Belmont University announced this week that Professor Jeffrey Kinsler will serve as the founding dean for the new College of Law. Currently a professor of law and senior scholar with Elon University School of Law in North Carolina, Kinsler previously served as dean of Appalachian School of Law, which he led to full American Bar Association (ABA) approval during his tenure. Kinsler already knows Belmont well, serving as a consultant in the plans for opening the new college. He will begin his tenure at Belmont in early 2010.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Jeff Kinsler is a perfect fit for Belmont. He is highly respected in the legal community and has previously provided leadership as dean in the creation of another law school. Most importantly, he understands our dreams and aspirations for creating a College of Law that is driven by the mission and core values of Belmont University."

Kinsler graduated first in his class from Valparaiso University School of Law (’89) and obtained a master of laws degree (LL.M., ‘96) from Yale Law School, where he served as senior editor of the Yale Journal of International Law. The winner of nine teaching awards, Kinsler has taught at several law schools in the United States and Australia. He also has served as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Queensland in Australia. Kinsler was a partner with Katten, Muchin & Zavis in Chicago, “of counsel” at Mayer, Brown & Platt in Chicago and, more recently, “of counsel” at the Kingsport, Tennessee law firm of Hunter, Smith & Davis. A member of the Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois and Wisconsin bars, he has co-authored ten books and has published numerous law review articles in journals at law schools such as the University of North Carolina, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University. In 2006, he was named a “Virginia Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. In September, Kinsler was elected to the American Law Institute (ALI), the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize and otherwise improve the law. Election to the ALI is limited to one third of one percent of lawyers in the country and is considered by many to be the most prestigious legal organization in America.

Kinsler said, “I’m honored to have been chosen as the founding dean and look forward to helping Belmont University build an excellent law school. I joined Belmont because it is determined to create a new kind of law school, one that produces professional, practice-ready attorneys for today’s global legal market. I’m convinced that Belmont University College of Law will be able to attract first-rate faculty and students.” Click here for more on this story.

Lakota Author Challenges Audience to Broaden Perspective
Lakota author Richard Twiss visited Belmont Wednesday morning, bringing with him a personal mantra that he asked the full Neely Dining Hall audience to repeat: “I am ethnocentric, narrow-minded and have limited vision.” (Click here to view the photo gallery from this event.)

Twiss is the co-founder of Wiconi International, a nonprofit Christian organization that seeks to provide assistance to Native Americans, as well as the author of One Church, Many Tribes, a book that examines how studying First Nations Christ followers can teach new ways of living with nature and one another. His “mantra” seeks to challenge individuals to recognize their own cultural biases and to open their minds to seeing God from Native perspectives. Click here for more on this story.

University College Celebrates National Adult Student Appreciation Week
On Nov. 1-7, Belmont University’s University College celebrated its second annual Adult Student Appreciation Week. Designed to recognize non-traditional students on campus, as well as highlight efforts that have improved the adult student environment at Belmont, Belmont’s Adult Student Appreciation Week coincided with National Adult Student Appreciation Week, which is coordinated by the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education.

Highlights of the week included Adult Student Art Show at Belmont@Cool Springs, Late Night Academic Advising, Walk-in tea and treats at several locations on campus prior to evening classes, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee Food Drive and making thank you cards for those who support Belmont’s adult students. In addition, several convocation events were held including Making an Effective Career Transition as an Adult led by Gary Boling in the Office of Career Services and a Stress Management Workshop Session led by Director of Counseling Services Peg Leonard-Martin. Click here for more on this story.

Author Daniel Pink to Speak on Campus
The Scarlett Leadership Institute presents Daniel Pink, author of a trio of provocative, bestselling books on the changing world of work, including A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future

Nov. 17, 7-10:15 a.m., Curb Event Center Arena
7-9 a.m.: Continental Breakfast and Program featuring Daniel Pink
9:15-10:15 a.m.: In-depth workshop with Mary Fink, Director of Leadership Program Development

$45 Admission includes breakfast, program, workshop, and copy of A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. For more information contact: 615.460.5554 or scarlettadmissions@belmont.edu.

Belmont Dining Hall Announces Special Promotions
Please join the Dining Hall in a tribute to Native American Heritage Month. On Tues., Nov. 10 the Dining Hall will be serving Native American Cuisine for dinner from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. In addition, on Thurs., Nov. 12 the Dining Hall's Helping Hands Food Drive will come to an end. All of the food donated will go to Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville. In one last push for your help, the Dining Hall is offering free lunch to any faculty or staff member who brings in five cans of food on Nov. 12.

