Belmont University
From Here to Anywhere
BELMONT C I R C L E
H I S TO RY M A D E October 22, 2020
M A G A Z I N E
F I R S T LOOK The Bell Tower, all dressed up for the final 2020 Presidential Debate, basks in the evening glow.
U NIVE RS ITY ADMINISTRATIO N PRESIDENT
Bob Fisher PROVOST
Thomas Burns VP/CHIEF OF STAFF
Susan West VP OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Paula Gill VP OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Todd Lake VP OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Steve Lasley
A WORD FR OM T HE PRESI DENT It’s time. With those words, I shared in November with our Board of Trustees my intent to retire in May. My wife Judy and I have been incredibly blessed to be at Belmont these past two decades. What has been accomplished by our leadership team, our staff, our faculty and especially our students during our time here has exceeded anything we could have imagined. Judy and I feel so fortunate to have been involved.
VP OF DEVELOPMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Perry Moulds VP OF ADMINISTRATION AND UNIVERSITY COUNSEL
Jason Rogers VP OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
John Carney
MAG AZ INE MANAGING EDITOR
Of course, nothing should surprise me as Belmont has long defied the odds to achieve the unexpected. In fact, this entire issue of Circle represents a perfect example of what the people of Belmont University can do when they work together. I dare you to name one other institution in the country that could successfully tackle a pandemic response, hybrid learning, a historic presidential debate and the launch of a medical school all in the same semester. It’s truly extraordinary.
April Hefner (M.A. ’07)
Between College of Medicine planning, construction projects and preparing for the Spring semester as well as the incoming Fall 2021 class, I have plenty to keep me and our leadership team busy for the next six months. Yet even as I ponder new opportunities to serve in my post-Belmont life, I’m already excited to see what the future holds for this campus. Based on the dedication and unwavering commitment to our students I see on a daily basis, it’s easy to anticipate Belmont’s best days are ahead.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Best regards,
Robert C. Fisher, president
for bonus content, visit: BELMONTCIRCLE.COM
DESIGNERS
Erica Belletete, Sarah Hobbs, Anna Howard (M.Ed. ’19), Myles Ketelsen UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Sam Simpkins CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kenzie Baker (B.B.A. ‘21) Preston Eggert (B.S. ‘21)
Haley Charlton (B.A. ’16) Nicole Jones (B.S. ’20) Emma dela Pena (B.S. ’21) Circle magazine is published biannually for alumni and friends of Belmont University. Address changes and alumni notes should be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations. Third-class bulk postage is paid at the U.S. Post Office, Nashville, TN. Direct inquiries and comments to: Office of Communications/Circle magazine 615.460.6641 or circlemag@belmont.edu Belmont University is a Christian community. The University faculty, administration, and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics, and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies programs or activities; its admissions policies; or employment. Consistent with applicable civil rights law, the University seeks employees of Christian faith who are committed to the mission of the University. The University has appointed the director of the Office of Human Resources to serve as coordinator of compliance with Title VII and IX issues and questions for staff and faculty. The Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs serves as coordinator of compliance for Title IX issues and questions for students. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to: Lauri Chaudoin, Director, Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs, Freeman Hall, 3rd Floor, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, 615.460.5661. Email: lauri.chaudoin@belmont.edu or Leslie Lenser, Chief Human Resources Officer/Sr. Director & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Fidelity Hall, Room 426, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, 615.460.6456. Email: leslie.lenser@belmont.edu.
B E I N G B E LM O NT Dr. Fisher announces the new College of Medicine.
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WA I T F OR IT
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More than a year in the making, Belmont’s hosting of a presidential debate became a focal point for the campus and the city this fall. As preparations and programming commenced, the entire community looked ahead to Oct. 22 with great anticipation.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE The timeline for the October 22 debate began in fall 2018 with initial preparations for an application that was due in March 2019. After the Commission on Presidential Debates announced Belmont’s selection in October 2019, the heavy lifting truly began. A core team of Belmont employees started meeting to plan for spaces, security, infrastructure and technology needs, while committees were formed to tackle educational offerings, special events, volunteers, media, transportation, credentialing, fundraising, student and community engagement and more. As the event grew closer, participants increased. But the numbers of students, faculty and staff involved (more than 400)—and the amount of hours devoted—only hint at the magnitude of what it means to host a presidential debate and the team effort required to do it well.
