Name: Joshua Maisner
Major (s): Marketing
Activity: United: For Change, SIFE
Grad year: 2010
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Why did you choose Belmont?
I chose to come to Belmont, because it's kind of a family school. Six of my cousins graduated from here, and my great-grandmother went to Ward Belmont when it was an all-girls school. I came to visit the summer before my senior year to look at the music business program and absolutely loved it here. I came back that fall for a preview day and completely fell in love with the campus and the people. I got to sit in on some classes and just knew that this was the place for me.
With which campus activities were you involved?
I'm involved with several things, but predominantly with United: For Change. It's a nonprofit that I've started in conjunction with the Office of Strategic Marketing and Special Initiatives. The goal of United is to raise awareness and funds for impoverished children here in Nashville, the broader United States, Africa and the rest of the world. I'm also involved with SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) a little bit, and I have participated in SGA (Student Government Association) as well. I'm also founding the American Marketing Association Collegiate Chapter at Belmont in association with the Nashville American Marketing Association and the American Marketing Association.
How did United: For Change begin?
United: For Change has been an incredible experience. I came up with the idea in December of 2008 after just bouncing some ideas off a roommate about how we can make a difference in the lives of impoverished children. I had come across some startling figures: Over 26,500 children die every day under the age of five. I wanted to see those numbers go down, so I talked to some professors, Greg Pillon in the Office of Communications, and he connected me with Pamela Johnson and her team in Strategic Marketing and Special Initiatives. They completely believed in the idea and offered all their resources to me in order to help make the dream a reality.
What has been most beneficial about attending Belmont?
I think the amazing thing about Belmont is that it's a school that encourages its students to dream big and change the world. Instead of just smiling and nodding at an idea, Belmont offers its support to make the dream a reality. Pamela Johnson and Dr. John Gonas, who oversees SIFE, have been two incredible supports by encouraging me to pursue my dreams have made it apparent to me that change can happen. It's been amazing also to see Greg Pillon in the Office of Communication rally behind me with ideas and resources to make United: For Change a success.
What's the relationship like with your professors?
My professors at Belmont have been incredible. I saw my first-year seminar teacher recently, and she still remembers my name. I try to stay in contact with a lot of my professors. They are all incredible individuals that can offer great connections and valuable insight into career choices or even school decisions. It had been amazing to have professors that truly do care and take the time for their students.
What one thing would you tell a prospective student why he or she should come to Belmont?
I think the opportunities here are incredible. Regardless of your major, you are going to get opportunities that you would never have anywhere else. If you're a music business student, Belmont is located at the edge of Music Row. Belmont has many connections there as well the rest of music businesses throughout Nashville. Our nursing program is top-of-the-line, and they offer incredible opportunities there. Marketing is a great area here. As a marketing major, I have had the ability with marketing professionals in the area. Belmont is a place where you are going to find opportunities that you can't get anywhere else.
