Jan26issue

Miss UNA p. 2 Campus daycare p. 5 Visiting speaker p. 7

Softball and baseball previews p. 12 January 26, 2017 Vol. 85, Issue 10

2 NEWS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JASMINE FLEMING MANAGING EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL NEWS EDITOR BREANNA LITTRELL ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR CIERA GOLLIVER LIFE EDITOR MONDAY SANDERSON ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITOR HANNAH ZIMMER SPORTS EDITOR ANDREW FULMER ONLINE EDITOR MADI WINKLER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA DUCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MICHAEL MEIGS DAVID SAN MIGUEL JACQUELINE WILLIS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE HODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA BELK HILLARY TAYLOR VIDEOGRAPHER SIERRA HILL ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS COVER PHOTO BY MELANIE HODGES

The Flor-Ala is published biweekly on Thursdays at 111 locations on campus and off.

Corrections The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.net.

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Miss UNA 2016 Jocelyn Barnes crowns Senior Victoria Roose as Miss UNA 2017. Roose won the talent portion of the competition as well by playing the piano.

Senior wins Miss UNA 2017 HANNAH ZIMMER Associate Life Editor life@florala.net Senior Victoria Roose won the 2017 title of Miss UNA Jan. 21.

The Miss UNA pageant included an interview process, onstage question, swimsuit, talent and evening wear portions.

Junior Bella Martinez said Roose did well.

“My favorite part was definitely the evening wear,” Martinez said. “I think she is the most deserving of the Miss UNA title.”

Roose is from McCalla. She is studying to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. For the talent portion of the competition, Roose played the piano.

Master of Ceremonies Fletcher Brown said Roose stood out as a competitor.

“I think she deserved to win,” Brown said. “She had a lot of grace and poise.

I’m actually very glad to see that Victoria won.”

In addition to winning Miss UNA, Roose also won the talent portion with her piano playing.

Sophomore Haley Gilbertson was the first runner-up.

“It was a lot of hard work, and I’m so excited that it payed off,” she said. “I feel

so blessed to be a part of this amazing program with some of UNA’s most dignified women. It makes me even more excited for next year.

She said placing first alternate was the highlight of her sophomore year so far.

Freshman Keely Templeton won the service award and also second runnerup. Junior Harper Canaday finished the competition as third runner-up.

Junior Candice Short took home the People’s Choice Award. Competitors chose junior Brianne Hargrove for Miss Congeniality.

“Regarding the title of Miss Congeniality, I am truly humbled,” she said. “This award means more to me than any amount of scholarship money due to its meaning of displaying friendliness toward the other contestants. The fact that

“

it was voted on by the 11 other contestants means so much to me.”

Miss UNA and the runners-up all received scholarships for the following school year along with other prizes.

“They really are Miss UNA, all of them,” Brown said. “Every girl in the competition deserves recognition.”

Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson said he is proud of he contestants that had the courage to perform.

“The pageant is a celebration of hard work and success in service, scholarship and healthy lifestyles,” he said. “I know that Victoria is going to do a fantastic job with her duty to serve and represent the university for the next year.”

Editor’s Note: For more comments from participants please see florala.net.

They really are Miss UNA, all of them. Every girl in the competition deserves recognition.”

Fletcher Brown | Master of Ceremonies

UPC member said she was asked to leave pageant JASMINE FLEMING Editor-In-Chief editor@florala.net While senior Victoria Roose received the Miss UNA 2017 crown onstage Jan. 21, University Program Council member

Briana Tanner said her experience was less pleasant backstage.

Tanner, who said Student Government Association President Sarah Green asked her to be the social media coordinator for the event, said in a Facebook Live video that she was kicked out of the pageant.

SGA and Creative Jewelers sponsor

the event, and it is under the division of student affairs, according to the UNA website.

Green said she would discuss the situation with a university official before providing a comment.

TANNER | 6

NEWS 3

Construction plans for nursing building in motion

Courtesy of Anderson College of Nursing

An artist rendering of the future Anderson College of Nursing building depicts the construction plans. The new building, which will take the place of Floyd Hall, will open fall 2018.

CIERA GOLLIVER Associate News Editor news@florala.net Contractors expect to begin breaking ground at the old Floyd Science Building for the new home of the Anderson College of Nursing Jan. 24 pending approval from the Alabama Building Commission.

Assistant Vice President of Facilities Administration and Planning Michael Gautney said construction will block off Circular Road for short periods of time, but the road should remain open for the duration of the project.

The estimated cost for the project is anywhere from $12 - 15 million, but is unknown until the state approves the plans for the building, said Chief Financial Officer Evan Thornton said.

Most of the funding for the nursing building came from private donors with a passion for healthcare, including the Anderson and Harrison families, said College Development Gift Officer Barbie Terry.

The remainder of the money came from state help, Thornton said.

“I think a new building will bring new life (to the program),” Terry said.

The new nursing building will include 10 study rooms, eight simulation rooms to emulate a hospital setting, a basic skills lab with 16 hospital beds, two computer labs and four classrooms that can each hold 72 students, Terry said.

The department also added a program for geriatric care because of the expansion, Terry said.

Hugo Dante, architect for The Commons, is also the architect for the nursing building. UNA made sure the building was designed to compliment campus’ current architecture, Terry

said.

“It will be designed differently than Floyd, but it is still in the original footprint,” Terry said. “We believe (the nursing building) will really aid in enhancing campus.”

Junior nursing student Kari Dennis said she is sad she will not have the opportunity to study in the new nursing building, but the program needs an expansion.

“The nursing program is growing,

and we need more space to work from,” Dennis said. “We don’t have enough rooms for lecture, we only have three labs for the entire program and our faculty deserve bigger offices.”

Sophomore nursing student Brittany Cagle said she is thankful for everyone who contributed to making the new building possible.

“I am grateful for the tremendous efforts of the university, faculty and staff,” Cagle said. “I’m looking forward to

using this amazing facility.”

