February 08, 2010
Inclement Weather Information Updated 5:30 a.m. on Tues., Feb. 9, 2010
Belmont's main campus and Cool Springs location will be open today, Feb. 9, 2010. Because conditions can vary greatly within our region, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use discretion when choosing to travel to campus in snow or icy conditions. Updates will be communicated via myBelmont, Belmont News and the campus newsline at 460-5000.
Posted February 08, 2010. LINK.
College of Business to Receive TNCPE Interest Level Recognition
The College of Business Administration (COBA) at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., has earned Interest Level Recognition in the annual Excellence in Tennessee program administered by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE). A certificate will be presented to Belmont COBA representatives at the 17th annual Excellence in Tennessee Awards Banquet on February 24 at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn.
Belmont University's College of Business Administration is an AACSB International-accredited private business school that offers graduate and undergraduate degrees, as well as non-degree programming in areas such as accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, general business, information systems, leadership, management and marketing.
Dr. Patrick Raines, dean of the Belmont College of Business Administration, said “ The process of applying for recognition by the TNCPE encourages organizations to pursue standards for excellence in their operations. It is indeed meaningful to us in our quest for excellence in the College of Business to receive Interest Level Recognition and to be among Tennessee’s leading organizations.”
Through an annual evaluation and assessment process, TNCPE recognizes organizations that have achieved the highest standards of excellence in their operations and results. The program uses the Criteria for Performance Excellence established by the Baldrige National Quality Program as the evaluation tool.
Awards are presented in four categories: Interest Recognition (the beginning level), Commitment, Achievement and the highest level – the Excellence Award.
“Organizations that pursue a TNCPE Award know that success is achieved through the combined efforts of every employee and a shared commitment to quality and leadership,” said Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. “This recognition validates these companies’ commitment to success through sustainable efforts that produce measurable results. TNCPE recognition is a dedicated means to accomplishing this.”
[MORE]Posted February 08, 2010. LINK.
February 05, 2010
Luray Offers Advice on Being a 'History Detective'
Elyse Luray, one of the stars of PBS’s “History Detectives,” spoke at Belmont Wednesday on "A Behind the Scenes Look at the TV Series ‘History Detectives.’”
“History Detectives,” which is in its eighth season on PBS, revolves around four experts who conduct investigations to determine the historical significance of folklore, antiques, family heirlooms and everyday objects. Luray said the experts try to explore items “that show a larger window into American history.” She revealed that about 90 percent of the show’s investigations come from viewer submissions.
“Open your eyes to what you have right at your doorstep,” Luray advised the audience.
Luray has personally conducted more than 50 investigations for “History Detectives.” She has examined a coin shot by Annie Oakley, a piece of Amelia Earhart’s plane, the sunken S.S. Portland and a silver cup from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.
Luray then described the research process used by the show, encouraging the audience to become their own history detectives. The process revolves around five steps: First, journal everything you know about the object and include items, theories and checklists. Second, examine the object, looking for markings, signatures or anything distinctive. The third step is to research the object; however, Luray advised against relying on the Internet. “Primary resources are the most important thing when you are doing research,” she said. Unfortunately, popular Web sites like Google and Wikipedia do not generally provide primary sources. Luray prefers using libraries and archives. The fourth step is interviewing experts, librarians or any other person who may know more than you do. Finally, the history detectives conduct experiments on their items to determine how old they really are.
Luray graduated from Tulane University with a degree in art history and worked at Christie’s Auction House in New York where she appraised the props from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and the “Star Wars” films. She handled the auctions of possessions of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Steven Spielberg, Bob Marley and Marlon Brando. She also auctioned off a pair Judy Garland’s ruby slippers. Luray was a consultant on “Antiques Roadshow” before joining the cast of “History Detectives.”
Posted February 05, 2010. LINK.
February 03, 2010
Minister Recounts Memories, Lessons from Haiti
Woodmont Christian Church Children's Minister Trey Flowers was in Port-au-Prince, Haiti before, during and after the earthquake that devastated the island nation on Jan. 12. This morning he shared his experiences and his perspective with students gathered in Neely Dining Hall as part of the Spiritual Development Speaker Series.
