February 8

Step Sing p. 5 SGA Candidates p. 2 Broadcast program p. 4 AfricanAmerican museum on wheels p. 7 Softball preview p. 10 February 8, 2018 Vol. 86, Issue 10

2 NEWS

Shoals competition sparks student ideas CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net Students across the Shoals area are using their creativity to make the area a better place through the Shoals Spark competition.

Shoals Spark is a competition to foster ideas to enhance the Shoals area. It is open to middle school, high school and college students.

Students are allowed to submit ideas on any topic, such as education, business, recreation and community development, according to the press release.

Sophomore Chuck Davis said he thinks this competition will allow young people to contribute to the community in ways they may not have had the opportunity to before.

“I think it will challenge the older generation to look at (ideas) from a new perspective because it’s different,” Davis said.

Students submitted 3-minute videos explaining their idea before the Feb. 5 deadline. They were allowed to work as individuals or in teams and submit multiple entries, according to the website.

As encouragement, those who submitted an idea received a free T-shirt.

Judges will judge the students’ ideas based on the problem the idea addresses, imagination and creativity, potential idea benefits, idea practicality and student presentation.

Between the Feb. 5 deadline and Feb. 22, judges will review submissions.

The chosen students will submit their ideas for the Shoals Spark finale March 8 at 5p.m. in the Guillott University Center.

This event is free and open to the public, according to the press release.

Contestant officials will notify participants the judges selected by Feb. 22.

Sophomore Spencer Finch said he is glad to hear the community is taking steps to ensure everyone has an idea to voice their ideas.

“

This competition is an initiative under the Shoals Shift, a program grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission funds.

This initiative involves local partners, such as UNA, The Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Shoals Entrepreneurial Center, Florence-Lauderdale Public Library and Listerhill Credit Union.

I think it will challenge the older generation to look at (ideas) from a new perspective.

Chuck Davis | Sophomore

SGA announces candidates for elections ANNA MAHAN Student Writer amahan@una.edu

Polls for the Student Government Association are opening soon, and with it comes a new list of candidates.

This year, there are five new candidates running for President, Vice President of Senate and Vice President of the University Program Council.

Below are the candidates running for each position.

President: Sophomore Chase Holcombe, Chief of Staff Sophomore Jessie Harbuck, SGA secretary Vice President of Senate Junior Blake Polson, senate Tempore Junior Cody Titus, senator

Pro-

Vice President of UPC Junior Becca Bush, UPC Pro-Tempore There are currently no candidates for secretary or treasurer. SGA will hold a special election for these candidates.

Voting will commence Feb. 19-21. To vote online, visit www.una.edu/SGA and click on the lion graphic.

While UNA is still under the presidency of Hugo Dante until officer transitions in April, he said he is excited to see how the candidates handle everything.

“Getting to meet so many UNA students on a personal level and connect was such an incredible, once in a lifetime experience,” Dante said about his own campaign experience. “I can’t wait to see campaign season ramp up for the candidates to get the same experience, as well. I would love to see them really work hard and make this a campaign season that connects to everyone.”

In order to run for any position, the candidates must first meet the 2.25 GPA standard and must turn in 300 student signatures.

“With all of the upcoming campaigns, I think there should be more interest in what the students want themselves, not just the University as a whole”, said senior Bizzy Thomas.

All candidates will be talking to students and university groups about their campaign and how they can vote. The candidates can be found on campus and on social media for more information.

The candidates will host a meet and greet Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Guillott University Center.

A debate will take place later that evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the GUC Performance Center.

Editor’s Note: Life Editor Tyler Hargett contributed to this story.

The Flor-Ala addresses plagiarism STAFF REPORT The Flor-Ala staff editor@florala.net On Feb. 1, The Flor-Ala became aware of multiple cases of plagiarism by one of our staff members.

The staff member has resigned.

“Integrity is one of the values we try to uphold as journalists, and I want to make sure this does not happen again,” said Editor-in-Chief

Monday Sanderson. “We will be taking further steps to ensure our writers are honest in their methods of reporting.”

All articles that we have determined contained plagiarism have been given proper attribution online.

The Flor-Ala apologizes for the incidents that have occurred. If there are any concerns of misreporting, please email editor@florala.net.

NEWS 3

Courtesy of Jose Figueroa-Cifuentes

Cadets in uniform are a common sight around the UNA campus. The 2018 year marks 70 years since the opening of the ROTC program at UNA.

ROTC celebrates 70 years on campus CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net It is not uncommon for students to see groups in cadet uniforms marching around campus. Students in the ROTC program have been a part of the UNA family for 70 years.

The ROTC program began at UNA in 1948, said Lieutenant Colonel William Pruitt.

He said the first commissioned class was in 1950 because it takes a few years after starting a program to commission a group.

“I think it’s great that ROTC has been at UNA for 70 years,” said sophomore Jarrod Humphrey. “That just shows what a great school UNA is.”

Pruitt said UNA’s history with ROTC dates back further than the program because the military has been active since the start of UNA, at the time known as LaGrange College.

Humphrey said it is important for universities to support the ROTC program because of what it can bring to a community.

“UNA is a great team,” Pruitt said. “In my four years here, I’ve been extremely impressed by the administration and their support toward this program.”

He said his greatest achievement at UNA was when ROTC received the title of the 2016 Top Program in Medium

Category in the Southeast.

Pruitt said this achievement is even more impressive because the UNA ROTC division almost shut down in 2013 due to lack of student interest.

