Vol. 76, Issue 20 by Southern Accent

Collegedale News| 5

Sports | 5

Opinion | 6

Lifestyle | 7

Updates on the Apison Pike construction project

NFL free agency frenzy

The Iran Nuclear Deal: What should Biden do?

See it in Spring: 2021 fashion trends

March 24, 2021 Collegedale, Tennessee

Southern Accent

Vol. 76 Issue 20

The student voice since 1926

Southern administration adds one mental health day in response to students’ request

SJC partners with Puerto Rico’s Universidad Adventista de las Antillas Amanda Blake Lead Reporter

Illustration by Nickolas Nieves

Paola Mora Zepeda Editor-in-Chief On_March_15, students_and faculty received an email from President David Smith announcing the addition of one mental health_day_for_the_semester, scheduled to take place on Friday, April 23. All classes will be cancelled that day. The_decision_came_as_a response to the petition initiated by SA President Sheryl Kambuni calling for two mental wellness days._The_petition,_found_on change.org, received a total of 1,481 supporters. However, the number_of_Southern_students who signed the petition could not_be_verified,_according_to administration. “We have heard the distress expressed_by_many_students regarding_the_mental_health of the campus,” Smith wrote in the email. “We understand how the changes and uncertainties

brought by the pandemic have affected stress levels. Administration wants you to know that we share your concerns, and we_have_seriously_considered the request of many students to accommodate mental health days this semester as one way of helping relieve stress.” Though_the_original_petition requested_two_mental_health days, administration had to consider the number of classroom hours_required by accreditors to award academic credit before re a c h i n g _ a _ d e c i s i o n . _ A s _ a result, only one mental health day was approved. “Southern’s accrediting organizations require a certain standard_of_academic_excellence and rigor, including a minimum number of classroom hours per course, per semester,” Smith and Academic Administration Senior

Q&A with Ken Shaw: Incoming Southern president

Under the circumstances, I am glad something was worked out to make room for a wellness day. ... The process took time and work, but at the end of the day [students] were given a chance to voice our opinion, and an action was taken in response. Vice_President_Bob_Young_said in_a_separate_email_correspondence_with_the_Accent._“Starting the semester a week late and taking_two_days_off_for_Spring Break absorbed almost all of the flexible_capacity_that_typically exists in our academic calendar.”

A c c o rd i n g _ t o _ S m i t h _ a n d Young, part of the reason why administration chose April 23 for the mental health day was based_on_faculty’s_feedback. While_some_students_have expressed that they would have preferred the mental health day on a Monday, Smith and Young explained_that_administration chose_a Friday to ensure that students_would_have_a_complete free day without the need to make up any missed work. “We recognize that many students would have preferred to have a Monday off,” Smith and Young said. “However, labs and clinicals could not be canceled. So, if we selected a day other than Friday, students with these obligations would either not be able to have the full day off or have to make up the lab/clinical See MENTAL HEALTH on page 2

Southern’s School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) is in the process of partnering with Universidad Adventista de las Antillas (UAA) in Puerto Rico. UAA does not offer degrees in communication, but this partnership will allow UAA students to transfer to Southern to obtain a communication degree after taking general classes for two years in Puerto Rico. According_to_Southern_Communication_Professor_Pablo Fernandez,_many_students_in Puerto Rico are very involved and engaged in media production at their churches and high schools. “There_are_some_students interested in media production, live streaming, social media content creation and photography, but they [UAA] don’t have that degree offered,” Fernandez said. “So, they end up going to other schools or universities in Puerto Rico or taking other degrees.” According to UAA’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Zilma Santiago, _ general _ director _ of Bella _ Vista _ Media _ Center _ in Puerto Rico Nemuel Artiles first suggested the partnership to her and Fernandez in January 2020._ At_ the_ time,_ Fernandez was in Puerto Rico working with the media center. Although they never met in person, Fernandez and Santiago soon began to share ideas about how to make the partnership work. Fernandez said the SJC worked See PARTNERSHIP on page 2

'Blindness is not a disease': A blind couple's story about life and navigating Southern