Flowers and seven other Woodmont members were part of a mission team that was working in orphanages and schools prior to the earthquake, and he emphasized the extreme poverty and need present in Haiti before this latest disaster. He recounted how one orphanage visited by he and his team consisted of only three small rooms but housed 40 children and possessed only one-third of a bag of grits to feed the entire group. "The people of Haiti are strong, resilient and compassionate," he said, but he is haunted by the knowledge that now, "Every one of those children we met are either trapped in the rubble or are living out in the street... Even when the news coverage ends, the need will not."
In addition to his work at Woodmont Christian, Flowers is a student at Vanderbilt University, where he is pursuing a Master in Divinity concurrently with a Master in Public Policy. Flowers commented that, due to the nature of his work and his education, he thinks about God all the time. Yet it was through the people in Haiti that he began to see what it means to have faith in the middle of a crisis.
"The night after [the earthquake] was so scary. During the aftershocks you could literally hear two million people screaming at once. But then every single time, after the aftershock ended, we would also hear them singing, singing songs to God."
Posted February 03, 2010. LINK.
Belmont President Selected 2010 Nashvillian of the Year
Easter Seals Tennessee Names Dr. Bob Fisher This Year's Recipient
Easter Seals Tennessee announced Tuesday the 2010 Nashvillian of the Year recipient, Belmont University President Dr. Robert (Bob) Fisher. Easter Seals CEO, Susan Armiger, Board Member Samuel Howard and previous Nashvillian, Aubrey Harwell, Jr., made the announcement at the traditional Hall of Honor Reception hosted by previous Nashvillian of the Year honorees at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce office.
Fisher will be honored at the 17th annual Nashvillian of the Year Celebration on the evening of April 20 at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. Event proceeds benefit Easter Seals Tennessee, an organization dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities live with greater independence.
Since 1993, the Nashvillian of the Year award has been given to Nashville’s notable leaders who best exemplify the qualities of leadership that ensure that Nashville continues to be a better place to live. Each year past honorees select the recipient of the Nashvillian of the Year award using criteria including individual contributions to the community, philanthropic causes and business leadership. Past recipients include E.W. “Bud” Wendell, Burton Hummell, General William G. Moore, Jr., Owen G. Shell, Jr., Cal Turner, Jr., Samuel H. Howard, Craig L. Leipold, Governor Phil Bredesen, Jack Vaughn, Amy Grant, Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr., Kitty Moon Emery, Clayton McWhorter, John Seigenthaler, Judy Liff Barker, Howard Gentry, Buddy Killen, Orrin Ingram, Richard Eskind, Mike Curb, Monroe Carell, Jr. and Nelson Andrews. For information on attending this year’s Nashvillian of the Year Celebration on April 20th, 2010, contact Tracy Anthony at 292-6640 x147 with Easter Seals Tennessee.
[MORE]Posted February 03, 2010. LINK.
February 02, 2010
School of Music Commercial Music Showcase Features Best of the Program
The Belmont University School of Music presented the 18th Annual Commercial Music Showcase yesterday in Massey Concert Hall. The free, one-hour concert featured the best solo performers, arrangers, instrumentalists, background vocalists and crew in the Commercial Music Program. In September, 45 students auditioned on the first of two nights of try-outs in front of a diverse group of music industry professionals for one of the coveted four showcase spots. Ten students were called back for the second night of auditions. Below are the four students who were selected to perform with a short bio on each one:
Noel Barefoot: For a traditional country music fan, the Commercial Music Showcase helped Noel realize a personal goal: standing in the circle on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. After being selected, the Commercial Music Showcase students are taken to the Opry for a recording session. Noel will graduate in May with a degree in commercial music with an emphasis in performance. After graduation she plans to marry her high school sweetheart and continue working towards her goal of recording music and performing at the CMA Awards.
