Vol. 79 Issue 18

Mental Health | 7

Sports | 7

Opinion | 8

Religion | 8

How hydration boosts mental wellness

Stars shine at NBA All-Star Weekend

An open letter to SAU Confessions

Surrender is a place: Welcome home

February 21, 2024 Collegedale, Tennessee

Southern Accent

Vol. 79 Issue 18

The student voice since 1926

Southern Village policy changes University’s partnership spark backlash and compromise with Papa

Johns yields over $32,000 for student scholarships Eliana Morales Staff Writer

Students currently applying to live in Southern Village, which includes Upper Stateside apartments (above), Southern Village Proper and Spalding Cove, face new application and residential policies. Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Mila Bales)

Marian Polanco Reporter On the first of the month, John Willis, associate dean of men, announced via email a series of Southern Village policy changes that sparked backlash from students. Two weeks later, students received an email from the Southern Village dean and housing team announcing adjustments to the initial changes, which the team called a “fair compromise between your concerns and the efficiency of our program.”

One of the changes listed in Willis’ initial email was a new applica-

tion process based on class standing. Willis wrote that housing groups could not combine students with different class standings; they should either consist of all seniors or all juniors.

Another change was that all-senior groups would enjoy new incentives, such as the elimination of traditional nightly checks. Instead, wellness checks would occur at varying times three nights a week.

Moreover, seniors could host mixed company in their apartments until midnight, as opposed to the previous curfew of 11 p.m., and are no longer required to obtain weekend or overnight leaves.

A third change eliminates the eligibility of students 23 years or older to live in Southern Village.

Instead, they can live off campus or in 23+ campus housing, if there is availability.

In response to student concerns regarding the class standing application policy, which was altered slightly to place mixed groups as lowest-priority applicants, the Southern Village dean and housing team introduced a compromise, allowing more flexibility in group composition. The new placement structure now prioritizes groups in the following order:

(1) all seniors, (2) three seniors and one junior, (3) two juniors and two seniors, (4) one senior and three juniors and (5) all juniors. In addition, the application deadline was extended to Feb. 26.

When the Accent attempted to contact the deans in charge of housing to gain more insight into these changes, they were unavailable.

One student who took action due to her frustration with the new application process was junior English literature major MadiSee VILLAGE on page 2

Southern Adventist University’s partnership with Papa Johns gives students discounted pizza and has resulted in over $32,000 in contributions toward an endowed scholarship.

According to Lucas Patterson, associate director of strategic partnerships at Southern, the conversation about collaborating with a local business See PAPA JOHNS on page 2

Collegedale News on page 5 Collegedale Commission denies rezoning Bell Farms

Black History Month article on page 9 Underrated Black cultural and historical figures

Student entrepreneurs to compete for Graduate program enrollment takes a dip $10,000 at Hyve Creators conference Amy Mejias Reporter Statistics show that while Southern Adventist University’s undergraduate programs have seen a steady increase in recent years, Southern’s graduate programs have experienced a decline in enrollment.

Chris Hansen, director of Institutional Research and Planning at Southern, said this downward trend in total graduate student enrollment appears to have bottomed out in Fall 2021 and remained flat for the past couple of years. Total graduate student enrollment was 435 during the Fall 2017 semester, but by Fall 2023, it had decreased to 328.

“While COVID-19 may have played some role in the trends, it appears that enrollment growth in three academic areas has been a factor as well,” Hansen said. “Graduate programs in the School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling [as well as] the School of Religion and the School of Computing have experienced enrollment growth that has offset declines in other areas. This has resulted in a more balanced distribution of graduate enrollment across campus.”

Furthermore, graduate programs saw a noteworthy spike in numbers this winter, according to Laurie Gauthier, director of

Graduate Marketing and Enrollment Management.

This semester’s graduate enrollment has increased “not only above our Winter 2023 enrollment, but over the Fall 2023 enrollment,” Gauthier said.

“That’s huge, as historically, enrollments drop between fall and winter semesters, and we’re thanking God for the increase.”

"During the pandemic, all in-person recruiting opportunities disappeared, and some are just now returning to in-person events."

As for the more widespread decrease, however, Gauthier also cited the pandemic as a cause.

“During the pandemic, all in-person recruiting opportunities disappeared, and some are just now returning to in-person events,” Gauthier stated. She believes the nursing program in particular suffered as a result of the health crisis.

“As everyone saw in real time, nurses experienced incredible stress and burn-out, and the field hasn’t fully recovered,” Gauthier stated. “Also, due to the See ENROLLENT on page 2

Nyah Jackson Staff Writer

On Thursday, Feb. 29, 10 student entrepreneurs from various Seventh-day Adventist universities will compete on campus for $10,000.

BringIT, a student-led project under Southern Adventist University’s Enactus chapter, is co-organizing with Hyve International to host the BringIT National Student Pitch Competition in Thatcher Chapel at 7:30 p.m. The four other universities participating in the competition are Andrews University, Walla Walla University, Southwestern Adventist University and Middle East University, which is located in Lebanon. Two entrepreneurs from each university will pitch their business ideas in an attempt to win grants for first place ($10,000), second place ($5,000) and third place ($2,500).

Glenn Grakov, junior finance major and project manager for BringIT, said, “BringIT exists to provide networking opportunities and financing for student entrepreneurs.”

BringIT and Hyve have been partners for about one and a half years, and last year was the first Hyve Creators conference.

This year, Colette Williams, junior marketing major, who owns Collete’s Creations, a small bakery business, and Giovanni Leonor, senior business administration

major, who owns First Class Travel and Financial Consulting Group, are the two participating entrepreneurs from Southern.

“I am really happy that Colette and Gio will be representing our university,” Grakov said. “They both have a lot of drive and passion for what they do, and that is going to be visible during the competition. They beat out five other SAU student entrepreneurs in November for the opportunity to represent Southern through the ‘Shoot Your Shot’ pitch competition.”

Williams won first place in the competition and Leonor placed in second; they won a combined total of $3,500.

Williams is excited to be participating in the pitch competition. She competed in last year’s BringIT “Shoot Your Shot” pitch competition and took first place, winning $2,500 for Colette’s Creations.

When asked about what people should expect to see at Hyve Creators 2024, Williams said, “I will be competing against other student entrepreneurs all with the goal of winning $10,000. At the competition, I will be sharing about my business, what I would use the prize money for and the dream and goals I have for my small business. I’m so See HYVE on page 3

Colette Williams wins $2,500 for her business, Colette's Creations, at the 2023 BringIt "Shoot Your Shot" pitch competition.

(Photo courtesy of source)

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

2 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024

NEWS ENROLLMENT continued from page 1

increasing popularity of travel nursing, some of the incentives to earn a graduate degree to earn a higher salary have disappeared. One thing to note is that declining graduate nursing enrollment is a national trend, not just a trend at Southern.”

Based on the data, the two graduate programs at Southern that have experienced the largest decrease in enrollment have been the School of Nursing and the School of Business.

In Fall 2019, the nursing program accounted for 55% of graduate studies enrollment but dropped to 38% four years later, in Fall 2023. The business program, though smaller than nursing, dropped from 10% of the university’s total graduate student enrollment in the Winter 2020 semester to 5% in the Winter 2024 semester.

“Southern’s graduate programs have experienced increased competition at local universities over the last several years,” Gauthier stated. “One of the most popular graduate degrees in the U.S., the MBA, has huge competition nationwide, especially in the online space. With Lee University and Bryan University offering an MBA, Southern is no longer the only faith-based option for local students.”

She said even with online programs, over 80% of virtual students choose to attend a school within a 50-mile radius of home.

“Lee University began offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice shortly after Southern did, which means that three major universities (Southern, Lee and University of Tennessee Chattanooga) offer many of the same pathways to become a nurse practitioner,” Gauthier stated.

“Due to the increased number of NP students and graduates in the area, it’s become harder to find clinical placement while in school, and jobs after graduation, in Chattanooga.”

Gauthier added that when Southern’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program started

in 2010, it was the only MSW program offered in the Chattanooga area, and since then, UTC started an MSW program.”