He said since the award, the program has sustained in numbers and academic scores.

“Growth is continuous,” he said. “If it’s not, you’re not gonna be successful.”

He said he describes the ROTC program as a family because of the bond they share.

“We are family,” he said. “We fight with each other from time to time, but we work those things out because we are all working toward the same thing.”

Senior Derriana Cain said the family atmosphere is what makes it special.

“I really love it,” she said. “We are family and I’m so glad I made that decision (to join).”

Cain said she joined the army in 2013 and came to the UNA ROTC program in fall 2016.

She said she wants to encourage anyone thinking about ROTC to join because of the opportunities.

Freshman Alex Phillips said he feels ROTC is an honorable program people should respect.

“I think it’s important to give young people the opportunity to serve their country and go to school,” Phillips said.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to get an education. Those who serve

the military sacrifice enough already, so they should not have to sacrifice education.”

Pruitt said the ROTC program is always working hard and hosting various events.

He said the UNA ROTC program celebrated 100 years of the ROTC program in the U.S. in 2016.

He said the program began whenever the U.S. implemented the draft in anticipation of WWI. Pruitt said the ROTC stays busy between training and events.

There are currently no plans to celebrate the 70 year anniversary of the UNA ROTC, but there are plans for the rest of the semester, including a day with high school ROTC programs and the annual military ball.

70

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

4 NEWS

CALEB COLE | Staff Photographer

Juniors Jake and Josh Williams work on their weekly show “The Josh and Jake Show” in the communications building studio. This is one example of student content that will benefit from the new studio equipment.

Communications department expands broadcast technology CIERA GOLLIVER News Editor news@florala.net

After many years without a traditional news set, the UNA Department of Communications is taking a step into the age of digital

media.

Associate professor of communications Patricia Sanders said she is happy to see the new equipment because she and other professors have been pushing for it for a while.

“We’ve been without a formal news set and studio for a number of years,” Sanders said. “It was time.”

The department is gaining a formal news set and technology needed for broadcasting, such as microphones.

Sanders said it is a fully functioning set to allow students experience with a real-world situation Department Chair of Communications Butler Cain said when he came to UNA in fall 2016, he wanted to increase student access to opportunities in the broadcast department.

Cain said his experience at his previous job at West Texas A&M gave him inspiration for the communications department at UNA. “It served as a really good model to say ‘Hey, we can do this because a similar sized university is doing the same thing,’” he said.

Cain said he hopes the new set will allow students the opportunity to produce various forms of digital content, such as an internet broadcast or podcasts.

“I’m a big believer in students seeing change and being motivated by that,” Cain said. “I really believe once we start looking more professional and doing other things, that will really energize the students.”

Junior Dalton Shorette said he believes it is important for students to have access to as much hands on equipment as possible so they can compete in their field.

He said updating the equipment will help UNA and the Department of Communications by attracting more

students.

“The better the equipment is and the more up-to-date it is, the more students are going to try to come to that school,” Shorette said.

The equipment for the set is currently housed in the storage area in the communications building.

Cain said workers moved the pieces of the set Jan. 26. The next step is to put everything together and plan the most effective way to use the set.

The news set will go in the studio space of the communications building near the audio booth.

Cain said he wants the space to be balanced between broadcast and film to utilize the space.

He said one day he hopes to use cable access to make a UNA channel of student-produced content and have a center for student media excellence to showcase student work.

“I’m always interested in working toward something,” Cain said. “We are just creating the foundation.”

He said he is reviewing applications for a new professor to teach students how to use the equipment and coordinate with new needs on campus because of the move to Division I. He said athletics will need students to work athletic events to stream games on ESPN3.

Sophomore Rodrick Henderson said it is a good opportunity for students to learn skills to give them an edge up in the workforce.

“That’s training folks for money right there,” Henderson said.

Cain said he is excited about the changes in the department and what it will bring.

“It’s still a work in progress, but this is a big step in moving forward with our plans,” Cain said.

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

NEWS 5

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

The music department performs in their Star Wars themed show to showcase a famous rivalry. They tied for first place last year with Alpha Tau Omega.

DYLAN BAKER | Graphic Designer

Step Sing ʻgets to workʼ on stage CODY CAMPBELL Staff Writer ccampbell11@una.edu The lights of Norton Auditorium will shine upon the groups of students performing for charity Feb. 9-10.

The UNA Student Government Association’s University Programs Council is sponsoring the musical variety show Step Sing to raise money for the United Way Foundation.

Ticket sales began Jan. 5 and advanced tickets are available online at the UNA website for $9 or visitors can purchase them at the door for $10. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

There will be a donation box on-site at the event and all of the proceeds will go to the UNA Food Pantry to help students in need.

Service Chair Allen Childers said the charity aspect of the event is one of its highlights.

“I think that’s one of the biggest things about Step Sing,” he said. “It brings together groups of students to perform and have fun to raise money for a great cause.

It’s a great student-led event that shows students that we can have a great impact on our university and our community when we all come together.”

This year’s theme is “Let’s get to work,” and it will feature 10 squads competing in three categories: women’s, men’s and coed.

Freshman Andrew Garrison said he thinks it is great so many groups come together to raise money for charity.

“Competitions are fun and all, but it is always good for there to be something more behind the event,” Garrison said.

In the women’s section, the competing organizations will be Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Gamma Delta, Phi Mu and Alpha Delta Pi. The organizations competing in the men’s section are Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Sigma Phi, Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Sigma. The only registered competitor in the coed section is the music department.

