Cheryl Bak

Position: Account Service Associate at Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence

Collegiate Activities:                                                                                   
Provident Label Group (Sony BMG) - Publicity Intern
Public Relations Student Society of America - Newsletter Editor                      "I discovered a vocation I hadn't known existed. . .
PRSSA Bateman Competition - Team Member                                                            yet realized I could not live without."
Belmont Campus Crusade for Christ - Community Outreach Coordinator
Chadasha Gospel Choir - Singer


(For a more concise bio, please click here.)

So you want to know a little bit more about me beyond my "professional" side? I was born and raised in a rural area about 35 minutes north of Washington, D.C. I love the location: A few hours from the beach, a couple others to snowy mountains, 1.5 hours to the Chesapeake Bay, and of course, the nation's capital is just a Metro ride away.
 
I was the newsletter editor for the Belmont chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America,recipient of the 2007 Dr. F.H. Teahan National Chapter award for Outstanding Chapter Development. I was also on the school's PRSSA Bateman Competitionteam,which designed and implemented a campaign to raise awareness of seat belt safety for Safe Kids Worldwide®. In April 2008, my team and I received an award of merit in the Best Student Entry category at the 22nd Annual Parthenon Awards, sponsored by the Nashville PRSA.

I enjoy singing, and recently did so in the student-led Chadasha gospel choir at Belmont University. The name comes from the Hebrew word, Chadash, which means fresh or new - they bring a "fresh" way of looking at worship.

In December 2006 my best friend and I attended a taping of "The Price is Right."  Everyone was interviewed for about 10 seconds before entering the studio, and I knew I had to make myself stand out. Spending 14 hours on a Hollywood street made my mind wander a bit and I made up a rhyme to showcase to the producers. It must have worked, because I ended up as the first contestant of the day and played "Clock Game."

Rewind a bit...
After graduating high school I attended Montgomery College,and began studying music education. I love to sing and had experience with children through my church, so I thought it was a perfect combination. Well, after a year of strictly music and education classes, I discovered it wasn't quite for me. I switched paths and received an associate's degree in general studies.

In the fall of 2004 I was accepted to participate in the Walt Disney World College Program. I worked at Tony's Town Square Restaurantand was still a full-time student, since I took courses from Disney University as well as an online course. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience overall and learned a lot about myself, about life, about the world and, of course, about superior guest service.

Upon returning, I finished my associate's degree in December 2005. Not caring to transfer in the middle of the school year, I once again participated in the Walt Disney World College Program, this time as a 1930s bellhop at the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

While there, I had the daunting task of deciding where to complete a bachelor's degree, and ultimately chose Belmont University (after being accepted, of course). My grandfather was raised in Nashville and because of my background in music, living in Music City, USA appealed to me - not to mention the people, programs and environment at the school. 

Soon after I decided on a major: public relations. After my Intro. to P.R. class, I was hooked.

I discovered a vocation I hadn't known existed, yet realized I could not live without.

My internships, academic dedication and extracurricular involvement helped earn me Belmont's Public Relations Graduate of the Year award May 2008.

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I am so glad I went to Belmont University. The faculty are there because they love what they do and are eager to help students in any way. Its graduates and accolades are a testament to the quality of education and all-around experience one receives. Like they say "Belmont. From Here to Anywhere."

* Notable Alumni:
                         Miss USA 2007, Rachel Smith
                         Minnie Pearl
                         Musicians including: Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood & others


             * Accolades:
                                Site of 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate - Oct. 7, 2008
                                Top 11 Ranking in U.S. News & World Report - Masters-degrees universities in the South
                                Cited most as 'School to Watch' in 2009 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
                                3-time host of the CMT Music Awards
                                Various NCAA Division I championships in the Atlantic Sun Conference, most notably the men's basketball team.
                                Business professor Dr. Jonn Gonas named the 2008 Tennessee Professor of the Year
                                President Fisher named Tennessean of the Year 2008                              
                                Strong support from Mike Curb, Jack C. Massey & Vince Gill

Most importantly, the high caliber of students there impresses me more and more every day. It is a small school, (though growing quickly!) but it seems every other week some student, organization or group wins a regional or national award - for Service Learning, Journalism, Athlete Academics, Entrepreneurship, Business ... the list goes on.