Joshua Eric Wright: Before coming to Belmont University, Josh had never performed outside of church in Celeste, Texas. When he graduates in May with a degree in commercial music with emphases in music business, songwriting and performance, Josh will have many performance, recording and songwriting honors to go along with his degree. As the youngest member of the Nashville Choir, Josh was part of the recording of Michael W. Smith’s Dove Award-winning Christmas album, It’s a Wonderful Christmas. The choir just recorded the music for an upcoming Disneyland attraction, The World of Color. In 2007, Josh performed with Steven Curtis Chapman as part of the Belmont Writer’s Showcase. He was also selected to represent Belmont songwriters at the opening of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Aashley Morgan: While in high school in Maysville, Ohio, Aashley was a member of a show choir that won nine grand championships. Since coming to Belmont University Aashley has continued to perform a variety of musical styles as a member of Belmont’s choreographed shochoir, Company and for the past two summers she has performed five shows a day as a member of Showstoppin at Six Flags Great America in Chicago. Aashley has a demanding schedule as a junior music major, double majoring in commercial music with a music business emphasis and in music education. Her plans for the future include continued work as a performer, and she will follow those opportunities whether they lead her to concert halls, arenas or Broadway.
John Flanagan: John selected Belmont University for its music program but started here as a communications major. After performing in the Pop/Rock Showcase his freshman year, he changed his major to become a double major in English and commercial music with a performance emphasis. Growing up in Manchester, New Hampshire, John developed his larger-than-life stage presence through his childhood love of Disney musicals and through high school musical theatre performances. Before graduating in May, John hopes to release an EP that he describes as “Queen meets ELO.” After graduation, he hopes to make his living as a performer, ideally in Europe with dance and glam rock music.
The Commercial Music program is designed for students who wish to study contemporary/non-classical styles of music. The solo performers in the Commercial Music Showcase are indicative of the broad range of Belmont's commercial music program. All of the music charts for the concert have been arranged by the students of Belmont's composition and arranging classes.
Posted February 02, 2010. LINK.
January 29, 2010
Inclement Weather Information Updated 8:40 p.m. Feb. 1
Belmont's main campus and the Cool Springs location will be open and classes will continue as scheduled on Tues., Feb. 2. Because weather conditions can vary greatly within our region, students, faculty and staff are urged to use individual discretion when making the decision to travel to campus in snow or icy weather.
Updates to Belmont’s status will be communicated via myBelmont, Belmont News and the campus newsline at 460-5000.
Posted January 29, 2010. LINK.
January 28, 2010
Michael W. Smith, Community of Artists Record Haiti Benefit Song at Belmont's Ocean Way Studios
Studio donates time to aid in song to benefit relief efforts
Yesterday at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studios, multi-platinum, Grammy and Dove Award winning artist, Michael W. Smith gathered a who’s-who list from the music community to record “Come Together Now.” The song, penned by Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan and produced by Bryan Lenox, was written to remind people of the need to help those in Haiti.
“The crisis in Haiti has left us all trying to figure out how we can help,” Smith said. “We wanted to create something that the community could support, for the greater good of those in Haiti. Everyone gave of their time: the studio was donated, the musicians donated their time and all proceeds from this song will go to designated charity/relief work
through The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse. It’s incredible to be part of something that is going to help
so many people.”
Pat McMakin, Ocean Way's director of operations, said, "Besides being an educational and commercial facility, it is Belmont’s intention to use Ocean Way Nashville to reach into the community by providing it as a resource for projects of this nature. Additionally, we regularly host events for AES, NARAS, Leadership Music, local and regional schools, and many other organizations that are music/recording education related. When we were approached to work with Michael W. Smith on this project, I felt it was not only the right thing to do, but consistent with Belmont’s values which include service and collaboration."
In addition to lending their voices in song, several artists also recorded public service announcements for The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse for use in upcoming months.