The data that Hansen shared showed that Southern’s MSW program has remained fairly steady, fluctuating between 18% of the graduate studies enrollment and 16%, depending on the semester.

Southern continues to make efforts to expand graduate programs and increase enrollment. Gauthier said in 2020 the university added two new degrees, an MS in Applied Computer Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching. They also have two new programs on the horizon: a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

Since 2021, Southern has used a higher education marketing firm, DD Agency, which specializes in an approach that provides valuable content to

This graph depicts how Southern's graduate enrollment has dropped in recent years. (Graph courtesy of Chris Hansen)

This graph depicts how the percentages of graduate students in different departments has changed in recent semesters. Most notably, the nursing (pink) and business (dark blue) programs have contributed smaller and smaller portions to graduate studies.

(Graph courtesy of Chris Hansen)

Cottage construction continues Htet Myint Reporter In an email detailing some of the changes coming to Southern Village next school year, John Willis, associate dean of men, cited the addition of a new on-campus housing option — cottage-style homes to be located on the hill behind the Art Annex and Campus Safety — as one of the reasons for the changes.

Twenty-seven cottages are being constructed in response to an expected rise in demand for campus housing next fall semester, according to Tom Verrill, senior vice president for Financial Administration.

“The timeline is to have the targeted 27 units ready before the start of school this coming August,” Verrill said.

Despite facing setbacks, such as a delay in obtaining the necessary permits to begin moving dirt at the designated site off of Colcord Drive and undergoing cot-

tage design changes to meet building requirements, Verrill said the project is in its final stages of adjustments before construction.

According to a previous Accent article, the cottage units, which will be called the “Mountain Cottages,” are being constructed off campus by an outside company.

According to Verrill, gradig work on the site will begin as soon as they receive the appropriate permits. Grading is the process of leveling or reshaping the ground for construction. He said one of the benefits of having the cottages built offsite is that Southern can work on the site during construction of the cottages.

In the event that the cottages are not ready, Verrill said Southern is working on contingency plans to implement, if necessary, and university administrators are confident they will have enough housing for the enrollment that is being projected.

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.

For any questions, comments and article submission information, email the editor at ablake@southern.edu For all advertising inquiries, email studentadmgr@southern.edu.

online searches. Gauthier said this inbound marketing “positions Southern as a reliable and knowledgeable voice regarding specific graduate degrees and general information about the application process and financing a graduate degree.”

By utilizing this type of marketing, Southern’s graduate web pages have been ranking much higher in online searches, and DD Agency is able to place more digital ads on Meta and Google and convert those leads through the “request for more information” forms on landing pages. As a result, the number of inquiries and applicants has since increased, Gauthier added.

Gauthier said although the graduate enrollment challenges have tightened the Graduate and Professional Studies budget, every one of Southern’s graduate programs has all of the resources needed to continue.

VILLAGE

continued from page 1 son Wilcox. Wilcox, who will be a senior in the fall, and her twin sister, who will remain a junior, faced being separated next school year due to differing class standings.

“I think the recent changes to Village student housing policies surprised us all,” Wilcox said in an interview with the Accent.

“My twin sister, Morgan, who is a junior by credit hours, and I have roomed together since the first year, so we were pretty upset when we realized we didn’t have

Managing Editor Matthew Orquia News Editor Lesieli Savelio Collegedale News Editor Hayden Kobza

continued from page 1 began in 2012 when a former Student Association (SA) senator pitched the idea to Advancement. Southern then partnered with the Papa Johns franchise group, Papa Johns Pizza of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In a Feb. 15 press release emailed to the Accent, Papa Johns of Chattanooga stated that the franchise group began the partnership to provide Southern students a way to not only order pizza at a discounted rate, but also to give back to the university through the scholarship fund.

The pizza franchise did this by implementing a promo code system. According to Patterson, 17 store locations that span from Athens, Tenn., to Rome, Ga., participate in the program.

Fifteen percent of all online purchases that use the promo codes SAU999 or SAU33 are gifted to Southern, according to Papa Johns of Chattanooga. Students can get a large, one-topping pizza for $9.99 using SAU999 and 33% off their order with SAU33.

These codes are promoted on the screens in the Bietz Center and on flyers put into students' mailboxes once a year, according to Patterson.

“I’ve used the discount codes four to five times so far, and I’m pretty happy with the money I’ve saved,” said freshman computer science major Justin Roberts.

Despite on-campus promotion, some students did not know about the offers until asked to comment on them by the Accent.

“I wish I would’ve known about it sooner, but now I’m definitely going to use the discount and tell my friends about it,” said freshman psychology major Kailey Reitz.

While Southern receives funds for scholarships from other companies and organizations, the partnership with Papa Johns of Chattanooga stands out to Patterson.

“I’m not aware of any that are quite as tied to commerce as this one is,” he said. “It’s like, ‘You buy

the same class standing and probably couldn’t next year.

“Most of our friends are seniors.

It would be hard to find optional housemates for Morgan, since we don’t know that many juniors,” she added. “We’re both the same age and have been at Southern for the same amount of time.”

Because of these issues, Wilcox decided to create a petition aimed at highlighting what she considers the impracticality of the new policies.

“We felt administration hadn’t considered the new policies’ implications,” Wilcox said. “We know countless people whose hous-

The hill behind the Art Annex and Campus Safety is being cleared to prepare for the Mountain Cottages. Friday, February 16, 2024.

(Photo by Mila Bales)

Photo Editor Preston Waters Editor-in-chief Amanda Blake

PAPA JOHNS

Opinion Editor Alexis Dewey Religion Editor Madison Wilcox Sports Editor Jacob Nevis Web Manager Meg Ermer

Reporters Emma Boughman Alissa Flores Amy Mejias Htet Myint Marian Polanco Layout Designers Anton Kannenberg Conner Bartsch Copy Editors Kathy Zelidon Debra Hicks

from us, and we’ll give you back.’

So I think they’re really unique in that way.”

The money received from Papa Johns goes toward the SA Senate Leadership/Merit Endowed Scholarship. Papa Johns’ contribution to the endowment is currently over $32,000, according to Patterson.

Southern’s website states, “The purpose of the Student Association Senate Leadership/Merit Endowed Scholarship is to award individuals of the student body who show contributive and impactful leadership roles on and off campus.”

Since 2016, the endowment has awarded scholarships to 14 different students, and the total amount of scholarship money has exceeded $12,000, according to Patterson. The first student scholarship resulting from the funding was awarded in 2016 after the endowment reached its starting point of $25,000.

Since then, the endowment has grown thanks to the continued use of promo codes and gifts from donors. The spending policy for the endowment is 4.5%, and Southern awarded $1,750 to one student last year, according to the university’s website.

Students will continue to be awarded year after year, according to Patterson.

“We have money until Jesus comes,” he said. “Still, you always want people to continue giving. … The bigger that endowment is, the more you can give out every year.

"If someone walked in today and said, ‘I’d love to give a thousand dollars to the SA endowed scholarship,’ we’d be like, ‘Yes, yes please,’" he added, "because that will allow [SA] to give more out."

Papa Johns offers student discounts using promo codes SAU999 and SAU333, and 15 percent of online purchases made with these codes is gifted to Southern.

Monday, February 20, 2024. (Photo

by Ron Cabacungan)

ing groups are being split due to the new rules. There are enough unusual situations to make the proposed policy impractical.

"For example, some students arrive at Southern with dual enrollment credits, while others spend time abroad as missionaries," she added. "It’s unfair to these students to split them up just so housing groups are organized according to class standing.”

To address those concerns, Wilcox said she met with Dean Lisa Patterson and Dean Donene Braithwaite. According to Wilcox, both deans empathized with the students but explained their inability to make exceptions.

When asked about her petition’s potential influence on the eventual compromise created by the housing team, Wilcox said, “Another student who also created a petition met with Dr. [Dennis] Negrón this week to present both of our petitions. Thankfully, we just received an email from Southern Village Housing with updates to the policy. I believe these changes would not have been implemented if we hadn’t spoken out. This success speaks to the student body’s influence on the decisions made by the administration.”