Paola Mora Zepeda Editor-in-Chief On March 2, Southern Adventist University announced that Ken Shaw was selected as the 27th president of the university. Get to know Shaw in this exclusive_interview_with_the Southern_Accent_where_he shares a bit about himself and what he looks forward to as he takes on the position of incoming president. 1. For those who did not get to meet you during your visit a few weeks ago, could you share a bit about yourself? I grew up in Greeneville, Tennessee, _ with _ three _ brothers and a sister. ...I attended Little Creek Academy, a self-supporting _high _school _in _Knoxville, Tennessee, _where _academics were taught half of the day and work was required the other half. _I _enjoyed _milking _cows, working on their farm, building houses and working in the garden. _Southern _Missionary College_was_where_I_pursued my degree in mathematics with minors _in _religion _and _physics. Prior to starting my senior year, I married my high school

sweetheart, Ann. She had just finished her degree in nursing and began working in Chattanooga while I finished my undergraduate degree. After graduation, we moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee, and I began teaching at Madison Academy as their mathematics, physics and computer programming_teacher._While teaching, I completed my master’s_degree_in_mathematics from_Middle_Tennessee_State University._After_a_few_years, we moved to Athens, Georgia, where I completed my doctoral work in mathematics education at the University of Georgia. I_spent_25_years_at_Florida_State_University,_serving as a professor, campus dean and academic dean, and then moved to Texas where I have most_recently_had_the_privilege_of serving as president of_Southwestern_Adventist University (SWAU) for the past seven years. 2. For the past seven years you have served as the president _of _SWAU. _What _made See Q&A on page 3

Photo by Xander Ordinola

Chris and Kyla Slaughter pose in front of the School of Social Work. Chris and Kyla are both blind. Though they face unique challenges, the couple says they are enjoying their time at Southern.

Amanda Blake Lead Reporter Like most Southern students, Chris and Kyla Slaughter have faced their fair share of struggles navigating college life. But for them, the term “navigating” takes on a much more literal meaning. Chris, 43, and Kyla, 45, are both completely blind. Unlike his wife, Chris was not

born blind. In fact, he served in the United States Marine Corps while simultaneously completing an undergraduate degree in_computer_science_and_a master’s_degree_in_program management._After_14_years serving_as_a_ground_combat infantry marine, Chris found a

job developing software for the United _States _Department _of the Navy. According to Chris, his first wife became addicted to narcotic painkillers after she ruptured a vertebrate while giving birth to their daughter, Kinsley, See SLAUGHTER on page 2

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

2 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

NEWS MENTAL HEALTH continued from page 1

on another day.” In addition to the cancellation of classes on April 23, faculty will not be allowed to schedule any assignments or assessments to be due during that weekend. However, campus will remain open for those who need to use the facilities. “What_we_most_want_students to know is that we care about them, and they do have a voice on our campus,” Smith and Young said. “... We hope students also understand that situations can be more complex than they appear on the surface, with university governance processes, accreditors, partner institutions and other considerations all factoring into their experience here. It is part of our mission to ensure our students are served well on our campus, and we will continue seeking ways to help students relieve stress as we complete the semester.”

We recognize that many students would have preferred to have a Monday off. However, labs and clinicals could not be canceled. So, if we selected a day other than Friday, students with these obligations would either not be able to have the full day off or have to make up the lab/ clinical on another day. Kambuni said she is happy a d m i n i s t ra t i o n _h e a rd _s t u dents’ petition and provided a middle ground. “Under_the_circumstances,_I am glad something was worked out to make room for a wellness day,” Kambuni said. “... The process took time and work. But, at the end of the day, [students] were given a chance to voice our opinion, and an action was taken in response.”

