering the MACC program.
"Getting to meet a wide range of professors and working with students from a variety of backgrounds makes for a great introduction to Belmont," says Wendy. "It also gives you a chance to explore the wide array of career options available to accountants before making any major decisions about career paths."
For more information about the Summer Accounting Institute, click here.
June 28, 2009
Massey students get crankin', give a hand to local charity
On behalf of the Martha O’Bryan Center, a big Thank You goes out to the twenty Belmont volunteers who gave their time on June 14th to help make the 24th annual “Purity Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin” event a huge success. It was a beautiful day to volunteer and have a chance to sample some amazing ice cream flavors. There were over 2,700 people who attended the event which raised $50,000 for the Martha O’Bryan Center’s operating budget.
For those of you who have never been to the “Crankin”, local folks prepare homemade ice cream and compete for the honor of the winning recipe to be featured as a Purity ice cream flavor. This year’s winner was Susan Williams (no, not our own Dr. Susan Williams) of Franklin, TN, with her recipe for “Raspberry Chocolate Truffle”. If you would like to learn more about the Martha O’Bryan Center or to volunteer on an individual basis, you may visit the Center’s website at http://www.marthaobryan.org/.
April 27, 2009
Massey Milers race in Half Marathon
Twelve members of the Massey Milers running group ran in the Country Music half marathon on Saturday, April 25. This was the group’s first public competitive event since forming in January. Everyone enjoyed the run, despite the unseasonably hot temperatures.
The group is enthusiastic about our next group event, the Moon Pie 10 mile run on June 20.
For more information...
Massey Milers was formed to provide an opportunity for MBA and MACC students and alumni to get to know each other outside of the traditional classroom experience and as a means of enhancing individual wellness. The group currently meets once a week for a group run, along with coordinating other running times to accommodate different schedules throughout the week.
In addition to running, interest has been generated for group bike rides recently. If you would like additional information on this unique networking opportunity, check out the Massey Milers on Google Groups or contact Mindy Craven by email at mindy.craven@vanderbilt.edu.
Pictured:
1st row L to R: Lauren Linton, Kim May, Mindy Craven
2nd row L to R: Meagan Segebarth, Dr. Wainwright, Kristen Comstock, Freddy Altomari, Isaac Lewis, Evans Smith
Not Pictured: Amy Wolanski, Katie Hackett, Zac Cook
Massey Networking and Community Service
Expand your social network through Massey networking events! Massey networking events offer current students and alumni a way to reconnect with classmates and make new acquaintances.
The May luncheon will be held at Franklin Chop House (1101 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin 37064) on Thursday, May 21st at 11:30 a.m.
For more information and additional events...
2009 Massey Networking Calendar:
- May 14th - Evening Social, 7:00 p.m., Sounds Game - Nashville Sounds vs. Reno Aces (Families Welcome) – Attendees must RSVP and pre-purchase tickets through the Massey Networking Committee.
- June, July, August – No luncheons during summer months.
- September 2nd - Breakfast, 7:00-8:30 a.m., Nashville City Club, Guest Speaker TBA
- September 17th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Stoney River Restaurant, 3015 West End Avenue, Nashville TN 37203
- October (Date TBA) - Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation & Reception, Location TBA
- October 15th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Mere Bulls, 5201 Maryland Way, Brentwood TN 37027
- November – Evening Social, Predators Game, Game Date & Time TBA (Families Welcome)
- November 19th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Brick Top's 3000 West End Avenue, Nashville TN 37203
- December 17th - Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Sunset Grille, 2001 Belcourt Avenue, Nashville 37212
2009 Massey Community Service Calendar:
- June 14th – Fundraiser for the Martha O’Brien Center – Volunteers needed in 2 hour increments.
- July 11th – Volunteer your grill skills to the Ronald McDonald House for an outdoor lunch for families of seriously ill children being treated at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
- August 22nd – Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl-a-Thon, Details TBA
- September 19th – Habitat for Humanity Build
RSVP to Londa Morgan for networking events at (615) 500-1443 or londa@hardcastleconstruction.com.
RSVP to Teresa Wade for community service events, teresawade@comcast.net.
March 27, 2009
Undergraduate Program ranked in Top 100 by BusinessWeek
Congratulations to Belmont University’s Undergraduate School of Business for making BusinessWeek’s annual Top 100 national ranking of “The Best Undergrad B-Schools.” Belmont ranks No. 84, climbing five spots higher than last year’s ranking.
Belmont receives especially high marks for the quality of teaching, and is also notable for a relatively low faculty to student ratio. Belmont and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (No. 82) are the only two Tennessee programs to make the list, and Belmont is one of only six private schools in the South to be included.
BusinessWeek ranks the schools according to a comprehensive methodology that includes surveying 85,000 senior business majors and 600 corporate recruiters. The magazine also takes into account an academic quality score, median starting salaries for recent graduates, and the number of graduates that go on to attend top MBA programs, among other factors.
To see the list and learn more about BusinessWeek’s ranking, visit www.businessweek.com/bschools/undergraduate.
March 01, 2009
Join Massey's Linked-In Group
We're up to 245 members at last count for our Belmont University Massey Graduate School of Business group at LinkedIn.com. Membership is open to Massey graduates and current students, and our goal is to reach 500 members by the end of 2009. Several of you have already begun connecting with each other through this networking tool, and we expect its value to grow in coming months as many of us become more active in examining new employment opportunities.
Click HERE for information on how to join LinkedIn if you're not already a member of the community. Search under "groups" for "Belmont University Massey Graduate School of Business" to request membership in our group. We will do our best to have you approved and up and running with access within 24 hours.
January 28, 2009
New Running Group - Massey Milers
![massey_milers[1].JPG](http://forum.belmont.edu/eleader/archives/massey_milers%5B1%5D.JPG)
Recently, the Massey Milers Running Group was formed to provide students and alumni an opportunity to socialize and network outside of a classroom setting. Several members in the group are currently training for the Country Music half marathon. There will be a group run every Sunday at 4 p.m. starting outside the Massey Business Center on campus. Additional benefits of the group include:
-Free of charge and no obligation
-Participate even if you do not plan on running Country Music half or full marathon
-Runners at every level are encouraged to participate
-Incremental increases in runs, similar to other training programs
-Access to sample training plans
-Information about additional running groups in the Nashville area provided
-Great way to meet other students and alumni (and get in shape!)
For further information, please contact Mindy Craven by email at mindy.craven@vanderbilt.edu
Annual Scarlett Seminar on Emerging Leadership
The Scarlett Leadership Institute at Belmont University
Presents the Second Annual Scarlett Seminar on Emerging Leadership
You are invited to attend a free leadership brunch on “Generational Leadership” with speaker Cam Marsten
Wednesday, March 18th
7-7:30am - Continental Breakfast and Networking
7:30-9am - Cam Marsten
Belmont University, Frist Lecture Hall
Free Parking in the Inman Center Garage
Please register by March13 to Jill Robinson: robinsonj@mail.belmont.edu or 615-460-5560
Cam Marston has spent more than a decade studying workforce dynamics, with a keen focus on how generational biases play out from the stock room to the boardroom. Clients such as General Electric, American Express, the Food Marketing Institute, Professional Convention Manager's Association (PCMA), and the US Army have engaged Cam to inform both management and staff about the importance generational views have on sales, hiring, retention and overall performance — the core issues companies tackle on a daily basis.
December 03, 2008
Q & A On Mediation Course
We spoke briefly with Leigh Ann Roberts, the instructor for the new Mediation course. Get to know a little bit about her and the benefits of the Mediation Course in the following short interview.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work experience related to Mediation.
I am Leigh Ann Roberts, and my husband and I live in the Crieve Hall neighborhood. I am a founding member of an innovative law firm in Brentwood, Tennessee titled Forward Focus, PLLC. We provide many of the legal services of the traditional law firm but have a heavy emphasis on mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution Services. At Forward Focus, I personally provide mediation services on a variety of disputes including employment/workplace, contract disputes, construction disputes, business partnership dissolutions and family owned business disputes. My passion is providing what I call “Business Relationship Preservation”- I help business people protect and support long-term goals by helping them navigate difficult conversations with other professionals. These challenging conversations occur throughout the life cycle of an organization, including the critical stages at the beginning and end of the business relationship. My background in collaborative mediation, consensus building, and executive conflict management training, as well as my experience as an attorney, business owner and nonprofit organization consultant, have uniquely prepared me to provide these services for area business leaders. Forward Focus also provides an array of other legal and mediation services, including services for resolution of family and domestic disputes.