Social Media Manager Lia Colon Photographers Andrew Boggess Mila Bales Ron Cabacungan Andre Ottati Circulation Manager Norelie Cabrera Staff Sponsor Alva James-Johnson

3 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024

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

NEWS

Renovated McKee Library entrance opens its doors Heidi Burke Contributor On Friday, Feb. 2, after nearly two years of development, both doors of McKee Library’s $2 million updated entrance opened to the public.

The school obtained permits to begin construction on April 1, 2022, with the goal to improve the “old and dated” entrance, explained Marty Hamilton, associate vice president for Financial Administration.

“The old portico was kind of 1970s-era looking,” he said.

“The challenge was, how do we modernize the building with this architecture that’s hard to work with?”

After the Bietz Center opened, the library’s entrance looked especially aged in comparison, stated Hamilton in a previous Accent article.

“Over the [years], SAU’s campus has gone through numerous transformations – most recently, the remodel of Summerour Hall and the construction of the Bietz Center,” wrote

Deyse Bravo, director of libraries, in an email to the Accent.

“Nestled between those two new buildings, it was clear that the library needed a facelift.”

But the need to improve the library entrance was more than aesthetic, according to Dan Ford, manager of large construction projects on campus.

“This porch area was developing some structural defects due to being built on poor underlying soil types,” Ford said in an email to the Accent. “The roof was shot, and there were grading issues that needed to be addressed. The width of the promenade also needed to be improved in that area.”

All of these issues made the update a necessity, according to Bravo.

In a previous Accent article, Hamilton expressed hope that the entrance would be completed by December of 2023.

However, unforeseen challenges caused the project to drag on.

The pandemic caused shortages and price spikes in materials, which delayed building. Addi-

tionally, the small amount of space made the actual construction portion difficult.

“We got kicked by COVID,” Hamilton said.

The size of the entrance area also proved a challenge.

“We couldn’t get contractors to work because there’s too tight [a space],” he added. “So we had electricians who come in, and plumbers, and it’s constantly switching.”

Ford agreed that the tight working space was the most difficult challenge and cited other logistical issues, including the safety concerns of having “pedestrian traffic so close by” and the struggle to work with the “large pieces of precast concrete” used on the roof.

According to Bravo, the difficulties surrounding the project were not just related to outside construction.

“During construction, there were times when elements of nature infiltrated the library space,” Bravo said. “We had a bird in here twice, and even a baby snake. We also had some

water come in. On one occasion, sparks from welding work were coming into the library through the cracks of the plywood that separated the construction zone from the rest of the library.”

However, despite all these difficulties, the library entrance door facing the Bietz Center opened to the public on Jan. 5, with the second door following in a little less than a month.

McKee Library's new entrance is open and on full display on the promenade. Sunday, February 11, 2024. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

Burnout Blues: Students share their struggles with feeling overworked Emma Boughman Reporter As students come closer to the end of the school year, burnout becomes a real topic, and this is no exception at Southern Adventist University. The Accent posted an Instagram poll for Southern students, and 80% of voters said they are currently feeling burnt out.

The Accent messaged Lilly Nunnaley, a junior business major, one of the respondents.

Nunnaley said she experienced burnout when her schoolwork started to feel neverending. As a business major, she feels like she has lots of busy work that may not be necessary.

Jerleine Capobres, resident assistant (RA) and sophomore nursing major, described the burnout she has experienced throughout her entire college career as drastically different than high school burnout, even considering boarding high schools.

“College has much more responsibilities, academic workload, job duties and social requirements,” she said. “…It’s easier to feel exhausted physically and mentally.”

Capobres said often everything feels overwhelming, and she wants to take a break, but assignments keep piling up. She

described an “internal panic” that often comes when being overloaded with demands.

Amy Ortiz Moretta, Counseling Services coordinator, said burnout, or lack of motivation, is a signal for a much-needed break. Her tips to help alleviate the problem include self-kindness, movement, involvement in nature, time management, fun, support and God. She recommends students taking care of their basic needs, having fun doing enjoyable things and connecting with supportive friends and family. She believes studying God’s Word is always beneficial.

“He is the one who created us and knows exactly what we need,” she said. “Only He can provide true restoration.”

Last semester, Capobres sent helpful tips by email to the girls living on her hall and also hung up posters on how to not burn out. In addition, she makes sure to do wellness checks on her girls.

Nunnaley said she just needs a break sometimes. During that time, she does something she enjoys, or nothing at all.

If you feel like you need additional support, Moretta advises you to make an appointment with a counselor. Students can call 423-236-2782 or stop by the Counseling Center office.

urn Yourself O B t ’ n ut Do Study Tips for College Students modoro Use the Po hen you’re Method w ating: 25 procrastin f focused minutes o istractions) work (no d ke a 5and then ta ak. minute bre eks before e w 2 Study you’re not the exam so so much cramming n informatio

Hamilton described the dedication service, which included a small gathering of administration and donors, as a “nicely done” event.

When asked for a final word about the update, Hamilton encouraged students, staff and other library patrons to visit the library and see the update for themselves.

“Come see the library because it’s been freshened up,” he said.

“It’s rejuvenated. It sparkles.”

Atte nd y our c Whe lasse n yo s! \ u ’re s with trug a co g l n ing c expl ainin ept, try g i som eone t to or w YouT atch ube vide Use os o blur nli ting: sect read ne ion a a n d dow then n as write muc you h inf can o reme as mbe r.

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Tuto ring at M Libra ckee ry Sout hern men Offic tors e appo intm ent profe ssors s with Stud y roo ms Your RA (m e)

Jerleine Capobres, a resident assistant in the women's dorm, creates and hangs posters on her hall with study tips that can help prevent college students from experiencing burnout. Students experiencing burnout who feel they need additional support can call Southern's Counseling Center at 423-236-2782. (Graphic courtesy of Capobres)

HYVE

continued from page 1 excited and grateful to be able to be a part of this event.”

The BringIT National Student Pitch Competition kicks off the four-day Hyve Creators event.

The Iles P.E. Center will host a vespers on Friday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m., then on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., there will be a sermon by Jeffery Rosario, a professor at Loma Linda University. Later that night, at 7:30 p.m. in Iles, the second annual “Lion’s Den” will feature numerous startups that will be pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges. Grakov said it is a “Shark Tank-esque” program.

Last year at the Lion’s Den, a startup walked away with $1 million in investments.

Others attending the event will get a chance to pitch their business ideas and attract investors on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. In the South Atrium at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists, attendees can give a one-minute business idea pitch in front of potential investors.

Last year, Hyve Creators 2023 was able to provide financing for nine entrepreneur startups.

“I am really excited that this year we get to expand our reach to other Adventist universities, as well!” Grakov said.

4 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

NEWS

A NIGHT AT GATSBY'S

Nick Veal and Melanie Hansen smile for the camera. Sunday, February 18, 2024.

(Photo by Andre Ottati)

Ethan Benedict plays Great Gatsby-themed music on stage. Sunday, February 18, 2024.

(Photo by Andre Ottati)

A lady in red stands in front of the Pennybacker room. Sunday, February 18, 2024. (Photo by Andre Ottati)

A table of attendees trades their bingo cards back and forth. Sunday, February 18, 2024. (Photo by Andre Ottati)

Musicians play as banquet attendees interact with one another and explore Common House Chattanooga, the venue for “A Night at Gatsby’s.” Sunday, February 18, 2024.

(Photo by Andre Ottati)

5 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024

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

COLLEGEDALE NEWS Editor's Note: The Southern Accent produces this two-page Collegedale News section as part of a national initiative to enhance community news coverage. The local effort, led by Southern's School of Journalism and Communication in conjunction with the Center for Community News (CCN) at the University of Vermont, places student journalists at the forefront of addressing the news desert crisis, a phenomenon caused by the decline of newspapers in local communities. The Accent believes local news is vital to a thriving democracy, and we remain committed to reporting about important issues, novel occurrences and interesting people in the greater Collegedale area. We will publish this special section in five issues of the newspaper this semester. To submit tips or press releases, go to https://southern-accent.org.