Contributing artists included Aaron Shust, Alathea, Amber Hezlep, Anthony Moreino, Anthony Skinner, Ashley Cleveland, Austins Bridge, B. Reith, Brady Toops, Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole, Byron Chambers, Calvin Nowell, Charmaine, Chris McClarney, Chris Sligh, Chuck Girard, Dana Jorgensen, Darwin Hobbs, David Mullen, Don Poythress, Donovan Tea, Dorothy Savage, Duane Allen, Echoing Angels, Everlife, Francesca Battistelli, Greg Jennings, Hillary McBride, Jaime Jamgochian, Jared Anderson, Jasmine Sagginario, Jason Baird, Jason Dunn, Jimmie Allen, Jody Davis, John Ford Coley, John Schlitt, Joseph Martino, Julia Ross, Justin Rivers, Kate Lazar, Kate Schettler, The Katinas, Kevin Max, Kirk Sullivan, Lara Landon, Lanae Hale, Lannie Anderson, Lee Greenwood, Mandisa, Manic Drive, Margaret Becker, Mark Hall and Megan Garrett of Casting Crowns, Matt Dowley, Matthew West, Matt Maher, Melinda Doolittle, Meredith Andrews, Michael Cavallo, Michael Olson, Michael Tait, Michael Tash, MIKESCHAIR, Mike Weaver, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Paige Armstrong, Phil Stacey, Point of Grace, PureNRG, Rachael Lampa, Rachel B. James, Reco Hight, Restless Heart, Ruben Mundo, Russ Mohr, Sarah Ross, Sarah Sadler, Selah, Shannon Cochran, Shawn Cavallo, Stephanie Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terrence James, TobyMac, Tommy Coomes, Travis Cottrell, Trey Heffinger, Wynonna, and Yellow Cavalier.
The song will be made available for sale soon, with all proceeds going to benefit relief efforts to Haiti. More details
on the song’s release date are forthcoming.
Posted January 28, 2010. LINK.
New Student-Run Candy Business Opens on Campus
Center for Entrepreneurship assists in Buzzy’s grand opening
Belmont's Center for Entrepreneurship and sweets lovers everywhere celebrated today the grand opening of Buzzy's candy shop, a new student-operated business on Belmont Blvd. Located in the Curb Event Center across from Bongo Java, Buzzy’s Candy will sell gummis, chocolates, old fashioned candy, popular wrapped candies and jelly beans. The students behind the Buzzy's venture are Areej Rabie, a finance and entrepreneurship major, entrepreneurship major Julia Cecere and marketing major Mandy Strader, all of whom were smiling from ear to ear at the long line of customers inside their store for opening day.
"The story of Buzzy’s is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit of the students coming to Belmont,” said Dr. Jeff Cornwall, Massey Chair in Entrepreneurship at Belmont University. “The proposal for Buzzy’s was developed and pitched by a freshman, and the start-up team includes another freshman and a sophomore. Like so many of our students, they came here not only ready to learn in the classroom, but ready to get their hands dirty and learn through experience.”
Three student-run businesses--Boulevard Studios, Buzzy's and Feedback Clothing Co.--are currently operating in the Curb Event Center space which has been set aside by Belmont University. This program gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in operating a small business. When a space in the Curb Center opens, a Call for Proposals goes out to students across Belmont’s campus. Students submit plans to the faculty and staff of the Center for Entrepreneurship, and those selected are interviewed. Selections are made based on viability, sustainability, research and fit for the university. Click here for photos from the Buzzy's Grand Opening.
Posted January 28, 2010. LINK.
January 27, 2010
Sociologist Shares Perspective on Modern Manhood
Renowned sociologist and bestselling author Dr. Michael Kimmel (The Gendered Society, Manhood in America) spoke at Belmont today on "Mars and Venus, or Planet Earth: Women and Men in a New Millennium" as part of the Living Sociology Speaker Series.
Kimmel opened his talk by describing that the biggest changes seen in men in the past 50-plus years aren't really "changes" at all. Rather, due to the countless ways women's lives have changed, the perspective on men has changed. For example, as schools and workplaces have become gender-integrated, women have come to expect more from men. Most women and men expect to have full-time employment after college which raises issues of work/life balance since, historically, women have done the "second shift" (i.e., been primary childcare providers, homemakers). As women do more outside the home, men must do more inside the home to make help create that balance.
"My father went to an all male college, served in an all male military and worked in an all male office," Kimmel said. "That world has changed."