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“Ring the Bell” celebration
EXPLORING “IDEAS OF AMERICA”
Three unique courses were also specifically designed for this fall, including a Public Relations in Action class examining Belmont’s connection to the presidential debate and a media studies class on The Watergate Scandal and All the President’s Men. Faculty Jennifer Duck and Mary Ellen Pethel also co-taught Media, Democracy and the Public Sphere, a course on history and media that was filmed by C-SPAN to be featured on their “Lectures in History” series.
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Due to the impact of COVID-19 on public gatherings, individual Debate 2020 programs were held virtually, enabling audiences in Nashville and beyond to participate. Offerings included a “Ring the Bell” celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, a nonpartisan Unity Flag Project incorporating artists from across the nation, a TEDx Nashville “We the People”
presentation, a Humanities Symposium on dialogue and democracy and a four-part series on White House Style. Plus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, NPR President/CEO John Lansing, renowned painter Makoto Fujimura, alumni band Moon Taxi and Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford were among this semester’s featured speakers.
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Part of that extraordinary effort was seen throughout the fall semester as Belmont offered an impressive slate of academic programs under the overarching theme “The Ideas of America.” University President Dr. Bob Fisher noted, “U2’s lead singer Bono, a native of Ireland, once said that ‘America is an idea… one of the greatest ideas in human history.’ We wanted to lean into that notion by exploring many of the ideas at the heart of the American story: our history, democracy, the vote, the rights and responsibilities of citizens and more. Ultimately, the events and programs we offered celebrated the American spirit and recognized what makes this great nation so unique.”
Unity Flag exhibit
ENGAGING OUR CITY
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As Belmont seeks to be “Nashville’s University,” campus leaders sought from the beginning to engage local students of all ages in educational experiences related to the debate. Of course, being Belmont, those experiences began with a virtual concert in partnership with national nonprofit Rock the Vote. Titled “Rock the Vote at Belmont University: Nashville Colleges Celebrate Democracy,” the event featured student and alumni performances from Belmont, Fisk, MTSU, TSU and Vanderbilt, along with headliner Moon Taxi and special guest Bren Joy (both Belmont alums). Special segments between performances promoted voter registration.
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Younger students were welcomed to debate-themed conversations as well. Middle school and high school students enrolled in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) were invited to enter the Presidential Debate Essay Contest. In addition to a cash prize, winning essays were published in the Tennessean, and winning writers could take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Belmont Presidential Debate grounds. Elementary students weren’t left out either, as Belmont partnered with MNPS again to create and distribute 30,000 coloring books to kindergarten through fourth-grade students. The publication, which is available for download at belmontdebate2020.com, includes coloring pages reflecting on the presidential election along with activities designed to engage students with vocabulary and concepts aligned to Tennessee state educational standards.
Moon Taxi
MNPS essay winners tour debate grounds.
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Mayor John Cooper
Not Throwing Away
OU R SH OT
was canceled, all eyes turned to Belmont as the final host site. Determined to offer a safe and seamless event, the University dug deep to complete preparations and to demonstrate true Southern hospitality as the media,
SETTING THE STAGE On October 16, less than a week before Belmont was slated to host the debate, Dr. Fisher greeted media and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee offered a video welcome at a press conference with city officials to share information on plans related to security and safety. Nashville Mayor John Cooper joined leaders from Metro Police, Nashville Public Health, U.S. Secret Service, Nashville Fire, HCA Healthcare and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. to discuss the coming week’s event. “Belmont is a world class institution, and it is no stranger to hosting prominent events for a global audience,” said Mayor Cooper. “At its best a presidential debate is an opportunity for a lively, civil discourse in which the American people can hear from our candidates about the kind of leadership we should expect from the highest office in the land... Belmont and the city of Nashville have set the stage for an enlightening and informative conversation, one that will be worthy of the American people.”
Students serving as Debate Hall ushers prepare for the big event.
The media event concluded with staff and student volunteers leading members of the press on a tour of campus debate sites and offering interviews and input on all the work being done behind the scenes.
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campaigns and candidates began to descend on campus.
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When the second presidential debate, scheduled for October 15 in Miami,
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Phil Ponder puts final touches on Debate print.
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SHOWING OFF THE BEST OF BELMONT
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Seeing Belmont’s beautiful campus wasn’t the only exposure debate visitors had to the University. From their airport arrivals to their stays in downtown Nashville hotels to their work on site, attendees were surrounded by visual reminders that Belmont University was the home for the final presidential debate. Banners flew throughout the city, and debate imagery was ever present on campus through decorations adorning the iconic Bell Tower and Freeman Hall, among other locations. Better still, representatives from the Commission on Presidential Debates, the campaigns and media from around the world were treated to a taste of Belmont and Nashville through complimentary gift bags they received when picking up their debate credentials. Thoughtfully curated by Belmont’s marketing team and safely assembled by volunteers, the canvas bags included a custom-designed Hatch Show Print, one of Nashville’s famous GooGoo Clusters, jam from Loveless Café, a University press kit, a debate-themed coloring book, a Music City water bottle, a collectible Musgrave pencil set and notecards featuring a new watercolor painting of campus and Nashville buildings from acclaimed artist Phil Ponder, among other items.