Sophomore Lauren Hall said she thinks Step Sing sounds like fun, but it is not something for her.

“I know that takes a lot of time to do, but it looks fun for anyone who likes singing and dancing,” Hall said.

Childers said it is challenging to plan an event like Step Sing.

“Planning Step Sing is a lot, between getting all the captains together, organizing the judges (and) making sure every second of the event will go smoothly, it can be a difficult task.” he said.

Childers also said Step Sing can be difficult for the students involved.

“The performers definitely have the toughest job,” he said. “These students go to class and work during the day and practice for hours at night. It’s a strenuous process for each and every group competing, but

that’s why it’s always a great performance on both nights of the event.”

During last year’s event, Zeta Tau Alpha raised the most money for the UNA Food Pantry by collecting a total of $1,024.18.

The 2017 event ended in an unprecedented tie for first place between

Alpha Tau Omega and the music department.

SGA will announce the headliner for the Spring Concert Feb. 9 after the show.

They will name the winner of Step Sing Feb. 10.

Editor’s Note: Allen Childers is the circulation manager for The Flor-Ala.

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Last year Step Sing experienced the first shared trophy between the music department and Alpha Tau Omega.

Both groups will compete again in this year’s show.

6 NEWS

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

The new School of the Arts will make use of the Mane Room to host collaborative art related events, such as painting displays, photo galleries, films and fine art exhibitions. The Mane Room will also serve as a way to engage the local community and UNA alumni in art-related affairs.

New School of Arts unifies departments CODY CAMPBELL Staff Writer ccampbell11@una.edu The College of Arts and Sciences is planning a unified School of the Arts that will foster collaboration between the different departments beginning fall 2018.

The new school will combine all of the programs of the arts department, music department and theater department into one and integrate the resources of each of the different areas of study.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Carmen Burkhalter said this merger will stimulate cooperation between the different colleges and departments.

“What we will be better able to do is

develop academic programming between colleges so that we keep the purpose of creativity, as led through the arts, at the forefront of all disciplines,” she said.

“We work very closely with the College of Business all the time because they’re always focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Burkhalter said the College of Arts and Sciences does not plan to dissolve any of the existing art programs or cut funding for them. The new program will simply consolidate the different art programs into one school and allow students to better acquaint themselves with all offerings of UNA’s art programs, regardless of their major.

The new School of the Arts will make use of the Mane Room to host collaborative art related events, such as

painting displays, photo galleries, films and fine art exhibitions. The Mane Room will also serve as a way to engage the local community and UNA alumni in art related affairs.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Ross Alexander said the Mane Room space could offer many benefits to the School of Arts.

“So the idea is to attract students who want to have an art-based educational experience, but also showcase our programming in terms of performances, exhibitions, readings and what have you in a way that is more cohesive to the community,” he said. “There are a lot of performances and exhibitions and external events (in the arts), and this is a way of packaging them together.”

Junior Sarah Yasaka said the Mane

Room could be valuable to art students.

“I think it sounds like a really good opportunity,” she said. “It sounds like a good way to work with each other and be inspired by each other.”

Senior Nathan McDaniel said he thinks the transition could offer publicity to the arts.

“I think a lot of people aren’t aware of the (art programs) unless they’re in it,” he said. “I don’t think anyone is really exposed to the stuff that students are making, so I think it’s a really great idea.”

Burkhalter and Alexander plan to launch the unified School of the Arts in the coming fall semester and are looking at current UNA faculty members to fill the Executive Director position for the new program.

Honors College plans to increase numbers MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net With the beginning of the spring semester came the change of the honors program to the honors college.

The UNA board of trustees approved the move before the end of the fall semester, according to a UNA press release.

With the help of President Kenneth Kitts and UNA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ross Alexander, this change was possible, said Vince Brewton, director of the UNA Honors College. “(Kitts and Alexander) had the confidence in us to encourage us to make a transition from program status to a college status,” Brewton said.

Brewton said the transition was overdue.

“We always functioned more or less as an Honors College functions on

a campus,” he said. “We’re campuswide, so we’re not an honors program for a specific academic college. We have a significant academic component, a significant residential component, an extracurricular component and a final capstone component. These are things that at a national level indicate that an Honors College status is appropriate.”

This change can benefit the college, said senior Rachel Morgan.

“I joined the honors program as a way to further my education and help with grad school,” she said. “With this change, I believe the college will offer more opportunities for future students.”

Brewton said this transition allows them to reimagine the function of the college.

“We are going to take this opportunity to reconfigure what we do because the anticipation is that over a four to five-year period we want to double the number of students we have in the college,” he said.

“So, a more streamlined approach to our requirements is something that we’re looking at, but also some innovative ways to imagine what an honors college should be going for rather than looking into the past.”

This change should also bring more opportunities for students, said sophomore Janae Smith.

“It would be great if we could have more scholarship money and more programs and classes in the college,” Smith said.

There are plans to implement a minor in honors studies in fall 2018, Brewton said.

“That minor, since it won’t center around content or a discipline, will be structured around particular types of outcomes, such as critical thinking and higher order communication skills that we look for in the classes that we offer,” he said.

The college will also spend more time

recruiting students who already attend UNA, Brewton said.

“We have not done (internal recruiting) in the past, but we believe this will be great benefit to the college,” he said. “Right now, we require students to have a 3.9 or higher GPA and 26 ACT.” Morgan said with the program now becoming a college, more people might want to apply.