Although men's and women's lives have changed dramatically in the last 50 years, according to Kimmel, the model for masculinity has not. Men are expected to abide by the same four rules of masculinity that were evident in the 1950s, as noted by social scientists Deborah David and Robert Brannon: No sissy stuff, be a big wheel (manhood being measured by the size of a paycheck), be a sturdy oak (be reliable but emotionless) and "give 'em hell" (be daring).
Kimmel emphasized that by creating more equality between women and men--in schools, in workplaces and in families--both genders will benefit and be able to live fuller, happier and healthier lives.
[MORE]Posted January 27, 2010. LINK.
January 26, 2010
Belmont 'Tops Out' New Residence Hall
Structure to put freshman students in heart of campus
Belmont University held a topping out ceremony today for a new 103,000 square foot residence hall in the center of campus. The as-yet-unnamed six-story building will provide housing for approximately 400 freshmen when it is completed this summer, prior to the start of the fall 2010 semester. The new residence hall will be connected via an underground tunnel to Maple Hall, another freshman residence which opened last year. All of the new residential space is needed to accommodate Belmont’s rapidly growing enrollment which has increased by more than 80 percent since 2000. In addition to offering more housing space, the new facility will provide a unique living-learning community lifestyle by putting all first-year students in the heart of campus.
“Belmont University continues to grow at a remarkable rate,” Fisher said. “It’s important that Belmont remains student-centered, placing our students’ needs first even as we experience significant enrollment increases. This new residence facility guarantees that Belmont will provide a unique and innovative space to welcome incoming classes into the heart of campus.”
Belmont's enrollment has increased by more than 80 percent since 2000, with the fall 2009 enrollment topping 5,400 students. The structure will complete the university’s vision to house all first-time students in the center of Belmont’s 75-acre campus. The close proximity to one another and to all academic buildings will provide an ideal learning community for incoming freshman classes. In fact, the new structure will include classroom space on the bottom level to accommodate First Year Seminar courses.
Provost Dr. Marcia McDonald added, “Creating a community for our freshmen at the core of campus will enable us to enhance our living-learning experiences. We anticipate opportunities for extended student-faculty dialogues and exchanges around our innovative First Year Seminars, most of which will be taught in classrooms in these residence halls.”
Nashville-based architect Earl Swensson Associates—the same company that designed Belmont’s Curb Event Center and the Gordon E. Inman Center—is overseeing building plans. R.C. Mathews is the contractor on the year-long project.
Posted January 26, 2010. LINK.
January 22, 2010
Gray Challenges Audience to Continue Fight for 'Equal Justice'
Legendary Civil Rights attorney Fred Gray appeared on campus this week, sharing with wisdom and candor stories about his never-ending efforts to "destroy everything segregated I could find." In a special morning-long forum and lecture, Gray—the former attorney for Rosa Parks, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Tuskegee Syphilis Study victims—spoke to an audience in the Massey Performing Arts Center consisting of Belmont students, faculty and staff along with members of the community and students from Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University and 85 eighth graders from nearby Rose Park Middle School.
The opening panel discussion featured Gray along with special guests Dr. Henry Foster, Jr., professor emeritus and former dean of the Meharry College School of Medicine and nominee for U.S. Surgeon General under President Bill Clinton; Dwight Lewis, columnist and member of the editorial board for The Tennessean ; and John Seigenthaler, founding editorial director of USA Today, founder of the First Amendment Center and award-winning journalist who briefly left his career in the 1960s to work in the civil rights field. The panel was moderated by Harry Chapman, Belmont's director of development and major gifts.
The session opened with a timely conversation on healthcare, a subject close to Gray's heart given his work representing the victims in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Gray said, "When you use human beings as subject of research, they have certain rights, and those rights should be of paramount concern."
The bulk of the day's conversation, however, revolved around the Civil Rights movement and Gray's determination to make a difference, even from a young age. Throughout the morning he shared details of the Montgomery bus boycott and the role he played along with other early Civil Rights pioneers. In fact, at a dinner event Tuesday night, Gray was given the first Belmont College of Law "Champions of Justice" award. Seigenthaler said, "I admire Belmont University so much for having [Fred Gray] here... We must never forget what he did to try to end segregation."