Collegedale Commission denies rezoning Bell Farms, stops subdivision request in its tracks Amanda Blake Editor-in-chief The Collegedale Board of Commissioners denied a zoning change to Bell Farms property in a split decision earlier this month, voiding a subsequent request for a subdivision of 111 homes to be built on the land.

Vice Mayor Tim Johnson, Commissioner Katie Lamb and Commissioner Tonya Sadler voted against rezoning the property, located along Lee Highway and surrounded by White Oak Valley Circle, overruling Mayor Morty Lloyd and Commissioner Debbie Baker, who voted for the rezoning.

Before the commissioners denied rezoning Bell Farms, they passed Resolution #542 to annex part of the property to Collegedale, as requested by the land’s acting agent, Brad Brackett of RaganSmith, and owner, Janice Bell. The property is divided into two parcels. The smaller parcel of about seven acres already resided in city limits and is zoned as Shopping-Center Commercial (C-1). The larger parcel of about 26 acres used to lie within unincorporated Hamilton County and was zoned as Urban Agricultural (A-1). Only Johnson voted against annexing the larger parcel.

According to Brackett’s official request for annexation, included in the Feb. 5 commission minutes, the owner and developers requested the larger parcel be incorporated into Collegedale “to create unifying jurisdiction for a proposed single subdivision development.” Although the

A planning notice sign stands in front of the proposed rezoning and PUD site at Bell Farms property. Commissioners voted to annex part of the property but denied rezoning. Friday. February 9, 2024.

(Photo by Andrew Boggess)

This rezoning exhibit depicts the parcel of Bell Farms that was annexed to Collegedale at the Feb. 5 commission meeting in green and the parcel that was already within city limits in pink.

(Exhibit sourced from commission minutes)

commissioners approved annexation of the land, they stopped the request for a planned unit development (PUD) from being read at the meeting when they denied rezoning both parcels to Residential High Density Single-Family (R-1-H).

Several Collegedale and White Oak Valley Circle residents attended the commission meeting, as well as a Jan. 8 Collegedale Municipal Planning Commission meeting, to express their opposition to the PUD, which included 111 single-family homes, spaced 10 feet apart, at 3.5 units per acre, as well as a 25-foot tree buffer surrounding the subdivision, walking trails and a community park. Members of the public voiced concerns for wildlife, worsening traffic, rainwater runoff and damage to the city’s aesthetic.

Brackett attended the Jan. 8 meeting to describe the PUD, and, when asked by Planning

comers to move into and more rooftops that mid-sized quality restaurants look for to determine new locations. The developers also stressed that they were planning to exceed the minimum percentage of open space required for a PUD in Collegedale (20 percent) by providing 30 percent of open space.

Johnson still voted against annexation and rezoning because he did not feel that the PUD’s contribution was appropriate for the community.

“I have been pushing for community parks near subdivisions,” Johnson wrote. “The developer did not provide me with a comfort level that the current park plans would be sufficient.”

For example, Johnson felt the proposed park was unsafe due to its vicinity to Lee Highway, and he wished to know more details about the park, including whether or not it would have lights and parking.

Commissioner Paul Friesen how the subdivision would improve the welfare of Collegedale residents, Brackett said the PUD would meet a need for housing.

When pressed further, he said the subdivision would increase the city’s tax base, igniting a collective grumble in the audience and one member loudly expressing that the PUD would not improve traffic.

Commissioners’ Stances In an email to the Accent, Johnson explained that Brackett’s response did not sit well with him considering the city’s revenue is derived from commercial developments, not residential. He learned more about the PUD’s benefits after the Jan. 8 meeting, Johnson wrote, and developers listed additional benefits of the PUD at the Feb. 5 meeting, namely how it would add a new neighborhood for residents and new-

Collegedale and Loma Linda publicly recognize similarities Matthew Orquia Managing Editor At a Dec. 12 Loma Linda, California, City Council meeting, the city’s mayor, Phil Dupper, read a proclamation that noted the similarities between Loma Linda and Collegedale.

In the proclamation, Dupper emphasized the two cities’ connections to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) denomination, their status as Adventist universities and a common history of education in medicine and health science. He also referred to many students from Loma Linda coming to

Southern for undergrad and Southern students going to Loma Linda for medical school.

According to a previous Accent article, 36 students from Loma Linda Academy (LLA) were part of Southern’s 2023 freshman class, which was 77% of the LLA students that were admitted to Southern.

“The cities of Collegedale and Loma Linda share similarities in faith, cultural matters, arts, sustainable development, humanitarian assistance and healthy-lifestyle living,” Dupper said at the City Council meeting. “ … I thought it would be nice to do something that they can

Loma Linda, California. (Photo sourced from Flickr)

hang in their city, and maybe we’ll get something that’ll come back here.”

On Feb. 5, 2024, at a Collegedale Commision meeting, commissioners responded with resolution #541, “recognizing similarities and affinity with the city of Loma Linda,” according to the meeting agenda.

“This is a reciprocating act on our part to the city of Loma Linda,” Collegedale Mayor Morty Lloyd said at the commission meeting.

Lloyd cited similarities in culture and values between the two cities. According to the United States Census Bureau website, Loma Linda’s estimated population is around 25,000, while Collegedale’s is about 11,000. Both cities have similar percentages of people with a high school or college education. Their median household incomes are also similar, although Loma Linda has a higher percentage of persons in poverty.

During the Winter 2023 semester, Tristan Deschamps – at the time a senior computer/information technology and management major in the School of Computing – conducted research exploring the health-related similarities between Collegedale and Loma Linda to determine whether Collegedale might be a blue zone similar to Loma Linda, one of five places identified as having the healthiest, longest-living populations in the world.

The other four blue zones, discovered by Dan Buettner, a See LOMA LINDA on page 6

Lloyd felt differently. In an email to the Accent, he stated that had rezoning passed, he would have voted for the PUD as well.

"I have been pushing for community parks near subdivisions. The developer did not provide me with a comfort level that the current park plans would be sufficient.”

“Regardless of how you feel about this development, the land will get developed at some point,” he wrote. “While I’m personally not an advocate of high density housing, many prefer the smaller lot sizes. That’s a See BELL FARMS on page 6

Public Works Department to utilize AI-powered scanning service for road maintenance Hayden Kobza Collegedale News Editor Earlier this month, the Board of Commissioners for the City of Collegedale approved the installation of a road scanning service in a 4-1 vote.

According to the Feb. 5 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda, the scanning services will cost the city a total of $56,142.

Eric Sines, director of Public Works for the City of Collegedale, said the new scanning service will remove much of the guesswork from maintaining and paving the roads. In a phone interview with the Accent, Sines said that in the past his team – which includes the city engineer and roads foreman – has had to drive around

in a pickup truck, measuring the roads and deciding which ones needed to be fixed.

The scanners were first proposed during the Board of Commissioners meeting held Nov. 6, 2023. During that meeting, it was mentioned that two households reached out to the board via email regarding the scanners.

According to the commissioners, one of those residents believed the scanners were necessary. However, the person who sent the other email believed that the scanners were too expensive and that the city is small enough for a crew to be able to survey the roads by hand. After much discussion, See SCANNING on page 6

Street Scan utilizes 360° imaging technology to measure road defects, and data is inputted into an Artificial Intelligence program that calculates, grades and measures the condition of pavement city wide.

(Model courtesy of Kris McAloon)

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

6 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024

COLLEGEDALE NEWS BELL FARMS

continued from page 5 personal choice that is dictated by the market.”

Baker told the Accent through email that by denying the zoning change, the commission has left other, less desirable options open to the land’s developers, including apartments, townhouses, businesses and a hog farm. However, she added that since the property is annexed to Collegedale, city leadership can ensure that whatever the developers build will meet Collegedale’s guidelines.

Johnson called the proposed homes “cookie cutter houses” and expressed that he would like to see more detail from developers in the future.