“A college shows a chance for more growth,” she said. “I know I would’ve been more excited if I was applying to an honors college.”

Brewton said he hopes the college will be able to achieve its goals.

“We see our main priority is to attract more strong students to UNA,” he said.

“We want to make sure we look at where the students will be five to 10 years from now and help them get there. That’s our goal: attract great students, give them a rich, meaningful experience while they’re here and ensure their success.”

LIFE 7

African-American history rolls onto campus KASEY THORNTON Student Writer kthornton5@una.edu

The Sankofa African-American Museum on Wheels is set to bring a historical learning experience to UNA during Black History Month.

The Diversity Student Ambassadors and the Office of Diversity and Institutional Equality will host the museum in the Guillot University Center’s performance center from 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12, and again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 13.

Admission to the event is free for everyone.

“We want students to be aware of the contributions of AfricanAmericans and the harsh realities they faced,” said ODIE director Joan Williams. “It does not shy away from the harsh reality of African-American history and offers a learning opportunity for all of us.”

The traveling museum features a DAVID J. SAN MIGUEL | Graphic Designer collection of artwork, memorabilia and oral presentations from 1860 to The frequently-used symbol of Sankofa, which some present day capturing the lives of translate as “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you African-American slaves and the forgot,” represents creating a successful future by using the early descendants who came to the past. The Sankofa African-American Museum on Wheels, U.S. Sophomore Maranda Anderson which will be at UNA Feb. 12 and 13, uses its exhibits to show said the museum is important because how far African-Americans have come since the times of it will help keep problems in the past

slavery.

MLK production coming to Lindsey theatre TYLER HARGETT Life Editor life@florala.net While many Americans are familiar with the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., most are unaware of what occurred the night before.

UNA Theatre will present “The Mountaintop,” a fictional account of the night before Dr. King’s final day.

Performances will take place at the George S. Lindsey Theatre Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.

This is the play’s second performance at UNA following director Charlton James’ first production June 29 to July 2 in 2017.

Playwright Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning drama takes place in room 306 of the Lorraine Motel and shows Dr. King and his visit by a maid after delivering his well-known “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.

Vocal performance alumnus William Wade will portray Dr. King, while sophomore Destini Croom will play the role of the young maid, Camae.

Wade said portraying King both rewards and challenges him, with the version of King in the production having two different sides to him.

“I have always wondered what it would have been like to chill with Dr. King at a cookout or just to see him in the street cackling with his boys, and you get to see a form of that in this play,” Wade said. “You also get to see a man carrying the heavy burden of trying to heal a world where people hate you because (of) the color of your skin and where people idolize you for being their hero.”

Croom said she fell in love with her character after reading the script.

“This is a heavy play, and she brings the funny aspect to it and the lightheartedness to it, but at the same time, she has her own backstory,” Croom said.

James said he chose to direct the play because of its relation to current issues.

“The real running theme in the play is that the work is not done, (and) that we have to pass on the baton to the next generation,” James said. “There’s a lot of work that we have to do in order to live a peaceful, happy life with each other.”

Croom said she believes the issues the play relates to are not just race-related, but instead relate to everyone, and the play can get the attention of people who are not working to solve the issues people are facing today.

To read more about Croom’s opinion of the play, visit florala.net.

from repeating themselves.

“There’s a lot of young individuals in the Florence area, so we can see where we came from (and) see where we’re going,” she said.

Historical figures, such as Ida B. Wells, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Tuskegee Airmen will be highlighted, Williams said.

She said she believes visitors will marvel at all of the inventions and contributions African-Americans have made in history.

Museum curator Angela Jennings has traveled across the United States since 1995, taking her traveling museum to colleges, universities, churches and other events and venues.

“I look forward to sharing the work and wealth of knowledge that comes from both Ms. Jennings and the Sankofa African-American Museum on Wheels with the UNA and Shoals community,” Williams said. “I am confident that bringing the museum to our campus and community will be an unforgettable experience.”

Williams said the goal on campus during Black History Month is to make the narrative more complete by building cultural competence among students and not just highlighting the history of a few African-Americans.

To read more about the museum’s impact on students, visit florala.net.

8 LIFE

Alabama ranked 8th best state for drivers 10th best road quality Eighth smallest share of rush-hour traffic congestion Graphics Courtesy of Pixabay

12th smallest auto-maintenance costs and second smallest average gas prices

POLICE TIPS Shequanda Jenkins sladkison@una.edu UNA Police Sergeant Shequanda Jenkins said Alabama receiving the rank of eighth safest state to drive in, according to a recent survey from financial site WalletHub, is a prestigious achievement, but she believes the state can easily attain the highest designation if drivers utilize a few basic driver safety tips as follows: 1. Be a courteous driver.

Many accidents occur due to aggressive driving. It is important to remember that one’s emotions impacts their behavior. It is imperative that motorists exercise courtesy, drive defensively and avoid behaviors that

could aggravate others or lead to road rage incidents.

2. Drivers should refrain from texting and driving.

Most cellular devices are equipped with apps that allow parents to lock the phones of new drivers. In addition, some possess Bluetooth capability which allow for hands free usage. The National Safety Council reports that 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

3. Drivers should always wear a seatbelt and ensure that passengers do the same.

A motorist is more likely to survive a crash in which seatbelts are properly worn. It is estimated that 4,200 lives

could be saved each year if 90 percent of the U.S. population wore seat belts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

4. Maintain the vehicle.

Equipment is only reliable if it is properly maintained.

Before traveling, be sure to check equipment.

