OCTOBER 2017
Raising Funds
to renovate Main PAGE 10
Calendar of events*
October 2017
*Dates subject to change.
Sunday
monday
tuesday
wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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• wSOC 4 p.m. • MSOC 6 p.m.
Jason Springs in Concert 7 p.m. SSC Workshop 4:30-5 p.m.
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Fall Break 18 19
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• MTEN 2 p.m. • wtEN 2 P.m.
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• wSOC 4 p.m.
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SSC Workshop 4:30-5 p.m.
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Student Art Show (until 11/27) Jut’s Café and Blount Library
17 Blue & Gold DIY 11-1 p.m.
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Women Composers Concert 7 p.m.
SSC Workshop 4:30-5 p.m.
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SSC Workshop 4:30-5 p.m.
• Msoc 7 p.m. • VB 7 P.m.
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• VB 7 p.m. Ladies’ Night Takes on Dig Pink 6 p.m.
Hypnotist 8 p.m.
26 Ghost Hunter 7-9 p.m.
• VB 3:30 p.m. • VB 7:30 p.m.
Candy Buffet 11-1 p.m.
• Athletic Home Games COUGAR ACTIVITIES BOARD EVENTS Academic dates
• wSOC 1 p.m. • FB 6 p.m.
Homecoming 27 28
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Key
• wSOC 3 p.m. • MSOC 7 p.m.
• FB 1 p.m.
ESTABLISHED 1922
Tablecontents of
04 Record Setting Freshmen Averett 101: An Important Component for Freshman 05 06 Internships Provide Real World Experience 08 Growing into a Growth Mindset 09 How to Stay Healthy on Campus 10 Averett Raises Funds to Renovate Main Hall 12 Remodeled Cafeteria Earns Praise Around Campus IDA Hopes to Continue Championship Ride 13 One Alumnus, One Danville, One Difference at a Time 14 Fall Semester Sports 16 18 Averett Aeronautics Soars to New Heights 19 Quite the Balancing Act The Class of 2021 Becomes Largest Incoming Class to Date
Learning How to Navigate College, One Course at a Time
Tagging Sharks & NFL Training, Summer Internships Revealed
A Closer Look into Averett’s New Quality Enhancement Plan
Cover photo by Keven Kling
Executive Staff Dr. Susan Huckstep advisor
Brianna Shelton publication editor
Ashley Bowman copy desk chief
Lanie Davis
multimedia & copy editor
Lindsey Fulcher & Jenny Gregory video coordinators
Kashawn Carter
Staff Writers
circulation manager
Josh Boggs JaCorey Burley Kashawn Carter Taylor Cook Lauren Cowling Lanie Davis Paul Dennis Katelyn Dewberry Lindsey Fulcher Jenny Gregory Brent Hammer Nate Lake Rosa Morales Nekay Olds Saul Velazquez
Using the Health Center to Beat the Fall Semester Sickness
The University’s Plan for Transforming the Historic Dormatory
Dining Hall Gets a New Look for Fall 2017
Averett Equestrian Program Aims for Another Winning Season
Wilkins Represents AU Motto as an Alumnus
Each Team Discusses Getting into a Successful Mindset
Growing Student Body Helps Expand Aviation Major
Students Reflect on Managing School, Extracurriculars, and Jobs
More Stories!
Follow @ChanticleerNews on social media to view campus stories on video.