After taking a class on Alternative Dispute Resolution in law school at the University of Mississippi, I knew that I wanted to be a mediator. In 1998, Tennessee had court-mandated mediation and Mississippi did not. Knowing I had to go where the proverbial “mediation action” was, I went to Memphis and found the first Tennessee Rule 31 mediation training course I could find. I was trained by Robert Benjamin and mentored by some of the founding mothers and fathers of mediation in Memphis.
In the early years of my career, I volunteered as a mediator for the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center. While volunteering I mediated many landlord tenant disputes, neighbor conflicts, contract disputes and even a couple of personal injury cases.
As an attorney working in both the public and private sector I have also had the opportunity to practice and develop my negotiation skills. Having negotiated many high level, high dollar cases at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, I was able to negotiate with many of the nation’s best, top-rated attorneys and advocates. Every opportunity to negotiate gave me a better perspective of what parties in mediation face and, I believe, this experience has also made me a better mediator.
How does Mediation differ from other Negotiations?
Mediation is different from traditional negotiations in that in addition to the parties in dispute, you have a designated person who helps facilitates the negotiations. This designated person is sometimes an individual unknown to either party. In other instances, it is an individual known and respected by both parties. In all such instances, the facilitator is viewed by the parties in the dispute as having the ability to be neutral, fair or possessing some type of helpful perspective on the situation. The mediation process is an excellent alternative for parties who attempt negotiations but encounter impasse or who are simply unable to communicate in a productive manner. As in negotiations, parties in mediation retain decision-making authority. The mediation process is very well suited for disputes where the parties would prefer to avoid the high costs of litigation, including loss of time, resources and potential good will, and where maintaining the relationship between the parties is important.
What skills from Negotiations will be further developed in the Mediation class?
The role of mediators is to help parties communicate and negotiate better- thereby staying in the negotiation process past the point of impasse. All of the skills that participants learned in the Negotiations course will be further used and developed. The Mediation course will also help parties further their skills around un-earthing hidden interests as well as their listening and communication skills.
What is the benefit of having the Mediation certification?
It is my opinion that there are very few professions, very few positions in any industry, that wouldn’t benefit from mediation training. I believe many employers will find mediation training and certification as a huge plus in any hiring decision. Having a mediation certificate will also enable new mediators to take mandated mediation courses from Tennessee courts and to volunteer at many of the area volunteer mediation nonprofit organizations that require this training.
October 30, 2008
Marcus Buckingham's The Truth About You LIVE makes a stop at Belmont
Buckingham is the bestselling author of Break All The Rules : What The World's Greatest Managers Do Differently, Now Discover Your Strengths and other top reads. He will be talking about his new book, The Truth About You – which is geared toward young professionals putting their strengths to work.
Whether you're a working professional looking to keep your career on track, a recent graduate making your mark or a student building the foundation for lifelong job fullfillment The Truth About You LIVE is a must see.
While this event will cost $45 to attend and receive his book with DVD. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the Curb Event Center Ticket Office
October 28, 2008
Author of "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" Patrick Lencioni will Speak at Belmont
Leading business expert and author of the best-selling Five Disfunctions of a Team, Patrict Lencioni Challenges Leaders to engage in self-exploration, offering strategies on overcoming temptations that even the best leaders face.
November 19th from 7 am to 9 am at the Curb Event Center. Cost is $35 which includes a contenintal breakfast and a copy of Five Temptations of a CEO.
Jonathan Wight to Speak on Expectations for the New Presidential Administration
The Center for Business Ethics presents The New Administration and the Economy: What Can We Expect with the author of Saving Adam Smith Jonathan Wight.
A not-to-be-missed event! Just two days after the election and in the midst of a national economic upheaval, noted economist and Adam Smith scholar Jonathan Wight will tell us what to expect of a new administration in the White House.
Wight is Professor of Economics at the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond. His academic novel, Saving Adam Smith: A Tale of Wealth, Transformation, and Virtue, explores the ethical foundations of capitalism and the creation of social and moral capital in business.
November 6, 2008
4:30 p.m.: Reception
5:00 p.m.: Speaker and Q&A
Massey Board Room
4th Floor; Massey Business Center
Reservations
The event is free but seating is limited. If you would like to reserve a seat, please complete our registration form
or contact Becky Gann at (615) 460-6601; gannb@mail.belmont.edu.
Parking will be available in the garage underneath the Gordon Inman Center.Please click here for a campus map.
October 07, 2008
2nd Annual Massey Distinguished Alumni Event
Everything is proceeding on setting the final arrangements for our 2nd Annual Distinguished Alumni Event. This year's reception for Massey alumni, students, faculty, and staff will be held at Mere Bulles in Brentwood on November 20th, and we will once again be celebrating the successes of The Massey School and its alumni.
Following the initial nominations process this summer which was overseen by our alumni board, the panel of judges has now completed its deliberations and selected this year's award recipient who will be joining us at the event. We want to encourage each of you to save this date for what should be an outstanding occasion for celebration and fellowship. Official invitations will go out in approximately two weeks with additional details.
September 29, 2008
Belmont Entrepreneurship Program Gains National Top-25 Ranking
From over 2,300 schools surveyed by Entrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review, Belmont University was distinguished as having one of the top 25 entrepreneurship programs. Belmont ranked 23rd in the undergraduate category of the survey.
The sixth annual ranking reveals the nation’s Top 25 undergraduate and Top 25 graduate programs for entrepreneurship. Belmont’s ranking can be seen at www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges, along with information on overall trends found with social and environmental entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship as a means of reaching out both internationally and locally.
"Belmont made the commitment to create a quality program in entrepreneurship and I am proud that we have been able to make so much progress in only five years," said Dr. Jeff Cornwall, director of Belmont's Center for Entrepreneurship and holder of the Jack C. Massey Chair in Entrepreneurship. "To be singled out from the hundreds of universities across the country is a testimony to the support we have gotten from the students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration of Belmont and the Nashville business community."
Belmont’s program also received the National Model Undergraduate Program of the Year by the United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship earlier this year. College of Business Dean Pat Raines noted that “The unprecedented recognition that the entrepreneurship program at Belmont University has received is a direct result of the high quality, student-centered programs that we have developed. We are delighted to be included in such a prestigious list of schools with outstanding entrepreneurship programs.”
Belmont was evaluated based on key criteria in the areas of academics and requirements, students and faculty, and outside-the-classroom experiences. Amy Cosper, VP/editor in chief at Entrepreneur, says “Each school that made the list demonstrates excellence in one or more areas—whether in regards to course offerings, the success of students post-graduation, sponsored mentorship programs, or other important factors. Schools that made the ranking are an excellent research starting point for prospective entrepreneurship students.”
The joint efforts of The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur bring together The Princeton Review's renowned expertise in research and education with Entrepreneur’s in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs today.
The results of the survey, along with the analysis, appear in the October issue of Entrepreneur, which hits newsstands on September 23rd. Additional information on each school can be found at www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges.
September 28, 2008
Joe Johnson Benefit Concert
Joe Johnson will be performing to benefit the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville on October 17, 2008 at 7 p.m . The ticketed event ($25) will be at Martha Rivers Ingram Center for the Performing Arts at Vanderbilt University - Blair School of Music. Belmont faculty and students will receive a discounted ticket for $15.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.unitedwaynashville.org/jazz. All tickets purchased by Monday, October 13 will be mailed to the attendee prior to the concert; tickets purchased after that date will be available for pickup at the ticket window that evening. Tickets will be available after Wednesday, October 15, and at the door for a rate of $30/regular admission.
September 03, 2008
Massey Networking Through linkedin.com
Are you already a member of the LinkedIn on-line networking community through Linkedin.com? If not, it's definitely something you should consider as a tool for continuing to build your group of professional contacts. For those who are already members, however, there is now a specific on-line networking community for those who either attended or are attending The Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business.