Debate 2020 Hatch Show prints
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Downtown signage greeted Debate visitors and Nashville tourists.
Approximately
2,300 VOLUNTEER HOURS were contributed by HCA Healthcare volunteers
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Approximately
2,000 COVID-19 TESTS
were conducted at HCA Healthcare across
Debate guests and volunteers were required to be tested for COVID-19 at an offsite HCA Healthcare location. Upon receiving a negative result, individuals were issued colorcoded wristbands that would allow them to work within the debate perimeter for three days. Other safety measures included limiting the numbers of reporters allowed in every area, requiring mask wearing at all times, promoting social distancing and encouraging good hygiene with ample hand sanitizing stations throughout the grounds. In addition, thermal temperature cameras and thermometers were used as part of health screenings prior to entry at each debate location. “We were proud to collaborate with Belmont University by implementing the health and safety protocols that contributed to the success of the final Presidential Debate,” said Dr. Jonathan Perlin, chief medical officer and president, clinical operations group of HCA Healthcare. “Nearly 600 HCA Healthcare colleagues volunteered their time the day of and week leading up to the debate to help with screening, scheduling appointments, registration, lab testing and wayfinding to keep everyone safe at the historic event.”
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Hosting a presidential debate in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges as the planning that began more than a year ago required significant alterations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, HCA Healthcare and the Nashville Public Health Department stepped up to join global debate health advisor Cleveland Clinic to consult with the University on needed health and safety protocols.
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HCA HEALTHCARE HEROES: HELPING TO MITIGATE COVID-19 RISKS
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IT HA PPEN ED
The Room Where
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Unlike the torrential downpours that occurred when Belmont hosted the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate, October 22, 2020 dawned with a bright blue sky, comfortable fall temperatures and not a drop of rain in sight. While the pleasant weather was a nice backdrop, all attention was focused on the room where it was about to happen‌ the Curb Event Center, where President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden would meet on stage for the final time to make their pitch to America.
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Three students served as stand-ins for the candidates and moderator to assist the debate production team with a dress rehearsal.
SAYING YES TO OPPORTUNITY
Three students—Adreanna Parlette, Eric Reid and Ryan Sheldon—volunteered for unique roles, serving as stand-ins for the candidates and moderator to give the TV production crew a practice run for lighting and camera positions. Junior international business major Danny deForest, who held a variety of roles including as an usher in the Debate Hall, said, “A big takeaway that I had from this debate is when opportunities come, pounce on them and then do everything you’re asked to do and more. I had a ‘say yes’ mentality all week… I knew that the more I put in, the more I got out of it. As a result, hosting this debate was such a rewarding experience that I’ll cherish for my entire life.” For freshman Mia Ditta, a double major in broadcast journalism and political science, this experience put her in the center of where she hopes her career will take her. “I really loved working alongside FOX, CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS. It was such an amazing experience considering I am working towards becoming a broadcast journalist… I learned that anything is possible if I put my mind to it.”
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From the early morning hours, a lively energy emanated from every corner of campus as media members took their spots on lawns by the Bell Tower and the Curb Event Center to do live reporting. More than 300 Belmont students volunteered for the Debate, and they could be seen dashing about Oct. 22, running scripts from production trailers to on-air sets, delivering boxed meals, screening temperatures of guests and even vacuuming the Debate Hall itself. Mia Ditta
SEEING THE MAIN EVENT “Seeing the President’s motorcade come down Wedgewood Avenue is what really shocked me into the reality that Belmont was about to house the two most important people in the world!”
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Those words, from sophomore politics and pubic law major Keidron Turner, were echoed time and again from students, faculty and staff alike, as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived that afternoon in The Beast accompanied by a parade of Secret Service, police, media and EMT vehicles. Following a quick walk thru, they departed campus just in time for the arrival of former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden with similar pomp and circumstance. Those scenes were replayed as darkness set in over campus and the candidates arrived for the main event, the final presidential debate of the 2020 election. Moderated by NBC News’ Kristen Welker, the 90-minute debate touched on a number of topics, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic and race issues in America to national security and the leadership qualities needed for the executive office.
