Achievers

Sullivan Presents Research
Dr. Michael Sullivan, Assistant Professor of Psychology, presented research at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual conference in January. Dr. Sullivan’s research was also recently featured on the New York Times Web site. The research was conducted at Graceland during Elvis Week in August.
Myron Oglesby Educational Advancement Award Established
An award was recently established in honor of Dr. Myron Oglesby-Pitts, Assistant Professor in the Education Department. The Myron Oglesby Educational Advancement Award is offered through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where Oglesby-Pitts served as a charter member of the Eta Beta Chapter at Vanderbilt University. The award will be offered annually to two high school seniors planning to major in math, science or technology and to another student majoring in the Liberal Arts, education or human development. Each award is $500 and is presented during the Eta Beta Chapter’s annual AKA Week.
Student Life Fellows Program
This semester marked the establishment of the Student Life Fellows Program in the Division of Student Affairs. Dr. Darrell Gwaltney, Dean of the School of Religion, was appointed the first Faculty Fellow in New Student Programs. The Fellow informs and engages collaborative academic efforts with new student programs and the first year experience within the Division of Student Affairs. This weekend, Dr. Gwaltney and Matt Burchett, Coordinator of New Student Programs, will co-present at the 26th Annual Conference on the First Year Experience and Students in Transitions in Dallas, TX. The presentation topic is Teaching the Art of New Parent Transitions.
Belmont’s Connections to Grammy Awards
Belmont University’s influence and presence was felt at the 49th annual Grammy Awards Sunday night in Los Angeles. Belmont alumna Hillary Lindsey won the Grammy for best country song, an award that goes to the songwriter. Lindsey co-wrote the Carrie Underwood smash hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Belmont students participating in Belmont West, a semester-long program based in Los Angeles through the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, worked behind the scenes at the awards show. The students served as escorts to performers and other guests and several students watched the show from backstage and were able to watch performers and presenters getting ready as well as set changes throughout the show.