"There were many unsung heroes who gave the moral courage that made it possible to have a Civil Rights movement and elect the 44th president of the United States," Gray noted. "I want to challenge you all that the Civil Rights movement is not over. The struggle for equal justice has not been achieved."
Presented by Belmont’s Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing “Diagnosing Our Future” speaker series, Gray’s appearance was also co-sponsored by Belmont’s College of Law, the Office of Spiritual Development and the Center for Community Health and Health Equity.
[MORE]Posted January 22, 2010. LINK.
PBS 'History Detectives' Host Elyse Luray to Visit Belmont
Visit Comes as Part of 'American Experience' Exhibit
Elyse Luray, a host on the PBS show “History Detectives,” will give a presentation on collecting art and antiques on Wed., Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Belmont University’s Massey Concert Hall. Luray’s visit comes in conjunction with the opening reception for The American Experience: Art and Decorative Arts from the Collections of Belmont University Alumni, a collection that will be displayed in Belmont’s Leu Art Gallery from January 26 through May 14. The reception and presentation are free and open to the public.
The exhibit reception will take place in the gallery on Wed., Feb. 3 from 5-7 p.m. with Guest Curator Mark Brown, Belmont Mansion executive director, who has pulled together an exhibit that explores a wide range of American fine and decorative art objects from the collections of Belmont University alumni. Luray’s talk will follow the reception.
The items on display—including furniture, silver, glass, textiles, paintings and prints—reflect American culture from the Colonial period to the end of the nineteenth century. Selected items include coin silver by the son-in-law of Paul Revere, Tiffany silver tongs, Tennessee made furniture and a quilt made by a slave. Pieces were selected to illustrate some interesting topics from the American decorating past such as the crossover between American literature and the decorative arts or how home items deified George Washington. Other items illustrate how the 1876 American Centennial influenced items displayed in the home. The exhibit will also explore the roles of women and African Americans in the decorative arts.
Posted January 22, 2010. LINK.
January 19, 2010
Belmont Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Program
Belmont University celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a series of programs free and open to the public. The Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Program was established at Belmont in 1997 and is kicked off in January each year as part of the observance of Dr. King's birthday.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Program 2010: “Mountaintops & Valleys”
Wed., Jan. 20, 2010
Rev. Fred Gray
Rev. Fred Gray was the attorney for Rosa parks, Dr. Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and author of Bus Ride to Justice. He also defended the Tuskegee Syphilis Study victims.
Massey Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m.
Christian Faith Development Convocation
Wed., Jan. 20, 2010
Dr. Naomi Tutu
Dr. Naomi Tutu is the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a human rights advocate. She is co-authoring a book entitled, I Don't Think of You as Black: Honest Conversations on Race and Racism.
Massey Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
Christian Faith Development Convocation
Fri., Jan. 22, 2010
Dr. Forrest Harris
Dr. Forrest Harris is President and CEO, American Baptist College in Nashville. He will give the Keynote Address. He is the Director of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies and Assistant Dean for African American Church Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
Massey Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m.
Academic Lecture Convocation
Mon., Feb. 1 - Wed., Feb. 3, 2010
BAD: Belmont and Diversity
Gary Hunter will lead these discussions. You must register to attend. Food will be provided.
Beaman Student Life Center, A: 5-7 p.m.
Personal & Professional Growth Convocation
Wed., Feb. 3, 2010
Congressman Floyd Flake
Congressman Flake is the pastor of Greater Allen AME Cathedral
Neely Dining Hall, 10 a.m.
Christian Faith Development
Mon., Feb. 8, 2010
"Siouxsan & Charles Robinson"
First Nations Christ-followers
Leu Center for Visual Arts Room 117
Christian Faith Development
Wed., Feb. 10, 2010
"Bishop Joseph Walker"
Bishop Walker is the pastor of of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Neely Dining Hall, 10 a.m.