Not Just Freshmen But Record Setting Freshmen by Kashawn Carter
This year we have already witnessed a lot of growth within our Averett community. We are seeing the bonding of new teammates, and friendships being made in front of our eyes. With our new teams and clubs also come new students. This year the Averett freshmen class set another record with 371 total incoming students. “We had to implement new systems and new pipelines on how we’re doing things. This gave us the ability we needed to get past our record setting number of 370 freshman last year, to make it 371 students this year,” Joel Nester, director of admissions and international counselor, said. “Last year we saw numbers in this area of increase, and it’s great to see it happening again.” This year we are have 26 international students representing 20 different countries from all around the world. Our domestic students make up 16 different states, with a majority hailing from Virginia and North Carolina. Several of Averett’s majors have also seen an influx of participation as well. “Our nursing program really made improvements by bringing in 39 students which is a big number compared to what they have been able to accumulate in the past,” Nester said. Nursing isn’t the only program that has seen a significant increase this fall. Our equestrian program doubled as well
by bringing in 16 students. Becoming the Intercollegiate National Champions this past year, they were able to recruit a higher number of students also. “I think there’s a lot of positive momentum going on at AU. When it comes to enrollment, we’re going in the right direction and I would expect another large class coming next fall. All of our new pipelines should help continue the enrollment growth,” Nester said. “With the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse, and our new wrestling team has also brought in numbers of students we didn’t expect to see. All of these changes, and growths, are good for our Averett community. It gives us the chance to grow as one team, find more team members to supports and have new players and teams we love cheering for.” The aviation program has grown as well, bringing in its second largest class with 29 students. Averett is also in the works of owning the local airport for business and class purposes. “I think being a part of this freshman class allows us to be awesome. We get to know we’re a part of the biggest class to come into AU. I’m also excited to see how we can grow together throughout the year,” David Halsey, a computer science major from Clifton Forge, said. “I’m ready to see how we can all grow into leaders and what’s next for our futures.”
Freshmen are enrolled in a required course called Averett 101. As part of this course, students get the opportunity to eat dinner at President Dr. Tiffany Franks’ home.
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Averett 101: an Important Component for Freshmen from high by Katelyn Dewberry
Entering college for the first time can be extremely intimidating, and at Averett University, the goal is for students to feel welcome. The required course Averett 101 is a great place to start for incoming freshmen. This course is a helpful guide for students making the sometimes difficult transition from high school to college. Throughout this class, students learn time management skills, organizational skills and study techniques. Students also learn how to incorporate these skills into their other classes. This class has a workbook which acts as a guide for the curriculum in this course. The ability to be provided with such essential knowledge helps take even the smallest amount of stress off of new students. As stated in the workbook, “Students will gain the knowledge and tools to be successful students at Averett University and contributing members to the greater community.” “I hope students are building habits in this class that will not only benefit them in the semester, but their entire time here at Averett and hopefully beyond too,” Brigid Belko, director of experiential learning, said. Belko worked at the University of Connecticut for their first year experience program. She came to Averett University three years ago and has helped make Averett 101 more efficient for students. This class is not only taught by an instructor, but also includes a peer mentor. The peer mentor is a great resource, because they understand the transition
David Halsey completes an Averett 101 scavenger hunt task by posing in the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” position.
school into college can be difficult. “It’s great to have their student perspective in the class,” Belko said. A major focus in this course is to engage students in learning new ways to study, take notes, and to take part in interacting with fellow peers. “This class has helped because it Mckenna Harris takes a moment me, gave me new study before class to read through the Averett 101 handbook. techniques, like the Loci method,” freshman Grayson Eaton said. In Averett 101, students have the opportunity to serve the community as well as learn about the history of Averett. “Learning the history of your school is a part of understanding the community in which you now live. Traditions link the past, the present, and the future,” Dr. Gary Tucker, professor of mathematics and an instructor for Averett 101, said. In class, students are positively impacted by new information that is critical to do well in college. Not only does this class serve as an effective source for new information, but it also allows students to have fun. One of the activities students participate in is the scavenger hunt, which lets students explore campus to find new locations. “I liked being able to tour the campus,” Makenna Harris, freshman, said. While partaking in this activity students are put into groups and this gives them the ability to interact with their peers. “I enjoyed being able to participate in the scavenger hunt,” David Halsey, freshman, said. Averett 101 serves as a guide to incoming students who are not familiar with a college environment. With the help of this course, freshmen are able to begin their journey in college more prepared.