SLAUGHTER

PARTNERSHIP

continued from page 1 on July 24, 2000. Her addiction followed their family when they moved to Quantico, Virginia. While driving home from work on Jan. 31, 2012, Chris had an intense argument with his wife on the phone. According to Chris, their conversation got “about as bad as it could get,” so he decided to end their phone call after pulling into the driveway. “I finally said to her, ‘This conversation is over. I’m done. You just tell Kinsley that I said ‘hi’ and that I’ll see her again,’” Chris said. “And then I hung up the phone, and I reached in the glove box of my car, and I pulled out a handgun, and I shot myself in the head.” Chris said he was put into a medically induced coma until Feb. 27. The gun wound not only caused Chris to lose his eyesight but also caused him to completely forget that he had shot himself. Although his family knew the truth, they told him he had been in a car accident. In January 2016, Chris' psychologist told him how he truly became blind. Chris had already divorced his first wife when he learned the truth. In April 2012, Chris flew to his parents’ home in Sacramento. While_there,_the_California Department of Rehabilitation called Chris to tell him he was a good candidate for Society for the Blind, a nonprofit organization that provides services and programs for the visually impaired. Chris went to Society for the Blind for about six months, and it was there that he met his future wife, Kyla. Kyla was born at only 27 and a_half_weeks._Consequently, she_was_blind_and_weighed only_two_pounds_and_10 ounces. In 1997, she obtained an associate arts degree. And, before coming to Southern, she worked as a massage therapist in California for a year and a half. She is currently a junior social work major. “I’m_actually_thankful_for the blindness,” Kyla said. “If I hadn’t been born the way I was, I don’t think I would’ve been as receptive to being used by God

continued from page 1 and allowing Him to give me the talents and the gifts and the skills that I have and even the impression to go into social work.” It was Kyla who first invited Chris to attend a Seventh-day Adventist_church._Chris_was baptized _into _the _church _on Oct. 15, 2016. Eventually, he and Kyla began dating and got married. Last year, Chris felt called to become a pastor, so he and Kyla moved to Southern. _ They _ currently _ live _ on Southern's campus.

People don’t need to feel uncomfortable asking us questions,” Kyla Slaughter said. “We are definitely approachable. You know, blindness is not a disease. Originally, Kyla planned to receive a Tennessee massage therapy license and find work in Chattanooga. However, Ric Griffin, a counselor in Southern’s Student Success Center, suggested last semester that she pursue a career in social work because of her kind and warm character. She followed his advice and began taking classes at Southern this semester. Chris’s_pastoral_aspirations changed,_so_he_is_not_currently taking classes at Southern._However,_he_has_been approved_to_register_for_an accelerated master’s program in social work, and he plans to begin classes at Southern again next semester. According to Chris, his greatest_difficulties_at_Southern have been navigating campus and obtaining and using digital books. Last semester, he did not receive his digital theology books until the seventh week. Even when he had them, the process of going through

them was slow. However, Chris said the school itself and the people he has met have been “absolutely fantastic.” He is thankful for students and staff who often drive him and Kyla around campus on golf carts and_for_the_improvements in transportation and digital book distribution he has seen recently. “In a single semester, I’ve seen things go from good to fantastic, and I’m hopeful for when I register for next semester,” Chris said. Like her husband, Kyla has struggled navigating campus, but she has a guide dog named Cherish who helps her. In addition, workers at Daniells Hall put up wind chimes to help Kyla find her way there. One of her greatest challenges, however, is finding rides off campus. “I can’t just hop in a car and go somewhere,” Kyla said. “I have to make it this big production, or spend, you know, a whole lot of money on Uber just to get off campus.” Kyla said Southern should put braille labels on their bathroom signs and ensure that all departments_provide_digital books to improve the experiences of visually impaired students. She also wishes students would_continually_introduce themselves when speaking to her or her husband because it is often difficult to distinguish between voices. B o t h _ C h r i s _ a n d _ K y l a _ a re thankful God brought them to Southern, and they both want students_to_feel_comfortable interacting with them. “We’re _ blind. _ That _ doesn’t mean we’re [incapable]. It just means_we_can’t_see,”_Chris said. “But I promise, between a dog, a cane and maybe a couple words to a young woman or young man walking by, we can probably find what it is we’re looking for.” “People don’t need to feel uncomfortable asking us questions,” Kyla said. “We are definitely approachable. You know, blindness_is_not_a_disease. We’re not a couple of weirdos just because we’re blind.”