Saturday, November 7, 7-9 p.m.
CEMB Urban/Pop Showcase
Curb Event Center

Monday, November 9, 7-8 p.m.
Vaughn Science Lecture
The Vaughn Science Lecture is held annually and serves to highlight scientific research and its ramifications to both undergraduate science majors and the more general audience of non-science students and faculty. This year Dr. Julio Ramirez from Davidson College in North Carolina will be the keynote speaker, and his talk will focus on "Are Broken Brains Doomed to Dysfunction?"
Beaman A&B

Monday, November 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Ambassador Thomas Miller, president of the United Nations Association
Ambassador Thomas Miller will speak on "The Obama Administration’s Foreign Policy Challenges and the Role of the United Nations: A Practitioner's Perspective." Ambassador Miller devoted 29 years to the US Foreign Service, working on policy issues in the Balkans, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Massey Boardroom

Monday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Concert Series
Belmont Heights Baptist Church Sanctuary

Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m.
Social Entrepreneurship in Action
Come and hear how Nick Nicholas, founder and CEO of Giving Tree LLC, transformed an innovative idea into helping agencies working to address and/or solve social problems.
Massey Boardroom

Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m.
Faith-Informed Environmental Science
Drs. Darlene Panvini, John Niedzwiecki and Steve Murphree talk about how their faith informs their life and work in the field of environmental studies.
Neely Dining Room

Wednesday, November 11, 7:30 p.m.
Graduate Chamber Ensemble
Harton Recital Hall (MPAC)

Thursday, November 12, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Company Concert
Curb Cafe

Thursday, November 12, 8 p.m.
bobrauschenbergamerica
Bringing the paintings of one of America's greatest artists, Robert Rauschenberg, to the stage results in a collage of people, places, music, dancing, love stories and the sheer exhilaration of living in a country where people make up their lives as they go. Tickets are $4 for Faculty, Staff, Alumni and non-Belmont students, and free for Belmont Students. Additional performances will be held Fri., Nov. 13 and Sat., Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
Troutt Black Box Theater

Friday, November 13, 10 a.m.
Chapel
Neely Dining Room

Friday, November 13, 6 p.m.
Women's Basketball Home Season Opener
Support the women's basketball team as it hosts the University of Central Arkansas in the season opener!
Curb Event Center Arena

Friday, November 13, 8 p.m.
Belmont Opera Theatre Presents Mozart’s Così fan tutte
A comedic look at relationships and the sanctity of love. This production is presented in English. Tickets are $5 for Senior Citizens (65 and over), Faculty, Staff and non-Belmont students. Free for Belmont students. Additional performances will be held Sat., Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. and Sun. Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
Troutt Theater

November 7
Michelle Ayotte, Health Sciences
Sharon Gregg, Music
Joyce Ann Watson, Athletics

November 8
Nancy Darr, Physical Therapy

November 10
Deane Webb, Athletics
Keeley White, Math and Computer Science

November 12
Sandra Haynes, Custodial Services

November 13
Don Cusic, Music Business
Laura Wheeler, Career Services

November 14
Tina Hunt-Frost, Health Sciences

November 15
Sharon Hiett, Finance and Operations
Millicent Jolly, User Services
Steve Lasley, Finance and Operations
Julie Rafferty, Pharmacy

"The 101 Dalmatians Musical" is an experience for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. Your special discounted performances are Wed., Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s, "A Christmas Story" follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his unflappable campaign to get Santa (or anyone else) to give him a Red Rider carbine-action, 200 shot range-model air rifle. Your special discounted performances are Wed., Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and Tues., Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Finally, get an early start on your "holiday mood" when Mannheim Steamroller brings their Christmas tour to TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall. Your special discounted performance is Sat., Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.

How-To: To purchase discounted tickets for these productions, simply log on to www.tpac.org/corporatesaver and select the show you'd like to see. Then choose the "Promo code? Click here" link and enter the password "belmont." Hit "Apply" and select which of the discounted performance dates you'd like to attend. Make sure to select a performance that says "eligible for promotion" to receive the corporate saver discount.

Belmont Students Join Hanson’s ‘Take the Walk’ Tour to Raise Awareness of Poverty and AIDS in Africa
On Tues., Oct. 27, students from Belmont and Vanderbilt universities joined the band Hanson for its ‘Take the Walk’ tour, a barefoot optional, one-mile walk to raise awareness of poverty and AIDS in Africa. About 300 participants gathered in Belmont’s Beaman Student Life Center where Hanson addressed the crowd and started the walk. Walkers, many of whom chose to go without shoes, started at the Bell Tower and ended at the Vanderbilt University bookstore where Hanson signed their book, Take the Walk, and performed three acoustic songs. Click here to view video of the event on Belmont's official YouTube channel.

