Belmont University Ranks in Top 20 in Nation for Entrepreneurship

Center for Entrepreneurship recognized for fifth consecutive year

Belmont University’s Center for Entrepreneurship is one of the best in the nation according to The Princeton Review. The education services company today named the University No. 19 on its list of “Top Undergraduate Schools for Entrepreneurship Programs.”

Based on surveys of business school administrators at nearly 2,000 schools about their institution’s entrepreneurship offerings, the annual lists salute 50 programs in all – 25 undergraduate and 25 graduate – for their excellence in entrepreneurship education.

“It is an extraordinary accomplishment for our entrepreneurship program to have been ranked five times in the Top 25 by Entrepreneur magazine. Our faculty’s passion for innovation cultivates an environment in which students can achieve entrepreneurial success,” said College of Business Administration Dean Patrick Raines. “Our students benefit from engagement with local entrepreneurs, enter business plan competitions, and get involved in our student-run businesses or utilize our Hatchery to develop their start-up enterprises. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our students and the impact our alumni are making in the business world.”
More than 70 percent of entrepreneurship faculty have started or run a successful business, and 44 percent of the last graduating class have launched a business. The center also has 10 mentorship programs and five student organizations to support students as they begin their entrepreneurial endeavors.

“For a small program like ours to be consistently ranked among top programs is a testimony to the quality of our students and the tireless efforts of our Center for Entrepreneurship staff and faculty,” said Center for Entrepreneurship Director Jeff Cornwall. (more…)

Belmont University Remains in Top 10 in Annual U.S. News College Rankings

University lauded for commitment to undergraduate teaching

Belmont University remained at No. 7 on U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of America’s Best Colleges. Announced today, Belmont placed in the Top 10 of the Regional Universities-South listing for the fourth consecutive year and was also lauded for the fifth year in a row as a top “Up-and-Comer.” Belmont was ranked second in the southern region in that category, indicating the university has made “the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities.” Moreover, Belmont was praised by its peers for its “unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” placing second in a regional ranking in that area.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “These annual rankings confirm what we already know: that Belmont University continues to be a highly desired destination for the best qualified students as well as for faculty devoted to student-centered learning. I’m proud that our commitment remains strong and that our peers recognize both our innovative approach to higher education and our dedication to teaching and service.”

In the Best Regional Universities-South category, Belmont is again the highest-ranked university of the 15 ranked Tennessee institutions and in the top seven of the 128 schools included from the South. Belmont has improved over the previous year in a number of areas including in its graduation rate, percentage of full-time faculty, alumni giving and freshman selectivity (percentage in the top quarter of their high school graduating class). Other regional institutions in the Top 10 include Rollins College, Elon University, Stetson University, Samford University, The Citadel and James Madison University.

At the start of the semester Belmont reached a record-breaking enrollment number for the twelfth consecutive year with approximately 6,650 students on campus. Moreover, the incoming freshmen’s credentials continue to increase in strength with an average ACT score of 26.4 for the Class of 2016. In addition, 35 percent of new freshmen at Belmont were in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and 62 percent were in the top quarter.

Belmont Graduates 211 in Summer 2012 Commencement

Belmont University held its summer 2012 commencement ceremony for graduate and undergraduate students at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 in the Curb Event Center.

The University celebrated the graduation of a total of 211 students. During the graduation ceremony, 78 undergraduate, 98 master’s and 35 doctoral degrees were conferred.

Dr. Robert C. Fisher, president of the University, presided over the event. Dr. Vaughn May, associate professor of political science, presented the commencement address.

Belmont Renames Residence Hall in Honor of Late Benefactor

Potter Hall is named in memory of Virginia Frances Potter.

Belmont University remembered long-time benefactor Virginia Frances Potter July 30 with the renaming of a residence hall in her honor.

Potter was active in Belmont campus life from 1951 forward and a lead donor to the University for many years. She believed that “Christian education is an answer to our world’s problems” and shared gifts for new or refurbished buildings, scholarships, mission programs and faculty support.  A longtime Nashvillian and 1932 graduate of Tennessee College for Women, Potter had faith in the vitality and potential of Belmont students.  Her quiet nature, brilliant mind and gentle humor will be remembered through the co-ed residence hall, formerly known as Maple Hall. Potter Hall is a suite-style building housing 190 freshmen. It opened in the fall of 2008 as part of the North Lawn community.

“Frances Potter believed in Belmont University and the value of a Christian education. From the founding of Belmont College in 1951 until her death Nov. 9, 2011,  she supported the work of four University presidents, was a member of the Belmont Auxiliary, helped raise money for Belmont scholarships through the Tennessee College for Women Alumnae and quietly gave her own personal leadership gifts. She is missed and will long be remembered,” said Vice President of University Advancement Bethel E. Thomas.

Belmont University Celebrates College of Pharmacy Charter Class Graduation May 5

First class of 65 students recognized for accomplishments, service

The Belmont University College of Pharmacy (BUCOP) will celebrate the graduation of its charter class on May 5 with 65 members of the Class of 2012 expected to cross the stage to receive their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. After opening its doors in 2007, the College of Pharmacy accepted its first students in fall 2008, and the initial class has paved the way for future BUCOP students, setting a high standard for academic excellence and community service.

Belmont’s College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Phil Johnston said, “The University and the Nashville community have enabled us to develop a stellar College of Pharmacy at Belmont. I am proud of the commitment of faculty and students to take on leadership roles in this profession to make a difference in thousands of lives. Also important is the contribution of more than 450 affiliate faculty, who open their businesses to our students to provide quality education and mentoring.”

Belmont President Bob Fisher said, “As these students hang their degrees in offices and wear their white coats in labs, retail pharmacies, hospitals and clinics across the United States, they demonstrate the University’s mission to engage and transform the world.  Belmont is especially grateful to Trustee Emeritus Clayton McWhorter who, inspired by his brother, the late pharmacist Fred McWhorter, endowed support to the state-of-the-art academic building that houses the College of Pharmacy.  We are honored to have our students follow their example of living in service to others and championing healthcare reform.”

BUCOP has provided students with the skills to contribute to the growing health care needs of Nashville. Since the college’s first class was admitted in August 2008, students’ academic accomplishments and service has grown exponentially each year. Among their achievements are: (more…)