Make sure windshield wipers, tires and emergency lights are properly functioning and the vehicle is properly fueled.

5. Be aware of driving conditions.

Drivers should always plan their routes and take care to monitor local road conditions. Many accidents occur due to driving too fast for road conditions or while traveling unfamiliar routes.

6. Beware of impaired driving.

It is important to remember that impairments can be influenced by alcohol, illicit drugs, medications or sleep deprivation. Make sure to be “road ready” before getting behind the wheel. When in doubt, get a designated driver or consult a taxi service.

7. Beware of distractions.

Motorists should refrain from attempting to perform additional tasks while driving, such as adjusting vehicle controls, unnecessary interactions with passengers, eating, applying makeup, etc. A person can take their eyes off the road for a few seconds and get into an accident. Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents in Alabama, according to drive Safe Alabama.

Students give Valentine’s wishes and opinions

LIFE 9

Love is in the air, as Valentine’s day draws closer. However, while some people like the holiday, others do not see its appeal. The Flor-Ala took to campus to ask students for their opinion on the holiday. They were also given the opportunity to give a Valentine’s message to a special someone in their life. “ T h a n k you, Mom, for paying for my college.”

“(To) my fiancé, I love her, and it’s our fifth Valentine’s Day that we will spend together, so it’s something special. I haven’t got a chocolate from her yet, so I guess this will be a good opportunity for me.”

Elizabeth Bice – Freshman

Courtesy of Amazon

KyungMin Park – Senior

“I just feel like it’s overdone.

It’s not that special. You can have a special day with anyone, but why Valentine’s Day?”

“This (is) the only opportunity for me to get some chocolates from girls, and I love sweets.”

“Shout out to the PresiDante for all you do for UNA and all you do

“Be prepared for some flowers and Krispy Kreme.”

Erin Hill – Senior

Hugo Dante, Jr. – Senior

“I love Valentine’s Day. It is my favorite holiday.”

“I love Valentine’s Day because we get to pig out on sweets and go eat and consume food that we normally wouldn’t. It’s just fun.”

“I love my mom to death and thankful for her being there for me throughout college and showing me how to be the man I am today.”

“You mean a lot to me. It sucks that you’re moving away soon.”

Tyrone Yarbrough – Sophomore “I don’t believe in the concept of just doing something romantic for one day. We should be able to do that throughout the year, not necessarily every day, but like weekends or every other weekend.”

Hayden Suddith – Sophomore “I don’t like Valentine’s Day because, nowadays, you can’t find anybody loyal to celebrate it with.”

‘Man of the Woods’ explores new sounds CODY CAMPBELL Staff Writer ccampbell11@una.edu Pop icon Justin Timberlake released his much anticipated mixed-genre album “Man of the Woods” Feb. 2, five years after his last release.

The 16-track album combines elements of Timberlake’s traditional fast-paced and upbeat techno-pop R&B sound with more traditional country and blues compositions.

“Man of the Woods” attempts to blend Timberlake’s melodic and longing vocals with classic guitar progressions and the dance-worthy electronic drum beats that fans know from him.

With this said, the album succeeds in some aspects and utterly fails in others.

“Man of the Woods” lacks a defining tone for listeners to hear. The newfound country dynamic is more often in conflict with Timberlake’s pop-based vocal foundation than it is in harmony. The clash of sounds brings down the album’s quality as a whole and renders many of the tracks skippable.

The incoherence of the album is its most defining characteristic.

Some of the songs seem to follow an overarching theme, while others take Timberlake fans to previously unexplored territory.

The jumbled collection of songs rob the album of its authenticity and perfectly demonstrate how not to broaden one’s musical horizons.

The album opens with the track “Filthy,” a disorienting combination of funky bass riffs and power ballad electric guitar, with a dubstep-like leading melody. The song could be seen as a metaphor for the rest of the album through its feeble attempt to combine opposing musical styles.

The result is nothing short of befuddling aural chaos.

To read more about Campbell’s favorite songs on the album, visit florala.net.

10 SPORTS SCOREBOARD

FEB. 2 - FEB. 17 WOMENʼS SOFTBALL

Feb. 2 vs. North Georgia Loss, 1-0 Feb. 2 vs. Barry Win, 4-3 Feb. 3 vs. Mobile Win, 5-0 Feb. 9 vs. McKendree Feb. 10 vs. Bellarmine

MENʼS BASEBALL Feb. 2 vs. Pt. Loma Nazarene Loss, 10-8 Feb. 3 vs. Pt. Loma Nazarene Loss, 8-2 Feb. 9 vs. Nova Southeastern Feb. 10 vs. Nova Southeastern Feb. 13 at Union Feb. 17 Miles College

Softball team plans to win championship MACIE PIGG Softball Beat Writer mpigg1@una.edu The North Alabama softball team finished with a record of 32-20 after falling short in the South 2 Regional Final to Lee last year.

Head coach Ashley Cozart said the 2016 season leading to their National Championship made the Lions the team to beat.

“Last year was a tough year because everyone wanted to beat us,” Cozart said. “We had a big target on our backs.

Cozart said she is expecting her team to bring intensity, energy and to play their best every game.

After losing two senior pitchers, Hillary Carpenter and Raven Cole, the Lions recruited a whole new pitching team.

Freshman pitcher Laken Distefano said she is looking forward to the new season and that she has had a great experience because of

the team’s history. The Central graduate said she has always wanted to play a college sport. Getting to play at home and being part of this organization is a dream come true, she said.