“I would like to see more pics of the front facade. I would like to see designs that are appealing to the eyes,” he wrote. “It would give me a better image of the project.”

Johnson partly attributed his vote against the changes to statements made by Collegedale business owners at the Feb. 5 meeting.

“The majority of those that spoke are not citizens of Collegedale,” Johnson wrote, referencing the group of White Oak Valley Circle residents who attended and spoke at the commission meeting. White Oak Valley Circle is located in McDonald.

“I listened to the Collegedale business owners across the street,” Johnson continued.

“They share some valid concerns, such as beaver dams which back up water. The city needs to have TN Wildlife and Game evaluate and provide recommendations to the business owners and Collegedale.”

Community Concerns One of the White Oak Valley Circle residents who spoke at both meetings was George Diamantis. At the Feb. 5 meeting, Diamantis complimented the commission for facilitat-

LOMA LINDA

continued from page 5 National Geographic fellow and award-winning journalist/producer, are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece.

Though Deschamps’ findings were inconclusive on the Blue Zone question, he found that both cities had lower rates of diabetes, adult obesity, high blood pressure and smoking than the national average.

“It is clear from the findings presented in this document that Loma Linda and Collegedale have similar health trends,” wrote Deschamps, who conducted the research using open data as a collaborative project between the School of Computing and the School of Journalism and Communication. “ ... At the city level, there are several strong indicators in Loma Linda’s and Collegedale’s health data that suggest similarities in lifestyles. Because of the limitation of open data, further prob-

ing responsible growth in Collegedale, then spoke passionately against the subdivision, calling it “wall-to-wall houses and roofs” and asking the city leaders where children were supposed to play: “The computer or Lee Highway?”

"I think the developers are raping the buyers and the land for an obscene profit."

“I don’t have a say so, but [the PUD] will affect me greatly,” Diamantis said at the Jan. 8 meeting.

Diamantis, who has lived on White Oak Valley Circle since 2001, explained in a detailed email to the Accent the threat the PUD would have presented to wildlife. By cutting down trees and vegetation in the area to prepare for the subdivision, developers would destroy insects, bees and birdlife, as well as drive out other animals, he wrote.

“We have bears; coyotes; bobcats; spotted skunks (very rare in TN); deer, of course, by the dozen; turkeys; etc. We see them every day,” he wrote.

“Expending Collegedale or Hamilton County only pushes wildlife further away.”

However, Diamantis clarified that he is not against expansion.

“I am not opposed to the area growing or people making money with their land. I am opposed to high density housing and cutting all the vegetation down so that they can build on one-fourth acre lots and charge $400,000-$600,000 per home,” he wrote, referencing the range of projected prices for homes in the PUD given by developers at the commission meeting.

“They claim that’s the going rate,” he continued. “I think the developers are raping the buyers and the land for an obscene profit.”

Courtney Shaw, a Collegedale resident who lives in the Misty Valley subdivision off Edgmon Road, communicated with the

ing is necessary to draw strong conclusions.”

In an email to the Accent, Dupper stated that he and his family have visited Collegedale in the past because his son was considering attending Southern.

“That prompted us to research the town more than we ever had before,” Dupper stated. “I learned a lot and really like what I see happening there.”

At the Collegedale Commission meeting, Commissioner Katie Lamb mentioned that she met Dupper when he visited Collegedale and got to speak with him.

“I think this would be a good thing for us to be able to reciprocate,” Lamb said about the resolution.

Lloyd said he visited with Dupper in January, when he and his family came back to Collegedale.

Dupper stated, “I had a very productive and informative meeting with the mayor out there and have offered him and his council hospitality should they want to explore our beautiful community, as well.”

Accent by email about the commissioners’ vote to deny rezoning Bell Farms.

“Honestly, I was surprised,” she said, describing her reaction to the vote. “I feel like Collegedale is more interested in raising revenue and growth, but not responsible growth. Infrastructure is not in place for growth.”

Shaw provided an example of the city’s lack of infrastructure, stating that the section of Collegedale she lives in does not have sewer access.

When describing her reaction to the commission’s vote against rezoning Bell Farms, she cited a controversial decision made by Collegedale commissioners in the fall of 2022 approving Empire Communities’ PUD on properties by Edgmon Road, including the land housing Hidden Hills Farm and Saddle Club.

“Another PUD will be built adjacent to Misty Valley. That was approved … despite complaints from myself, neighbors, and others that live nearby,” she wrote. “We were told, among other things, that ‘change is inevitable; get used to it.’”

Although Shaw agrees that Collegedale needs more housing, she believes expansion should be done responsibly.

“Yes, change and growth are inevitable, but responsible growth is key to making them positive and not negative features,” she wrote.

“I really hope the commissioners will focus more on affordable housing for families and responsible growth and not townhomes/ apartment complexes. In my opinion, what made Collegedale great is that it was away from the hustle and bustle of Chattanooga and had a small-town feel; now that it’s in our backyards, it’s lost some of that charm.”

Bell Farms’ Future When asked about the future of the property, Johnson stated that city leadership is working on zoning options for the newly annexed parcel. The smaller parcel will remain Shopping-Center Commercial (C-1).

The Accent emailed City Manager Wayon Hines with questions concerning the commissioners’ vote to deny rezoning and the future of Bell Farms. In his response, he called the situation complicated and stated that he’s been advised by the city attorney not to answer questions at this time.

The Accent emailed Brackett and tried to reach him by calling the RaganSmith offices but did not receive a response.

Baker, Johnson and Lloyd all agree that Collegedale needs housing. Johnson wrote that the city has received phone calls about housing availability. Baker wrote that the city is growing, and the commissioners are selective of the developments being built.

"While we don’t like change, it is necessary for any community to grow. Regardless of where you live in Collegedale, your house was likely part of someone’s farm at some point."

“I wish to keep the integrity of our city and secure the future of Collegedale's residents,” she added.

Lloyd wrote: “My desire is to see quality homes being built that will enhance our property values.

Development is difficult because no one likes change. While we don’t like change, it is necessary for any community to grow. Regardless of where you live in Collegedale, your house was likely part of someone’s farm at some point.”

A conceptual site plan of the subdivision proposed by RaganSmith for the Bell Farms property. (Exhibit sourced from commission minutes)

Leaders consider expansion of Collegedale Public Library Htet Myint Reporter City Manager Wayon Hines presented a proposal for an addition and partial renovation to the Collegedale Public Library at a commission workshop meeting held on Nov. 27, 2023.

The proposed project will add 1,200-1,500 sq. ft. to the library.

The cost for the remodel will be around $700,000, according to Hines. Upon further discussion, instead of a renovation, Commissioner Tonya Sadler suggested the building of an entire new library at The Commons.

The cost for building a new library is estimated to be around $5 million, according to the agenda for a commission workshop that was held on Jan. 22, 2024. During the meeting, city representatives agreed to pause plans for the library until commissioners decide whether to go ahead with a remodel or build an entirely new library at The Commons.

Sadler said, “Concerning the library expansion, it is still only in conversation as a possible capital expense. We have not decided if it will happen, or in what capacity it could happen.

I’m confident that we have come to a consensus to not expand the current library. Instead, we are looking at either giving the current building a facelift (new

SCANNING

continued from page 5

A truck drives into Collegedale. Sunday, February 11, 2024.

(Photo by Andre Ottati)

When asked why he voted in favor of the PUD off Edgmon Road but against rezoning Bell Farms, Johnson stated that Empire listened to the community’s concerns and decreased the number of townhomes it was originally planning to build.

According to Johnson, he asked the developer of the Bell Farms property if he was willing to reduce the number of planned homes, but he “basically said it would impact their revenue.”

“The Bell and Empire projects are very different,” he added. “We need to hold the developers to strict designs and standards. I’m open to looking at the Bell with additional information and very well-designed subdivision they can share with us. I support dense residential if done correctly.”

a vote was taken to determine if the scanners would be used, resulting in a 2-2 vote with the scanners not being approved.