The walk raised funds to support one of five causes, with one dollar donated by the ‘Take the Walk’ campaign for each walker. The band educated students on the issues surrounding the walk and also promoted existing efforts on the Belmont and Vanderbilt campuses and in the Nashville community such as United: For Change. To see a gallery of images from this event, click here.

NBJ's CFO Awards honor financial professionals in Middle Tennessee for outstanding performance in their roles as corporate financial stewards. The nomination letter for Lasley noted, "[Steve's] financial management skills have supported the university’s core functions and resulted in significant achievements in the areas of revenue generation, cost savings, new construction, debt management and endowment growth."

Lasley was chosen as one of 23 finalists in five categories who set the standard of excellence for Middle Tennessee CFOs. Judges then selected one winner from each group of finalists. Other nominees in the Nonprofit category included Robert K. Stillwell, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority; Michael Kirby, Nashville Symphony; Mary Jo Wiggins, American Red Cross, Nashville Area Chapter; and Spence Maners, Fisk University.

Belmont Launches Extensive ‘Be a Fan’ Campaign to Promote Basketball Season Ticket Sales
With the start of basketball season only weeks away, Belmont University has launched the most extensive marketing campaign in Athletics history to promote men’s and women’s basketball and sell season tickets. Numerous efforts are underway in the “Be a Fan” campaign to raise awareness of Belmont basketball. For the first time, all season ticket buyers will receive the “Bruin Edge,” a coupon book with an estimated $250 value, double the price of the ticket itself. Deals include discounts to numerous local hotels and restaurants as well as to entertainment venues like the Nashville Zoo and TPAC.

“While the ‘Bruin Edge’ certainly adds extraordinary value, it’s only one of a number of reasons fans should consider purchasing a season ticket to Bruin basketball,” said Pamela Johnson, director of university marketing and special initiatives. “Most importantly, the proceeds the university receives from season tickets go toward athletic scholarships, making those tickets an easy, affordable way to support Belmont’s fine student-athletes. Plus, anyone who’s ever attended a Bruins game will tell you that it’s hard to find a better night of competitive sports and family-oriented fun.”

In addition to the “Bruin Edge” coupon book, the “Be a Fan” basketball campaign includes 10 billboards placed around Nashville, all featuring Belmont mascot Bruiser holding a mask of his own face. Similarly themed ads will soon begin running in Nashville’s City Paper and on the Belmont.edu Web site with numerous celebrities appearing with their own Bruiser masks as part of a season-long contest. Individuals will be asked to guess who is behind the mask in each monthly advertisement, Nov.-Feb. They can then turn in the official form with their guess at any Belmont home basketball game for a chance to win a getaway weekend for two to anywhere in the continental United States. The prize will be given away at the Bruins’ last home game on Feb. 27, 2010. Click here for more on this story.

IEBA Provides Scholarships for Curb College Students
Belmont University announced this week that the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) is funding new scholarship opportunities for students in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. In addition to the Harry A. “Hap” Peebles/IEBA Scholarship Endowment established in 1998, IEBA has established three new endowed scholarships at Belmont: The J.P. Williams/IEBA Scholarship Endowment, The Don Romeo/IEBA Scholarship Endowment and the George Moffett/IEBA Scholarship Endowment. Collectively totaling more than $200,000, the IEBA scholarships will provide much needed financial support to Curb College students. Picture l-r in the photo are Clyde Rolston (CEMB), Tiffany Davis (IEBA), Barry Jeffrey (IEBA), Gil Cunningham (IEBA) and Harry Chapman (Development).

"IEBA is proud to support the next generation of music industry leaders while paying homage to those that have shaped live entertainment into the force that it is today,” said Tiffany Davis, executive director, IEBA. “We are so happy to partner with Belmont University through the Harry A. Peebles, Don Romeo, J.P. Williams and George Moffett Scholarships. Our goal is to nurture students to become thriving members of the entertainment community, and Belmont is a perfect partner." Click here for more on this story.

You can enter the Improving Life Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $250 Dollar General gift card for yourself, as well as enter to win one of three $10,000 prizes to help literacy programs in the local community. If you win a $10,000 prize, you can select Book’em, a local literacy organization that gave out more than 7,500 books to children last holiday season to receive the donation. Visit Dollar General Improving Lives Sweepstakes to enter the contest. You can enter once every day until Nov. 13.

You can also donate new or very gently used books directly to Book’em. For more information, visit www.Bookem-kids.org.