Campus is already starting to prepare for the building, Gautney said. The Department of Human Environmental Science finished moving out of Floyd at the beginning of the year.

Gautney said workers began removing asbestos tiles from Floyd to prepare for demolition when school started back.

The nursing building is expected to open fall 2018.

ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer

Students walk past Floyd Hall Jan. 12. Workers have begun removing asbestos tiles, and demolition will soon begin to make room for the new nursing building.

4 NEWS

Department works to better prepare students for jobs

Courtesy of University of North Alabama

Engineering students learn math and science concepts for operating a catapult Dec. 26, 2016. The Department of Engineering Technology added more classes for students.

CIERA GOLLIVER Associate News Editor news@florala.net The UNA Department of Engineering Technology is adding new opportunities for students.

The Engineering Technology program is a hybrid program of electric and mechanical engineering. The

program allows students the chance to use applied engineering earlier in their studies than they would with a traditional engineering route, said Director and Department Chair of Engineering Technology Peter Rim. “Combining the two disciplines (better prepares) our students with a broad understanding of engineering,” Rim said. “(This) is needed by many employers and allows the students

to participate in fields like robotics which are multidisciplinary.”

The program allows students to gain a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Technology. The department started in fall 2016 with about 30 students.

The department expects the number of students to double in fall 2017 with the incoming freshman class, Rim said.

Right now, there are no plans to expand the engineering technology department into separate disciplines, but UNA is constantly looking at other disciplines which might be valuable for expansion to meet the needs of students and the community, Rim said.

Acting Chief Financial Officer Evan Thornton said Engineering Technology is a good investment for UNA. “UNA wants to produce workers who are able to get a job in their field after they get their degree,” Thornton said. “The Engineering Technology department hopefully can produce workers who will satisfy a need seen in places like the Arsenal” Redstone Arsenal is a military base in Huntsville.

If the department is successful, the state will support the expansion of the program. Thornton said he does not expect the program to profit for a few years, but it provides an opportunity for UNA to grow.

Freshman Justin Similton said he is proud of where the department is.

“We just started the program, but it seems like something that has been here for several years,” Similton said.

The department recently hired a new professor to fill the department’s need for an electrical engineer to satisfy the curriculum requirements, Rim said.

UNA is not announcing the identity of the professor at this time due to current employment, but he or she will begin teaching at UNA next fall. UNA will announce the new hire before fall classes start, Rim said.

The plan is for the Engineering Technology Department to offer all classes in the fall. The department is only offering three classes this semester, Rim said. He hopes all department classes will remain in the same area they are currently in.

“We try to keep all of our classes taught in the Engineering Technology area to foster a sense of community with in the program,” Rim said. “(This) allows students as much access to professors as possible.”

Sophomore Alex Hughes said he chose to attend UNA because of the new program.

“I was originally going to attend Alabama for engineering,” Hughes said. “I was very excited to hear UNA announce the addition of the Engineering Technology program.

Because I am a Florence native, I was very happy for the chance to stay close to home.”

Hughes said he looks forward to seeing how the department will grow in his time at UNA. “(The department) still has a lot to work out, but I can’t wait to see how things turn out,” Hughes said.

Division I offers new learning opportunities for students CIERA GOLLIVER Associate News Editor news@florala.net Students can expect positive changes across campus as UNA prepares to join Division I’s ASUN Conference in August 2018.

Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Ron Patterson said going Division I will allow UNA the chance to expand academic programs, offer more study abroad opportunities, bring more learning and volunteering opportunities across campus and the Shoals area and increase student support services.

Chief Financial Officer Evan Thornton said going Division I will hopefully allow UNA to increase funding from the state.

“Schools get funding based off of how well they are tied in to Montgomery,” Thornton said. “Being in the top corner of the state puts us at a disadvantage. Hopefully, going Division I will help.”

Patterson said research shows making the transition from Division II to Division I typically brings an enrollment growth of 11 - 13 percent.

A growth in enrollment would allow UNA to grow many areas of campus, Patterson said.

Thornton said UNA will continue to make decisions based on what is best for the students. Going Division I does not change the way the school operates.

“We will be the same university we have always been, just with a higher classification,” Thornton said.

At the June 13 board of trustees meeting, UNA approved an increase in tuition rates for the 2016-17 school year. Thornton said with regards to becoming Division I however, the board of trustees made the decision not to increase student tuition any further at this point in time.

This comes as a relief to sophomore Haley Gannon.

“I was really concerned about tuition,” Gannon said. “As long as tuition isn’t increased, I am happy with the change.”

Patterson said as enrollment increases, UNA will evaluate all classroom space. This includes making decisions of which lecture halls will hold larger introductory classes.

Residence halls will also experience a change if enrollment

grows. Patterson said UNA does not have enough students to fill up all of the residence halls. Higher enrollment numbers would change this.

UNA has discussed the issue of the upperclassmen residence halls for juniors and seniors in the past. These include Rice, Rivers and Lagrange Halls.

David Shields, vice president of Student Affairs, said UNA is looking into either constructing a new residence hall for upperclassmen or renovating either Rice or Rivers Hall.

Thornton said going Division I will allow UNA to appeal to more students.

“

UNA has higher accreditation in some departments than bigger Division I schools, but most people assume the larger schools have better programs.

“People associate academic level with sports,” Thornton said.

“Hopefully going Division I will allow our university to get the kind of recognition we deserve.”

Senior Cody McCrary said going Division I will help increase UNA’s academics.

“All of the best schools in the country are Division I,” McCrary said. “It’s safe to say there is a direct correlation.”

Hopefully, going Division I will allow our university to get the kind of recognition we deserve.”

Evan Thornton| Chief Financial Officer

NEWS 5

SGA formulates steps to establish campus daycare

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Senior Marissa Phillips and her daughter, Makynlee Blair, look into the fountain at Harrison Plaza. “The convenience of having a daycare right here at my college would make life a little easier for me,” Phillips said.

BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net

The Student Government Association has a plan in the works to establish a daycare on campus.

They are working with Lions with

Cubs, which is a student organization designed to support students who are also parents with their education.

SGA President Sarah Green said the idea came about last semester.

“I had an SGA senator and a University Program Council delegate come to me and casually ask about why we do not have a daycare on campus,” she said. “So, I met with the senator and the UPC delegate and three or four faculty members and the president of Lions with Cubs.”

Green said when they met, they passed ideas around about how they could begin to get the project started.

“We needed to answer questions like ‘What would this look like?’ ‘What would it be like to see this on campus?’

‘Where would it go?’” she said.

They decided to split tasks among themselves to accomplish them more quickly. Green said they have decided on the next three steps they need to take.

'We’ve been in contact with institutional research, they are making us a survey to send out to faculty staff and students,” she said. “Step one is to get the survey out when they send it to us.”

She said the survey will ask questions such as who has children, what age ranges, who pays for childcare, how much is being paid, would an on campus daycare be beneficial and what would be a reasonable cost.

“My job was to talk to people around the university to see if this was feasible

and how we would go about doing this” she said. “Some people were looking into grants and some were looking into where would it go. We are still kind of at that point of, ‘This is a huge beast.

What do we do with this?’”

Step two will be to look into the legal requirements, and step three will be to see how it could be funded, she said.

“Those are the steps we have to take before we can really present anything to anyone,” she said.

Recent graduate Andrew Kelly said he believes a daycare would be a great idea and would have been helpful while he was at UNA. “Of course there is a legal side, but if you incorporate students such as primary education students into the mix, along with students from other areas, it could really benefit and grow as an educational tool,” he said. “It would provide help for people who need a daycare. So, if all the kinks are worked out, it could benefit people on both sides of the spectrum.”

Senior Marissa Phillips said getting a daycare at UNA would be a dream come true, and all student parents and the university would benefit as well.

“I am a senior and I also have two jobs,” she said. “I have a beautiful twoyear-old, and the convenience of having a daycare right here at my college and job would make life a little easier for me. I know life as a single parent isn’t supposed to be easy, but it would also help the married couples.”

University, Florence work to create ‘college town’ KAYLA TIPPETT Student Writer ktippett@una.edu While Florence is a town with a university, the Student Government Association is trying to make Florence more synonymous with the campus community.

The university is taking big steps toward this goal, said Student Government Association President Sarah Green.

When Green arrived at UNA, Florence was not much of a college town she said. She said she felt no one had university pride.

“It’s frustrating seeing the community supporting Alabama and Auburn instead of UNA,” she said.

SGA has since become a voting member in the Florence City Council and a member of Florence Main Street organization she said.

By becoming a member of these organizations, SGA is trying to close the gap between the community and the student body, said Legislative Affairs Committee Chair Hugo Dante.

“We just recently submitted an application to the Shoals Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “This could be very big for UNA because our student

leaders would begin to become involved in various organizations within the community.

“Partnering with our local communities, we can create a welcoming environment for students and also bring students out of the community and spread the economic boost that comes from our guys spending their tax dollars.”

Dante said in addition to Florence, SGA is trying to work with Sheffield and Tuscumbia to sponsor UNA days where students would be able to take a bus to downtown of each city, and restaurants and businesses will offer discounts to students.

Sophomore Shelby White said she would love for this change to happen.

“I believe there are things that need to be done in Florence to cause it to be considered more of a college town,” she said. “We need more restaurants, more hangouts and more activities on UNA’s campus. Overall, I am very excited to see how UNA makes big steps toward being a true college town.”

Green said building relationships with downtown businesses and other businesses close to campus will help to make Florence a friendlier college town.

“We want our students to get more involved in our town and our town to

The Flor-Ala file photo

Students gather for a music performance for Lion Night 2015. Lion Night is an event through SGA to connect the school and community. get more involved in our university,” she said.

Freshman and Florence native Foster Cox said he is happy to hear the plans for this.

“I actually already considered (Florence) a college town,” he said.

“Many places in town offer student discounts, and at the beginning of the year there was an event called Lion Night designed to attract the students from UNA. Even stores and restaurants outside of downtown are beginning to catch on.”

6 NEWS

Leaking roof causes financial issues for library BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net Collier library has had small leaks for many years, and without a solution it could damage irreplaceable items.

Board of trustees member Libby Jordan said the library has needed a new roof for almost a decade.

“It has been patched many times, and it is still leaking,” she said. “The biggest issue is that there is a leak over the archive section. If those are destroyed, they are lost forever.

There is no way to replace them.”

Michael Gautney, assistant vice president of Facilities Administration and Planning, said the estimated cost to replace the roof is $450,000.

“We are working to develop drawings and specifications to competitively bid the roof replacement,” he said. “I anticipate that if funding is approved we will begin the roof replacement this spring. Until then we are working with our roofing contractor to patch the areas that are leaking.”

Dean of Library Services Duane Davis said the library has four roofs because it was built in sections. All of the roofs are flat, which are notorious for leaking.

“I’ve been here almost seven years, and there had been some repairs before I arrived, and they have worked on many sections since I have been here,” he said.

Davis said the issue is the leak on the second floor near the archive section. He said although the leak is near the archives, it has not bled over to them yet.

“About a year ago in the spring semester, we got a lot of snow and ice and it just kind of sat there,” he said. “When it melted it just started leaking. “(Facilities Administration and Planning) had the roof patched. They also had to do some work to repaint the walls and replace the carpet. Well, that’s kind of returned. I don’t know if the repair they did didn’t take or what, but its back.”

Davis said in addition to the leak on the second floor, there have recently been minor leaks on the third floor. These leaks have not caused much damage yet.

“It may just be that a little patch can fix that,” he said. “If you look out from other floors after it rains you can see where the water just sits on the roof. Thankfully, all of the damages have just really been cosmetic at this point, but it can get worse quickly.”