Once you are logged into the LinkedIn site, simply do a quick search for "Belmont University Massey Graduate School of Business." We are managing this group site to assure that only those individuals who have attended Massey in the past, are currently attending, or have been a Massey faculty or staff member are being allowed to join. As a result, you will need to request permission to join (which usually takes 1-3 days to confirm). We hope to see you in the group in the very near future and are adding new group members daily.
Massey Launches Lean Healthcare Certificate Program
The Massey School is partnering with Healthcare Performance Partners (HPP), and The Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI) to deliver a Lean Healthcare Certificate Program. This Certificate Program is designed for leaders who desire to understand the tools and knowledge necessary to drive Lean Healthcare throughout their entire organization. The program will be taught in Belmont University's state-of-the-art Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing.
This intense one-week Lean Healthcare Certificate Program will give participants a hands-on, learn-by-doing experience applying Lean Philosophies and Tools in a healthcare environment. The training, exercise and simulations build the foundation throughout the week for the participants to apply them in a Mini-Kaizen Event Lab Exercise and develop a roadmap for their organization. This life-like healthcare experience using real healthcare examples is taught and facilitated by Lean Practitioners, Leaders and Coaches each with multiple years of successfully applying Lean in healthcare organizations.
For more information on the lean healthcare program, go to: http://www.buleancourse.com/
2008 Course Dates:
November 10-14
2009 Course Dates:
February 23-27
May 4-8
September (dates TBA)
December (dates TBA)
June 30, 2008
Massey School Celebrates Achievements
You may have seen the ads running in the Tennessean recently. If you missed it, we have it here for you.
March 31, 2008
Massey to Host Presentation on International Business
On Thursday, May 8, 2008, the Jack C. Massey Graduate School at Belmont University will be hosting a presentation entitled “Global Trends and Cultural Practices That Will Impact Your Business.” The presentation is offered in conjunction with the Society of International Business Fellows and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Clark Plexico, president of International Strategies, Inc., will be the speaker. Mr. Plexico’s bio is attached below. The event will begin with a continental breakfast at 7:15 am followed by the program from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Alumni and current students are welcome to attend. Register by visiting http://www.sitemason.com/form/hgIyS4.
Bio
Clark Plexico is President of International Strategies, Inc. located in Raleigh, North Carolina. International Strategies, Inc. conducts seminars and coaching in international business protocol and cross cultural competency for corporations, NGO’s, and government agencies preparing them for international business ventures, trade missions and to develop and maintain effective and efficient multinational teams. In addition, Clark Plexico works with educators throughout the United States helping them to internationalize education as a way of preparing the next generation of leaders for success in the 21st century global workplace.
Mr. Plexico brings a diverse professional background to his work with clients, having experience as an international entrepreneur, elected official and corporate executive. He is a former North Carolina State Senator who was elected to four terms before becoming the state president for law and government affairs for AT&T. Before being elected to public office, Mr. Plexico was the owner of an international real estate company located in London, Tehran and Hong Kong and lived and worked abroad for over a decade.
In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Plexico earned his M.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California, is a graduate of the School of Arabic at Middlebury College, and is trained and certified as a corporate and international business protocol consultant by the Protocol School of Washington and in cross cultural competency by both Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in the United States and Richard Lewis Communications in the United Kingdom.
Highly involved in the life of North Carolina and serving on many boards, Mr. Plexico is also a member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), the Southern Center of International Studies, and the Society of International Business Fellows. He has served as a facilitator for the Central Eurasia Leadership Academy (CELA) for six years, having been involved since its inception.
Massey Supports Habitat for Humanity
A combined group of Belmont/ Massey faculty, students and alumni spent Saturday, March 29th on a build project sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. Coordinated by the Massey Graduate Council President Aaron Murdock, the project represented an opportunity to partner with other volunteers from Caterpillar Financial in a joint effort to complete a home for a very deserving single mom and her two kids. As one volunteer said, “Though we had to fight the cold and rain, we all stuck with it (pun intended),” a reference no doubt to the 5-10 pound boots that many volunteers were wearing by the end of the day based on the accumulation of sticky mud on their feet.
Workers spent much of the day putting up siding on the outside of the house, as well as installing insulation and cabinet bracing on the inside of the home. Other volunteers from various Nashville organizations were also working in the same area on at least 10 other homes at the same time. Overall, the day was a huge success, with volunteers indicating they would definitely want to be included in future build opportunities. This could well be the start of a new tradition, with plans currently on the table for repeating this experience next year.
February 26, 2008
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunity
Massey students and alumni have the opportunity to volunteer and work side-by-side with staff from Caterpillar Financial on Saturday March 29, 2008 to support Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers will be working alongside the new homeowner in the Timberwoods subdivision. The day will begin around 7:00 am and end around 3:30 pm, and volunteers must commit to the entire day. Rookies are welcome. You do not have to know anything about construction to volunteer. If you have thought over the years about working on a Habitat for Humanity build, this is your perfect one-day opportunity!
For more information or to sign up, email Massey Graduate Council President Aaron Murdock at murdocka@pop.belmont.edu.
The work to be completed includes:
WEEKEND TWO LADDER WORK / HAMMERING
12-15 volunteers work at ground level, 7-9 on ladders w/ siding high on the house and 5-6 semi-skilled to do outside carpentry, fascia, & bird boxes. TIP: Bring your own gloves.
DAY 3 – Saturday
Clean house
Install siding – start at back of house
Caulk top & bottom plates and panel joints
Install insulation
Install baffle boards, Deadwood
Install soffit (Ext)
Install blocking for drywall, cabinets, shelving
Clean up site
Information on the Habitat Partner Family you will be working with is below.
JoAnnette Mason
JoAnnette grew up in a family of thirteen children and has lived in many cities throughout the United States. Her parents were travelling ministers, so she has had the opportunity to meet many people and see many places. She says that growing up in the church helped her family to be very loving and caring towards others She is a single mother of 3 boys; Jermaine (13), Donte’a (10), and JonQueal (6). Jermaine loves to play sports, play drums, and sing in the youth choir at church. Donte’a loves fishing, zoo animals, and playing outdoors. JonQueal loves playing sports, going to movies, and creating art. Most importantly, they love taking care of their mother by keeping her spirits up and praying together every night.
JoAnnette says her boys are her motivation for moving into a better neighborhood, where they will benefit from friendly neighbors and better schools. She currently works full-time at Imperial Manor Convalescent Center as a Certified Nurse Technician. She has worked part-time (2 weekends a month) at NHC Healthcare since November 2000. She also volunteers as the church nurse where her father is the minister.
When asked what she would like to say to her sponsor, she says that she first wants them to know that she is thanking God for them. She loves and appreciates their generosity of both time and money, and for caring enough to help her family. This dream come true would not be possible without them!
After her house is built, JoAnnette plans to go back to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has also set a goal plan for sending her boys to college. She is happy that her boys will come away from this opportunity with a new understanding of the importance of faith and determination. She says, “Faith has brought me here. Faith kept me focused on my goal of having a home for my boys and providing them a good life. I want them to know that they can become homeowners too, with faith and hard work.”
January 09, 2008
Belmont Launches "Strictly Business" Blog
"Strictly Business" is new blog intended to encourage dialogue between Belmont University and the business community and provide a forum for discussing ideas, experiences and emerging trends. Postings will be made by a variety of members of the University community, including business faculty, alumni, community leaders, and graduate students and will cover a wide range of business topics. 
Launched only a few weeks ago, Strictly Business is already beginning to grow in audience and will soon reach its 1,000 visitor to the site. Over 20 College of Business Administration faculty have agreed to serve as regular contributors to the site, and individuals such as former Tractor Supply CEO Joe Scarlett are participating in this initiative as well.
Students and alumni are invited to add to the discussion by posting comments and sharing their own experiences and opinions. Check it out at http://forum.belmont.edu/business/
Massey Students Elect New Graduate Council
On behalf of all of the students at the Massey School, we would like to thank the outgoing members of the Graduate Council for their service and welcome the newly elected members. The Massey Graduate Council helps grow the value of the MBA and MACC degrees by representing the student body needs to the faculty and school's administration.