Saturday, October 31, 3-5 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.
Fall Follies
MPAC

Sunday, November 1, 4 p.m.
Chorale
Belmont Heights Baptist Church Sanctuary

Tuesday, November 3, 4 p.m.
Paradise in Change: Antarctica's Life and Ecosystems Past, Present and Future
Dr. Molly Miller from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt University has a long history of Antarctic research. As part of Belmont's Paradise Lost theme, she will comment on her experiences in one of the most pristine landscapes on earth and how even this landscape has changed over the years.
HSB 408

Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 p.m.
Wind Ensemble and Concert Band
Massey Concert Hall (MPAC)

Wednesday, November 4, 10 a.m.
Lakota Author Richard Twiss: The Creator Came to Earth
Richard Twiss is the founder of Wiconi International, which proclaims that the Creator came to earth as a human being from the tribe of Judah to bring all creation back into harmony. His book, One Church, Many Tribes, shows how First Nations Christ-followers can open us to new ways of living with nature and one another. Neely Dining Room

Thursday, November 5, 6 p.m.
Meet the Bruins
Curb Event Center

Friday, November 6, 10 a.m.
Chapel
Neely Dining Room

Friday, November 6, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
2009 Fall Choral Institute Concert
Oratorio Chorus, the University Symphony Orchestra, Belmont Chorale and regional high school choirs present a major work from the Twentieth Century.
Massey Concert Hall (MPAC)

Saturday, November 7, 7-9 p.m.
CEMB Urban/Pop Showcase
Curb Event Center

Monday, November 9, 7-8 p.m.
Vaughn Science Lecture
The Vaughn Science Lecture is held annually and serves to highlight scientific research and its ramifications to both undergraduate science majors and the more general audience of non-science students and faculty. This year Dr. Julio Ramirez from Davidson College in North Carolina will be the keynote speaker, and his talk will focus on "Are Broken Brains Doomed to Dysfunction?"
Beaman Meeting Rooms A&B

Monday, November 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Ambassador Thomas Miller, president of the United Nations Association
Ambassador Thomas Miller will speak on "The Obama Administration’s Foreign Policy Challenges and the Role of the United Nations: A Practitioner's Perspective." Ambassador Miller devoted 29 years to the US Foreign Service, working on policy issues in the Balkans, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Massey Boardroom

Monday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Concert Series
Belmont Heights Baptist Church Sanctuary

Former Belmont employee Stephanie Babb, who worked in the Office of Human Resources, passed away Thursday morning at her home in Nashville after a long battle with cancer. Information on services will be sent to campus when it becomes available. Please keep Stephanie's family in your thoughts and prayers.

Lewis Wiseman, 94, father of Betty Wiseman (Athletics), passed away Wednesday. The funeral was held today in Portland, Tennessee. Please keep Betty and the Wiseman family in your thoughts and prayers.

John Paul Ribar, father of David Ribar (Art Department), passed away Oct. 9 in Louisville, Kentucky. Please keep David and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Belated Birthday to Kelly Rockey (Physical Therapy) who celebrated on Oct. 29.

October 31
Kelly Moreland Jones, ACIT

November 1
Lori LeBleu, Business
Andrea Stover, English

November 2
Al Baugh, Conference Services
Linda Holt, English
Judy Johnson, Custodial Services
Lorraina Scholten, Social Work

November 4
Gerald Phillips, Custodial Services

November 5
Dewayne Lee, Campus Security

November 7
Sharon Gregg, Music
Joyce Ann Watson, Athletics

November 8
Nancy Darr, Physical Therapy

Belmont Tops Out New Health Science Building, Home for Schools of Pharmacy and Physical Therapy
Ceremony celebrates completion of $30 million building’s frame
Nearly one year after breaking ground, Belmont University celebrated the “topping out” Wednesday of its new $30 million health sciences building, which will serve as the future home for the School of Pharmacy, a Belmont program which welcomed its second class this fall. The building, which has an anticipated completion date of June 2010, will also house the School of Physical Therapy and will include expansion space for the Schools of Nursing and Occupational Therapy as well as the Social Work and Psychology programs. (Click here to view a photo of gallery of Wednesday's event.)

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “In addition to providing a time to celebrate and thank all the workers behind this immense project, a topping out is also a time to look forward to when this structure is complete. This building will be a model, 21st century academic facility, providing a venue where our students and faculty resources can intersect in service to help meet the medical needs of our community and our world.” Click here for more on this story.

The building will include a campus pharmacy to serve students, faculty and staff and to provide another training site for student pharmacists.