The Chanticleer • 5
internships provide real world experience by Lauren Cowling
In order to graduate, a lot of majors at Averett require an internship. This helps the students gain real life experience in the field of their choice. Although internships are hard work, they can also be a lot of fun and can lead to connections and future employment. It is common for students to complete their internships between or during their junior and senior years. They have acquired enough knowledge to be able to know what they are doing and still be eager to learn more specifically in their field. Although internships are required, many students find them to be new and rewarding experiences. The positions relate to what they want to do in the future and prepare them. “I worked with the Waynesboro News Virginian this summer as a reporter. This is exactly what I want to do when I graduate, so it was the perfect internship for me,” Clarice Ellinger, a junior majoring in journalism, said. Senior sport management major Mitchell Smith, who interned with both the Washington Redskins and at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), also found his internships to be a good fit. “I enjoy sports in general and want to get involved in professional sports so it helped
tremendously,” Smith said. “At Virginia International Raceway, I got to do a bit of everything in marketing. I got to escort Richard Petty during my last weekend.” “I did an internship in Clearwater, FL with CMERA,” Danielle Funkhouser, a senior majoring in bio-medical science, said. “We were tagging and measuring sharks and rays, taking DNA samples from certain species for research. We also did a lot of maintenance and cleaning on the boats. It was a lot of hard work but so fun.” Internships can be found through many different platforms such as online, through members of faculty or through previous students. “I asked Meg Stevens if she knew of any internships and she put me in contact with Mike Rose, the marketing director of Virginia International Raceway. I also applied online for the Washington Redskins and had a phone interview,” Smith said. Funkhouser discovered her internship opportunity through word of mouth. “I found out about it through a previous Averett student who graduated last May. She had gone the summer before and it sounded really fun so I decided to try it myself,” Funkhouser said. Internships provide students with a lot of
Danielle Funkhouser completed a unique internship in Florida where she discovered her passion for marine biology from working with animals, like sharks, turtles and rays.
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knowledge that they aren’t able to learn in the classroom. It can help them decide if they want to continue in the same direction or change course. “I learned that no matter where you are, opportunities can arise that you never expect. Over the course of the summer, I was able to interview Dog the Bounty Hunter, see the world’s largest potato and ride along with several law enforcement officers,” Ellinger said. For Funkhouser, her internship changed the way she viewed fieldwork. “What I took away from the experience was that I learned that I have a passion for the ocean and marine conservation,” Funkhouser said. “Being in the water and working with these animals every day really changes your outlook on things. This
experience made me realize that maybe I don’t want to be in a lab setting after all.” Choosing a career path can be tricky but internships can be really eye opening for those who are not sure what path they want to pursue. When it comes to applying for these opportunities, it is best to start early so you have as many options as possible. “I started applying for my summer internships during Christmas break. Apply to as many as you can. Even if it’s a far stretch, you never know what might fall into your lap. I applied for maybe 10 to 12,” Smith said. While interning with both the Washington Redskins and Virginia International Raceway (VIR), Mitchell Smith gained experience in professional sports and marketing. Smith also got to escort Richard Petty at VIR.
As an intern reporter for the Waynesboro News Virginian, Clarice Ellinger was able to network with others in her field, interview Dog the Bounty Hunter and see the world’s largest potato.
The Chanticleer • 7
Growing Into a Growth Mindset by Rosa Morales
With the beginning of a new school year comes a new way of thinking. Gone are the days where one would state that they couldn’t achieve something simply because they aren’t “good” at it. Instead, Averett University is actively trying to get their students and faculty to adjust to a more progressive way of thinking: the growth mindset. Averett’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) refers to research that suggests that the “assumptions students make about the malleability of their own intelligence impact their resilience and thus their academic achievement.” In reference to this, students who hold a fixed mindset are stuck on the belief that their intellectual ability can no longer be developed, lacking a “natural aptitude” for the subject of difficulty. These individuals are discouraged and are less inclined to believe that they, too, can be smart in courses that prove to be a bit more difficult at first. Fortunately, those who adopt a mindset in which they can grasp that intelligence is malleable and able to grow with consistent effort and determination are more disposed to seek out challenges, meeting them with resiliency. This permits students to improve their learning strategies by understanding where they went wrong initially and then adjusting to enhance their performance. Faculty members, such as Dr. Steve Lemery from the mathematics and computer science departments, are trying to implement this mindset into their classrooms. By reminding students that they will have several chances to
develop skills to overcome challenging topics, granting them opportunities to learn from their mistakes through practice, and praising students for both their efforts and results, professors are paving a path for a more positive outlook on gaining success. “There are many times when I’ve had difficulty with something new, and putting in more time and effort helped me past those difficulties. For me, in math and computer programming, it took repeated attempts to master some concepts,” Lemery said, discussing his own struggles on succeeding. “Sometimes I’ve had a ‘closed’ mindset, thinking that I’m not naturally talented at a certain task, such as playing the guitar. Viewed with a growth mindset, I should have thought: I’m not good at guitar…yet. I would be better if I spent more time practicing.” Averett University’s QEP was developed in hopes of “promoting student success and persistence” through the implementation of growth mindset strategies in the classroom. Their goals are to adapt students to believe that an ability is dynamic and changeable, be willing to embrace and work through challenges, and to view failure as a learning experience. In the long run, this will not only ensure academic success, but also achievement in other aspects of life. If students are looking to gain further insight on the Growth Mindset concept, they can find the Director of QEP Aries Wilson in the Student Success Center, as well as through the utilization of online resources, where a “plethora of insight” can be found.