Corrections and Clarification

The_Southern_Accent_takes_ complaints_about_inaccuracy seriously._To_fix_errors_or_misinformation,_we_will_publish, w i t h _ s o m e _ l i m i t e d _ exc e p tions,_corrections_or_clarifications._To_report_mistakes,_ email_us_at_accent@southern. edu_or_reach_us_through_our_ social_media accounts. Vol. 76, Issue 19 The article, "Over 1,400 students sign SA petition requesting two mental wellness days," failed to report that change.org does not limit who can sign the petition. Though the petition received a total 1,481 supporters, it was not possible to verify that all those who signed were Southern students.

Left: Chris Slaughter. Right: Kyla Slaughter and her dog, Cherish.

Southern Accent The Accent encourages readers to write articles and voice their opinions. However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Accent, Southern Adventist University, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Lifestyle Editor Elise Deschamps Editor-in-Chief Paola Mora Zepeda

Opinion Editor Samuel Mora Zepeda

Managing Editor Christina Coston

Religion Editor Sarah Klingbeil

For any questions, comments, and article submission information email us at accent@southern.edu

News Editor Taylor Dean

Sports Editor Zach Roberts

For all advertising inquiries, email studentadmgr@southern.edu

Collegedale News Editor Bailey DuBose

Photo Editor Xander Ordinola

on the partnership for about a year under the supervision of Associate Vice President of Academic_Administration_Dionne Felix, who ensured all academic standards were met. Then, about one month ago, the leaders of both universities attended a Zoom meeting in which they had a “virtual handshake,” according to Fernandez. Santiago said Professor Israel Torres, coordinator for UAA’s history program, began working with Fernandez after the meeting to create a more comprehensive academic plan for UAA students interested in transferring to the SJC. According to Fernandez, the current plan for these students is for them to take general classes at UAA for two years, take a few prerequisite and English classes at Southern over the summer and transfer to Southern their junior year to pursue a degree in mass communication, _ communication, journalism or public relations. Santiago said the academic plan will be finalized in a meeting near the end of March. Then, UAA will begin promoting the partnership on social media. “Puerto Rico is very excited about this opportunity as kind of a first step that maybe could open_to_other_partnerships on campus or other programs that could attract students who are interested to come into the United States, either from Puerto Rico or from the Inter-American Division,” Fernandez said.

We’re very happy to have this pipeline for our students. We have a cultural diversity that also can contribute to the student body and life at Southern. According to Santiago, this partnership will benefit students from multiple countries because between 25 and 30 countries are represented in UAA’s student body. “We’re very happy to have this pipeline for our students,” Santiago said. “We have a cultural diversity that also can contribute to the student body and life at Southern.” Although Santiago does not know how many UAA students are currently interested in transferring to Southern to pursue a communication degree, she is sure many students will take advantage of the opportunity. “I think that because of the experience of the pandemic, this will be a program that will have a lot of people interested,” Santiago said. “Because, you know, media and communications are things that are very related to the experience we have been facing.” Santiago believes some current UAA students will be interested in switching academic programs to pursue a communication degree once the partnership is promoted, so students could begin transferring from UAA to Southern in less than two years.

Photo by Xander Ordinola.

Copy Editors Megan Yoshioka Patrick Scriven Layout Designer Nickolas Nieves Web Manager Timothy Morgan Circulation Manager Evarline Ondieki

Lead Reporters María José Morán Amanda Blake Aubri Dancek Lesieli Heimuli Zoe Kanas Xavier Quiles Staff Sponsor Alva James-Johnson

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

3 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

NEWS Middle Eastern Club launches on campus Xavier Quiles Lead Reporter S o u t h e r n's _ n ew l y _ e s t a b lished Middle Eastern Club is now recruiting members. Marlyn Antwan, sophomore political science, is the president and founder of the club. “I started the Middle Eastern Club because I’m Middle Eastern,” Antwan said. “I always wanted one here at Southern, and I kept hearing stories about people who tried starting one and it couldn’t work. … I started asking around about who would actually be interested in a Middle Eastern club, and I started getting positive responses. And then I was like, ‘Okay, I can do it.’” After finding officers for the club, Antwan started the process_to_make_it_official_and wrote_the_constitution_and bylaws for the club. Becoming official at the beginning of this semester, the club is now planning potential events. “We are planning on possibly making a small appearance on

Asian Night,” Antwan said. “… Definitely in the future we will have different events on the promenade, like giving out food and having some music event, or some type of Vespers.” Shayla-Moguel_Coronel, sophomore_international development_studies_major and_journalism_publishing minor, is the vice president of the Middle Eastern Club. “I’m very excited to see what we’ll cook up,” Coronel said. “We’ve been wanting to see if we can make food and hand them out to not just members, but to students as well. … And we’re hoping to do community service as well.” To get involved with the Middle Eastern Club, follow them at @mec.sau and go to the link in their bio to sign up to become a member.