“My main goal is to not try to overdo it and let my defense work because I know I have one of the best defenses in the country behind me,” Distefano said. “It’s unstoppable.”

Senior outfielder Bailey Nelson said her goal is to have no regrets.

Nelson said she wants to be able to say that she gave it her everything every single play and at bat.

“I want to do whatever it takes to help this team,” Nelson said. “I’ll give it 110 percent while doing so.”

The senior said she is hopeful her last season at UNA will lead to another National Championship Ultimately, she wants a repeat of her sophomore year and thinks this team is capable of doing so, she said.

Before they do that, Nelson said the team’s goal is to win Conference.

“We were ranked fifth in preseason so we have a few people to prove wrong,” Nelson said.

Cozart said she knows her team is better than what they were ranked in the preseason. Cozart said expectation-wise that they have to prove people wrong. Her goal is to get back to the main championship and to do better than what they were picked and how they did last year.

“I love this group because they get along so well and we have a lot of newcomers,” Cozart said. “They act like they’ve played together for years.”

Nelson said this team is full of love.

“This team will always be family to me, even after I graduate and I am done with softball,” Nelson said.

“I know I have a family outside of family that means a lot to me.”

The Lions will be traveling to Gulf Shores this weekend to kick off their season against North Georgia in the Gulf Coast Invitational.

PLAY BALL!

MENʼS BASKETBALL

Feb.3 at Union Win, 76-74 Feb. 10 vs. UAH Feb. 14 vs. AuburnMontgomery Feb. 17 at Valdosta St. Games continued at roarlions.com

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Junior catcher Mackenzie Roberts and former pitcher Hillary Carpenter played against Lee University March 11, 2017. The team lost 3-1 in their last match-up, but plan to redeem themselves this season.

Background courtesy of Pixabay

SPORTS 11

CONNOR HUTCHINS| Volunteer Photographer

UNA students set up Eno hammocks during the Outdoor Adventure Center’s “Camping on Campus” day Sept. 7, 2016.

The OAC offers free rentals of kayaks, tents, Eno hammocks and camp cookery to UNA students with a valid Mane Card.

Outdoor Adventure Center offers activities for spring HANNAH ZIMMER Managing Editor managing@florala.net UNA students can embrace an adventurous spirit at the Outdoor Adventure Center on campus.

Located across the street from Norton Auditorium, the OAC is home to not only avid outdoorsmen, but also beginners.

With the return of warm weather in the near future, the OAC has several weekly on-campus opportunities for students, including yoga and slacklining.

The OAC will offer educational clinics this semester, including a focus on the “Leave No Trace” approach to outdoor adventures and rope tying lessons.

For details on each event, the OAC events schedule is on the organization’s website, Facebook and Instagram.

“Every semester, our schedule changes a bit, but we post our schedule online,” said OAC coordinator Patrick Shremshock. “All events are free to students. They just need to come in (the OAC) and sign up.”

Shremshock said the OAC has nearly everything students could need to camp.

“Students just need to bring their Mane Cards and driver’s licenses the first time they come (to check out equipment) and just their Mane Cards after that,” Shremshock said. “We have all kinds of camping gear, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, sleeping pads and camp cookery.”

Shremshock said the most popular items students check out from the OAC are Eno hammocks and kayaks,

especially during the spring. Hammocks can be rented out for four consecutive days. Students can keep kayak rentals for 24 hours, and it comes with a paddle and life jacket.

David Atkins, graduate assistant at the OAC, said the OAC offers students a chance to relax.

“We provide a great outlet to relieve some of the stress that can happen while in college,” Atkins said.

Shremshock said the activities at the OAC are beginner level, therefore anyone can participate. He said the point of the events is to introduce new hobbies to students and help them make friends in the process.

“Some of the activities may be something (students) have wanted to try to do before but didn’t have the means or the knowledge of how to do it,” Atkins said.

The OAC is also home to the Outdoor Club, a “catch-all sports club,” according to the OAC’s website.

The Outdoor Club currently has more than 50 members, according to the website. The club is for those interested in competing in collegiate tournaments, including ultimate Frisbee, archery and rock climbing/bouldering.

The OAC also has an incentive program. Students can receive points for performing tasks, such as checking out equipment, attending meetings or joining the Outdoor Club. After a student earns a certain amount of points, they are eligible for prizes, such as stickers, frisbees and chairs.

“I tell students that they should at least come check us out and take a look at our scheduled events,” Atkins said.

CONNOR HUTCHINS| Volunteer Photographer

Junior Savannah Jones walks on a slackline during OAC’s “Camping on Campus” Sept. 7, 2016. Slacklining is one of the activities the OAC will be offering during the spring semester.

12 SPORTS Fitness apps to help keep New Yearʼs resolutions MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net At the beginning of the year, many people make resolutions for the new year, with weight loss being the most common.

However, 80 percent of these resolutions fail by the second week of February, according to U.S. News.

In order to help those who made it their goal to lose weight or begin exercising more, here are some apps to help. While not all of these are best for everyone, they are a start to a healthier year and life.

Fitbit For those who want both an accessory and an app, Fitbit is the way to go. Fitbits are wristbands that can track steps, calories and can act as a watch. Depending on the model people choose, this can also keep track of heart rate and sleep patterns.

For those who want the most basic features, the Fitbit Flex sells for around $23 on Amazon. For those who want one of the more advanced ones, like the Charge HR, these prices range from $80$150.