Growth mindset tips, such as these above, can be found in the Cougar Connection.
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How to stay healthy on campus by Nate Lake
It is beginning to be that time of year: hoodies come out, pumpkin spice lattes are now available at Starbucks, and it seems like everything has turned orange. We all know that these are just a few things associated with fall, however along with this, some of us forget that since the weather is getting colder, it is prime time for sickness to strike. While we enjoyed summer and everything it had to offer, it’s time to stay warm and healthy. With Averett’s influx of new students, there are more chances to catch a cold. Averett is prepared to handle this year’s sickness with the Health and Wellness Center. This center was added last winter with Jill Adams, assistant dean of students, heading the clinic. “Really trying to encourage students to utilize this service on campus for one the convenience of it and for two, just providing that extra service to students that they haven’t had in the past,” Adams said. The clinic offers various types of assistance to
prevent sickness such as flu shots, check-ups, and other helpful tips to keep you as healthy as possible. “I don’t really get sick, maybe a couple times a year, but not very often,” sophomore Ally Febbl said. While other some students may come down with illness at school, one student athlete says he never does. “I have never been sick at school,” Myles Bennett, a senior football player, said. “Really all you have to do is eat right, drink lots of water and be clean.” While those are simple steps, some may not find it as easy to avoid illness. The clinic does strive to educate students and to help stay clean and healthy. They have programs throughout the semester and flyers to help remind students. The University’s health and wellness center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you need to be seen after hours, there are ways to get you to local doctors for the proper treatment.
At left: The Health and Wellness Center is available to students who may feel ill. Above: Jill Adams, assistant dean of students, is heading the clinic. Adams hosts various workshops and programs throughout the semester.
The Chanticleer • 9
Averett Raises Funds to Renovate Historic Main Hall possible office space on the second floor. This will
by Lanie Davis
In April, Averett announced the launch of Campaign for Main, a fundraiser to renovate Main Hall. This campaign is the first phase in a 10-year master plan to renovate and add residence halls. “It’s the perfect building to kick off this campaign for all the residence halls,” Averett University President Dr. Tiffany Franks said. “It was the beginning of Averett, if you will. It is that anchor; it is the iconic structure.” Main was built in 1910 and was the only residence building until Danville Hall was constructed in 1928. Today, half of the second floor and the third floor are residence halls for students. The fourth floor and the penthouse are not in use. The renovation, which is expected to start right after graduation in spring 2018, will cost around $4-$5 million. It will include a remodel of the third and fourth floors, new stairwells, an elevator, a penthouse with a kitchen and study spaces and a
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add 52 more beds for students. “We’re at about 95% occupancy,” Buddy Rawley, vice president for institutional advancement, said. “If you have a great retention and you have another big class coming in, you can see you might be adding another 50-60 students, so you better have some new beds.” Franks says that this project is the top fundraising priority. “We just welcomed our largest entering class in the history of Averett, or at least recorded history of Averett,” Franks said. “So as we grow, we need more residential space. This is very important to that.” When planning for these new spaces, Averett worked with a consulting firm, Credo, which conducted focus groups with faculty, staff and students to find out what they wanted to see on campus. Franks said that students were not
extravagant in what they wanted to see and that these new dorms will be comfortable, attractive, inviting and functional. However, she wants them to be more than just living spaces. “In each one of our buildings, we want to make certain that there are areas where faculty can host classes or where we can do a seminar so we’re not just treating this as a residence hall and these as classrooms, but where we’re truly living, learning, experiencing community together,” Franks said. An initial donation of $2.5 million jump started the campaign, and $120,000 has been raised since. Averett has put in proposals for grants from local foundations and provided several naming opportunities for donors. However, Rawley says that every gift counts. “Believe me, no gift is too small,” Rawley said. “In a campaign like this, so far we’ve had $25 gifts, we’ve had $2.5 million gifts, and we’ve had things in between.”