Kris McAloon, the staff engineer for Collegedale, stated in an email to the Accent that “the scanners are equipment mounted on a vehicle that utilizes 360° imaging technology to measure road defects, such as cracking and bumps. … Data

carpet, floor layout, etc.) or making a new library part of the phase 4 expansion on the Commons campus.”

Sarah Richardson, assistant library director at the Collegedale Public Library, described growing pains at the library due to inadequate space.

“On a monthly basis we have to move programs that we are hosting at the library next door into the West Room [City Hall], because we physically don’t have the space,” Richardson said.

Richardson attributed the library’s rise of patrons to its goal of being a community center, citing a 38% increase in the amount of people getting library cards from October 2023 to January 2024.

Richardson mentioned that programs that the library hosts on a monthly basis, including family bingo night, an American Sign Language class and a family craft night. Furthermore, once a year the library hosts an escape room, which usually has a large waitlist. During the summer, the library hosts readings with different groups, including the Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Zoo. According to Richardson, Southern Adventist University students and professors can get a free library card by showing their Southern ID at the library desk.

“We’re really excited to get more students, professors and families at the library,” she said.

The Collegedale Public Library has recently experienced growing pains, prompting city leaders to consider expanding it. Monday, February 19, 2024. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

is then inputted into an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program that calculates, grades and measures the condition of all the pavement city wide.”

During the Feb. 5 meeting, Sines told the commission that the roads would get scanned once and that multiple payments of $18,714 could be spread over the course of three years so that the City of Collegedale does not have to pay the entire cost of $56,142 up front.

According to Sines, the scanning service will not only provide a scan of the road, but

also include software that will greatly reduce the amount of time needed to know when and where the streets need to be fixed. Public Works employees will use the software to keep track of road conditions on an ongoing basis. Sines said that the scanning service allows him and his team to use their phones to take photos of road problems and potholes and put them in their system.

7 | Wednesday, Feburary 21, 2024

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

MENTAL HEALTH The power of H2O: How hydration boosts mental wellness Tiffany Bartell Contributor Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.

You have probably been told to drink water as a solution to a current issue. Do you have a headache? Drink water. Is your stomach upset? Drink water.

Are you falling asleep in class?

Drink water!

This inorganic chemical compound provides many benefits to the human body as it is essential to almost every bodily function. Among these functions, we should consider how drinking water can also affect our overall mental health, starting with the brain.

The crown jewel of the human body, the brain, is essential for interpreting our senses, body movement and behavior. Considering that the brain is made up of 80% water, we should make sure that we are drinking enough water to keep our brain up and running.

Studies show that when we are 1 percent dehydrated, we experience a 5 percent decrease in our cognitive functioning. Our cognitive functioning refers to several mental abilities, including learning, thinking, reasoning and memory. In turn, these abilities affect our judgment and decision-making. By staying hydrated, we are in a great position to have better judgment and make better decisions that can positively affect our mood.

The brain is also involved in hormone production. When fully functioning, the brain

will produce hormones in response to stimuli. Among these hormones, there are four hormones that promote happiness: serotonin, endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. These are better known as the “feelgood” hormones.

These hormones help the brain understand, evaluate and communicate your experiences. When the brain is supplied with the necessary hydration, it is better able to efficiently produce these hormones, thus contributing to our emotional stability and ability to experience good moods.

In itself, drinking water is a form of self-care and mindfulness. You might find yourself drinking water after a stressful activity, such as giving a speech in class, or after your turn on the basketball court. You might also drink water while having an at-home spa day or while you are conversing with your roommates. The act of drinking water allows us to take a moment to slow down and enjoy our environment, alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety.

A 2018 study published in World Journal of Psychiatry concluded that greater water drinking was associated with

decreased risk of anxiety and depression in adults.

It is a common struggle to figure out exactly the amount of water we should be drinking. According to the Mayo Clinic, this amount of water depends on many factors, including the state of our current health, where we live and our activity levels.

While it is highly suggested that you talk with your doctor or dietitian to help you determine the amount of water necessary for you, there are several ways in which you can increase your water intake. You can drink a

glass of water with each meal and between meals, before, during or after exercise, and whenever you feel thirsty.

The simple act of staying hydrated can make great contributions to our mental health and overall well-being. From improving our cognition to mood regulation, drinking water plays a big role in supporting the functions of our brain and body. While you may prefer Dasani over Deer Park, or Aquafina over Great Value, be sure to prioritize your daily intake of water. Let’s raise a glass (of water) to hydration and mental

Drinking water has several mental health benefits. (Photo sourced from Unsplash)

Stars shine at NBA All-Star Weekend

Jacob Nevis Sports Editor

The first weekend without any football is hard for most sports fans. Usually, the Daytona 500 falls on the weekend following the Super Bowl, but it was postponed to Monday due to severe weather conditions. Luckily, the NBA AllStar Weekend was able to excite sports fans in different ways.

Filled with different types of events that might allow certain stars to shine brighter than others, the NBA All-Star

Weekend was hosted in Indianapolis by the Indiana Pacers.

The first event held, which is known as the skills challenge, saw three teams competing in a competition to test ball handling, passing and shooting ability. One of the three teams that participated were team All Stars, which consisted of Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors.

The second team was composed of former first round picks

in the NBA draft: Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and, lastly, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic. The final team that participated in the skills challenge was the team that would win the challenge, and that was the stars from the hometown team, Indiana Pacers, with Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin.

The second event was the three point contest. The participants for this event were Haliburton, Young, Karl-Anthony Towns

Damian Lillard was named the All-Star Game MVP at the latest NBA All-Star Weekend. (Photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons)

of the Timberwolves, Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Damien Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz and Malik Beasley, also of the Bucks.

Lillard, who has been struggling this season shooting beyond the arc and is near his lowest three point percentage in a season in his career, was able to capture his second career three point contest win.

The NBA this season showcased an event that has never been done before. Stephen Curry took on WNBA player Sabrina Ionescu in a three point contest.

Ionescu had previously broken the record for most threes made in a contest, mens or womens, at the WNBA three point contest last summer. Curry, arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history, had previously been challenged

by Ionescu on X, formerly Twitter, and Curry accepted the challenge. Both shooters shot from the NBA regulated three point line. While Ionescu was nothing short of exciting, Curry was able to defeat her with a score of 29 points to 26.

The dunk contest saw four players go head to head to see who could pull off the best dunks. The four participants were Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, Jacob Toppin of the Knicks, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics and Mac McClung of the Osceola Magic, the G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic. McClung was able to capture his second straight dunk contest victory.

The final event was the actual all-star game. The East defeated the West 211 to 186, and Lillard was voted the All-Star Game MVP. With the conclusion of All-Star weekend, the NBA will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Editor’s Note: Check out Issue 16 to read “Black History Month: My favorite Black athletes Pt. 2.”

Today’s Southern Volleyball Intramurals Schedule

Court 1 6 p.m. UPPER DECKIES v. ONE BUMP CHUMP (MEN’S B) 6:45 p.m. BOLLEYVALL v. CAPYBALL (MEN’S B) 7:30 p.m. MOGGERS v. SERVICE SETTERS (MEN’S B) 8:15 p.m. I’M BOUTTA NET v. JOLLIBALL (CO-ED B) 9 p.m. WHO DA BADDIES v. FOUR FOUR FOUR (CO-ED A) 9:45 p.m. HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME v. BLOCK PARTY (CO-ED B) Court 2 6 p.m. TIPPED OFF v. ALL SET (WOMEN’S B) 6:45 p.m. THE END v. VOLLEYBAES (WOMEN’S A) 7:30 p.m. BLACKOUT v. SET ON YOU (WOMEN’S A) 8:15 p.m. BRANYI WILL PROBABLY HIT NET v. NET WORTH (CO-ED A) 9:00 p.m. TEAM DONESKY v. THE REAL SVA (CO-ED B) 9:45 p.m. PREDATORS v. SERVES YOU RIGHT (CO-ED B) Court 3 6 p.m. YA DIG v. I’M DIGGIN’ U (WOMEN’S A) 6:45 p.m. ICE SPIKE v. SERVEIVORS (WOMEN’S B) 7:30 p.m. THE MIGHTY BIGMACS v.