With each d e v i c e , users can download an app where they can view all the data the device collects. This app also allows users to track their meals, water intake and exercise.

The Flor-Ala File While these devices may Freshman Caroline Whorter checks a Fitbit Charge be slightly expensive, they HR for her steps taken during the day. Fitbits, as well as My Fitness Pal, are technological creations are a good investment for that make physical activity easier to track. people who forget to take

their phone everywhere MyFitnessPal MyFitnessPal is a free app for both Android and Apple. The app contains a calorie counter, exercise tracker and a community forum.

This app is one of the most popular fitness apps. One of its features is a food tracker.

MyFitnessPal has a database of more than five million foods, a barcode scanner and a recipe importer. These features help users track their nutrition intake.

Sworkit For people who have no idea on how to begin exercising, Sworkit is the app for them.

Sworkit, which stands for “Simply Work It,” offers different exercise videos. The videos feature personal trainers demonstrating different exercises and routines.

People can choose standard workouts or customize them by changing the workout length or the areas the workout targets.

For users who would like to work out with their younger siblings or their children, the company also has a separate app for kids.

HealthyWage While some people are motivated to exercise for themselves, there are others who need an extra incentive.

HealthyWage is just that app.

HealthyWage allows users create a goal, place a wager and then win money if they meet their goal. The higher the goal, the more money participants earn.

However, the catch is if the participant does not meet their goal, they lose the money they wagered.

This app has high stakes rewards in order to motivate people to meet their weight loss goal.

Lose It While most other apps may track calories, this app’s goal provides a specific goal for each user to reach. When users first sign up, the app creates this goal based on the information they provide.

The app allows people to scan barcodes, search for foods or manually enter in the calories of each food.

The app also adapts to the user’s activity levels. The number of calories a person can consume changes with the exercise they log in the app.

WHERE TO FIND THEM These apps are available on the Google Play store and on the App Store. They are all free on these platforms.

Healthywage is also available at healthywage.com.

If students want more advanced features, they are able to buy the pro versions.

OPINION 13

People should educate themselves all year long

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONDAY S ANDERSON MANAGING EDITOR H ANNAH ZIMMER NEWS EDITOR CIERA G OLLIVER ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR H ARLEY D UNCAN LIFE EDITOR TYLER H ARGETT SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR NATALIE B EE BUSINESS MANAGER KARA D UCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS D YLAN B AKER D AVID J. S AN MIGUEL CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE H ODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA B ELK CALEB COLE

MONDAY SANDERSON Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net I stopped learning anything new about Black history when I entered 10th grade.

The most I would learn about Black history was about slavery or the Civil Rights Movement in my history classes, but that would be a repeat of what we had learned in previous grades. Sometimes, if we were lucky, during February, someone would give a random Black history fact over the intercom.

COVER PHOTO BY THE FLOR-ALA FILE PHOTO

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Corrections

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At UNA, there are many opportunities to learn about Black history and culture.

Students can attend the event Being Black in White Spaces Feb. 8 at 5:30 p.m.

“This keynote will offer students practical lessons to hone the tools they need to thrive during their college experience and beyond,” according to the event description.

For students who want to participate in an exhibit tour, the Sankofa African-American Museum on Wheels will be on campus Feb. 12 and 13. To read more about this event, go to page 7.

However, just because these opportunities are more prominent in February, it does not mean this is the only time people should learn about Black history or the history of any other culture.

Black history is more than a month. Hispanic history is more than a month. Learning history should not be delegated to just one month. Students should be active learners and take advantage of the opportunities to learn about different cultures throughout the entire year.

Students control future outcomes, fates

ADVISER S COTT MORRIS

The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-7654364 or email editor@florala.net.

I do not know if it was intentional or if it was just pushed to the side because of the requirements the schools needed to meet, but I know that outside of history, none of my teachers taught about Black culture.

My mom would always encourage me to know my history, but where was I going to learn it? It was not in the classroom because there was some other topic of history that was more important. It was not at home because I was young, and I cared more about the new episode of my favorite show.

It was not until I entered college that I began to learn more about Black history. I did not learn these facts from a class or a teacher, but instead from actively searching online.

Students should not rely on school to teach them about different cultures because it might not happen.

They should rely on themselves and do research.

It does not have to be structured like a classroom where students research a topic and then write notes on it. Instead, students can have fun with these learning opportunities and attend engaging events.

HUGO DANTE SGA President hdanterivas@una.edu The job market is constantly changing. Fields come and go. Career fields that were lucrative only a few years ago become oversaturated or obsolete due to changing laws and technology.

Like in nature, the individuals who are most adaptable succeed. As jobs and society become more complex, individuals in the modern workforce are expected to bear a wider variety of skills. There is no better time to begin gaining valuable experiences than while in college.

For most people, regardless of family or financial situation, college

CONGRATULATIONS WRITER

and young adulthood is the time when people are able to assume the most risk. There are countless organizations to get involved in, opportunities for leadership and volunteerism and, most importantly, a time when students are able to take lower paying jobs in totally different fields.

The greatest mistake a college student can make is to lock themselves entirely into a specific field or interest. College’s greatest value is the opportunity to find a passion and develop skills which a person otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn.

A student may be a chemistry major that decides to take a marketing and business internship.

Another student may be an English major, but sign up for a policy internship. Someone could be an education major and get involved in student government.

While all the positions may not be directly related to a certain career field, every experience gained may prove extremely valuable in future pursuits.

For example, the English major with public policy experience may find work writing grants for a non-profit organization.