While Main Hall was the obvious place to start this master plan, what’s next depends on Averett’s retention rate and growth. The retention from fall 2017 to spring 2018 will be the first indicator of what might come later. “The plan is based on incremental growth,” Rawley said. “In other words, (renovating) Davenport wouldn’t add any new beds, but it’s our oldest stock as I call it. However, because we are attracting so many new students and transfers, maybe that’s not the one we do next.” Franks says that the next residence hall project depends on student needs and assures that students will definitely have input in the process. “We’re going to make certain that decision will be based upon enrollment and our priorities at that time for how we can best impact the student experience,” Franks said. For now, the focus remains on Main Hall and having it revitalized for next fall semester.
Main Hall Renovations to Benefit Students by Nekay Olds
Students are very important at Averett. The University would not be here without us, so it is important for students to feel comfortable while living on campus. The Campaign for Main shows interest and takes action in giving the dorms in Main Hall a new look that benefits everyone. “Rebuilding Main will not only be motivational to students but will also be a way that the students can be appreciated while attending Averett,” India Moore, a junior biochemistry and mathematics double major, said. “We all know that Main building is the oldest building on Averett’s campus. If the building was more up to date it would actually help me study better and it would make me feel more comfortable being in a new like environment.” By now everyone is familiar with the “One Team, One Family, One Averett” motto. These words help bring the AU community together as one, and Campaign for Main is no different. The project acknowledges the importance of student environment while living on campus and aims to benefit not only with the updated dormitory space, but with new study spaces and much more. Campaign for Main will not only succeed in bringing students closer together but will also make a great impact on the future incoming students. Its success allows prospective students interested in attending the University to witness positive change on campus when touring and for those apprehensive parents to see that their college-bound students will be taken care of while here.
The Chanticleer • 11
Remodeled Cafeteria Earns Praise Around Campus by Jacorey Burley
It’s a new year and a new look for the Averett University Cafeteria. After a very productive summer the cafe has an entirely new look and people love it. “I like it. It’s more space,” Donna Brande, who has worked in the cafeteria for 12 years, said. “They removed the salad bar. Now we don’t have to run around as much doing while working.” Students are also noticing the café’s improved floor plan. “I like the café. It looks good and it’s more
space to move around,” Senior K.J. Covington said. The new design opened up more seating in the front section of the café and gave the space an entirely new vibe with more room for students to mingle. “Now they have more seats, so if the cafe is full I don’t have to walk all the way to the back,” junior Bradley “Stick” Jefferson said. The renovations have been met with positive feedback, so with this project complete there is no telling what next for Averett.
Above: Senior K.J. Covington grabs a quick bite to eat in the dining hall between classes and football practice. At left: The new design in the Averett University dining hall includes more seating, which has gained poisitve feedback from students.
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IDA Hopes to Continue Championship Ride by Josh Boggs
Averett University has several different programs and sports that they are known for. However, one team recently gained attention by winning a national championship. During the last academic year Averett equestrians brought home the title of National Champions for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA). “Shocked and very happy was the feeling when we knew we won,” Ginger Henderson, chair of the equestrian department and IDA coach, said. “It was just being caught up in the moment and being happy, even with anticipation.” Henderson also stated how a winning team is made of selfless riders with a positive attitude who put the team first while leaving their egos behind.
The returning riders remember that, and the new members appear to have great attitudes. Megan Grimes, a senior majoring in dressage and management and captain of the IDA team, mirrors how humble the team was and wants the love to transfer over to this season’s team since this is the largest freshman class. There are six new freshmen on the team to welcome to the IDA family. At Averett, the motto “One Team, One Family, One Averett” is held closely by all the teams. “One Team, One Family is a group of diverse individuals who can come together as a team and support each other like a family,” Grimes said. “I would love to have another winning season.”
Above: Averett equestrian team made a name for themselves by winning the 2017 National Championship for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association. At right: Captain Megan Grimes practiced for the IDA championship while aboard Breezy.