Gautney said one of the sections

University of North Alabama Center for Women’s Studies Presents: V-Day 2017 Performance of

Eve Ensler’s

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Various archives cover the shelves in the Archives & Special Collections area on the second floor of Collier library. This area is under one of the leaking roofs in the library. of the skylights on the ground floor above the computer lab has a bad seal, and they are replacing it.

Senior Jarrod Vaughn said the roof should be a top priority.

“I go to the library when I need quiet,” he said. “We need our library.

They need to look into a permanent fix. It probably costs more in the long run to keep doing these temporary patches that keep leaking than it

would to just replace the roofs.”

Junior Jeanna Wade said she is concerned students may lose their study space because she believes that the roof could cave in if it is continually patched.

“I know many people who think of the library as a second home because they stay there so much,” she said.

“They have a quiet, devoted area to concentrate and study.”

TANNER, continued from page 2

February 9, 2017, 7:00 PM Doors open at 6:45 PM GUC Performance Center Tickets at the door: $5 for students; $7 for all others Pre-performance ticket sales: $4 for students; $6 for all others

All proceeds will benefit the Center for Women’s Studies.

“I was backstage, I was with the girls of the pageant, I was doing things that I thought I was supposed to do as the coordinator,” Tanner said. “I was then told because I went on the side of the stage and I took a live video of the audience that I would need to leave. I was told by the backstage person that I was going to need to be from backstage and that I was going to need to be escorted out.

“As I tried to figure out what I did wrong or if I did anything wrong, they began to tell me that they didn’t have to tell me what I did or why I was being asked to leave from backstage.”

Tanner said someone came to escort her from the backstage area, however, she needed to gather her belongings.

“My things were in the Miss UNA dressing room, my bag and my jacket, and as I went to get my things, I was told I couldn’t even go in there to get my own personal things,” she said.

“And as I explained to the man who escorted me out, he was telling me I couldn’t go in there.”

She said she was later allowed to gather her things. Afterward, she said she contacted her adviser.

“Instead of him trying to resolve the situation, he just invited me back to the show,” she said. “It’s very disheartening to know that even with all of the efforts I do for the university, and as I serve the university and even though I do things to bring change to the university, that tonight, the university that I love and that I serve so proudly escorted me out without even an explanation as to what I did wrong, for a job that I was asked to do.”

As of Jan. 24 at 4:20 p.m., the video has received 9,500 views, 205 shares and 68 comments.

“President (Kenneth) Kitts has been notified of the incident and the video,” said Bryan Rachal, director of university communications. “He takes this matter seriously and has directed (Vice President of Student Affairs David) Shields to conduct an investigation with assistance from Chief Diversity Officer Amber FiteMorgan and Chief Enrollment Officer Ron Patterson.”

Kitts has requested a briefing once they complete the investigation, Rachal said.

Editor’s Note: Check florala.net for updates to this story.

LIFE 7

Courtesy of Brett Trapp

Brett Trapp, a UNA graduate, will speak at the Guillot University Center Loft about his blog “Blue Babies Pink: A Southern Coming Out Story in 44 Episodes.” “It is basically my story of coming out as gay and being a Christian as well,” he said.

Alumnus to discuss faith, sexuality on campus MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net “I really wanted to invite people in to that story and the struggles and dark times, but also the light in the journey.”

UNA alumnus Brett Trapp will speak Jan. 27 in the Guillot University Center Loft about his blog “Blue Babies Pink: A Southern Coming Out Story in 44 Episodes.”

“It is basically my story of coming out as gay and being a Christian as well,” he said. “I’ve spent the past eight years journaling this whole process. A big part of my story centered around growing up in a Southern culture and tradition. I talk about what it was like to negotiate that process mostly alone because I didn’t feel safe talking about it.”

Students should go to gain new insights, said Lynne Martin, director of Student Counseling Services.

“All traditional age college students face working toward resolution of several developmental tasks during their college years, requiring them to explore and gather information to help them mature and establish their own identities,” she said. “At Student Counseling Services, we understand

the importance of completing these tasks and work day in and day out to help students toward this completion.

Hearing Brett speak on his experience and personal story is an opportunity for students to hear directly from someone who has faced these tasks and will provide insights on his personal process regarding this work.”

Trapp said he began the blog in September 2016.

“I got on Facebook and I said, ‘Here is my story, and I will be telling it in this serialized format,’” he said. “I released one episode, or post, per day. Each one was about 1,500 words, and they told my story starting from my childhood.”

Trapp said word of the article spread on social media without any advertising.

“We had about 50,000 people come and read at least part of the blog during the time I published it,” he said. “We had about 3,000 people sign up to get the daily email. This was surprising, but it made me glad.”

Trapp said the positive response came from him being open to discussing the topic.

Trapp said he began his tour Jan. 23, and he will go to five cities. The cities are Washington D.C., Chicago, Florence, Birmingham and Atlanta. Florence is his third stop.

“I love UNA,” he said. “I spent five years at UNA, and I just want to share my story with the people who have been there for me. My time at UNA was positive, but I was not open about my sexuality. So for me, this is telling the full story.”

Trapp said his goal for the blog was to show people the journey of coming out.

“I think when a lot of people come out about their sexuality, they just kind of say it and then they don’t give it a lot of context or the backstory of what it was like to get there,” he said.

Trapp said he hopes the tour will open up a discussion between the LGBTQ+ and religious community.

“I’m in an interesting spot because I have dual citizenship in both of those communities,” he said. “I think that there is still so much taboo around the topic that it is not safe to talk about. To me that is kind of the sad and dangerous part of this. There are really a lot of people dealing with this struggle, and they don’t feel safe bringing this up.”

Martin said students should listen and come prepared with questions.

Trapp said for those who are on the same journey, it is good to not struggle alone.

“It is important to have relationships

with believers who can have this conversation on a deeper level,” he said.

“It’s not good to keep the conversation in your head and simmering on it alone.