The education major with leadership experience may have the confidence and experience to pursue higher paying leadership positions within their school system. The chemistry major with

AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE

WEEK! ANNA

business experience could discover a new interest and end up pursuing graduate degrees in economics and finance. Disclaimer: that is exactly what happened to me.

In addition to the skills a person may gain outside their major, they should not discount the skills they can gain within their major. For example, science majors bear strong quantitative and analytical skills which are extremely desirable in the workplace.

The ability to read and write well that is developed in English or literature degrees is extremely relevant in almost every career field.

The creativity of art majors can be used to craft campaigns, new products or simply push entrepreneurial initiatives.

Regardless of whether a person is studying financial engineering or underwater basket weaving, he or she will develop skills which can be applied in many different areas.

Internships, degrees and leadership experience are all extremely valuable.

However, the most important skill a person can gain in college is a willingness to get out of comfort zones, learn new skills, network and assume risk.

The world is constantly changing, but a person who is willing to learn and adapt will never go hungry. We are the masters of our own fates.

MAHAN AND ANDREA BELK

14 PHOTOS

4 easy ways to save money ANDREA BELK Staff Photographer abelk@una.edu Saving money is the most quintessential tool we can develop as students. Some of us are amazing at it, and some of us need more help than others. For readers who struggle saving money, here are some tips that could save extra cash this semester.

Take advantage of not having to buy all groceries and go to the campus food pantry, Feeding The Pride, in the Student Engagement Office. Being able to take advantage of this on-campus resource can be the difference between having anywhere from five to 10 meals for free and spending all dining dollars at Moe’s in two weeks.

If readers have more than one bank account, rename them to certain goals.

For instance, rename a savings account to the name of the concert a reader wants to attend. This makes it much less likely

to pull money from the account to grab extra coffee.

Textbooks are expensive and most times students think there is nothing they can do other than pay full price, but this is not true. I use a website called slugbooks.com. Type in the name or ISBN of any book, and if it is on the Internet, it will cross-compare the prices of that book to the top five most affordable websites where it is available to rent or buy that book.

For those who do not use cash but still want to take advantage of coin change, there is an app for that. Acorns is an app linked to a debit card that will take the spare change from purchases and put it into the app’s account. If someone spends $5.46 on fast food on a debit card, Acorn will take the remaining 54 cents from that dollar and put it in a virtual jar. Users can access that money at any time and transfer it back into their accounts. It is like having a personal CoinStar without any of the actual coins.

Divvy up earnings

Be frugal and multiply money Sophomore Madie Goodwin separates her cash into envelopes representing different expenses. This trick can prevent thoughtless spending.

Feeding the Pride Senior Grant Gunn stocks the oncampus food pantry. Students can visit when they are running low on finances.

Saving for a rainy day

Having a change jar is not possible for some of us because we use cards. Acorns app helps you save spare change so that you can start building a savings account.

Re-labeling bank accounts for specific expenses like these envelopes are labeled is helpful. This way, students know how to spend each dollar.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Feb. 8 What: Being Black in White Spaces When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center What: Black History Month Gala When: 7 p.m.

Where: Mane Room What: Tiger Chainsaw Arms Release Party When: 6 p.m.

Where: Singin’ River Brewing Co. What: Comedy Night When: 8 p.m.

Where: 116 E Mobile

Fri., Feb. 9 What: Step Sing When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium What: Alecia Elliot with FLUX concert When: 7 p.m.

Where: Shoals Community Theatre

Sat., Feb. 10 What: I Am Not Your Negro Documentary Screening When: 1 p.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library What: UNA Men’s Basketball vs UAH When: 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: Step Sing When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium What: The Artisanals with Adam Faucett concert When: 7 p.m.

Where: 116 E Mobile

Mon., Feb. 12 What: Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels When: 3 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Student Engagement What: Dr. David Bronner with Shoals Scholar Dollars When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Banquet Halls

ANDREA BELK| Staff Photographer

The music department tied for overall first place with Alpha Tau Omega for Step Sing 2017. The students performed dressed as Star Wars characters for the “Famous Rivals” theme.

Tues., Feb. 13 What: Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels When: 10 a.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center What: We Were Sharks concert When: 6 p.m.

Where: Underground Art & Sound

Wed., Feb. 14 What: Center City Brass Quintet recital When: 7 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Hall What: UNA Men’s Basketball vs Auburn-Montgomery When: 8 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: Center City Brass Quintet When: 7 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

Thurs., Feb. 15 What: Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Student Engagement

What: Writer’s Meeting When: 4:30 p.m.

Where: Student Publications Building What: Abstraction in Realism When: 9 a.m.

Where: Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts

Sat., Feb. 17 What: University Closed for Winter Break What: Pottery Class When: 10 a.m.

Where: Studio 23

What: Aquila Performs Hamlet When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: 4th Annual Shoals Chili Festival When: 4 p.m.

Where: Singing River Brewing Co.

Fri., Feb. 16

Sun., Feb. 18

What: University Closed for Winter Break

What: University Closed for Winter Break

What: The Tennessee Valley Strummers When: 2 p.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale Visitor Center

What: Lyrical Expressions Plus When: 2 p.m.

Where: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

What: Corey Kilgannon, Emmalee Martinez, and Jeremiah Daly concert When: 7 p.m.

Where: 116 E Mobile

Mon., Feb. 19 What: MyUNA Day When: 8 a.m.

Where: GUC

Check online at una.edu/calendar for more events and updates.

16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK

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