The Chanticleer • 13
One Alumnus, One Danville, OneMagazine Difference at A Time Rave Award this year, was inducted by Jenny Gregory
The motto across the campus of “one team, one family, one Averett” rings true for some students because as Averett is where they make bonds, friendships and memories that will last their entire lifetime. After those four years, what happens as everyone embarks on their life path that Averett has helped to pave the way for? One alumnus, Hampton Wilkins, owner of Wilkins and Company Realtors in Danville, is an exemplary example of what a successful Averett graduate looks like. “[He is] one of the greatest guys in Danville. [He] cares about his community, invests in his community with his time and money and is a tremendous asset,” Danville Mayor John Gilstrap said of Wilkins. Wilkins graduated from Averett with his undergraduate degree in 1973 and finished his master’s degree in 1983. He worked for Dan River Mills for two years in their college graduate management program before becoming a real estate agent in 1975 and eventually starting Wilkins and Company Realtors in 1992. He has been changing the lives of Danvillians for the past 42 years. Wilkins’ Company received Showcase
into the Showcase Magazine Rave Awards Hall of Fame, and was selected the Danville Register & Bee Reader’s Choice #1 Realty Company this year. Wilkins was also voted #1 Realtor by the Danville Register & Bee and chosen as a 2016 Showcase Community Strong Person of the Year. Wilkins’ real estate agency is the largest in the Danville region, but even with all that he and his company have contributed to the community, Wilkins remains humble. “I don’t look at any of this as an accomplishment,” Wilkins said. “It was never my goal to be a part of the largest real estate company in the region. It was simply to have and be the best real estate company.” Wilkins grew up in Danville, went to Averett and stayed in Danville. He currently serves on Averett’s Board of Trustees. Wilkins and his company have played an important role in the revitalization of the River District that has in many ways bought Danville back to life and has provided many hot spots for Averett students to explore. Wilkins’ company manages many of the loft apartments in the River District bringing major cash flow into the Danville economy. Wilkins and his company have in the past
Wilkins’ company plays a large role in the Dan River Region and is widely known for its ideals of community over self and promotion of Danville.
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Board of Trustee Member Hampton Wilkins graduated from Averett. Wilkins said Averett opened his eyes to the world.
sponsored many funds to make a difference in the lives of Danville children. “My passions have taken me down many roads,” Wilkins said. “No one wakes up one day and says, ‘I think I’m going to make a difference today.’ You have to follow your heart to where it leads you.” Wilkins has been following his heart, something Averett taught him, ever since he graduated. Wilkins is a major advocate for Autism awareness, as it affects his grandson, but also has donated money to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Boys and Girls Club of Danville, and even “adopted” classes and schools by providing first, second and third graders with speech and reading classes and tennis shoes that fit properly. Attending Averett is an experience that this alumnus never forget. “Averett definitely affected my life,” Wilkins said. “Averett opened the doors of the world to me. (It gave me) the opportunity to study different cultures, religions and business practices around the world.” Wilkins talked about how the world is so different today with technology providing young
people with the entire world at their fingertips. He expressed how in his day it was so different that studying at Averett truly showed him things he had never known of before. Wilkins vividly recounts this feeling and works to make sure all Danvillians have the same opportunity for success as he did. Wilkins said Danville today needs, “economic opportunity for all…[this] will also address many of our social needs.” Wilkins hopes to see Danville as “a city that is united” in the future. To Wilkins, Danville is not just a city where his business runs, and the people are not just potential clients and dollar signs. This is home. Wilkins’ favorite things about Danville are “the people and the simple lifestyle.” Averett’s attitude of service can be seen clearly in Wilkins. “Our mission statement says it all,” Wilkins said. “We want to provide the best service to our clients, customers and last community. I don’t think any one’s going to remember me or Wilkins and Company by what we have done or contributed to our community.”
The Chanticleer • 15
In the Mindset of First Semester Sports by Lindsey Fulcher
This fall semester Averett will have plenty of sporting events to attend. From a classic football game to a first-year wrestling match, Averett Athletics is the place to be. Grab your blue and gold attire as you come out and support your cougars.