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Approximately 200 attendees were allowed in the venue, and the audience consisted primarily of campaign invitees, media, staff and students. Two special guests included 7th grader Satchel Strout, who aspires to be president one day, and Dr. Marieta Velikova, an associate professor of economics in Belmont’s Massey College of Business. Velikova, originally from western Siberia, became a U.S. citizen this year and was able to vote in her first U.S. election.
Dr. Marieta Velikova
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ITS EYES ON YOU
History Has
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Without question, the eyes of the world were on Belmont and the city of Nashville as the 2020 presidential candidates met for the final time just 11 days before Election Day in this historic campaign. But beyond the global political implications, this debate brought immensely positive impact to the University, from intensive international media coverage to the indelible
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education experience given to hundreds of students.
Debate Student Engagement Committee Co-Chairs Keidron Turner and Molly Deakins
MEASURING THE IMPACT
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It’s nearly impossible to calculate the tangible and intangible effects of hosting an event of this magnitude. But as with everything Belmont does, the student experience remains the top priority, and the Oct. 22 debate provided first-hand opportunities to witness history as it happened while also giving a glimpse of future career paths. More than 300 students served as Debate volunteers, along with 77 staff and faculty.
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Journalism major Marissa Avnaim served with NBC as a production assistant during debate week. The senior has held two other internships this year, both virtual, so she was particularly pleased to be in the midst of the action. “It was amazing to get in-person studio and production experience... The atmosphere working with news media the night of the debate was surreal and has made me even more excited to pursue a career as a reporter.” For the co-chairs of the Debate Student Engagement Committee, the debate taught skills that will last a lifetime, regardless of where their careers lead. Sophomore, Keidron Turner said, “Helping with the debate during a pandemic has definitely shown me that sometimes life can throw you a curveball you don’t know how to deal with… This experience has taught me that there’s always a way out of difficult circumstances; it simply takes determination and thinking outside of the box!” Junior Molly Deakins added, “Seeing how this school rallied around the CPD, Nashville and each other to make this happen shows how resilient and wonderful this community is.”
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While student opportunities top the list, it’s also gratifying to see the impact on Belmont at large and our hometown of Nashville. According to Nielsen ratings, the debate was seen by 63 million viewers across 15 networks, and over the course of the past year, Belmont received more than 13,200 media hits, bringing $57.6 million in PR value for Belmont and Nashville. This attention also resulted in significant spikes in online interest in the University, with 2.2 million impressions on Belmont’s Facebook page and 64,000 Belmont.edu page views on Oct. 22 alone. Though safety considerations limited the amount of media and guests who could come to campus for the debate, the event still brought an economic boost to the city with 2,300 hotel room nights booked for the debate. The 750 media in attendance were also treated to an array of specialty gifts from the campus and local brands thanks to a special promotional gift bag. Better still, hundreds of Nashvillians were put to work from more than 60 printing, event, security, food, hospitality, transportation and technology vendors and companies. As Nashville, always a strong tourist destination, begins its recovery from the pandemic, the 2020 presidential debate will mark a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year.
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HELPING HANDS AND BUSINESSES
THANK YOU TO OUR PEOPLE
To host an event of this scale and magnitude is no small undertaking—especially when doing so in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Leave it to Belmont students, faculty and staff to rise to the occasion and exceed every expectation. Literally hundreds of people put in thousands of hours planning and preparing for this historic moment. Thanks to your tireless work, the world saw the best of Belmont on October 22, 2020.
THANK YOU!
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Belmont is proud to call Nashville home. It’s a special place, and these Nashville-based businesses and organizations stepped up in extra special ways to make the Presidential Debate at Belmont possible. We are grateful to each of these amazing sponsors and the essential support they provided.
THANK YOU!
congressional sponsor
ambassador sponsors
supporters AARP Tennessee Gray Line Tennessee
AT&T
Lithographics
Enterprise Solutions Stewart Transportation Solutions
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presidential sponsors
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The Debate security fences and media tent were barely removed from campus before Belmont was moving on to an array of exciting new projects. As Dr. Fisher announced his upcoming retirement, he also made clear his intent to press forward to ensure Belmont’s
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best days lie ahead.