You should have the conversation with people you trust. People you know have your best interest in heart.”

TO READ MORE The blog “Blue Babies Pink” discusses the struggles involved with combining faith and sexuality. Students can read the blog at BlueBabiesPink. com.

8 LIFE

Theatre company adds modern spin to Shakespeare HANNAH ZIMMER Associate Life Editor life@florala.net The Aquila Theatre will perform Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at Norton Auditorium Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

The Shakespearian production is returning to UNA as it has in previous years, said Gigi Broadway, senior administrative assistant of university events.

Broadway said “Much Ado About Nothing” is a romantic comedy surrounding two couples.

“Without giving too much away, the characters will be switching roles,” she said. “It has a love story and lots of comedy.”

Although the Aquila Theatre is performing a play from the 16th century, the company puts a modern spin on the story.

“Aquila Theatre is very precise with their Shakespearian language, but their sets are a lot more modern than those of the Globe Theatre,” said Brett Jennings, director of university events.

The Aquila Theatre will journey

from New York to Florence to perform the play.

“Aquila Theatre has been coming to UNA for several years,” Broadway said. “It’s part of the Albert S. Johnston Endowment.”

Albert S. Johnston was a former English professor at UNA who taught Shakespeare. After he died, the school created the Albert S. Johnston Endowment which requires UNA to have one Shakespeare activity each year.

Jennings said the Aquila Theatre is one of the best companies to grace UNA with its performances.

“Over the years, we have looked at many opportunities, and we have found that Aquila Theatre out of New York to be the best quality,” he said.

“Their shows are phenomenal, and we’ve stuck with them.”

Freshman Kara Holden said she is excited to see the play.

“I would definitely love to go see a play that involved a cast from New York City,” she said. “It sounds like it would be very high quality.”

University employees worked on the arrival of “Much Ado About Nothing” to UNA for a year.

“Aquila Theatre stays on top of things, and Jennings gets the contracts drafted early,” Broadway said.

Broadway said she hopes people will open their minds to a new experience.

“The first performance I saw (of them) opened my eyes,” she said.

“In the past, I really didn’t enjoy Shakespeare because I didn’t give it a chance.”

Jennings said the performances are entertaining, and the group shows Shakespeare can be fun.

In addition to the performance, UNA students who are taking Shakespeare and theatre classes will have the opportunity to interact with

“

actors from the Aquila Theatre.

“Two or three of their actors will come into the performance center for a master class and teach our students a few things,” Jennings said.

Junior Julie Heflin said it will be a great opportunity.

“It’s one thing to just watch a play, but to also talk with the actors and hear about how they made their decisions is another,” she said.

People can buy tickets at the door, the Kennedy-Douglas Center, Coldwater Books or the UNA Bookstore.

The cost is $5 for faculty or students and $10 for general admission.

(Aquila Theatre’s) shows are phenomenal, and we’ve stuck with them (over the years).

Brett Jennings | Director of University Events

Courtesy of Aquila Theatre

The Aquila Theatre will perform “Much Ado About Nothing” at Norton Auditorium Feb. 7. “The first performance I saw (of them) opened my eyes,” said Gigi Broadway, senior administrative assistant of university events.

LIFE 9

Psychology majors teach about healthy relationships JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Seniors Mark Pettit and Alyson Bergner are using their last semester at UNA to inform students about healthy relationships.

Both students are senior psychology majors completing the certificate in family life education. For their final internships, they are working with local middle and high schoolers, said Amber Paulk, associate professor of sociology and family studies, in an email.

To teach the curriculum, titled “Relationship Smarts,” Pettit and Bergner are working with the teen program at the FlorenceLauderdale Public Library, Paulk said.

“Dr. Paulk kind of came to us and was like, ‘We’ve had this kind of need for this program at the library, and we’re looking for interns, and I think that you guys would be a great fit,’” Bergner said.

The program originated at Auburn University, and it is 13 weeks long with the groups meeting back-to-back starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.

“Basically, the gist of the program is to teach teenagers how to identify and maintain healthy relationships,” Pettit said. “So, that’s with friendships, romantic relationships, between parents and the teenagers themselves and pretty much information that can be generalized into all walks of their lives.”

The first session was Jan. 17.

“The middle school group was super pumped, and our high school group was really engaged,” Bergner said. “Both groups warmed up, and we got to know them a little more than you probably would for knowing (someone) for an hour.”

The first sessions included icebreakers, and the total attendance was almost 30 students, Pettit said.

Although teaching together is new for the pair, they have known each other for over a year, Bergner said.

Their friendship began when Pettit followed her as president of Psychology Club this year.

“We kind of play off each other, and we bounce ideas back and fourth,” she said. “It’s really great to have someone that supports you and that’s excited

“

MICHAEL MEIGS | Graphic Designer about implementing this.”

Both said the program is important because one like it would have benefited them growing up.

“We even tell kids how to break up,” Pettit said. “There’s several relationships that I had that I didn’t break up with the girl in the right way, and people just don’t know how to do many of these things because it’s stuff that doesn’t get taught in the home or at school. Most of the time kids learn from television or movies, and not everything is Hollywood.”

Pettit said he gained a little teaching experience in a previous internship, and this one will give him even more experience for his career goal as a family life educator.

“Basically, what family life educators do is they go out in the community and identify weaknesses within the community and bring curriculum and other professional resources into the community to help those weaknesses,” he said.

To read about Bergner’s career plans, visit florala.net.

Most of the time kids learn (about relationships) from television or movies, and not everything is Hollywood.