Christian Faith Development
Thurs., Feb. 11, 2010
"Pray the Devil Back to Hell"
Film viewing and discussion
Beaman Student Life Center, A&B: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Personal & Professional Growth Convocation
Sat., Feb. 20, 2010
"Bus Tour of Nashville Civil Rights Memorial Sites"
Location TBA: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Personal & Professional Growth Convocation
Wed., Feb. 24, 2010
"Spinning into Butter"
Film Viewing and discussion
Location TBA: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Personal & Professional Growth Convocation
Mon., March 1, 2010
"Dr. Jennie Knight"
Dr. Jennie Knight is Assistant Professor in the Practice of Religious Education and Community Ministries, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
Leu Center for Visual Arts 117: 10 a.m.
Christian Faith Development Convocation
Posted January 19, 2010. LINK.
January 13, 2010
Belmont to Host Event With Activist, Noted Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray
Gray defended Rosa Parks, MLK Jr., Tuskegee Syphilis Study victims
Noted Civil Rights attorney and minister Fred Gray will appear on Belmont’s campus on Wed., Jan. 20 for a special forum and lecture. Gray—the former attorney for Rosa Parks, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Tuskegee Syphilis Study victims—will discuss “Lessons Learned from a Civil Rights Pioneer about Health, Social Justice and Christian Service.” This morning-long event is free and open to the public, courtesy of financial assistance provided by the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee. Both the forum and the lecture will take place in Belmont’s Massey Performing Arts Center.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “It’s a distinct honor to welcome Fred Gray to Belmont’s campus, especially during the week when our nation celebrates the accomplishments of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. At Belmont we encourage our students to use their gifts and talents to impact the world. There are few better examples of individuals who have accomplished that mission than Fred Gray.”
The event will begin with an 8:30 a.m. panel discussion featuring Gray along with the following special guests:
• Dr. Henry Foster, Jr., professor emeritus and former dean of the Meharry College School of Medicine and nominee for U.S. Surgeon General under President Bill Clinton
• Dwight Lewis, columnist and member of the editorial board for The Tennessean
• John Seigenthaler, founding editorial director of USA Today, founder of the First Amendment Center and award-winning journalist who briefly left his career in the 1960s to work in the civil rights field.
Following a 20-minute intermission at the conclusion of the panel forum, Gray will return for a keynote lecture at 10 a.m. His presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
Gray's legal career began in the midst of America's modern day civil rights movement. With a quiet demeanor, strong determination and secret commitment made in college, he vowed, "to become a lawyer, return to Alabama, and destroy everything segregated I could find." Gray began his legal career as a sole practitioner, less than a year out of law school, and at age 24, he represented Mrs. Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus, the action that initiated the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Gray was also Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s first civil rights lawyer. This was the beginning of a legal career that now spans more than 45 years.
[MORE]Posted January 13, 2010. LINK.
January 11, 2010
Belmont College of Law Appoints Andrew Matthews Assistant Dean for Student Services
Belmont University announces today that Andrew R. Matthews will join the new College of Law as the assistant dean for student services. Currently, Matthews serves as assistant dean at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Ala., which he helped lead to full American Bar Association (ABA) approval. He will begin his appointment at Belmont on Feb. 1, 2010.
Matthews brings a wealth of law school administration experience to Belmont. Prior to his career in legal education, he practiced law in the areas of civil litigation and real estate. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar and the American Bar Association.
“I am very excited to join Belmont University College of Law,” said Matthews. “This law school will blaze a new trail in legal education, and students will truly enjoy a unique law school experience. Belmont’s reputation is impeccable, and Nashville is a fantastic place to study law.”
College of Law Dean Jeff Kinsler added, “Andy Matthews is a perfect fit for Belmont, and he possesses the qualities necessary to work with students at all stages of their law school career. He will help make their time at Belmont fruitful and enjoyable. Additionally, his experience with the American Bar Association accreditation process will be invaluable.”
In October 2009, Belmont announced the opening of a College of Law, the first new law school in Middle Tennessee in nearly 100 years. Belmont’s College of Law represents the university’s seventh college and fourth doctoral program. The College will begin classes in fall 2011, and when at full capacity, it will enroll approximately 350 students. For more information on the College of Law, visit www.belmont.edu/law.
Posted January 11, 2010. LINK.