The New Graduate Council includes (L to R):
Gerald Levert (Alumni Chair), Eve Martin (Vice President), Allecia Morrone (Social Chair), Kristen Comstock (Secretary), Aaron Murdock (President) and Richard Bess (Technology Chair).
The first Graduate Council meeting of the semester will be held on Wednesday, January 16 at 5:30 pm in MC 104. All Massey graduate students are welcome to attend.
Recognize a Distinguished Massey Graduate
Nominations are now being accepted for the second 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 2008 Award Recipient will be recognized at a special alumni banquet later this spring.
The inaugural award winner in 2007 was Dr. Richard Treadway, a 1999 MBA graduate of The Massey School. Dr. Treadway is a businessman and physician who specializes in the treatment of psychiatric patients and in the management of healthcare systems. His lengthy career includes positions with the National Institute of Mental Health (Washington, D.C.), Johns Hopkins University, IBM, Vanderbilt University, and HCA, Inc. He has also served in key advisory roles in both state and national government, including an appointment as Commissioner of Mental Health for the state of Tennessee and an appointment to the National Advisory Mental Council by President Richard Nixon. Dr. Treadway is the founder of Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., which operates psychiatric hospitals across the country, and Medical Properties of America, a medical real estate corporation. Treadway earned his B.A. and M.D. degrees from Vanderbilt University and completed his medical residency at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He later pursued post graduate study in public mental health from the Washington School of Psychiatry.
November 01, 2007
Massey School Annual Fund Update
The Massey School is again soliciting alumni and friend participation for the Annual Fund. Our alumni participation rate (which is a critical factor for external ranking purposes), has grown in each of the past four years and reached an all-time high of 26% this past year. We are hopeful that even more alums will consider making at least a small gift to support this work for the coming year. Donations can be made through our secure website.
Recently, Dean Raines welcomed many alums back to the newly refurbished 3rd floor study area, which was beautifully redecorated with funds raised by alums through the annual fund solicitation. Attendees were also introduced to the new graduate faculty who joined the program this fall.
Nearly 200 alums participated in helping make this upgrade in The Massey School possible, but there is one group who were special in their giving. The following alums made a gift every single year of the past four years toward this project ,and we would like to express an extra measure of appreciation to them at this time. Thank you to each of you who contributed to this tremendous project and in allowing Massey to house a study area with the look and feel of a modern business school.
Steve Galloway, MBA 2000
Cindy Warner, MACC 2004
Raven Teeples, MACC 2005
Butch Eley, MBA 1993
Sandra Rogers, MBA 1995
Drew Covington, MACC 2003
Carol Portis, MBA 1998
Sally McKay, MBA 1990
Carrie Hininger, MACC 1999
Damon Hininger, MBA 2000
Cindy Painter, MBA 1993
Benjamin Dishman, MBA 1990
Jennie Bowman, MBA 1992
Karen Kressenberg, MBA 2004
Christopher Chamberlain, MACC 2002
Robert Lowe, MBA 1997
Jose Gonzalez, MBA 2001
Claudetta McMurtry, MBA 1998
Katie-Faith Stone, MACC 2003
Please consider making a gift to The Massey School online.
October 31, 2007
Belmont Finance Society to Feature Hays Advisory Group Exec
Don Hays, President of the Hays Advisory Group, will present a market outlook for 2008 on November 26 at 5:00 pm in the Massey Boardroom. All students and alumni are invited to attend.
A block of tickets has also been reserved for Finance Alumni to attend the BU vs. MTSU basketball game after the speaker. Call the box office at 615.460.8500 and let them know you are with Finance Alumni. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students age 7 through college with ID and complimentary for children 6 and younger.
Don R. Hays Brief Bio
Former Chief Market Strategist for J.C. Bradford & Company, Don became well known as co-editor of the company subscription based market letter in the 1970’s. He is widely recognized as one of the first strategists in the country to suggest that August 1982 was going to be the beginning of one of the strongest bull markets in history.
His skill at market strategy and the report he helped to edit was read all over the country and served as a catalyst for his move to Wheat First Securities in Richmond, Virginia as their Director of Investment Strategy in 1984. During his time at Wheat First, Don became a widely quoted strategist for the firm. While there, he introduced his Asset allocation model which had the highest performance of all the ten largest firms included in the Wall Street Journal’s quarterly publication. He appeared on Louis Rukeyser’s Wall Street Week, and was quoted regularly by all the major financial journals. He was featured by Investor’s Business Daily as one of the most accurate of the market strategists, and one of the very few who accurately predicted the bull market of the ‘90’s.
In 1999, Don made the move back to Nashville and started his new company, Hays Advisory Group, as well as his new market letter and money management firm, where he manages over $1 billion in assets. Don also provides exclusive investment strategy for Wachovia Securities as their consultant and can often be seen as a guest on CNBC. In Don’s own words, this is the most exciting time in his life, with the new super bull-market in its gestation phase, and this opportunity with his experience to tell the message.
October 01, 2007
AACSB Accounting Accreditation
This month, the Massey e-Leader is pleased to feature a briefing by Deloitte & Touche Professor of Accounting, Dr. Jane Finley, on Belmont’s distinct AACSB International accredited status in accounting.
Why should a Belmont graduate care that Belmont maintains accounting accreditation? Belmont’s accounting program is now widely recognized in the Middle Tennessee market as one that produces high quality graduates. Its accounting graduates are highly sought by both accounting firms and business organizations. However, if an alum subsequently decides to move across the country to Denver, Colorado, or even internationally to London, England, the Belmont or Massey names may or may not be known. However, having an accounting degree from an AACSB-accredited accounting program immediately communicates to a business that a graduate’s degree is of the highest quality.
In 1980, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recognized accounting as a unique business discipline by extending its standards for business accreditation to U.S. accounting programs in higher education. In recognition of the accounting profession’s unique position as the only business discipline with specific certification and licensure requirements, AACSB worked with representatives of leading professional and academic organizations, major accounting firms and other leaders in the profession to create accreditation standards and processes that address the principles, practices, and ethical standards exclusive to accounting. The first accounting programs to be granted AACSB accreditation were recognized in 1982. As of September 2007, AACSB International is now a global accrediting body, and yet only 167 Universities world-wide have achieved accounting accreditation, and in 2002, Belmont became the only private university in Tennessee to ever reach this achievement.
AACSB International accounting accreditation represents the highest standard of program quality worldwide. It confirms an accounting program’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement through rigorous self evaluation and comprehensive peer review processes. Additionally, AACSB accredited accounting programs commit to a continuous process of review and feedback that insures the programs remain on the cutting edge of accounting education. By achieving AACSB accounting accreditation, an institution assures students, faculty and employers that its accounting program:
• Manages its resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission;
• Is committed to advancing knowledge in the accounting discipline through faculty scholarship;
• Provides relevant curricula that recognize the vital role accountants play in society by providing and ensuring the integrity of financial and other information;
• Deploys a qualified faculty with accounting and academic credentials, certifications, and relevant professional experience to support high-caliber teaching;
• Reflects the knowledge and practices relevant to the accounting profession through professional interaction and experience;
• Ensures that students achieve specific learning goals and are ready to meet current global, regulatory, and technological requirements of the accounting profession; and
• Produces graduates whose success is evident in their quick placement and career advancement.
Having an accounting degree from an AACSB-accredited accounting program immediately communicates to a business that a graduate’s degree is of the highest quality. 
In addition to obvious job destinations in middle Tennessee, recent Belmont accounting grads have also been placed in Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle, Cincinnati, Miami, Dallas, New York City, and Atlanta, to name but a few metropolitan markets. For more information on AACSB accounting accreditation, go to: www.aacsb.edu
September 30, 2007
Massey Info Session
Do you have a friend or colleague that is interested in the MBA or MACC program? Let them know that the Massey School will be holding an information session for prospective students on October 11. Visit http://www.belmont.edu/business/graduatebusiness/visit_us/index.html for more information.