Q&A

continued from page 1 you want to apply to work at Southern? Several people reached out to us and encouraged us to apply. Though we were not initially interested, we felt God impressing us to apply for the position. An added bonus is that we will be closer to my family and Ann’s family. 3. As a Southern alumnus, how do you feel about rejoining the Southern family? For me, it was a privilege to even be considered for this important job. And now having been offered the job, it is both humbling and exciting. Southern Adventist University’s family consists of the wonderful student body, alumni serving communities around the world and the talented faculty, staff and administrators that give of themselves each day. I am excited about connecting and reconnecting with the Southern family. 4. How are you going to apply you_previous_work_experience to fulfill the requirements of this job? God has always provided me with_a_foundation_of_experiences that has assisted me in my future roles. I have held a variety of leadership positions in higher education,_in_the_community and in the church. Understanding that every position is different and every situation has its unique_characteristics,_I_have found that using one’s experiential knowledge coupled with a strong trust in the Lord for wisdom is key for success. As you take on the position of president, what are some of the

Thursday, February 25, 2021. Photo by Xander Ordinola.

Ken Shaw responds to questions from Student Association leaders, SA senate, and various club presidents during his visit at Southern.

plans you are most excited to put into action? It is too early for me to speak about specific tangible university action plans. I must first understand the progress that is occurring and the plans that are set for the future. I am excited about meeting the administrators, faculty and staff and getting to know them better. Moving an institution forward is best done collectively. 5._What_are_some_of_the challenges_you_expect_to encounter_and_how_do_you plan to tackle them? There are many headwinds facing higher education today. H e re _ a re _ t w o _ c h a l l e n g e s : Enrollment decline and the cost of higher education. There are more than enough students for all of our Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities to thrive. Clearly defining Southern’s value proposition

and then sharing with families and churches how a Southern experience can have eternal consequences on the lives of students will help reverse the trend of declining enrollments. Increasing the university’s endowment will provide additional ongoing support for student scholarships to help defray the cost of education. 6._What_is_something_ you want students to know about you? I have a profound respect for students; I tell those around me that when a student walks into my office, I stand up out of respect. I desire that we will have a culture at Southern Adventist University that is Christ-centered, where we all value one another — administrator, faculty, staff and student alike.

Student raises money for families in Lebanon Photo by Lila Odhiambo.

Shayla Moguel and Marlyn Antwan sport their Middle Eastern Club t-shirts. Antwan started the Middle Eastern Club this semester.

Now Eye See organizers interviewed on Hope Channel Patrick McGraw Staff Writer Now_Eye_See,_a_student-led entrepreneurial project seeking to provide access to cataract treatment in India, has filmed an interview set to air on the Hope Channel at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 26. The interview is part of the network’s “Revival for_Mission”_program_and_is already available online at hopetv.org/revivalformission/. The_project,_according_to Co-Project Manager and junior business student Vincent Dan, “focuses on raising awareness and funds to support/sustain cataracts operations at the Ruby Nelson Memorial Hospital in Punjab, India.” The organizers work with Dr. Jacob Prabhakar, surgeon and medical director of Ruby Nelson Memorial Hospital (RNMH), by selling merchandise and spreading awareness to fund ophthalmological treatment for his patients. The project itself exists under Southern’s chapter of Enactus, a global nonprofit that invests in student entrepreneurial projects in order to advance the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. “We work to raise funds and awareness_for_Dr.vPrabhakar and the amazing work of healing he and his team are doing at the RNMH and all over the world,”_said_Alyson_Zapara, project_manager_and_junior business administration major. “Currently, we’re fundraising to purchase solar panels for the RNMH, which will save them around $1,600 a month.” Zapara said she and her col-

