Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Knoxville Business News Tennessee Mountain Scenery Background
January 28, 2025 | Tom Ballard

U News | Belmont University receives another big gift from Milton and Denice Johnson

Miami University announces a collaboration in quantum computing with the Cleveland Clinic.

From Belmont University:

Milton Johnson, the retired HCA Healthcare Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and his wife Denice, a former educator, have made a historic $30 million gift to Belmont University to establish the Johnson Academic Challenge. The innovative matching fund program will match donor commitments of $1.5 million to $3 million to create up to 20 endowed professorships across Belmont’s academic programs, deepening the University’s academic excellence and enhancing student learning and formation. 

With this landmark gift, the Johnsons’ support of Belmont now totals more than $50 million, building upon previous investments to launch the Bridges to Belmont program and the Bell Tower Scholars, and support the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. 

“This Challenge represents our belief in Belmont’s vision to reimagine higher education,” said Milton Johnson, who also serves as Chair of Belmont’s Board of Trustees. “By creating this matching fund, we hope to attract and retain innovative leaders of deep character from diverse backgrounds and industries who bring forward-thinking perspectives to our academic programs. These endowed positions will be catalysts for transformation in how we prepare students for the future.” 

From East Tennessee State University:

East Tennessee State University will celebrate innovative research and community engagement at its annual Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day on April 16.

Applications are now open for the event, which will highlight the work of undergraduate students, graduate students, residents, and fellows. The day will include a poster session, oral presentations, creative displays, and a community-engaged learning showcase. The submission deadline for applications is February 21.

The Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day combines what were once three separate events – the Boland Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Appalachian Student Research Forum, and the Community-Engaged Learning Showcase – under one umbrella.

“Last year marked the first time we brought these three impactful events together, and the response was nothing short of outstanding,” said Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer. “Over 300 students showcased their research, scholarship, creative endeavors and community engagement projects, significantly raising awareness of the incredible work happening across our campus.”

From Clemson University:

The Clemson Composites Center is charging into 2025 with a plan to transform the Greenville area into a hub for researching and developing advanced manufacturing technologies of the future.

Ramy Harik has tripled the size of the center’s staff since joining as Director in August 2024. He is now reaching out to potential partners in industry and higher education to broaden the center’s research portfolio.

“I’m very much enjoying how business- and manufacturing-oriented the Upstate is,” Harik said. “People understand that innovation is key, and they are eager to embrace new disruptive technologies that can drive growth and create lasting impact.”

Clemson Composites Center is part of Clemson University and is located in Greenville, an area renowned for its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The center resides in the heart of the fast-growing Interstate 85 corridor between Atlanta and Charlotte, making it uniquely positioned to serve the Upstate region and beyond.

The center’s 21 staff members and students work with industry to better understand how to design, manufacture, and certify composite materials. They have focused on projects serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, mobility, sporting goods and renewable energy.

Click here to learn more about the plans.

From Ohio University:

The Ohio University Research Division is now accepting nominations for the Konneker Medal for Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. Established by the Ohio University Foundation, the award honors Wilfred Konneker, an Ohio University alumnus with a distinguished record in research and entrepreneurship.

Konneker received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1943 and his master’s degree in physics in 1947. He received a doctoral degree in nuclear physics from Washington University in 1950. The alumnus founded the Nuclear Consultants Corporation in St. Louis, MO, and either founded or co-founded six additional high-tech start-up companies. Konneker was also instrumental in the establishment of Ohio University’s small business incubator, the Innovation Center, and the University’s biotechnology spin-off company Diagnostic Hybrids Inc.

The Konneker Medal for Commercialization and Entrepreneurship recognizes current and former faculty members or students who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, invention, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

From Miami University and the Cleveland Clinic:

Miami University and the Cleveland Clinic are partnering to advance education in quantum computing and elevate Ohio’s global position in this transformative field. Through an innovative partnership, Ohio’s first specialized degree programs and research experiences in quantum computing will be established. This initiative also will cultivate scientific and entrepreneurial talent to develop companies, elevate businesses, and advance organizations that leverage quantum computing.

“This synergistic partnership will establish Ohio as a global leader in quantum computing,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “We look forward to working closely with Cleveland Clinic researchers, who are at the forefront of this burgeoning technology. By combining the educational, research, and healthcare excellence of Miami University and Cleveland Clinic, we are accelerating the leading-edge power of quantum computing to shape the future of healthcare and technology.”

Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical center with a global footprint, is home to pioneering and flourishing biomedical research. As part of its partnership with IBM, Cleveland Clinic houses an IBM Quantum System One, the world’s first quantum computer fully dedicated to healthcare research.

The partnership advances each institution’s mission by delivering innovative, comprehensive educational offerings in quantum computing and its healthcare applications to meet the accelerating talent and workforce demands of the growing quantum computing industry in the Cleveland area.



Like what you've read?

Forward to a friend!

Don’t Miss Out on the Southeast’s Latest Entrepreneurial, Business, & Tech News!

Sign-up to get the Teknovation Newsletter in your inbox each morning!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


No, thanks!