September 29, 2007
2008 Market Outlook Offered by Hays Advisory
On Monday, November 26 Don Hays from Hays Advisory will offer a 2008 market outlook report. The event will begin at 5:00 pm in the Massey Boardroom and all alumni and current students are invited to attend. For more information, please visit http://www.haysadvisory.com/index.cfm/MenuItemID/298.htm
September 01, 2007
Farewell to Cost/Price
The final MGT 6600, Product/Service Cost/Price Management, class was held during the summer semester. As part of the course experience, students visited Pal's Sudden Service in Kingsport, TN. Pal's is the only food service company to ever win the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.
Following a presentation and question and answer period with company CEO Thom Crosby, students were given a tour of a Pal's location during the peak of the lunch hour rush, where they were able to see the principles of quality employed by the firm in action. "What really stood out for me was the way they define their business," said Chris Gray. "Pal's see's themselves first as a manufacturing firm, second as an educational institute and finally as a food service company." Pal's aligns the time and effort expended by managers along these three lines, keeping managers involved on the front lines, mentoring staff and staying in contact with customers. The reward systems of the firm are also closely aligned with these perspectives, which keeps the strategic focus of the company clear and relevant to each manager and employee.
The visit to Kingsport highlighted and reaffirmed many of the themes of the course and allowed students to see first hand how a company in any industry can operate at a high level and with an imperative for quality.
The group also visited the John Deere manufacturing facility in Greeneville, TN in the afternoon. The plant produces walk behind mowers and lawn tractors. The Greenville operation was recognized in early 2006 as a finalist for the Shingo Prize for manufacturing excellence, as well as being a recipient of a Tennessee Quality Award.
The Massey School Offices Have Moved
As part of the ongoing reorganization of office space in Barbara Massey Hall, the graduate school offices have been relocated to BMH 447. Melissa Mitchell, Tonya Hollin and Joe Alexander are now located in the same office suite. Phone numbers remain the same.
July 03, 2007
Massey School Welcomes New Associate Dean
Dr. Joe Alexander arrived July 1 to take on the position of associate dean and senior professor of performance excellence of the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business. Alexander comes to Belmont from the University of Northern Colorado where he has served as dean of the Monfort College of Business since 2002.
Under Alexander, UNC’s business school won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2004, the only business school to earn that honor. The Baldrige Award is given annually to businesses, educational institutions and health care organizations judged to be outstanding in seven key areas, including leadership and strategic planning. Dr. Alexander is currently the chair-elect for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Foundation.
"Dr. Joe Alexander is a national leader in the field of performance excellence and academic management," Pat Raines, dean of the College of Business Administration, said. "His passion for improving organizational efficiency will enhance the graduate programs that we offer at Belmont and add value to the service we provide to the Nashville business community. The prospect of Joe joining our community has everyone associated with The Massey Graduate School excited about the future."
Dr. Alexander’s philosophy of service is, "...to serve where needed and to do so in a manner that is above and beyond stakeholder expectations." The Massey School welcomes him to Nashville and looks forward to serving along with him.
Graduate School Offices have Moved
As part of an ongoing reorganization of office space in Barbara Massey Hall, the Graduate office has been relocated to BMH 447 (formerly the Curb College of Music Business Offices). Dr. Alexander and Tonya Hollin can be found in the new office. The Career Development Center has moved to MC 415 (the former Graduate School Office).
April 28, 2007
5th Annual Kaylen Foundation Golf Tournament
The Kaylen Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families enduring an illness resulting in an extended hospital stay by providing financial and emotional assistance through fund-raising.
The Kaylen Foundation is signing up golfers to participate in the 5th Annual Kaylen Foundation Golf Tournament on Monday, May 21st at the Governor’s Club in Brentwood, Tennessee. Check-in for the tournament will be at 11:30 am with lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse. Tee off will be at 12:30pm. Entry fee is $175 per person/$650 per foursome and includes green fees, cart, driving range balls, beverages, lunch, dinner, and awards ceremony. Hole in one sponsored by Andrews Cadillac and Bayou Buggies.
The awards ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm with a guest speaker and our host Jennifer Kraus, Kaylen Foundation Board Member and News Channel 5 Anchor. Teams are asked to register by May 14th. All of the proceeds will benefit the children and families in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. To register or for more information, visit www.kaylenfoundation.org or contact Carisa M. Burr at 615-791-9583.
April 21, 2007
Massey Students Visit Caterpillar in Aurora, IL
On March 12th, the spring MGT 6600 Cost/Price class flew to Chicago to visit the Caterpillar Plant in Aurora, Illinois. The class observed the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of Caterpillar’s innovative Wheel Loaders and Hydraulic Excavators. With revenues of $41.5 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines.
The Aurora plant is situated on 370 acres and employs approximately 3000 employees. The facility features 45 robotic welders, monorail material movement, self-guided vehicles and Caterpillar built solar gas turbines, which provide electricity allowing the plant to be self-sufficient.
The class had the opportunity to speak with Caterpillar’s management and staff regarding the use of Six Sigma disciplines enabling the company to leverage their entire value chain to achieve growth, cost reduction, and continuous quality improvement. During the guided tour, students were able to observe several of Caterpillar’s cost of quality measures such as the examination of the welds through ultrasound, the loyalty of the work force, and the steel cutting automation process.
The Massey School of Business is grateful for the opportunity to visit a world class operation and appreciates the hospitality and willingness of Caterpillar to provide the class with an excellent practical learning opportunity.
February 01, 2007
Massey Graduate School Annual Fund
The Massey Graduate School Annual Fund is being headed by Reggie Ramsey ‘03, Chair of the Massey Alumni Board’s Development Committee. The board is stressing the need for increased participation among alums to help raise the percentage of alumni giving.
Please think hard about helping out with even a small gift when you receive your next solicitation letter. It’s something the alums can do to help Massey by increasing the percentage of giving alums. Please email your former classmates if you don’t see their names on this list and ask them to support this cause.
A special thank you to all the alumni who have participated in the Massey Annual Fund to date:
| Karen Story '88 | David Sopko '99 | Katie-Faith Stone '03 |
| Marilyn Hayes '89 | Richard Treadway '99 | Elizabeth Adams '04 |
| Benjamin Dishman '90 | Abilgail Caputo '00 | John Clemence '04 |
| Jeffrey Jordan, MD '90 | Philippe Cayanni '00 | Joseph Flynn '04 |
| Sally McKay '90 | Steve Galloway '00 | Jim Greene, Jr. '04 |
| Bettye Daugherty '91 | Tesha Garcia-Taylor '00 | Karen Kressenberg '04 |
| Lucy Garrabrants '91 | Christy Hooper '00 | Londa Morgan '04 |
| Robert Matthews '91 | Bryan Martin '00 | Amanda Patterson '04 |
| Jennie Bowman '92 | David Roberts '00 | Cindy Warner '04 |
| Andrew Clark '92 | Daniel Solarz '00 | Kyle White '04 |
| David Fleming '92 | Katherine Beakes '01 | Emily Clifford '05 |
| James Knight '92 | Barry Boster '01 | Michael Dillon '05 |
| Butch Eley, Jr. '93 | John Lavey '01 | Latonya Gist '05 |
| Leslie Homra '93 | Robert Riggar '01 | Ron Jannetta '05 |
| Cindy Painter '93 | Matthew Wilson '01 | David Power '05 |
| Don Weathers '93 | Jose Gonzalez '01 | Dan Soukup '05 |
| Jackie Henson '94 | John Anthony '02 | Raven Teeples '05 |
| Cynthia Moynihan '94 | Carrie Campbell '02 | Lori Wilson '05 |
| James Dugger, Jr. '95 | Louie Caputo '02 | Donita Brown '06 |
| Donna Gilley '95 | Christopher Chamberlain '02 | Gregg Colson '06 |
| Carol Eck '96 | Mitsi Howard '02 | Kristin Diamond '06 |
| Wendy Ferguson '96 | Teresa Kuharsky '02 | Quentin Fussell '06 |
| Wesley Allen '97 | Glenn Mizell '02 | Terry Johnson '06 |
| Keith Gothard '97 | Jason Truss '02 | Andy Jones '06 |
| Robert Lowe '97 | Drew Covington '03 | Charlotte Overturf '06 |
| Wendy Brandon '98 | Thomas Favreau '03 | Michelle Sabados '06 |
| Claudetta McMurtry '98 | Cate Loes '03 | AnnaBeth Valentine '06 |
| Daniel Parker '98 | Steve Mason '03 |
Bryan Webb '06 |
| Carol Portis '98 | Rajman Pater '03 | |
| Nicole Roberts '98 | Krista Ramsey '03 | |
| Tony Colombo '99 | Reginald Ramsey, Jr. '03 |
November 16, 2006
Massey Working with Junior Achievement Program
The Massey School is working with Junior Achievement (JA) to help them find volunteers to work with their revival of the Company program. If you participated in JA during your high school years, you may already be familiar with the Company Program. If not, here is an overview:
JA Company Program will meet the after-school programming needs of a diverse group of students by providing engaging, academically challenging learning sessions in economic education.