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“What has been accomplished by our leadership team, our staff, our faculty and especially our students has exceeded anything we could have imagined,” Fisher said. “My overwhelming response to all that’s been accomplished is a deep sense of gratitude. Without a doubt, my wife Judy and I have been so blessed to be a part of Belmont—we are Bruins for life.” While the Board of Trustees begins the process of seeking the University’s next president, Dr. Fisher will be working to advance a number of high priority projects, including construction of the new performing arts center, a groundbreaking for a new residence hall and planning for the new College of Medicine. “Belmont University has been blessed beyond measure with great leaders in its past, but Bob Fisher has taken this institution to a level no one could have previously imagined,” said Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Susan West, speaking on behalf of the Senior Leadership team. “He set a high bar and demanded excellence in all things and at all times, all while providing opportunities for the people on this campus to work together to lift the University to new heights. His remarkable attention to detail, deep love for our students and passion for Belmont University represent a model that will endure.”
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As 2021 dawns, Belmont will begin preparing to say goodbye to long time University President Dr. Bob Fisher, who recently announced his plan to retire in May 2021. A visionary and innovator in higher education, his tenure is marked by Belmont’s phenomenal growth, dramatic rise in national prominence, dedication to student success and an extraordinary commitment to what he calls “the greatest privilege in life: serving someone else.”
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LONGTIME PRESIDENT DR. BOB FISHER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT WITH AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE
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BELMONT EXTENDS ITS HEALTHCARE EDUCATION COMMITMENT WITH A NEW COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Nashville’s stalwart reputation as the nation’s health care capital grew even stronger this fall as Belmont announced its intent to start a new College of Medicine that will be created in collaboration with one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare. In fact, HCA Healthcare’s Nashville-based TriStar Health will provide clinical elements in support of the proposed MD-granting program’s accreditation requirements with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The need for qualified, compassionate healthcare practitioners is substantial. According to data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in June, “the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians… by 2033.” Of those numbers, a shortage of approximately 21,400–55,200 primary care physicians alone are anticipated. Interestingly, the data for this study was gathered prior to the advance of COVID-19 into a worldwide pandemic, an emergent crisis that has demonstrated “the need for a strong and sufficient health care workforce.”
“The shortage of U.S. physicians continues to worsen, and we share Belmont University’s commitment to address this critical need,” said HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen. “We appreciate our long history of collaboration with Belmont, and we look forward to supporting their pathway to be a successful LCMEaccredited medical school.” The academic and clinical expertise HCA Healthcare brings to the table along with the countless opportunities presented by being located in the nation’s healthcare capital aren’t the only advantages Belmont medical students will receive. They will also benefit from numerous interprofessional healthcare opportunities already embedded on the Nashville campus. The University is heavily invested in the health sciences, currently offering degrees in nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy and public health as well as an MBA in Healthcare.
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President of the Physician Services Group for HCA Healthcare Dr. Michael Cuffe speaks at the College of Medicine press conference announcement.
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Pictured l-r: Belmont Board of Trustees Chairman Marty Dickens, Belmont Trustee and retired CEO of HCA Healthcare Milton Johnson, Dr. Fisher, HCA Healthcare TriStar Division President Heather Rohan and Dr. Cuffe.
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PROGR ESS ON THE R ISE
WITHIN WEEKS OF THE DEBATE, BELMONT ANNOUNCED ANOTHER MAJOR ENDEAVOR— CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RESIDENCE HALL TO HOUSE MORE THAN 600 STUDENTS.
“This project is just the latest example of Dr. Fisher’s and the Board of Trustees’ constant commitment to provide the transformational experience of on-campus living,” said Dr. Anthony Donovan, associate dean of students and director of Residence Life. “The University continues to provide students a great place to live that rivals the best housing in Nashville, but with the support and structure that leads to increased success while at Belmont.” The building will feature all private bedrooms in apartmentstyle living with a multitude of amenities such as a fitness center, flexible basement space and vending area, a unique two-story lobby featuring study and gathering areas, mail and laundry rooms and two exterior courtyards. This residence hall will add to the 3,500 residential spaces that Belmont has built on campus in the past several years, just part of the extraordinary campus development that represents more than $1 billion invested in new construction, renovations and property acquisitions. Other campus projects currently under construction include the new Belmont University Performing Arts Center and an indoor athletics practice facility, both slated to open in fall of 2021.
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Approximately 60 percent of Belmont’s undergraduate population lived on campus in 2019, and the new hall will increase residential spaces enough to raise that to almost 70 percent of undergraduate students as Belmont remains committed to providing students with a traditional residential, liberal arts-based education.
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Proving again that progress at Belmont continues at a fast clip, the University announced in November the planned construction of a new residence hall to provide more oncampus living opportunities. The 268,000 square foot structure will be built on Caldwell Avenue and is set to open in the fall of 2022. Like Tall Hall, this building will provide incredible views of downtown Nashville and will house more than 600 upperclassmen upon completion.
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