leagues are amazed by Prabhakar’s work. “The Now Eye See team holds Zoom meetings with Dr. Prabhakar throughout the semester, and he is always ready to tell a moving story or startling statistic of what their team has been doing,” Zapara said. “And to him, it’s all in a day’s work or ‘normal.’ Meanwhile, we all are amazed at what they can accomplish with their skills, dedication and the power of Jesus.” When asked how they became involved in Now Eye See, Zapara and Dan shared their own experiences with the project. “I chose Now Eye See because I love how it fulfills such an important_and_far-reaching need,” Zapara said. “... It’s an incredible opportunity that has grown me in more ways than one for which I’m grateful.” “This project is of especial importance to me,” Dan said. “Although I was never blind, I had very poor eyesight. I had the opportunity to get my eyes lasered with LASIK surgery and have enjoyed the benefits taken for granted ever since. The mission resonated with me, and it continues to motivate me and my team every day to strive and make the biggest impact we can for those in need.” Information about Now Eye See can be found on its webs i t e , _ w w w. n o w e y e s e e s a u . com, or on their Instagram, @ noweyesee_sau.

Photo courtesy of Benya Wilson

Benya Wilson (left) poses with her friends in Lebanon back in 2017. Wilson served in Lebanon then, and now she is raising money to help families there.

María José Morán Lead Reporter During the month of March, senior history major Benya Wilson started a fundraiser to help families in Lebanon. Wilson_raised_over_$2,000, donated_by_current_Southern students_and_alumni_through her GoFundMe page. The fundraiser more than doubled its original goal of $1,000 and was widely_shared_over_different social_media_platforms,_which contributed to the high reach of people. Wilson,_who_spent_a_year abroad volunteering at a Syrian refugee school in Bourk Hammoud, Beirut, decided to start the fundraiser once she saw the current struggles of many families that she knew and worked with through the country’s political and economic crisis. According_to_Alexis_HurdShires, director of the Adventist Learning Center in Beirut (ALC), in 2019, Lebanon saw a massive outbreak of protests due to political and economic corruption. This led to the decreased value of the local currency, the Lebanese pound, and “countless refugees and citizens lost their jobs.” The high rates of inflation have left over 70% of the population under the poverty line.

This presented a greater challenge for refugees, who average a salary of $60 per month for an entire family. The situation has only been aggravated by COVID-19 leaving thousands of families without any income. The money raised by Wilson will be used for 90 food boxes full of basic food items and will be distributed to families in need in the next few weeks.

I feel like my heart, or a part of my heart, is still there. Wilson’s first connection with Lebanon began in 2017 when she decided to go abroad for a year. However, the process to get her there began years earlier. “In September 2015, I was compelled by images and stories I came across online of the Syrian refugee mass migration crisis in the Mediterranean and Europe,” Wilson said. After_following_the_refugee crisis for two years, Wilson contacted the director of the ALC, saved money for two weeks and got on a plane across the world. “I went half-way around the

world without much prior cultural research or any group or organization backing me,” Wilson said. “I went because I felt compelled to.” While in Beirut, Wilson went to_a_local_university,_taught summer classes to third graders, taught music to fourth and fifth graders during the school year and started an after-school nutrition program for some of the mothers. She also helped with the marketing for the ALC. These roles allowed her to meet people from different ages that are now struggling. “I feel like my heart, or a part of my heart, is still there,” Wilson said. Wilson still helps the school fundraise_when_needed_and helps with social media and web design to raise awareness of the current situation. Wilson urges other people to donate and help in any way they can. “Every amount of support and awareness you choose to help with is appreciated and significant!" Wilson said. For_more_information_or_to donate, contact Wilson through Instagram at @winterose01 or through email at wilsonb@southern.edu.

4 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

NEWS

The death Of Studio 4109

On Feb. 24, SA Senate approved proposed plans to abolish and repurpose the funds for Studio 4109. On Saturday, March13, after running as part of SA for 10 years, the Studio 4109 team put on their final show, "The Death of Studio."

Amy Dias Nogueira puts on a dramatic performance as the Maid of Dishonor trying to stop her best friends wedding.