Through a variety of hands-on activities and technological supplements designed to support different learning styles, students develop a better understanding of the relationship between what they learn at school and their successful participation in a worldwide economy.
Key concepts presented include:
• Company Structure
• Capitalization
• Marketing
• Operations
• Sales
• Liquidation
Junior Achievement will supply training and support to volunteers as needed as well as all the materials required to run the program. A Company Expo will be held in the spring to showcase the products, business plans and knowledge developed during the program. Cash stipends will be awarded to the winning company as well as to the company’s sponsor.
Volunteers are needed to help run the companies. A minimum if two adults must be present at all meetings; however a group of 4-6 volunteers could share the responsibility. There are 12 meetings required taking 90-120 minutes each. There are several high schools that have already committed to have teams and they have one adult sponsor already on board so they just need a second adult volunteer.
The Massey School is gathering names of interested volunteers and putting together teams. If you or a group from your company would be interested in working with the Massey School and JA in the project, email Lori LeBleu at lebleul@mail.belmont.edu
Training sessions are planned for January and the companies will start no later than the beginning of February. Here are the training dates (all are set up for 1.5 hours, however they may only take 1 hour).
Thursday January 4 8:00-9:30 am
Wednesday January 10 4:00-5:30 pm
Tuesday January 16 4:00-5:30 pm
Friday January 26 8:00-9:30 am
Our economic future depends on future entrepreneurs being successful! We hope you will be a part of this success! For more information contact Kim Wormann at the Junior Achievement office at 615-627-1185 or visit the following website www.janash.com
October 03, 2006
Dr. Jane Finley named Deloitte & Touche Professor in Accounting
Belmont University’s College of Business Administration and Deloitte & Touche USA LLP are proud to announce that Dr. Jane B. Finley has been honored with the title of Deloitte & Touche Professor in Accounting.
Dr. Jane B. Finley, currently an Associate Professor of Accounting and the Coordinator of Accounting Programs, has been named the inaugural holder of this honor. Dr. Finley is an exceptional business educator, who continually remains active by recruiting and promoting the accounting profession with students and the local professional business community. As the holder of this title, she will continue to raise the awareness of the accounting profession in the community and among the business community.
The celebration reception and installation honoring, Dr. Jane Finley, was held on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. in Neely Hall. Many prominent Deloitte & Touche professionals as well as Belmont University’s Alumni were present for this remarkable accomplishment. We are proud of Dr. Jane Finley for her many successes and contributions to Belmont University.
July 25, 2006
Massey Students Visit Wal-Mart Distribution Center
On July 10, three Massey graduate classes had the privilege of touring the Wal-Mart distribution center in Shelbyville, TN. Upon arrival the students were given a presentation outlining the trendsetting methods Wal-Mart uses to house and distribute its inventory to each store across the United States. The presenters were Michael Cook, Dan Scango, Charles Housch, and Bill Dyer. In addition to an overview of the distribution process, the presenters also outlined some growth areas for Wal-Mart and how the company is positioning its distribution channels to meet those needs.
After the presentation, students were given a tour of the facilities. The Shelbyville distribution center’s primary inventory is composed of perishable food items. It has different temperature zones to house all the various foods that can be found in the grocery section of a Wal-Mart. Most students would agree that the tour through the ice cream freezer (which remains at a constant minus 20° Fahrenheit) was the most educational and intense part of the experience, especially for those with short sleeves. Upon thawing, the students said their goodbyes and boarded the bus for the trip back to Nashville. The trip to Wal-Mart was a valuable learning experience as students were able to see many of their classroom lessons being used in practice.
July 23, 2006
Massey School Director, Dr. Ian Stewart, retires home to England
Dr. Ian Stewart retired from The Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business on July 11th. While at Belmont, Dr. Stewart increased recruitment and marketing of the Massey program, expanding its breadth and reputation within the Middle Tennessee business community.
Dr. Stewart began his career in academia at the University of Richmond where he taught international management, marketing management, marketing strategy, and strategic management at the graduate level, along with several undergraduate courses. Dr. Stewart also was the associate dean of the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond.
Dr. Stewart's career and education was truly global. Before entering academia, Dr. Stewart spent many years working in several companies where he held a variety of management positions, including terms as chief executive at a number of pharmaceutical companies. For fourteen years, he served at A.H. Robins Co., Inc. During that time, he served as managing director of U.K./Irish operations and European Consumer Products, vice president of International Operations and Divisional Finance for the Medical Instruments Division, and financial controller for the Africa and Middle East Division. Dr. Stewart currently serves as chairman of Europlan, Inc., a consulting company that provides services for a number of industries in the areas of strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and cost control.
Dr. Stewart holds an M.B.A. from the University of Richmond. He is a native of the United Kingdom. He and his wife Mandy have two daughters and a son and will be splitting time between Portugal and the United Kingdom.
July 21, 2006
A Special Love Story
Many of you know Abby (nee Hardee) and Louie Caputo. Abby and Louie met during their days in the MACC and MBA programs. Upon graduation, Abby joined Arthur Andersen, and Louie was at HCA. Louie was accepted into HCA’s COO program in 2005, but had to relocate to Florida, and he certainly did not intend to leave Abby in Nashville. In July 2005, Abby and Louie were married in a lovely wedding at the downtown Presbyterian Church and headed for their new home in Kissimmee, Florida.
However, the love story is merely beginning. I received an email from the Caputos in May, 2006 with some very exciting news! Abby and Louie were adopting! But it gets better. Abby and Louie are adopting two beautiful children from Guatemala—a little girl, Catalina who is almost 3, and her baby brother Gus, who was born in April. Abby and Louie have a blog: dearahc.blogspot.com which provides such a touching detail of their experiences—detailing all the many, many steps that must be completed for an international adoption to their first visit to meet the children. I encourage you to visit their web site just to share in this very beautiful story. You cannot read this blog and not feel the love. Hopefully Abby and Louie will have Cati and Gus with them very soon and hopefully they will visit Nashville for a Massey reunion so that we all may have the pleasure of meeting the latest additions to the Caputo family.
Jane Finley
Accounting Program Coordinator
May 04, 2006
New Massey Graduate Council
Congratulations to the newly-elected Fall 2006 Massey Graduate Council!
President: Jeff Johnson
President Elect: Sean Bellinger
Secretary: Brad Meyers
Social Chair: Heather Vessey
Technology Relations Chair: Gregg Colson
Alumni Relations Chair: James Ellis
March 26, 2006
Cost-Price Class Visits Fed Ex Headquarters,
On February 28th the Cost-Price class had the rare opportunity of visiting FedEx’s headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Mona Collett, former Director of Communications at Belmont, now works at FedEx and was able once again to get Massey students uncommon access. The trip began with a tour of FX TV, FedEx’s own television station. FedEx uses FX TV to increase communication throughout the organization. The visit continued with a presentation about FedEx given by Ms. Collett. After dining on ribs at the Rendezvous, the trip culminated in a trip to the Hub, which reaches its peak level of activity around midnight.
The first stop was the Command Center, where planes are routed domestically and internationally to ensure that packages arrive at the correct time. Additionally, students learned about the lengths FedEx employs to provide consistent overnight service. These range from extra “sweeper” planes to pick up last minute packages to extensive contingency plans for unexpected situations. In fact, it was one of these contingency plans that allowed FedEx to keep doing business after 9/11. While no one could have predicted that type of situation, FedEx did have a plan for a pilot strike that would ground all aircraft. FedEx was able to adapt that plan to continue operations.