Mark Pettit | Senior

10 SPORTS Women’s hoops dominate down the stretch Scoreboard Jan. 12 - 21

Women’s Basketball

Jan. 12 at Delta State Win, 57-49 Jan. 14 at Miss. College Loss, 78-63 Jan. 19 vs. Lee Win, 74-69 Jan. 21 at Shorter Win, 76-74

Men’s Basketball

Jan. 12 at Delta State Loss, 84-80 Jan. 14 at Miss. College Win, 60-57 Jan. 19 vs. Lee Win, 83-66 Jan. 21 at Shorter Win, 87-86

Upcoming Softball Games

Gulf Coast Invitational Feb. 3 vs. Barry Feb. 3 vs. Embry-Riddle Feb. 4 vs. Spring Hill Feb. 4 vs. Mobile Feb. 5 vs. Rollins Feb. 5 vs. MO-St. Louis

Upcoming Baseball Games Feb. 3-5 at Central MO Feb. 7 vs. Miles Feb. 11-12 vs. Bellarmine Feb. 15 vs. Lem.-Owen Games continued at roarlions.com

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Junior forward Michaela DeKilder goes up for a layup in the paint versus Lee Jan. 19. DeKilder has led the Lions in rebounds this season, including 20 against Union Jan. 9.

ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net At the halfway point in the season, the North Alabama women’s basketball team finds itself in a prime

position for postseason play, one season removed from a five win 201516 campaign.

The Lions, 14-3, are proficient at nearly all facets of the game. They lead the Gulf South Conference in steals per game, averaging 10.69, and

are the 3rd ranked scoring defense, allowing 59.8 points per game while sporting the 5th ranked scoring offense, averaging 72.6 PPG. Lions head coach Missy Tiber said playing a favorable early season home schedule has provided the team with a spark to ignite the success the team is having thus far.

“We are concentrating on one game at a time and trying to be better every day,” she said. “But, when it comes down to it, when you’re looking at these conference games, you’ve got to find a way to win some on the road, and you need to win your home games.

We are pretty good here at home, and we have to protect our home court.”

The Lions are undefeated at home and have 8-3 record in Gulf South Conference play after their latest victory — a come-from-behind win at Shorter, courtesy of a go-ahead bucket from freshman guard Emma Wallen.

The breakout star of the season is freshman guard Ivy Wallen, who sits atop the GSC in total points with 309 and second in average points per game with 19.3.

“It’s my job to take these shots,” Ivy Wallen said. “My team does a real good job of recognizing when I’m on. Jaclyn (Heath) does a great job of getting me the ball when I need it. It’s really a team effort. The team does their job, and I do my job.”

To continue reading about UNA women’s basketball at the midway point, go to florala.net.

Men’s basketball surges midseason ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net The 2016-17 North Alabama men’s basketball season has been full of highs and lows, but as sophomore guard Tavaras Tolliver said after the Lions’ rout of Lee, “things are beginning to turn around.”

UNA is riding a three game winning streak, including an 87-86 road win over Shorter, the second ranked scoring offense in the Gulf South Conference, to improve to 10-7 overall and 5-6 in the GSC. In the game at Shorter, the UNA defense stopped the GSC leading scorer, Phil Taylor, from hitting a buzzer-beater, adding more fuel to the momentum this team has produced.

“I think we’ve been playing harder and better here lately,” said Lions head coach Bobby Champagne. “After the Union game, I told them that second half effort in that game is not what a UNA basketball team looks like. We take a lot of pride in playing hard and playing with intensity.”

Statistically, the Lions rank middle-of-the-pack in the GSC. The scoring offense is ranked 7th, averaging 79.1 points per game, while the defense is ranked 9th, allowing

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Senior guard Dimario Jackson tries to make a play off a screen versus Lee Jan. 19. Jackson leads the team in scoring thus far, averaging 15.9 points per game.

79.1 points per game as well.

UNA is near the top of the rankings in a few categories. They are second in offensive rebounds with 13.5 boards per game, while fourth in defensive rebounds with 26.6 per game. The

Lions are also stingy when it comes to turnovers, where they rank 2nd in turnover margin of 2.71.

To continue reading about UNA men’s basketbal’s three-game win streak, go to florala.net.

SPORTS 11 Athletics names new strength and conditioning coach ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net North Alabama recently named a new strength and conditioning coach, and it did not have to look far.

Local fitness center owner and UNA alumnus Steve Herring took over the role as the strength and conditioning coach for all 14 of UNA’s sports Jan. 10.

“This is a dream come true,” Herring said. “I get to come to this weight room every day with all these great kids who push every day to get better. It’s a blessing.”

Herring graduated from UNA in 1985 with aspirations of coaching high school sports, but decided against that career path.

But, he said he always had a passion for the strength training side of coaching. He volunteered at local high schools during his time as a student where he discovered a love of helping kids get stronger and faster.

“Back when I

graduated, there was no such thing as a strength coach,” he said. “The football coach was always the strength coach, and it would stay that way for years.”

He took his passion for fitness and became a competitive power lifter for 15 years while working as a marketer at Martin Industries in Florence until the company went out of business in 2003.

Herring then decided he wanted to make a living doing something he loved, he said.

He became the manager of The Edge Sports Performance at three

“

different locations. While there, he also became the strength and conditioning coordinator for Florence High School.

Herring brings over three decades of experience in strength and conditioning to the Lions, including nine years in a similar role at Florence High School.

UNA Director of Athletics Mark Linder said Herring’s positive character and knowledge of fitness stood out amongst the pool of candidates.

“His expertise in strength and conditioning will help our student

I get to come to this weight room every day with all these kids who push every day to get better. It’s a blessing.

athletes stay healthy and increase their performance in the arena of competition,” he said. “He brings a lot of energy and passion to the position, which will transcend to our studentathletes.”

He also has experience in collegiate strength and conditioning, having trained under former Tennessee Volunteers strength and conditioning coordinator Johnny Long and current Alabama coordinator Scott Cochran.

“I’ve gotten the chance to work with (Cochran and Long) and compare our philosophies with each other,” Herring said. “While there are a few differences between us, our core philosophy is the same.”

Herring said he believes his life’s work has built up to his hiring at UNA. Herring pointed to the various motivational signs hanging from the rafters of the UNA Strength Facility and said while he works at a place with so much positivity, he never truly works a day.