Football
The Averett University football team had one of their best seasons last year going 5-5. The current team has a lot to live up to and work for this upcoming season. Head Coach, Cleive Adams says their mindset is simply put: “Determination.” He said the team is ready to get back to work and are all very driven to get the season on track. The Cougars are in year four with new coaching staff and have their main focus on creating an environment for success. “I’m most excited about the opportunity to build on our team leadership. This is our first senior class as a new coaching staff. We’ve put a lot of work into our athletes and the BAM culture we talk about. The on the field piece will take care of itself,” Adams said. “If you work to your potential you are going to find a way to be successful in this life. It’s all about competition between you and yourself.” BAM stands for “be a man” and the football team takes it as more than a macho saying, but as more of a challenge to compete in life. The team has a Bible verse associated with the motto, and follows seven key principles that go along with “BAM.” Adams says little things like this will lead to wins. “The difference between losing and winning these games is details,” Adams said. “We are going to be in every game we play. The difference between winning and losing is who executes at the highest level on Saturday afternoon.”
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Men’s Soccer
The mindset for Averett men’s soccer is a little different. “Confidence,” Head Coach Phillip Wilson said. “Going forward and being focused in practice. Each game we want to focus on what we have control over. Which is their work rate, the discipline and their focus.” Men’s soccer is bringing back several returners and Wilson says he is excited for them to come together for conference play and to hopefully see the pieces come together for playoffs. With the three principles they focus on, their mindset as confidence and the individual athletes each working to do their best, the team will come together for some wins. “There’s a lot to look forward to,” Wilson said.
Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer also has three specific traits they work towards. The three are giving complete effort, controlling attitude and putting forth complete focus. “You have to deal with things that aren’t controllable in soccer. So we try and harp on things that are able to be controlled,” Head Coach Sarah Chapman said. Chapman says a big thing for her is concentrating on each individual athlete because the individual player must be good in all aspects. “I try to coach individually and when we have the best from each of them, then our team is the best,” Chapman said. One thing the women’s team will be focusing on this year is working to score a lot of goals and making all the positive things come together. “I really want us to be scoring goals. You score one goal and the flood gates open. That’s where we want to be,” Chapman said.
Men’s Basketball
Men’s basketball’s head coach, David Doino said his team will be a defensive team that takes pride in having each other’s backs and playing as hard as they can every night. The three main things they focus on as a team is playing with great energy, effort and focus. The men’s basketball team won their conference last year and knows what it feels like and how to get there. “Defense wins championships,” Doino said. “We are going to face tough times and we need to stay positive and stick together.” Doino will be in his fourth year coaching at Averett and he has had the opportunity to build a certain culture in his team to want to be successful and be the best that each individual athlete can be by playing at a high level. Diono said mental toughness is something the team believes can carry them through a season. “We’re hungry,” assistant coach David Gurganes said to sum up the team’s mindset for the upcoming season. “Being that we’ve had good regular seasons, they are hungry to get to that next level and take that next step to the NCAA tournament.”
Women’s Basketball Women’s basketball has a different approach as their mindset is described as “determined.” Head coach Liz Hickey said she is most looking forward to the team getting back on the court. The team added just one freshman and with several returners brings experience. “It’s going to be crucial to our success,” Hickey said. “Last year we beat every team in our conference at least once, so we want to make sure we come out on top this year.” Hickey says she works towards her team being the best defensive team in the conference and that is what she believes will give them the chance to win every night.
Wrestling
The wrestling team is the newest of this semester’s sports with this being their first official season at Averett. The team is young having 19 freshmen and just two transfer students coming in. Head Coach Tommy Owen says the main mindset for the wrestling team is staying focused and looking forward to competition. “You want your mindset to be focused on the task at hand. Being a first year program, we have a lot of talent and a lot of really great kids,” Owen said. Owen said he would like to thank Averett University for starting a wrestling program and allowing them to do what they love. With several sports teams to watch this semester, remember to offer your support for all of Averett Athletics and help the Averett family continue to grow. No matter what you’re involved in at Averett, your time is now.