The last stop on the tour was to the Memphis Hub, where more 1.5 million packages are sorted each night from more than 200 aircraft. Planes are lined up 15 deep in the night sky waiting to land and are unloaded in an unbelievable 20 minutes. The packages are sorted, packed in to containers, and reloaded at a furious pace. The Cost-Price class was able to see many of the course lessons at work in the daily operations at FedEx.
March 20, 2006
Salary and Demand Are Up For MBA Graduates
The following article information was published in the March 2006 Careers & Education section of The Tennessean.
• Hiring for 2006 is expected to be at its highest level since before the dot-com bust of 2001, according to college career counselors and corporate recruiters.
• Nationally, one recruiting firm predicts this year’s crop of MBA candidates will earn $106,587 in average base pay and signing bonuses, up 7% from a year earlier. Steve Pollock, president of WetFeet, Inc., a California-based national recruiting and consulting firm, keeps tabs on job and national recruiting trends. WetFeet works with some of the country’s biggest companies including Procter & Gamble and UBS.
• Increased demand for MBAs creates trickle-down effect. “As employers aren’t able to fill their employment schedules, their recruiting expands to include other people,” Pollock said. Sometimes the demand is so great that the number of recruiters exceeds the number of graduates with the precious MBA.
• From the employer’s standpoint an MBA suggests the ability to anticipate market changes and think strategically. Pollock said job candidates with an MBA generally have ambition and drive, and often they have prior experience in the workaday world. “They bring with them work experience and also they are fresh with ideas and energy and help companies address new markets,” said Pollock.
February 20, 2006
News from the Massey Graduate Council
Massey Graduate Council Meeting Dates
Please join us at our upcoming meetings:
• March 16th
• April 13th
Meetings are held on the third floor at 5:30 pm. All Massey graduate students are welcome.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the end of semester celebration. It is only three weeks away on March 23rd, after class. Be looking for an e-mail with location details and directions. Hope to see you there.
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 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 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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December 08, 2005
Former Professor of Management will be greatly missed
Dr. Jay Sellick, a former professor of management at Belmont, passed away November 12th. He was a “consummate business practitioner and academic,” an enormously influential figure within the College of Business Administration, and will be greatly missed. The following is from Dr. Sellick’s obituary and a eulogy delivered by Dr. Robert Lambert.
Dr. Sellick was born November 12, 1926. He died at Saint Thomas Hospital after heart surgery the 10th day of November. He attended both UT and Vanderbilt University. He was employed as an engineer with the Avco Corporation in the '60's and later as Vice-President of Operations for the Anderson Hickey Company and Royal Chef Kitchen Appliances. He was a founder and partner in the Link Electric and Safety Control Company of Nashville. Along with his business and professional engineering interests, he served over twenty years as a Professor of Management at Belmont University in the School of Business. He retired after twenty years as College of Business Professor Emeritus of Management of Belmont College.
For many years, the College of Business offered a concentration in management. During those early years, Dr. Sellick was a one-man department. He taught literally every management course that was offered by the COBA. Dr. Sellick was the bed rock of the College of Business.
One of the courses that he was most proud of and loved to teach was the Business Strategy class. Dr. Sellick took a course that previously had been given superficial coverage and developed it into a course that taught students critical thinking skills, problem solving techniques, and how to make professional presentations in a business environment.
Because of his contributions to the College of Business and the management area, it was decided in 2001 to formally honor Dr. Sellick by naming the outstanding management student of the year award “The Jay P. Sellick Outstanding Management Achievement Award.” This is the highest award given annually to a senior management major.
Dr. Jay Sellick was the real deal. He was the consummate business practitioner and academic. He was hugely successful in business and won numerous teaching awards, including the Chaney Distinguished Teaching Award which is the highest award given by the university for excellent teaching. Dr. Sellick was also nominated as a recipient of the Peabody Round Table Award given by Vanderbilt University in recognition of outstanding contributions to Collegiate Education.
A fund titled Jay P Sellick Award Fund has been established in his honor which is open to alumni for contributions. This fund will allow a monetary gift to the Sellick award winner each year in the Belmont undergraduate School of Business. Alumni may donate by sending gifts to The Massey School marked for the Sellick Award Fund.
December 02, 2005
New electives for Spring and Summer 2006 semesters
Electives that will be piloted for the Spring and Summer 2006 semesters are listed here with descriptions. You may register for the spring courses now. Click below to read the list in its entirety.
SPRING 2006
LEADING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS – taught by Dr. John Maslyn
Prerequisite: Leadership and Ethics
Leadership today comes in many forms. From traditional authority vested in hierarchy, to charisma and inspiration; from the recent demands that leaders lead teams, to the call for the development of leadership qualities in all employees and the practice of shared leadership. The topic, study, and relevance of leadership have never been greater. This is especially true in business since facets of leadership touch nearly every corner of our organizations. Clearly, taking steps to understand the complexity and practice of leadership and improving one’s own leadership can benefit our students and their organizations. This course builds upon the foundation laid in MGT 6700, Leadership and Ethics, by increasing the depth and breadth of the study of leadership as practiced today. This includes an expanded understanding of leadership as an influence process set in roles and relationships in a specific context, of oneself as a leader, as a source for change, and in the development of others. The underlying focus will be an aim toward what our students need: effective leadership for the 21st century linking practical approaches that can be applied both now and in the future.
OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT – taught by Dr. Mark Schenkel
Prerequisite: Entrepreneurial Challenge
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the process for identifying and evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities. Students will also learn how strategy, marketing, financing, legal matters, and cash flow impact opportunities in terms of execution and growth and how to position a new venture for success. The course will encourage students to reflect on their own entrepreneurial potential and to evaluate entrepreneurship as a potential career path. Even those who do not feel that they are entrepreneurs will benefit by discovering how to function more effectively in entrepreneur-led organizations. Furthermore, those responsible for technical innovation, and business development within existing organizations should find this course helpful.
SUMMER 2006
BUSINESS DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS – taught by Dr. Gary Garrison
This course will provide students with a greater understanding of data management and analysis, organizational systems, work-flow processes, and user requirements that will translate into skills that are vital for individuals looking to better manage organizational assets and maximize shareholder wealth.
STRATEGIC MARKETING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Prerequisite: Recording Industry Overview
A study of the methods used to market recorded music and movement of the recorded product from the label to the ultimate consumer. Topics include the changing business environment, market structure, distribution patterns, promotional strategies, charts, airplay, and pricing.
ADVANCED NEGOTIATION AND DEALMAKING – taught by Dr. Susan Williams
Prerequisite: Decision Making and Negotiation
This course is an advanced elective course in negotiation and dispute resolution, focusing on the complex modern social and business problems. In most instances, the course will address multi-party, multi-issue business dealmaking.
INFORMATION SECURITY FOR MANAGERS
In today's business world, protecting sensitive business information is a corporate responsibility. Recent legislation and regulations in the U.S. now mandate that personal and customer information be kept private, and companies and corporate executives are held accountable for the protection of that information. This course will present the core concepts of information security and explore their applicability and importance to companies. Generally accepted standards for information security as well as leading practices will be studied, to provide students with an awareness of the options available for achieving an effective information protection program. The course will use real-life case studies as examples of organizations that have suffered a security breach and will examine the affect of the incidents on the organizations. The intention of this course is to create awareness among students of the importance of an effective information security program to the ability of a company to achieve its corporate objectives. While some of the material may be technical in nature, the perspective taken will be that of the business manager.
Alumni meetup in China
On November 3, Belmont University alumns met for dinner in Beijing, China. Jun Ma (MBA 96) is an entrepreneur and lives in Beijing. John Hooton, III (BBA 1992) lives in Suzhou, China with his family. John established a Chinese manufacturing venture last year for his Nashville based company. Melody Alford (MBA 2002) was on assignment for Dollar General as a Senior Global Sourcing Manager. Tai Hao Huang (BBA 1999) travels between Beijing and Nashville as she works with firms wanting to source or sell brand name products in China through a consulting enterprise she founded after graduation. All are eager to meet again next year and hope to enlarge their reunion to include even more members of the Belmont University community, will you join them next year?