IT’S A SET UP (WOMEN’S B) 8:15 p.m. BRAZUCAS v. RED TEAM (CO-ED B) 9 p.m. VRAY v. I’M THERE (CO-ED B) 9:45 p.m. HOT PEPPERS v. ACOUSTICS (CO-ED B) Court 4 6 p.m. MATT’S OTHER TEAM v.

TAPE WARRIORS (MEN’S A) 6:45 p.m. RED TEAM v. MARTIANS (MEN’S B) 7:30 p.m. FRIJOLITOS v. ANITA MAXWYNN (MEN’S B) 8:15 p.m. LADIES WITH GENTLE HANDS v. TEAM BARLOW (CO-ED A) 9 p.m. DAMAGED GOODS v. NET WORTH (CO-ED B) 9:45 p.m. LIGHTNING v. ALL STARTS (CO-ED B)

8 | Wednesday, Feburary 21, 2024

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

OPINION An open letter to SAU Confessions: Where will it end?

Alexis Dewey Opinion Editor The SAU Confessions Instagram account has been a topic of conversation on campus for quite some time. Although the account was taken down by Instagram in 2023, it paved the way for two new accounts with the same premise. The bios state that the accounts are “not affiliated with Southern Adventist University.”

These accounts allow students of Southern Adventist University to anonymously submit comments, questions, concerns, etc. to the owners of the accounts (also anonymous), who then post what the contributors send in. This has given the students an outlet to say what they are feeling and thinking without their names being attached.

SAU Confessions may be an outlet for some students, but for others, it has damaged their reputations and hurt them deeply. A majority of the anonymous posts include other students’ names, along with either something they did, said or perhaps commenting on their body, displayed for the rest of the students to see. However, anyone can be mentioned by name. While it seems harmless to some students, it is greatly affecting many others. Students who have been exposed on the account have a hard time going to class afterward.

The accounts have posted comments about students’ relationships or their looks, about how they break campus rules, and so on. Reading these comments is disturbing and disheartening. Frankly, it is none of our business to know who has the “best body” or who is doing drugs, having sex, cheat-

ing on tests, and sneaking into dorms. It is not anyone’s business to know. And, although we have the freedom of speech in America, I certainly do not think it should be anyone’s right to publish it online.

With these Instagram accounts, we are giving in to the gossiping and negative social media that the older generation says we indulge in — we are proving them right.

The owners of these accounts and anyone who submits a post are not shedding a positive light on Christianity, as we are called to do.

The accounts remind me a lot of the story of Mary Magdalene found in the Gospels.

“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him.

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:3-7).

This story is explaining that the men who were trying to punish Mary for her sins were, in fact, sinful themselves and had no right to bring her to death.

Where will it end? How long are we going to sit around and let these accounts hurt people?

Next time you think about posting something anonymously on either account, just remember that you could be tearing up someone’s life. Ask yourself if you would want someone to post a similar comment about you.

My question for the owner(s) of SAU Confessions: Why are you helping ruin people’s reputations?

My question for the anony-

mous tippers: How are you justifying what you are doing and saying about others?

My hope for everyone read-

ing: unfollow and stop interacting with this account. The fire will keep growing only if gas keeps being poured onto it.

One of the SAU Confessions Instagram account logos. (Photo sourced from Instagram)

“My question for the owner(s) of SAU Confessions: Why are you helping ruin people’s reputations?”

(Photo sourced from Unsplash)

RELIGION

Surrender is a place: Welcome home Madison Wilcox Religion Editor I gave up on surrender a long time ago. The concept has always been vague to me, mostly because I don’t like it. It takes me back to my childhood, back to days when my mom would tell me to clean the cobwebs off the front porch, and I’d sulk for an hour before giving in. It takes me back to my teenage years, years where I resisted and resisted until it hurt too much to keep going. In all honesty, it takes me back to the present.

This week, I despaired again over surrender. Could I ever do

it? Had I ever really done it before? Could I ever do it again?

Then I found Psalm 32. The psalm taught me something new: surrender is a place to live in. There is a door to surrender, a room and a Teacher.

Let’s walk through the psalm.

We begin at the door in verse 5.

David says, “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

This verse describes repentance — the single entrance point to the house of surrender.

Somehow honesty about sin

leads to acceptance rather than rejection. The door turns on its hinges the moment we knock.

The door opens into a room.

Verse 7 says, “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Surrender is not a dangerous venture; it is a place where the fearful can go to hide. Trouble can’t invade. A choir sings deliverance over those who enter.

Best of all, the One who opened the door lives there. We meet Him in the next verse, and there, He speaks directly to us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

Somehow honesty about sin leads to acceptance rather than rejection. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

I will guide you with My eye.

Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding.” (Psalm 32:8-9, NKJV) The One who welcomes the needy is confident in His ability to teach. He promises to not lose sight of His students. He knows we can be like silly beasts, but He teaches on. He reminds us that we have a mind capable of choosing obedience. He will teach, and we will learn.

I found I could pray this psalm as an act of surrender. Whenever my spirit rises up against God and insists on its own way, I pray myself through the door, into the room, and toward my Teach-

er. I repent: my sin runs deep, but when I acknowledge it, the door opens. I take refuge: I cry in this room. I also remember whose house I am in. The choir sings. Then I listen to the voice of the Teacher: What is He teaching me to do? Who is He teaching me to be?

I’ve found peace in this place, and want to extend the invitation to you. Are you guilty?

Run to the door called repentance. Are you scared? Hide in the room called safety. Are you lost? Sit with the wise Teacher and learn to obey. This is the essence of surrender, and it’s a house you never have to leave.

9 | Wednesday, Feburary 21, 2024

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

LIFESTYLE Students weigh in: Underrated Black cultural and historical figures Matthew Orquia Managing Editor Lesieli Savelio News Editor Kathy Zelidon Copy Editor The Accent recently published a poll on its Instagram story asking followers to share the names of some of their favorite Black cultural and historical figures who aren’t talked about enough.

Gabriella Schlueter (gabby_ s4), a sophomore music major, sent in multiple names, one of which was Florence Price.

In 1933, Florence Beatrice Price launched her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the first time a symphonic composition by a Black woman was played by a major orchestra. Price continued to create hundreds of works, including “symphonies, concerti, works for choir, chamber ensemble, organ, solo works, and extensive pieces for piano,” according to the Opera Philadelphia website.

However, Price’s career had humble beginnings. With the onset of Jim Crow laws, Price joined the “Great Migration,” relocating to Chicago along with numerous other Black Americans. Despite the challenges she faced, including a divorce that left her financially strained, Price persevered for herself and her family.

She found work composing music for radio advertisements and performing in silent films before eventually moving in with the Bonds, a family with connections to prominent Black intellectuals and artists.

She then wrote compositions and collaborated with singers

and activists such as Langston Hughes and Marion Anderson.

After her death in 1953, a large portion of her music was unknown to the public due to the long-held preference for “white, European traditionalism” in classical spaces. But then, in the 2000s, a discovery of Price’s hidden scores in an abandoned retreat home caused a resurgence of her music among classical fans. Her music, a unique blend of traditional and modern elements, spirituality and reflections on racial experiences, firmly establishes her as a musician deeply rooted in American culture.

Tina Duncan (itsjus.tina), a sophomore medical laboratory science major, wrote: “Chronixx: He’s a Jamaican reggae artist.

His lyrics are clean and profound. His lyrics embody Jamaican culture, and discuss controversial issues.”

Also known as Jamar Rolando McNaughton, Chronixx was born in 1992 and wrote his first song at age 5. After growing in popularity in the early 2010s and touring the United Kingdom, he released his extended play (EP) Dread & Terrible in 2014. This EP topped Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums chart and continued to see success after Chronixx went on the Jimmy Fallon Show.

His concert in Central Park was attended by more than 5,000 people. At the 2014 Linkage awards, Chronixx won Culture Artist of the Year, Best New Artist and Entertainer of the Year.