The Chanticleer • 17
Averett Aeronautics Soars to New Heights by Brent Hammer
Aviation was first offered as a minor at Averett in 1981 and later transitioned to a major. Recently the aviation program has gained a lot of new students, including 28 first year freshman in the class of 2021. “There was a little under 20 students in total in the program last year, and with the addition of 28 new students, it just shows how popular Averett’s aviation program,” Noah Wren, a sophomore aviation major, said. Last year Wren earned his Private Pilot License as a freshman. “Ever since I was little I just imagined what I’d be like flying a plane and when I took my first trip on an aircraft, I fell in love.” Chief Flight Instructor Travis Williams is excited about the number of new students and
the passion they bring to the program. “I think it is great to see so many young people interested in aviation,” Williams said. “The industry will be needing many pilots for the foreseeable future so to have record numbers is great for the program and also our students as they know already that when graduate they will have jobs waiting for them.” Despite the increase in numbers, Williams believes there will still be plenty of flight time for students who need experience and notes that freshmen have already flown several times this semester. “We have implemented a plan to prepare for the increase in numbers and we have enough instructors on staff to handle the influx of students,” Williams said.
Above: Student pilots must prepare their planes before taking flight. At left: In addition to four piper archer aircrafts the university already owned, Averett gained a new one, which helps with the growing number of students interested in the program.
18 • Follow us.
Quite the Balancing Act: Managing School and a Job by Saul Velazquez
with school work and handling things at work. It is often difficult for college students to balance Without time management, school work may going to school and working. Some students even become overbearing, which will lead to a failure work, play a sport and have a job. These sorts of completing tasks on time or studying for an of challenges require time management and important test. dedication. “If you have one assignment due the next day Many students dislike the fact that working and and a test, doing one assignment may be more going to school is time consuming. They find that time consuming and will lead to not having time working and going to high school is different than to do the other task,” Meador said. working and attending college. At the end of the day, there will be some students “In high school, I didn’t have a job. In college, it who will want a job and others who do not. is more responsibility. The big difference is time, “I always wanted to have a job and to have my because in high school own money,” Hall said. you stay longer than A job and going to college, which allows school is something that you to work more requires responsibility, for college,” David agency and time Meador, a sophomore management. Without computer science these key factors, one major, said. cannot be successful In high school to further procced with students are just trying these responsibilities to get some spending and will have to give up money to go out and one of them to further have fun. In college continue either their students are trying to education or having a earn money to help pay job. for books, tuition, and “A student’s attitude worst of all, student depends on handling loans. school and a job. Some students have Having a job benefits worked since they were a student to pay for teenagers and have things such as debt learned to manage tuition, saving money their time. for a car, or saving The Danville Family YMCA offers job opportunities to students. “I was fifteen years money for their future old when I got my first job and it was at the local dream house,” Meador said. YMCA,” Paisley Hall, a sophomore psychology/ A job and going to school can be time communication studies major, said. “It is not hard consuming, but these sorts of commitments at all, because I have plenty of time to go home shows that a student is becoming a mature and and do homework.” responsible adult. In the real world, not having There are some workplaces that are willing work these responsibilities may be troubling, because around a student’s schedule. “Once (you see) your once a student has graduated and will want to class schedule and work schedule, you can figure proceed to their future job, that student will out the hours you can work,” Meador said. not know how to handle and respond to certain Although, there are some concerns that situations that will require saving money, instead are raised when working and going to school. of just spending money. Time management is the key to keeping up
The Chanticleer • 19
I chose Averett because...
#Chantishowcase this school allows me to do nursing while playing softball.
Ashley Carbajal ‘21 from California
of the great equestrian program and the equine-assisted psychotherapy program.
Sullivan SHort ‘21
FReshman Stats
Top 5 Majors
Physical Business Education
from North Carolina of the football program [and] also the family atmosphere the school presented to me.
Biology
Nursing
Athletic Training
Gender Ratio Women - 40.5%
Men - 59.5%
Zacc Williamson ‘21
from North Carolina of the Cross Country program here. Also, I had a grandparent who went here.
JaQue Patterson ‘21 from Virginia
I really like how everyone here is so friendly. I like the environment Averett is in, and I also like how the class sizes are small. I also love how Averett is very engaged with all the students here.
Mariely Mesa ‘21 from Maryland
I got recruited to play on the tennis team. When I came to visit, I fell in love with how friendly everyone is here [and] I really like the small class structure.
Eleanor Crane ‘21 from Australia
completed by Taylor Cook
Students came from 16 states. California Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Louisiana Massuchusetts Maryland
North Carolina New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania South Carolina Virginia West Virginia
26 international students came from 20 countries.