Steve Herring | Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

UNA strength and conditioning coordinator Steve Herring exhibits proper form in incline bench press at the UNA Strength Facility. Herring brings over 30 years of experience in strength and conditioning training to UNA Athletics.

12 SPORTS

The Flor-Ala file photos

North Alabama pitcher Raven Cole (left) and first baseman Kyle Hubbuch pitching and swinging during the 2016 season. UNA softball is No. 1 in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll, while baseball is eighth.

Softball ready to commence Baseball looks to returners, 2016 title defense new faces for impact ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net Closing out the 2016 season with a historic run to a national championship, the North Alabama softball team looks to keep the momentum rolling in 2017.

The Lions will have several fresh faces in the lineup this season with just 12 players returning this year from last year’s team of 24.

“I’m really excited about this team and the new adventure we will have,” said head coach Ashley Cozart. “We are going to be a different kind of team this year. I think the power will still be there, but we will have different ways of scoring with the speed this team has.”

Some of the key losses include infielder Harlie Barkley, outfielder Courtney Shields and infielder Madeline Lee, all of whom started at least 54 games.

The Lions will also have to replace NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Player of the Year Brooklyn Clark.

Clark led the team in a majority of batting statistics, including runs-batted

in with 84 and home runs with 19.

The team will still have Clark in some capacity. She is serving as a student coach this season while continuing toward her degree.

“It was hard at first (to transition from player to coach),” she said. “It hit especially hard at the first practice because it sank in that my career was actually over. But, I am blessed enough to get to stay on and help.”

UNA does have the luxury of having two D2CCA All-Americans returning — senior first baseman Anna Gayle Norris and junior shortstop Reagan Tittle.

Norris is the statistically best returning hitter from last season.

She was third on the team in batting average, hitting .376, and second to Clark in home runs with 15.

Also among the returnees is junior outfielder Bailey Nelson. Nelson had 79 hits and 25 RBI’s as the Lion’s leadoff batter last year.

Nelson said the team has stayed focused throughout the offseason and is keeping its eyes on this year’s prize.

To continue reading about the 2017 UNA softball season, go to florala.net.

ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net North Alabama’s baseball team will look forward to a fresh start in 2017 after finishing the previous season with a 2522 record.

Lions head coach Mike Keehn said last season’s record was not what they wanted, but the record was misleading, given the caliber of teams in the South Region, which has produced seven national championship teams out of the last nine years.

“Our conference is so deep and talented,” he said. “Our team will have to win close games to be able to compete in not just the conference, but the region.”

The Lions return 17 players from last season’s roster, including last year’s home run leader, junior first baseman Kyle Hubbuch.

Hubbuch had 12 home runs last year and a batting average of .322.

UNA also returns key contributors such as third baseman Davis Elliot, infielder Peyton Sockwell, outfielder Conner Kiser and right-handed pitchers

Devan Traglia and Dylan Stewart.

Stewart cumulated a 3.56 ERA and a 3-0 record in 17 total appearances last season.

“We have several solid arms this year, beginning with a strong starting rotation and very reliable arms coming out of the bullpen,” Stewart said. “As long as our pitchers compete in the strike zone and locate pitches, winning ball games will take care of itself.”

The 2017 team has the tall task of finding ways to replace 12 seniors from last year’s squad that saw a vast percentage of playing time, including All-Region performer Taylor Hayes and runs and hits leader Kevin Hall.

“Hall was one of the better bats last season in the Gulf South, so we are going to miss that,” Keehn said. “Taylor Hayes was a program guy that came into his own for us kind of unexpected. He fit the mold of the UNA style of player we look for.”

Hall, a 2016 All-Gulf South Conference selection, signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

To continue reading about the 2017 baseball team, visit florala.net.

OPINION 13 Individuals should strive for positive impact

MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net In 2008, I thought President Barack Obama was arguably the most polarizing figure of our lifetime. Eight years later, I’m convinced that moniker goes to the new man in charge.

About a decade ago, I simply thought of Donald Trump as a man who had a lot of success as a businessman, hosted a reality show and received a “Stone Cold Stunner” from Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 23.

Now, he’s the 45th President of the United States.

I’m not a political guy by any means, but it is hard not to follow some of the reactions to President Trump’s election to the helm from society as an objective observer. Some responses were mild, while others were not.

Gallup, Inc., an “American researchbased, global performance-management consulting company,” conducted an interesting study about the positivity/ negativity of the world in 2013.

The results showed the world is slowly becoming a more negative place to live. According to Gallup’s Negative Experience Index, “a measure of people’s experiences of stress, anger,

sadness, physical pain and worry has crept upward since 2007.”

The United States was tied for 33rd out of 138 countries as the most negative nation in the world in 2013.

One can only imagine this number in 2017. My guess would be this number has climbed since.

Is it a result of events happening around us? Is it a result of the divisiveness of this country? Is it a result of unnecessary violence? It could be a mixture of it all.

But what about the things we can control?

President Trump may be the leader of our country, but you are the leader of your life.

When individuals allow elements they cannot control to affect their everyday life, it breeds an unnecessary outburst of negativity in all situations.

How can I complain about the life I live? I wake up every morning, I have

two hands and two feet, a wonderful and supportive group of family and friends, an amazing career and I attend the greatest university I could ever ask for.

We all have different problems, but to observe someone that has it worse than I do with a more positive outlook on life is a wakeup call. Those people are the salt of the earth and are making this world a better place to live.

As fellow humans, we should strive to make a positive impact on those around us.

Yes, acknowledge that there are negatives all around us. Find the silver lining because chances are, it exists if we look hard enough.

Instead of living in a world that harbors stress, anger, sadness and division, be the agent that makes the world positive, pleasant and willing to help our fellow brothers and sisters.

Now is the time to exhibit a positive morale. We need it more than ever.

Technology causes academic distractions

BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net These days, technology is everywhere. Looking at screens has

become a feature of our everyday lives. They engage us, connect us and distract us.