Chronology, his first album, was released in 2017 and was nominated for a Grammy.

Emily Lyngaas (emilyng_art), a former Southern student, wrote: “Yasuke!!! The first black and for-

eign samurai!! His story is really interesting and noble! He was a slave to a European traveler and ended up a really high ranking samurai who was respected.”

Yasuke was a historical figure who is believed to be the first African to have reached Japan during the 16th century.

He was a samurai of African origin who served under the Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga during Japan’s Sengoku period (15th to 17th centuries), a time of intense civil war and political upheaval. Not much is known about Yasuke’s early life or how he came to Japan. It is speculated that he may have been originally from Mozam-

bique or another African region.

He arrived in Japan in 1579 as a retainer or bodyguard of the Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano, who was visiting Nobunaga’s court.

Yasuke’s remarkable appearance, towering stature and dark skin fascinated Nobunaga, who reportedly believed him to be a servant colored in ink. Nobunaga took an interest in Yasuke and eventually appointed him as a samurai. Yasuke fought alongside Nobunaga in various battles and skirmishes, including the siege of Nagashima in 1579. He became a trusted warrior in Nobunaga’s service and earned respect for his bravery and loyalty.

Painting of Yasuke by Anthony Azekwoh (Photo sourced from Wikimedia Commmons)

Florence Price.

(Photo sourced from Wikimedia Commmons)

Chronixx.

(Photo sourced from Flickr)

SOCIAL

For a chance to be featured, use or tag @sauaccent on Instagram in your posts!

Dear Kevin Dear Kevin, Where are you going for Spring Break? I really need some recommendations, because my friends canceled their plans with me :( Dear Stranded Sally, I’m not sure yet. Advising students is so time consuming that I haven’t even considered a place. However, a few top places on my list are the beautiful city of Quackinton, D.C., or I might go the stereotypical route and head to Flori-duck for the week.

Dear Kevin, I’m trying to find new things to do on campus – literally so bored. Is there anything going on this weekend?

Dear Bored Buster, I understand how you feel.

College life can sometimes feel monotonous, but exciting events

are always happening on campus if you know where to look.

This weekend, a couple of events might pique your interest:

After Nobunaga’s death in 1582, Yasuke served under Nobunaga’s successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However, his fate beyond this point is uncertain. There are conflicting accounts and legends about Yasuke’s later life, with some stories suggesting that he returned to Africa or lived out his days in obscurity in Japan.

Yasuke’s story has captured the imagination of many and has been the subject of numerous books, films and other media. He remains a symbol of the fascinating connections between Africa and Japan during a tumultuous period in both regions’ histories.

#SAUlife M

Matthew Taylor

K

Kristen Sobrepena

English Club Banquet: Even if you’re not an English major or minor, this event could be a fun way to meet new people and enjoy some good food. It will be on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Grid. It’s free for English majors and minors, but if you’re not, don’t worry, it’s only $15!

BCU Cultural Night: On Saturday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m., the BCU club is putting together a production that will feature portrayals of many prominent Black American figures, including Rosa Parks and Katherine Johnson. On Instagram, the club invites audiences “to embark on a journey that transcends time and space.”

It’s free for students and a great way to support the club.

matthewtaylor21 “This weekend, I had the privilege to host Ignite LIVE. . .

Photo Credit: Preston Waters P

Paige Rufo

kristensobrepena last weekend Photo Credit: Siua Telefoni

S

😚💗

Sandy Veloza

Do you have a question for Kevin?

Scan the QR code or click on the link in the Accent’s Instagram bio to submit your question. asianrice_17 murder on the dance floor

This week’s winner is @glynnell.robinson To collect your prize, go to the Student Development office.

G

Gabriela Mantiri

💓️​️

sandyveloza Photo Credit: Bridgette Oh

J

Jenna Peters

Knowing that students might need a little extra cash, Kevin is offering a:

$10 Gift Card DM us on Instagram with a photo of where Kevin is hiding! gabrielakylene this & that ;) Photo Credit: Alayna Avila

jennakalenapeters Galentines with my gals

💗️

10 | Wednesday, Feburary 21, 2024

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

CHATTER Today — 21 64 - 46

• • •

Weekly Birthdays

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Mid-Day Teatime & Diversity Chats, 12:00 p.m.

Faculty Development, 12:00 p.m. @ Presidential Banquet Room

TODAY |21

Thursday — 22 • • •

Friday ­— 23 61 - 36

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National Eating Disorder Awareness Week SA Cabinet Applications Open Payday: Hourly/Student Vespers - Andrea Jacobsons, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. @ Collegedale Church Sunset, 6:30 p.m

•

66 - 49 National Eating Disorder Awareness Week SA General Elections, 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Convocation: Paul Nelson - Origins, 11:00 a.m. @ Collegedale Church Meet the Firms, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., @ Iles Pe Center Mid-Day Teatime & Diversity Chats, 12:00 p.m.

Graduate Curriculum Committee, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday — 24 Connect, 9:00 a.m. @ Collegedale Church Merge Worship, 11:45 a.m.

Evensong - Organ Students of Judy Glass, 6:00 p.m. @ Collegedale Church BCU Cultural Night, 8:00 p.m. @ Iles PE Center

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Sunday — 25 64 - 44

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Board of Trustees Meeting @ Collegedale Church Tommy Crabtee, tuba – Senior Recital, 7:30 p.m. @ Ackerman Auditorium

Tuesday — 27 74 - 58

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Southern Union Senior Education Interviews, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. @ Presidential Banquet Room President’s Committee, 9:00 a.m.

E.A. Anderson Lecture Series, 6:50 p.m. @ Brock Hall 3205

Kevin Castro

Byron Montenegro

Arman De La Paz

Palacios

Adrian Negrea

Geneva Ferro

Victoria Cruz

Nick Radivojevic

Lucy Goulmassian

Arely Diaz Roblero

Acsa Ramos

Ana Korac

Bonnie Drouin

Hannah Shull

Esther Sewell

Ryan Guild

Sarah Sparks

Olivia Waterhouse

Prissila Juarez

Andrew Zinke

Monday |26

Larron Matheson

Friday |23

Lefilwe Moesi

Artelia Green

Allen M. Gustrowsky

Seoyeon Moon

Jesse Ross

Loghann Hilliard

Henrique Pinho

Emily Weaver

Sue San Kwon

Danielle Santana

Maria Goddard

Jami Williams

Matthew Munroe

Mikko Villarin

Saturday |24

Rita Paunganwa

Allessandra A. Vitrano

Sebastian Hurtado

Dtrik Viehmann

Thursday |22

Michael McCarty

Sarina Young

Erin Campbell

John Osborn

Tuesday |27

Joey Cirigliano

Kristina Pogodina

Tori Abel

Jose Cortes

Dexter Smith

Nyah Jackson

Mizael Espinoza

Trey White

Madeline Monroe

Tiffany S. Fuller

Sunday |25

Mark Moskalenko

Gabriel Granados

Santiago Avila

Minda Ruba

50 - 38

This Week’s Poll: Disney or DreamWorks?

Tell us which animation studio you think is better by scanning the QR code and submitting your answer.

Poll results will be published in next week’s issue!

Monday — 26 •

Jonathan Moats

Cynthia Alejandre

72 - 56

Last Week’s Results: Single, Taken or It’s Complicated?

The singles have it!

Duck Walk @ Walking Track SA Talent Show Auditions, 6:30 p.m. @ Ackerman Auditorium

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

A Pathway to the Classroom (With Any Bachelor’s Degree!)

Our online MAT program offers a master’s degree and initial teacher certification at the same time.

Seventh-day Adventist and/or public school certification options are available in as few as five to six semesters.

All classes are available online and students have the possibility of being paid during their field experience or student teaching.

Set yourself up for a rewarding career that offers: • great benefits • summers off • incredible job security • a strong sense of mission • fulfillment that comes from knowing you’re making a difference

1.800.SOUTHERN • southern.edu/graduatestudies