November 10, 2005
Thoughts on Jack Massey
Last week the Jack C. Massey Legacy Event was held. This event honored Mr. Massey, his legacy of giving to Belmont and his family’s continued generosity towards this university. As a graduate student, we all watch the Massey video during our orientation. Most of us, however, do not know a great deal about Mr. Massey or what he’s done for our program. I felt it was important for us as students and alumni to know a little more about who we are and where we came from as Massey students. I spent time over the last two weeks interviewing people who knew Mr. Massey. I would like to share with you some impressions of this great man.
Mr. Massey was not only generous financially, but with his time as well. Many people I spoke with said that he had served as their mentor. Clayton McWhorter spoke at the legacy event about being mentored by Mr. Massey and how this mentorship continues to influence him personally and professionally. Interestingly, Dave Thomas, of Wendy’s, was mentored by Mr. Massey. Mr. Thomas was a hard worker at Kentucky Fried Chicken who caught Mr. Massey’s attention. According to one account, Mr. Massey taught Mr. Thomas that he should wear black socks to work rather than white socks. People said that Mr. Massey had the ability to talk to anyone of any age. No doubt, this skill enhanced his mentoring abilities.
The following are a few interesting tidbits about Mr. Massey shared with me by friends and colleagues that knew him well.
Mr. Brad Reed, Massey Advisory Board Member and former attorney to Mr. Massey, shared that Mr. Massey wanted ethics to be a formal part of the business curriculum. Massey felt that students should have the tools to use ethics as a “natural screen” in their decision-making process. Though Mr. Massey recognized that no one is perfect, he wanted Massey graduates to know the “right” thing to do.
Mr. Clarence Edmonds was hired by Mr. Massey to “take care of (his) stuff.” Mr. Edmonds knew Massey as a hard worker who helped others and believed in honesty and integrity. Mr. Edmonds felt that he “was blessed to have known (Mr. Massey) and fortunate to have worked with him.”
According to Dr. Bill Troutt, former Belmont President, Mr. Massey believed in an ideal of excellence in everything. He was focused on expectations: mediocrity was unacceptable. He held deep beliefs about how to conduct yourself. Character and values were Mr. Massey’s bedrock.
Mr. Bill Shipp worked in Mr. Massey’s “family office.” He currently serves as treasurer of the Massey Foundation. He viewed Mr. Massey as down-to-earth. Mr. Massey was a major influence on the Nashville business community and beyond. Mr. Shipp says that people don’t realize how many lives and companies were touched by Mr. Massey. Shipp believed Massey was an excellent judge of people who looked closely at both the entrepreneur and the idea before backing a company.
I was curious why Mr. Massey chose to support Belmont. Mr. Massey was a member of the Belmont Heights Baptist Church and was very active in his congregation. Through this activism, he came to know Dr. Herbert Gabhart. Dr. Gabhart served as Belmont’s president for 23 years and chancellor for 22 years. Dr. Gabhart convinced Mr. Massey that Belmont was a place where his money would make a difference. Over the years, Mr. Massey and Dr. Gabhart became close friends. Massey’s relationship with Belmont continued to be nurtured by Dr. Bill Troutt who served as the university’s president from 1982-1999.
Massey was a generous man who believed in the importance of giving back. In addition to Belmont, Mr. Massey has supported Harpeth Hall, Montgomery Bell Academy, Cheekwood, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), amongst others. Mr. Massey began in the 1960s with small gifts to what was then Belmont College. Belmont University was an institution that he loved. Belmont is Mr. Massey’s primary beneficiary, with no close second.
As Dr. Lambert points out in his article, one need only glance around Belmont’s campus to see Mr. Massey’s generosity. Mr. Massey’s legacy of giving has been continued through many generous gifts. Clayton McWhorter shared that Mr. Massey told him to “Get down there and help” at Belmont. He has been helping ever since. The trading room in the Massey Business Center is a product of Mr. McWhorter and his son, Stuart’s, help. Mr. Massey’s daughter, Barbara Massey Rogers, has continued her father’s tradition. It was announced at the Massey Legacy Event that Mrs. Rogers has endowed the operation of the trading room in perpetuity with a $1 million gift.
As Massey students, we are all fortunate to benefit from the generosity started by Mr. Jack C. Massey.
Jennifer Culligan
Graduate Assistant
I would like to thank Mr. Bill Shipp, Mr. Brad Reed, Mr. Clarence Edmonds, and Dr. Bill Troutt for contributing to this article. Additional information was taken from Dr. Herbert Gabhart’s book, The Massey-Belmont Story.
Belmont Honors Business Legend Jack C. Massey
Belmont University honored legendary Nashville businessman Jack C. Massey Tues., November 1, with a special gathering in conjunction with the release of his biography, Master of the Big Board: The Life, Times and Business of Jack Massey. At a special event in the Maddox Grand Atrium celebrating Massey's legacy as a business man and philanthropist, Massey biographer Bill Carey spoke of Massey as both kind-hearted and "tough as nails," while Nashville businessman Clayton McWhorter described Massey as a business mentor who urged McWhorter years ago to get involved with what was then known as Belmont College. "He said, 'Get down there an help those people'," McWhorter recalled. "I've been down here helping out ever since. I'm afraid to stop!"
Continue reading "Belmont Honors Business Legend Jack C. Massey"
Tribute to Mr. Massey
To the Readers:
Having spent the better part of twenty-nine years as a faculty member in the College of Business, not a day goes by that I don’t think of the generosity of Mr. Jack C. Massey.
From the time I enter the lobby of the Massey Business Center each morning and walk to the elevator, glancing in at the Massey Museum and gazing at the bust of Mr. Massey, I am eternally grateful that Belmont University was fortunate enough to have someone like Mr. Massey who cared enough about private education to give of his time and money. The reminders don’t stop in the Massey Center. One only needs to stroll across the campus and find building after building with Mr. Massey’s handprint…Massey Performing Arts Center, Hitch Science Building, Wheeler Humanities, and the Lila Bunch Library. All of these are buildings that at one time Mr. Jack Massey helped build.
Mr. Massey has been called “a living legend in the history of American Business.” He was indeed a genius and a visionary.
My remembrance of Mr. Massey is that he never expected of others what he would not expect of himself. His life exemplified these virtues, truly giving of himself to this university, taking it from a small private liberal arts college to a nationally-ranked university. Mr. Massey is looking down from heaven with a huge smile on his face and a heart bursting with pride knowing that the program has achieved AACSB accreditation. It was his dream that we develop an outstanding College of Business.
I am eternally grateful for Mr. Jack C. Massey and all that he has meant to this university and the College of Business.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Lambert
Professor of Marketing
October 07, 2005
Pay Less for Textbooks
Students are constantly looking for ways to spend less on textbooks and for good reason. Textbook prices have increased 6% a year since 1986. Prices for textbooks keep rising as publishers package new editions with extras such as CD-ROMs and workbooks. Currently, students spend an average of $900 per year on textbooks. The internet often offers the best textbooks prices, but the cheapest offers may not be from the same sites, forcing students to shop for each book individually. AddAll.com helps find the best deals by searching over 40 online booksellers at once looking for the lowest prices. Switchtextbooks.com networks over 4,000 colleges and provides a site where students can swap books. Some students have even turned to foreign booksellers such as British CountryBookshop.com for savings on textbooks. There are new developments on the horizon. A pilot program for digital textbooks is underway in 10 college bookstores with a 33% savings off retail prices.
Nashville Included as Top Town for Young Professionals
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine featured Nashville as top town for young professionals.
Nashville was in the company of such cities as Denver, Athens, Raleigh, Minneapolis, Austin and Atlanta. These cities all have a large number of people under 30, an improving job market, and a cost of living at or near the national average for students and young wage earners. Nashville was noted for an aggressive strategy to recruit companies that added 10,400 jobs in 2004. Nashville also has coolness quotient from a $2 billion music industry filled with high income, young, hip professionals. The magazine includes the Hillsboro/Belmont neighborhood, Sylvan Park and downtown as places to rent. An active nightlife, varying from honky-tonks to Five Points, caps off the article as another attractive perk of Music City.