It is uncommon to find a college student without a smartphone. On any college campus, it is a normal sight to see students walking around staring at or speaking into their cellphones.

Research has been ongoing to determine how much of a distraction cellphones are for students. With social media and the bountiful information at our fingertips, what does this mean for our attention spans during classes?

According to the Journal of Media Education, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln conducted a survey in 2015 of 675 American college students in 26 states and their use of digital devices in the classroom.

Congratulations to our Writer and Photographer of the Week!

Hannah Zimmer Andrea Belk

The survey found that on average students spent 20.9 percent of class periods using a cell phone or other digital devices for purposes not related to class. This is a large amount of each lecture the student is missing.

The Journal of College Teaching conducted a survey that discovered of the 269 college students who responded, 95 percent reported they bring their phones to class, and 92 percent admitted to texting during class. A shocking response was 10 percent confessed to having texted during an exam at least once.

College students should stay focused on their teachers during classes. Lectures are where the professor gives the materials to succeed. When a student is using cellphones to text, email, surf the

web, interact on social media and play games, they are not able to give their instructor their full attention, if they give them any attention at all.

If students wish to focus on their courses without distractions, cellphones and other digital devices should be out of sight for class. As most classes at UNA are typically 50 – 75 minutes, this is not an unreasonable amount of time to ignore the technology and focus on your future and your degree.

As a fellow student who is also tempted to check texts and notifications during classes, I challenge you as a New Year’s resolution to attend all classes this semester without checking your phone. The effect it will have on your learning will be exponential.

Letters Policy Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to: The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words.

The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

14 PHOTOS

Here to help

Come on by Center for Women’s Studies Coordinator Emily Kelley stocks the shelves at the Pride’s Pantry inside the center. The Pride Pantry, along with the food pantry and Student Counseling Services, is a valuable resource for students.

ANDREA BELK Staff Photographer abelk@una.edu Starting out on your own in a new environment can be harrowing for anyone, but it can be especially difficult to manage finances and sanity amidst trying to juggle classes and social life.

Last semester, for students like me, was the first semester attending UNA. I found there were many recourses that were able to help me out, but I did not find them until the end of the semester.

Below are three amazing places that I found to have been the most helpful.

The Feeding the Pride food pantry on the ground floor of the Gulliot University Center is available for students to visit as many times as needed. The pantry is to ensure all students, on and off campus, have food security. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for students with a valid Mane Card.

The Pride’s Pantry on Wood Avenue inside the Center for Women’s Studies is a facility for students who are having a

hard time budgeting for personal care.

They can provide students with products for not only men and women, but also for infant care. Their products range from shampoo and cologne to women’s sanitary items. Student do not need to make an appointment. All they ask is for students to fill out a demographic sheet and a checklist of items needed.

Students can visit any time from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and are able to visit once every two weeks.

Student Counseling Services on 555 Oak View St. is a safe place for students to come and speak with a professional one-on-one about anything that is concerning them. Students can call at anytime to set an appointment.

They are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and while the center prefers for one to make an appointment, they also accept emergency walk-ins. The staff is willing to work with anyone, whether it be once a week or as many times as needed.

With these three resources, among others, the University of North Alabama proves to be one of the most helpful and resourceful campuses in the nation.

In stock Totes full of toiletries and household supplies line the shelves inside the Center for Women’s Studies. Students with a valid Mane Card have access to these items free of charge.

At your service Bonnie Olive, a staff member of UNA’s Student Counseling Services, takes a phone call. The counselors are available to all students and will accept emergency walk-ins.

Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub Various food items sit on the selves of the Feeding the Pride food pantry in the Gulliot University Center. The pantry is open to all students with a valid Mane Card.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Jan. 26 What: Collier Library Faculty Lecture Series, Featuring Dr. Lesley Peterson When: 2:30 p.m.

Where: Collier Library What: SGA Senate Meeting When: 3 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement What: Soprano Recital, Kimberly Belbwasser When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Music Building Recital Hall What: Women’s Basketball v.

Mississippi College When: 6 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: Men’s Basketball vs.

Mississippi College When: 8 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Fri., Jan. 27 What: UPC Snow Ball When: 6 - 9 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

Sat., Jan. 28 What: Women’s Basketball v.

Delta State When: 1 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: Men’s Basketball v. Delta State When: 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Sun., Jan. 29

The Flor-Ala file photo

The brothers of Alpha Tau Omega collect their third consecutive overall win during the 2015 Step Sing for United Way. Step Sing 2017 takes place Feb. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium.

Tues., Jan. 31

Sat., Feb. 4

Tues., Feb. 7

What: Hispanic Cultural Organization When: 4 - 5 p.m.

Where: Stone Lodge Lower Level

What: Women’s Basketball v.

Shorter When: 1 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

What: Film Screening: “Herman’s House” When: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 208

Wed., Feb. 1 What: Departmental Recital When: noon Where: Norton Auditorium What: Guest Artist Recital: Luis Rivera, percussion When: 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 208

Thur., Feb. 2

What: The Flor-Ala writer’s meeting Where: Student Publications Building When: 4 p.m.

What: SGA Senate Meeting When: 3 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement

Mon., Jan. 30

Fri., Feb. 3

What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Where: Office of Student Engagement

What: Step Sing When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

What: Men’s Basketball v. Shorter When: 3 p.m.

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

Where: Norton Auditorium

Sun., Feb. 5 What: The Flor-Ala writer’s meeting When: 4 p.m.

Where: Student Publications Building

Mon., Feb. 6 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 - 5 p.m.

What: “Much Ado About Nothing” When: 7 p.m.

Where: Norton Auditorium

Wed., Feb. 8 What: PRancing With The PRide When: 5 - 8 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center

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

Where: Office of Student Engagement

In addition to allowing students to submit topics for the calendar, the 2016-17 paper will allow students to purchase classified ads for a small fee — no more getting lost in the pages by the mailroom! Contact editor@florala.net for questions.

16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK