Vol. 79 Issue 5

Southern Accent

Southern to receive $3 million grant to serve Hispanic students

Seven Village RAs fired

Amanda Blake Editor-in-chief

Southern Adventist University’s Residence Life department fired seven Southern Village resident assistants (RAs) last month because they were not consistently entering their residents’ apartments to conduct proper night checks, according to two of the RAs who were fired.

Lesieli Savelio News Editor

Southern Adventist University is set to receive a $3 million federal grant over the span of five years because it is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), wrote Bob Young, senior vice president for Academic Administration, in an email to the Accent. According to a Southern Tidings article, this is the largest grant Southern has ever received. The article also stated that Southern is the only HSI in Tennessee.

The U.S. Department of Education’s website says the federal Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program offers grants to aid HSIs to enhance academic opportunities for Hispanic students.

According to Young, Lucas Patterson, associate director of strategic partnerships, was the main author of the grant proposal. In an email to the Accent, Patterson wrote that in order to be considered an HSI, a university’s enrollment must be 25% Hispanic. Southern has been an HSI since 2018, according to Patterson.

IT to upgrade campus door access with smartphone keys

Tenci Reid Staff Writer

Southern Adventist University is working on integrating smartphones as keys to unlock doors on campus, aiming to make the access process more convenient for students, according to Gary Sewell, associate vice president for Information Technology. ID cards will not be discontinued; instead, smartphones will be a second key option.

Currently, Southern utilizes three types of locks across campus, Sewell explained in an interview with the Accent. The first is the Onity dip lock system, where you push and pull the card out. The second is the SALTO contactless lock, where you place the card near or on the pad to unlock the door. Lastly, the third system – the card key – involves a swipe back and forth. The SALTO contactless lock is the only system that will be compatible with smartphones.

The driving force behind this change stems from the challenges students face using traditional ID cards, according to Sewell. He said it is easy for students to lose track of cards, and, sometimes, the cards become so damaged they are no longer usable. There is a $15 charge to replace an ID card.

"What we are trying to do is make it convenient,” said Sewell. “We have students who fre-

quently lose their cards at inconvenient times when the campus card desk isn't open. There's a bit of confusion about where to go to get a card. We never want to put a student in a situation where they're unable to eat because they don't have their card, they've forgotten it or it's been stolen."

Without a card in hand, students lack access to their assigned rooms or other designated rooms on campus and must wait for a resident assistant or faculty member to assist them in gaining access. Furthermore, lacking proper identification, students might be unable to charge meals to their accounts.

Sewell emphasized that students are not obliged to purchase new phones if they don't have access to a smartphone.

Traditional ID cards will remain an option on campus.

“Under no circumstance will anybody be left without a way to eat or get into their room,” Sewell said.

According to Sewell, the university aims to become a “cardless campus” in the future, meaning ID cards will not be necessary to unlock any doors. However, ID cards will continue to be available. Sewell said there's still much to be done before achieving a cardless campus.

“Currently, Southern’s Hispanic enrollment is 27%,” Patterson wrote.

Southern is not the only Seventh-day Adventist university that has HSI status. According to 2021 figures from the National Center for Education Statistics, five other Adventist Universities qualify to be considered HSIs: AdventHealth University, Southwestern Adventist University, La Sierra University, Loma Linda University and Pacific Union College.

Patterson wrote that the process to receive the grant was a competitive one.

“The U.S. Department of Education invites applications and schools then have approximately two months before they need to submit a 50+ page proposal narrative explaining how they would like to spend the funds and what the measurable outcomes will be that they plan to track and use for project evaluation,” Patterson wrote.

Part of Southern’s plan for the grant money is to create a STEM success program for Hispanic, low-income and other

Logan Cooper, senior finance major, is one of the individuals fired. He and another former RA, who requested anonymity to avoid attention as they move on from the situation, told the Accent that each of the Village’s six male RAs were let go, along with one female RA. Another female RA was suspended, they said. Associate Deans Donene Braithwaite and John Willis confirmed that seven Village RA positions opened in mid-September.

Cooper told the Accent that all the RAs who were terminated had to leave Southern Village and move into campus dormitories. He said he and two other former RAs appealed to the deans and Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, to stay in Village, but their appeal was denied.

See RAs on page 2

University breaks ground on Ruth McKee School of Business building

Amy Mejias Reporter

On Friday, the School of Business held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ruth McKee School of Business in front of Mabel Wood Hall on the lawn adjacent to University Drive. The new building will be approximately 42,000 square feet in area.

The ceremony began with the official groundbreaking, shovel signing and group photos, as well as an appearance by Southern’s new bear mascot. Photos

were followed by prayer and remarks from Southern University President Ken Shaw; Brittany McKee East, great-granddaughter of the building’s eponym; Stephanie Sheehan, dean of the School of Business, and students. Guests of the ceremony signed the golden shovel and took home School of Business memorabilia.

Students Roman Johnson, a senior management major, and Kate Savino, a junior accounting major, spoke during the cere-

mony, sharing their perspectives on the new building and its potential impact.

“For the students, this ceremony is a symbol of what lies ahead,” Johnson said. “It is a commitment from our university to provide us with an exceptional learning environment. [It is] a space where we can gain knowledge, cultivate creativity and prepare ourselves for the competitive business world.”

See BUSINESS on page 2

Participants in the Latin American Club's cultural night pose for a photo. Saturday, October 1, 2022. (Photo sourced from Accent archives)

2023. (Photo by Preston Waters)

BUSINESS

continued from page 1

According to its webpage. the School of Business currently enrolls 465 students, including a freshman class of 132, the largest freshman class in the school’s history. When its new building is complete, the growing school will no longer have to share Brock Hall with the English Department, History and Political Studies Department, School of Visual Art and Design and School of Journalism and Communication.

Shaw told the Accent before the ceremony that the vision for the new School of Business building began two years ago when he met with Sheehan and a business alum. Together, they decided it was time for the university’s second-largest program to have its own facility.

“We began working with our community and our donors, and they seemed to really like the idea,” Shaw said. “So we put together some renderings, and now we have some architectural plans that are almost complete.”

Once completed, the new building will include an innovation lab, finance lab, tech-driven classrooms, a variety of study areas and an auditorium.

In her speech, Sheehan said, “It’s a historic day for the university, our School of Business team, current and future students, alumni and our community.”

Sheehan also described the building's namesake, Ruth McKee, who, with her husband O.D., founded McKee Foods Corporation.

“[She] demonstrated integrity, wisdom, acumen and beneficence – qualities that transcend the ever-changing landscape of business,” Sheehan said. “We also live to teach our students to embody those qualities and to encourage and equip them to live and lead likewise.”

McKee Foods moved from Chattanooga to Collegedale in 1956 and has expanded its facilities within the city several times. According to an article on nadadventist.org, Ruth was a “constant presence” in the cor-

poration’s early days, skillfully handling the management and financial sides of the expanding business, while O.D. excelled at salesmanship.

The founding couple met at Southern, and many of their descendants have attended the university since, according to the McKee Foods website. Another Southern facility, McKee Library, is also named after McKee family members, and the campus’ Prayer Garden is dedicated to Ruth.

“The family has had a long relationship with the university, and Ruth being such a strong female leader for that time was incredible, and her legacy still affects the business,” McKee East said. “I think it makes perfect sense with this connection to have her name on the building.”

Library construction delayed

Celeste Lee Staff Writer

The construction of McKee Library's entrance is behind schedule due to the university prioritizing other renovation projects on campus, according to Marty Hamilton, associate vice president for Financial Administration. However, Hamilton believes the entrance will be completed by Christmas break.

“We would have liked to have [it] done this summer so that we [could] start a new school year with the new entrance,” Hamilton said.

The total construction project at the library encompassed three subprojects. The entrance subproject has taken the longest, but Hamilton said he has a subcontractor working on it right now.

The new entrance expands the lobby and will include a second floor for extra study space.

“It's going to be a nice addition to the campus because we have a bigger front lobby and even a second floor with lots of windows,” Hamilton said. " … I think students are going to enjoy it and more square footage for the library.”

The second subproject involved the Student Success and Retention Services offices. These offices used to be in Lynn Wood Hall but were relocated to the second floor of the library. The university removed the library’s media section to make space for these offices.

The third subproject involved the Tutoring Center. Before construction began, the library’s attic was empty. Workers revamped this area to include

RAs continued from page 1

When they spoke with the Accent, Cooper and the other former RA expressed feeling unvalued and confused by what they described as inadequate communication during the firing process.

The Accent contacted Administrative Dean Lisa Patterson and Negrón about the situation; both responded that they cannot comment.

“Student issues are confidential,” Patterson wrote in an email to the Accent.

Braithwaite and Willis also told the Accent they cannot comment on what led to the seven RA positions opening up.

Unlike Cooper, they had no previous knowledge that they might be let go.

“[The deans] started calling us into the office one by one to fire us [with] no discussion of any type of corrective action previous to being fired — straight from everything’s fine to we’re fired,” they said.

Both students said the reason so many RAs did not consistently enter apartments before marking residents as present on their phones was because that was the standard set by former Village RAs. Historically, Village RAs, typically for men’s apartments, would learn their residents’ routine bedtimes after engaging with them for a while and then stop entering each apartment at night when they deemed it unnecessary, according to both former RAs. However, both said they understood the behavior was wrong and expressed similar sentiments of regret and frustration.

Southern Accent

new bathrooms and more tutoring space.

“Retention Services and the Tutoring Center is complete and in full operation,” said Hamilton.

Although other campus construction projects, such as building classrooms and labs for the university’s new engineering program in Lynn Wood Hall, have played a role in delaying the entrance's completion, Hamilton listed additional setbacks. The university has struggled with the limited amount of space workers can operate in. The entrance area is too small to fit many contractors. To compensate, the university has had to bring in different contractors one at a time, significantly extending the subproject’s timeline.

“It's been kind of a frustrating project for us to manage well,” Hamilton said.

Other small setbacks include weather and subcontractor issues. Hamilton said the total project has not stayed within the university’s budget.

“The third floor that we built ended up being right around $650,000,” Hamilton said.

This was about $200,000 over the original budget due to higher costs of materials than expected, according to Hamilton. The third floor renovation covered 6,500 square feet.

Hamilton is budgeting $750,000 for the front entrance subproject. Contractor and materials fees have increased in price since the project began.

“It's been a more expensive entrance [than expected], ... but we have generous donors,” Hamilton said. “So far, [the entire project] has been funded by donors.” Hamilton said he is already making plans for the library that extend past the ongoing construction project. He is considering renovating the temporary side entrance and making it more permanent and attractive.

Lifestyle Editor Allison Grundy

Opinion Editor

Cooper summarized the order of events this way: He said that on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at about 11:30 p.m., Braithwaite and Willis called Cooper and his RA partner into their office to ask them about a photo on social media of a student at a party. The student lived in one of their buildings, and the social media post demonstrated that the student was not in Village after night check, which begins at 11 p.m. Sunday-Friday, according to the Southern Village Handbook. However, the student was still marked present.

“[The deans] said that there was a picture on social media of a resident at a party, and when he was confronted, … he said, ‘I didn’t think it mattered at all because we never see our RAs anyways,’” Cooper stated. “That’s what I remember. That’s what the deans … told us, saying, ‘We have evidence that there was a resident who was not in Village, but he was put on check.’”

Cooper and his partner told the deans that they did not enter their residents’ apartments that evening before marking them present on night check, Cooper said. Willis told them they would most likely be fired, according to Cooper, but they were not officially terminated at that time.

Cooper said Residence Life then checked the locks on all the Village buildings to see whether or not RAs were actually entering apartments to check on their residents each night. About a week later, the seven RAs were officially terminated, according to Cooper and the other former RA.

“I feel terrible for what I did. I realize that I put the deans in a [tough] situation, and I begged for a second chance,” Cooper said. “ … [But], no one asked us why we did it. It didn’t seem like we were very much listened to.”

“I regret that I let myself sort of buy into the culture that it’s not important to be super thorough with check,” the other former RA said. “ … If there [had been] one single mention from the deans of, ‘Hey, you need to be better,’ I’m instantly, like, the best RA they’ve ever seen.”

Cooper believes that had all the fired RAs been given another chance, they would not have skipped proper night checks ever again. He added that he worked for Residence Life for three years prior to this semester and wanted another shot at showing the department he was a great worker.

Cooper believes the whole situation, which began on Sept. 6 and ended about two weeks later when his appeal to stay in Village was denied, was not handled well and damaged his mental health, causing him to lose sleep and fail three tests.

“It was like a huge shock to all of us because we were given zero corrective action beforehand, like absolutely nothing,” said the former RA who did not want to be identified.

GRANT continued from page 1

See RAs on page 3

Patterson hopes to have the roles filled soon.

“[A] breakdown of the fiveyear budget includes: $1.3 million for salary and benefits for new grant-related personnel; $1 million for new STEM equipment; $200,000 for faculty development and curriculum revision; $200,000 for an endowment to support paid student internships/research; $150,000 for program supplies; $50,000 for travel; and $75,000 for an external evaluator required by the grant,” Patterson wrote.

Cooper said the appeal process, specifically, was hurtful. He and the other RAs who wrote the appeal to stay in Village spoke in person to Director of Residence Life Lisa Hall, who told them to speak with Negrón, Cooper stated. Negrón told them he would speak with the deans, according to Cooper, and the three students underserved student groups. The program aims to support these students by offering them mentoring opportunities, paid internships, hands-on classroom training and paid undergraduate research. To support this project and accomplish these goals, part of the funding will be used to create three full-time positions. These positions have not been filled yet, but interviews are taking place.

Social Media Manager

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The university's new bear mascot made an appearance at the groundbreaking ceremony. Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Amy Mejias)

The entrance will include a study space on its second floor surrounded by windows. Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

"It was like a huge shock to all of us because we were given zero corrective action beforehand."

"I feel terrible for what I did. I realize that I put the deans in a [tough] situation."

RAs

continued from page 2

heard from the deans that their appeal did not go through. Cooper said he was confused by the process, as he assumed the appeal would go to a different committee and not straight back to the deans. He felt like administrators were leading them in a loop.

“Communication was not there at all. We didn’t know what was going on,” Cooper said. “We were given false hope pretty much [because] the deans were like, ‘You know what? You should appeal to stay in Village.’ … We all thought, ‘Oh, hey, they might let us stay in Village because they are pushing for it,’ and then, lo and behold, we got the word saying ‘no.’”

The other former RA also expressed frustration about how communication was conducted during and after the firing process, as no one would identify who made the final decision to fire the RAs, and administrative responses came across uncharacteristically rigid.

email, it’s just, like, so much more harsh. … [But] Dean Willis and Dean [Braithwaite] are like the nicest people ever. They’re amazing people. I am privileged to have been able to work with them. … I have so much respect [for them].”

“The deans made it sound like it was Negrón; Negrón is saying it’s the deans,” the student said. “Whenever we go and talk to [the deans] in person, they’re like, ‘We still believe you’re upstanding citizens, and we care for you guys so much.’ And then, as soon as it’s an

Willis and Braithwaite spoke with the Accent about the process of filling the open Village RA positions. At first, the two deans hired students to conduct night checks, but the students did not technically work as RAs, as they had no other RA responsibilities. Now, the deans are looking to fill the open RA positions, but, as of Monday, Oct. 3, have only filled a couple.

“We have enough right now that we can get check taken care of, but we need to fill a few more,” Willis said, “whether that be somebody that’s going to be

(Photo

a full-time RA or someone just to help us get to January when we can regroup.”

Students interested in applying for an RA position or helping with night check can email

svdeans@southern.edu, Willis said. Braithwaite added that students qualify for the RA position if they already live in Village and can devote 15 hours a week to the job.

New federal mandate forces changes in course selection

Students at Southern Adventist University who wish to receive federal financial aid are facing the enforcement of regulations regarding the courses they can take. The university began enforcing the Course Program of Study (CPOS), a federal requirement of the Department of Education, this semester. CPOS mandates that the courses a student takes must count towards their actual degree to determine their eligibility for federal aid.

Paula Walters, director of Student Finance for Southern Adventist University, said students face CPOS regulations when they take courses outside of their first program of study, which consist entirely of classes leading to a degree, she said.

Karon Powell, director of Records and Advisement, added that the “Student Planning” section of students’ MyAccess pages is set up to reflect what students need to obtain their current degree.

“Whatever you see in Student Planning, all those different sections should generally be in your first program of study,” she said. “Where students tend to maybe

hours and needs at least 12 to be considered a full-time student in a single semester, they might decide to take an elective that is unrelated to their degree.

Powell explained that although it is alright for students to take electives or general classes that don’t pertain to their degrees, they should keep track of the amount of unrelated credits they are taking. If they don’t, their federal financial aid might change.

“Usually when people do that, they're not checking to see if they have enough electives, either left or coming up. And then [students] go to Student Finance saying, ‘I should be getting full-time financial aid,’” Powell said. “And financial aid will say to you, ‘Well, is that one credit hour actually something that you need?’”

Walters said the development of this issue is situational, as it depends on the students’ unique financial situation and whether or not they receive federal aid. Institutional aid, merit scholarships and renewable scholarships are not affected by CPOS. It is only when using state and governmental aid, such as the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship and federal Pell Grants, that stu-

load includes at least 12 credits that count toward their degree.

“I think there is an impact overall to our students because we have so many who are receiving some sort of federal or state aid,” Powell said about CPOS regulations.

CPOS does not negate students’ eligibility for federal financial aid, she added.

“[If your course load is not CPOS-approved,] it doesn't mean that you're not going to be eligible for your Pell Grant or your HOPE Scholarship for the entire semester,” Powell said. “It just means the amount you're going to qualify for could be different based on your course load and the number of courses you’re taking, whether they're going towards your program of study or not.”

long as at least six of your credits are going towards your major, you’re locked in; you’re fine.”

Powell said students should take time to understand CPOS and other course load requirements, as well as take initiative in making smart decisions for their future.

“Overall, we want students to pay attention to what they're taking instead of maybe randomly enrolling in classes and not looking at or taking ownership of what they're doing.” she said.“[We want them] planning ahead.”

Powell recommends students use the timeline feature of Student Planning and pre-registration to help them obtain the credits they need and start being proactive about the future.

ulating CPOS, Southern has been very intentional in reaching out to students in an effort to inform them of the new stipulations in a timely manner, according to Powell.

“What we've been doing through the summer is going through student registrations and calling students, so we've reached out to people personally. If we haven't called them, we’ve emailed them,” Powell said. “For each student who appears in our report as potentially having a course or courses that are not covered, we'll reach out to them. And we'll say, ‘Hey, this potentially isn't going to be covered by financial aid. You need to contact your advisor.’”

CPOS is less restrictive in regard to federal loans, Powell added.

“If you have a student, for example, who has only loans, and they're in the 11 credit hours,

Walters said students often ask Student Finance how they can take electives outside their major requirements. CPOS requires that students receiving governmental aid must take 12 credit hours to obtain their degree in a single semester, but those students are free to explore unrelated electives past the 12-credit mark. In addition, most students need to take more than 12 credit hours each semester to graduate in four years, Walters said, so advisors encourage their advi-

CPOS restrictions are new to students and faculty, Walters said.

“I think it was on August 14 that Karon and I presented to faculty and advisors about this, and just tried to train with them and tried to help them understand what this is [and answer]: ‘How does it impact me?’ and ‘How does it impact my students?’” Walters said.

Powell added: “The faculty has been extremely responsive. I've received a lot of questions, and they've been super proactive in

Alissa Flores Staff Writer

Seven students were let go from their positions as RAs in Southern Village, which includes Upper Stateside apartments (seen here), Village Proper and Spalding Cove. Friday, September 29, 2023.

by Mila Bales)

"Communication was not there. We didn't know what was going on."

"Overall, we want students to pay attention to what they're taking."

Y2K PARTY

(L-R) Robert Berry, Hayden Kobza, Ephram Otodo and Derek Aubin pose with Sharky, a frequent face at SA events. Saturday, October 30, 2023. (Photo by Mila Biles)

Neal Patterson plays inflatable basketball.

Saturday, October 30, 2023. (Photo by Mila Biles)

Matthew Taylor grimaces after going through the bubble machine. Saturday, October 30, 2023. (Photo by Mila Biles)

Attendees of the Student Association Y2K Party take a group photo.

Saturday, October 30, 2023. (Photo by Andre Ottati)

Students compete in inflatable human foosball. The sport was one of the night's many activities.

Saturday, October 30, 2023. (Photo by Mila Biles)

Editor's Note: Students in the Investigative Reporting class at Southern Adventist University produced stories for this new two-page Collegedale News section as part of a national initiative to enhance community news coverage. 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 Tomorrow Foundation unveils vision to revive and refurbish Four Corners

Alexis Dewey Staff Writer

Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation Inc. plans to give Four Corners a retro makeover within the next few years by adding trees, wider sidewalks and benches, and turning strip malls into complexes, according to the foundation’s executive director and founder, David Barto.

Collegedale was incorporated in 1968, according to the City of Collegedale website, which states: “The city has experienced steady growth over its history and enjoys a rich and diverse culture anchored by Southern Adventist University and being a suburban community of Chattanooga and the TriState region.” Since 2020, the city’s population has increased by 10.99%, according to the World Population Review.

of transforming the town. By extending sidewalks and adding trees and benches, Barto hopes to revamp the area so “it would look like you are driving into an old-town square.”

The foundation’s goal is to buy the complexes at Four Corners in small phases in order not to lose the area’s smaller, family-owned businesses, said Barto. The foundation’s “master plan” includes turning the single-story strip malls on Apison Pike into three-story complexes.

The first floor will remain restaurants and businesses, while the second and third floors will be apartments, according to Barto. The master plan for Four Corners at Apison Pike will hopefully be done by mid-December, he said.

“It’ll go to the city commissioners maybe in January,” he

explained. “If they adopt it, then it’s a matter of finding investors who want to buy parcels and start implementing the plan.”

When asked about the time of completion for the plan, Johnson said: “Well, we have to see the total drawing of the concept, but I would imagine getting donor money to help build some of this, and the businesses, as well. I’m hoping probably within the next year or two we’ll see something.”

The land surrounding the intersection of Apison Pike and Ooltewah Ringgold Road, commonly known as Four Corners, is becoming more valuable than what is currently there, said Barto. That is why he wants to “rethink” the land by implementing a master plan and encouraging developers to help give the area a major facelift.

“If you have a master plan, then you could show people what it could look like and what is possible,” Barto said.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) made a plan to widen the city’s main road, Apison Pike, in all directions through different phases, starting back in 2012, according to the Tennessee government website.

“The majority of the existing route [on Apison Pike] is a twolane highway with negligible shoulders. The proposed design includes widening the roadway between three and five lanes, depending on location,” the website states.

The cost to develop the plan was $144,500, and Barto raised all of it from a variety of different investors, he explained. He is not sure at the moment how much the final total will be to conduct the full plan, but, according to Barto, none of the money will come from taxpayer dollars. Barto said all of the money will be raised and donated from investors.

In his interview with the Accent, Barto said the widening of Apison Pike has limited the parking for businesses near the Apison Pike and Ooltewah Ringgold Road intersection.

“The Four Corners needs to be re-evaluated and designed,”

David Barto, executive director and founder of Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation Inc., said the organization has big plans for Apison Pike. He and his team plan to accumulate the area along Four Corners and parts of Little Debbie Parkway in hopes

for Four Corners demonstrates the foundation's goal to give Apison Pike a more classic look, like "an old-town square." (Rendering courtesy

Q&A with Mayor Morty Lloyd

Elise Deschamps Staff Writer

Editor’s Note: This Q&A was conducted by email and has been edited for length and clarity.

1. How has your experience as mayor been so far? Has it been more difficult or fulfilling than you imagined?

My tenure as mayor started with a massive train derailment last December. That derailment involved three meetings a day with Norfolk Southern Railway. Throughout the process, I was able to represent the interests of the City of Collegedale, Southern Adventist University, McKee Foods and others. I also worked to provide timely and accurate communication to all parties involved. The joke around town was, “He’s only been mayor for a couple of weeks, and the city’s already a train wreck.” I think it’s important to laugh and keep a smile on your face during these stressful times. To answer your question, it has been more difficult and more fulfilling than I ever imagined. Unfortunately, there’s no manual for this job. However, as a new mayor, I appreciate the solid counsel I’ve received from my veteran commissioners.

2. What initially called you to a role in local government?

I was asked by a friend of mine to consider running for commission. I told him that I would first pray about it and discuss it with my wife. After much prayer, I felt the desire to run as a calling from God. My wife, Joyce, was solidly behind the decision. My mother, who served in Congress for 20 years,

tried to get me to run for political office for many years. At that time, I never felt that God had opened the door. This election was different. God opened the door, and I entered. It was not until I ran that I sensed that this was part of God’s plan for my life and what He wanted me to do. It was very fulfilling.

3. Did you have any expectations going into this position? Have they been met? How have you been surprised?

I can honestly say that I had no expectations going into this position. My desire is to serve our citizens and make Collegedale a better community. There are a lot of hard decisions that have to be made. As a commission, we all vote our conscience and make decisions that we believe will best shape the future of our city. While we may not always agree, we all desire to make Collegedale a better place to live.

4. What are some common misconceptions about being mayor or your role/responsibility as mayor? What are your main responsibilities?

Unlike Chattanooga (or other large cities), Collegedale operates with a commission-city manager form of government. Under this model, the commission appoints a professional city manager to carry out day-to-day administrative operations. Fortunately, we have the privilege of working with an incredibly talented city staff and city manager, Wayon Hines. Many

City Hall. I don’t. Wayon has an office there and does a great job as our city manager. As a commission, we provide direction to our staff through decisions that are made in our regularly scheduled commission meetings.

5. How did your extensive experience in fundraising and your time at the Mission Aviation Fellowship prepare you for your position now?

I have over 30 years experience in fundraising for various organizations. In my current role, I serve as the major gifts officer for the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). As such, I advocate and raise money for causes that I am very passionate about. I feel that way about my service as mayor.

I’m incredibly passionate about our city. I believe that it is a wonderful place to live and advocate for this city everywhere I go. Collegedale is unique. We have a quality of life here that needs to be preserved and protected. We have wonderful parks and green spaces that define our city. My goal is to see Collegedale continue to invest in our strengths while continuing to preserve the quality of life that we enjoy.

6. What does a typical day look like for you?

I have to laugh at that question because there is no “typical” day. In addition to my roles as mayor and a fundraiser for AOPA, I also pastor a church part time. I love all three jobs

Southern student starts petition to light Collegedale's greenway

Amy Mejias Reporter

Since its inception in 1998, Collegedale’s Wolftever Creek Greenway has remained a favorite destination for recreation, relaxation and exercise, drawing community members and Southern Adventist University students alike.

However, unlike other local walking areas, such as the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway, Collegedale’s greenway is not lit. One Southern student’s concerns about the greenway’s safety at night turned into a petition titled “Light Up The Greenway.”

Last year, Elizabeth Matos lived in Spalding Cove, university housing near the greenway. She noticed the walking path’s lack

of lighting at night and believed that adding lights would enhance safety, enjoyment and environmental protection while reducing the risk of accidents and suspicious activities.

Her idea to start a petition arose when her work manager at the Bietz Center for Student Life asked if she had any concerns to bring up with the Collegedale Board of Commissioners. This led to a discussion between her and her manager about her feeling unsafe at night on the greenway and the various assaults that have occurred there.

When asked about the petition, Assistant Chief of Police Jamie Heath said, “The Collegedale Police Department supports any initiative that provides

See PETITION on page 6

"The Four Corners needs to be re-evaluated and designed. It's been there for years, and it's kind of worn out.”

By extending sidewalks and adding trees and benches, Barto hopes to revamp the area so "it would look like you are driving into an oldtown square."

A rendering of Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation's plans

of David Barto)

MAYOR

continued from page 5

and enjoy the challenges associated with each.

I’m an early riser. Normally, I start my day at 5 a.m., sometimes earlier. I like to start early and spend time with God before getting the day started. That keeps me centered. After that, it’s off to the office in my home or travel.

Each day is different, depending on the demands for that day. As mayor, it may mean attending a groundbreaking ceremony or going to City Hall to attend a meeting or sign an agreement. I like to conclude my day by 8 p.m. or earlier if possible. My wife and I like to spend quality time at the end of the day talking and enjoying a meal together. After that, go to bed and repeat.

7. What similarities are there between being a senior pastor and being mayor of Collegedale? Major differences?

The similarities are tremendous. Both jobs have a common denominator that is very important: people. Meeting the needs of the people is essential.

FOUR CORNERS

continued from page 5 said Tim Johnson, Collegedale vice mayor in an interview with the Accent. “It’s been there for years, and it’s kind of worn out.”

Barto said, “There’s a lot of old stuff that’s sitting on too much parking.”

He and his team plan to eliminate some of the extra parking space to create more room for businesses.

“It’s just too much of a waste of space,” he said.

For example, the old Rite-Aid building on the corner of one of the strip malls has been empty for six to seven years, wrote Wayon Hines, Collegedale city manager, in an email to the Accent.

“We can’t directly correlate the structure being vacant with

With both positions, it’s important to listen and to be able to relate to their needs. Everyone has needs, spiritually, physical and financially. These times are difficult. People are struggling. As mayor, I have to be sensitive to our citizens’ needs but also to our city. Inflation has hit everyone in the wallet, including the City of Collegedale. It’s important to maintain our quality of life without compromising who we are. As a senior pastor and mayor, I answer to the people I serve. It’s an enormous, but rewarding, challenge.

8. What are some things you and the commission have been working on within the City of Collegedale? What are some plans or goals that you are working towards?

One of the needs we have is to create a city center. We’ve done a great job with The Commons and with our parks, especially Little Debbie Park. As we plan for the future, it will be important to attract nice restaurants and retail to make our city more livable. I’ve had a number of citizens express an interest in this. They want to be able to walk to have a nice meal in our city. By tying this into our existing infrastruc-

an effect on the corner, but intuitively the anchor being vacant did not improve business or traffic to the center,” he wrote.

The Rite-Aid was purchased by the pharmaceutical chain, Walgreens, according to its website. A problem with the Rite-Aid building is its size, Barto said. It is too small for some businesses and too large for others, so Collegedale Tomorrow plans to tear the building down.

“Where the parking lot is on the front side, that’s where the new building would go,” Barto said.

Although not sure what will move into the building at this time, he expects it will be a retail business.

In 1998, the city and a local philanthropist developed a master plan for Four Corners, according to Barto. But they ran into a problem because, at the time, Collegedale restaurants

ture, we can create an even greater place to live.

9. What is the main thing you want the people of Collegedale to know about you and your position as mayor?

The main thing that I want people to know about me is that I care. They may not always agree with me or like me, but I care. I care about the future of our city and preserving the quality of life that drew us to this community. I believe in Collegedale and believe that we have the greatest community in Hamilton County. I appreciate the voters who elected me and look forward to serving them in the years to come.

10. What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far in this role?

Patience. I tend to want change immediately. I’ve had to learn in working in government that change doesn't always happen that way. One example is the widening of Apison Pike. When it’s completed, it’s going to be a wonderful addition to our community. However, I’m like everyone else — I wish they would hurry-up. As mayor, I intend to be that voice that won’t be quiet.

could not have or sell alcohol. A lot of food businesses could not make much money when the city’s alcohol restriction was in place, Barto explained. However, the situation has changed.

“Wine sales are [now] 40% of most restaurants' gross sales and even more of their profit margin,” Barto said.

PETITION

continued from page 5 safety and security for all within our community.”

Heath also stated that the greenway is an important route that connects one end of Collegedale to the other. The area’s lack of lighting can cause some safety challenges, he said.

He shared statistics indicating that over the past seven years, 32 incidents have been reported on the greenway, with about half being of a criminal nature. These incidents includecases of vandalism, arson, sexual assault and reports of public indecency.

Matos initiated the petition due to her commitment to community safety, she told the Accent. She believed starting it would be an impactful method

to increase awareness and create positive change.

Matos launched the petition on April 3, 2023, and, as of Sept. 29, it had 460 signatures.

The petition has been promoted through social media and campus flyers. With the assistance of Matos’ manager, flyers have also been distributed throughout the Collegedale community.

“Why would you want to go to Collegedale when you could go across the street in Ooltewah and be in Chattanooga?” he added.

The city did not receive the funds it needed to go forward with its original plan in 1998, but Barto expects this time to be different. The goal is to have the Four Corners area redeveloped within the next few years.

Commissioner Tonya Sadler said she has been thinking about the addition of lights as well as

emergency

“Almost every morning, I see both young and older individuals enjoying the Collegedale greenway,” Sadler said. “Some of those mornings are remarkably dark — dark enough that I wouldn’t feel safe walking alone. Funding, of course, is always a significant challenge. Historically, our city has been reluctant to pursue grant opportunities that could fund projects like this, and I believe that must change.”

Matos said the petition is a work in progress, and momentum is gradually building. She believes that with sufficient support, a meaningful impact can be made in this area.

Those interested in this petition can find it at https://www. change.org/p/light-up-thegreenway.

"Almost every morning, I see both young and older individuals enjoying the Collegedale greenway. Some of those mornings are remarkably dark."

Morty Lloyd, who has fundraising and pastoring experience, became mayor of Collegedale at the end of last year. (Photo courtesy of source) With every opportunity that I’m given, I will remind TDOT and Wright Brothers that we need this project completed. I appre-

ciate their efforts and know that the finished product will be worth the wait.

The goal is to have the Four Corners area redeveloped within the next few years.

(

Photo by Amy Mejias)

The Rite-Aid building in Four Corners has been vacant for about seven years. Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

call boxes along the greenway since last December.

Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation plans to extend sidewalks and add trees along Apison Pike. (Rendering courtesy of David Barto)

The foundation is creating a master plan to encourage developers to give Four Corners a major facelift. (Rendering courtesy of David Barto)

Part of the foundation's goal for Four Corners is to turn single-story strip malls along Apison Pike into three-story complexes with apartments on top. (Rendering courtesy of David Barto)

MENTAL HEALTH

Harnessing nature’s restorative mental health benefits

Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.

In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, it’s all too easy to overlook the simple yet profound healing properties that nature can offer. However, recent research has shed light on the transformative impact of green spaces on our mental health and well-being. From cognitive development to stress reduction and even a decreased risk of mental disorders, the evidence supporting the benefits of nature on mental health is becoming increasingly compelling. For starters, green spaces around schools positively impact children’s cognitive development, and time spent in nature enhances the mental health and cognitive abilities of children and adults. Prioritizing green spaces is essential, especially for children’s development. Exposure to nature in their learning environments can improve focus, enhance problem-solving skills and increase creativity. Additionally, green spaces have been linked to promoting self-control in young girls, fostering emotional regulation and resilience from an early age.

When it comes to escaping the concrete jungle, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature can be a powerful antidote to stress. Research suggests that exposure to non-threatening scenes of nature can significantly boost a positive mood and help individuals transition from stress to relaxation, according to a chap-

ter by Roger Ulrich published in the book “Behavior and the Natural Environment.” Whether it is a stroll in the park or a hike through the woods, the natural environment can uniquely alleviate tension and restore inner calm.

Additionally, a study involving 900,000 residents of Denmark over an extended period found a unique link between green spaces and a reduced risk of developing mental illnesses later in life. Children who grew up in neighborhoods with abundant greenery showed a lower incidence of mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, psychiatric disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse disorders. In stark contrast, children living in areas with limited green space faced a 55% high-

er risk of encountering mental health challenges later in life.

Speaking of “later in life,” Oliver Sacks, the renowned neurologist, witnessed the healing power of nature firsthand. He took patients to gardens and on hikes, noting that their symptoms virtually disappeared during their time outdoors. His observation reinforces the idea that connecting with nature can transform mental health, relieving the burdens of neurological conditions by decreasing the number of stimulants around the patient. Nature can also improve general well-being. A comprehensive study of 20,000 adults from the United Kingdom emphasized that even a relatively short amount of time spent in nature can significantly enhance health

and well-being. Spending as little as two hours of recreational nature time per week caused the improvement; whether individuals got these two hours in one sitting or spread out over the week, the positive effects on mental health remained consistent. This is excellent news, as the discovery indicates that college students can effectively include nature-related activities in their busy routines.

Now, while green spaces are both particularly healthy and accessible, aquatic environments also positively affect well-being. A 2017 research study published in “Environment and Behavior” suggests that aquatic settings have a slightly higher impact. However, the most significant benefits are often associated

with experiencing remote and biodiverse spaces, where nature’s sights, sounds and scents work synergistically to elevate the restorative experience.

To sum it up, there is overwhelming evidence that spending time in nature can provide numerous mental health benefits. It can improve cognitive development, reduce stress and even lower the risk of mental disorders. By connecting with nature and spending time outdoors, we can enhance our overall well-being and nurture our mental health. It’s time to step away from screens and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural world, which can act as a soothing balm for our minds and souls.

Opinion: Who I believe is the GOAT of basketball

Jacob Nevis Sports Editor

In almost every sport, there is a definite GOAT, or “Greatest of All Time.” Tom Brady is the goat of football, Babe Ruth is the goat of baseball and Wayne Gretzky is the goat of ice hockey. In one other major American sport, though, brews a passionate debate on who is the greatest player of all time. That sport is basketball.

The conversation for GOAT of basketball is dominated by two names: Michael Jordan, longtime guard for the Chicago Bulls, who mostly played in the 1980s and 90s, and Lebron James, a current Los Angeles Lakers forward and former member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat whose career has spanned from the early 2000s to the present. Both players have been the best the basketball world has ever seen, but I believe that Jordan stands a step above James.

In other sports, the player deemed the GOAT is the one with the best stats or even the most championship wins, but in basketball, Jordan stands at the top for other reasons along with his stats and championship wins.

First, sports fans must look at the time period of basketball relative to the player. I believe that Jordan played at a time when defense was a lot more prevalent than it is today. Some of the notable defensive players in the league that Jordan would face were Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Gary Payton, to name a few. Jordan was no stranger to being a prime defensive player as well; he even won defensive player of

the year once. That is why, between Jordan and James, I believe that Jordan was the better defensive player.

Second, I believe that Jordan was also the better player when it came to the playoffs. While James might have a higher rebound and assist average than Jordan, Jordan has a higher career playoff point average. Jordan is also undefeated in the finals at 6-0, while James’ finals record is 4-10.

Now, let’s address one of the biggest arguments for why Jordan isn’t as good as James: Jordan had hall-offame team members. Well, I’d like to point out a couple of James’ teammates over the years as well. Some notable players that James has played with include Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and even Ray Allen. Most of these players were top players in the league at the time they were playing with James. The only two players that usually come to mind that played with Jordan were Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

Although the basketball GOAT debate covers more facets than one article can discuss, I hope the points I’ve made move you to research and develop an idea of who you believe is the true GOAT of basketball. I’d love to hear your opinion and why.

Editor’s Note: Have strong opinions about who really is the GOAT of basketball? To submit a “Letter to the Editor” or engage in the conversation with me, email jacobn@southern.edu.

(I want all the readers to know that my LepookieBear James will continue to be my glorious king in my heart.)

Edward Backer Contributor

(Top) Michael Jordan playing for the Chicago Bulls. (Photo sourced from Flickr)

(Bottom) Lebron James playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo sourced from Flickr)

Nature can help individuals transition from stress to relaxation. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

Birds aren’t real: Inspiration to creatively spread the gospel

Alexis Dewey Opinion Editor

The popular phrase “Birds aren’t real” was first coined in 2021 and is considered the “Gen Z conspiracy theory,” according to a New York Times article.

The idea behind “birds aren’t real” is that the United States government got rid of all the birds and replaced them with drones. “The Birds Aren’t Real movement exists to spread awareness that the U.S. Government massacred over 12 billion birds from 1959-2001, and replaced these birds with surveillance drone replicas, which still watch us every day,” according to the Birds Aren’t Real website.

You may ask: Why would the government do that? Well, the theory is the government wants to spy on Americans.

Believers of this theory have been able to answer some of the questions raised by doubters. For example, some have asked how the bird drones stay charged, or, if they are battery-powered, how do they get replaced? Well, the Birds Aren’t Real website tells us the birds are being charged when they are sitting on telephone poles outside.

The believers even have answers to what eggs are, how people still get pooped on by birds, how birds have guts when they become roadkill and so much more.

Nevertheless, the creator of this theory, Peter Mclndoe, and most people who wear the merch, know that birds are, in fact, real. The “conspiracy theory” became a movement because Mclndoe wanted to bring a fun,

light attitude to misinformation being spread in the news, according to The New York Times.

“So it’s taking this concept of misinformation and almost building a little safe space to come together within it and laugh at it, rather than be scared by it,” McIndoe said during an interview with CBS News.

Although most people understand that birds are real, people love diving deep into this conspiracy theory and finding more and more reasons to spread the news.

People are so quick to jump on the trend that birds aren’t real once they are shown the “facts.” They are eager to learn because the information is being presented in such a way that makes it sound exciting and world-shaking. People want to learn about things that other people are passionate about.

If people are this eager to learn about something that seems impossible, then why aren’t people just as eager to learn about the Gospel? People are so excited to learn about things that seem impossible and mind-boggling, but many are leaving the church every day. If people want to know the answers to big questions and understand things that seem so unreal at first, like birds being extinct, then why aren’t they clinging to the Word of God?

cy theory? It’s because we aren’t telling them.

The other week, I was reading some history and facts about the Birds Aren’t Real movement, simply out of curiosity, and it made me think about this analogy. This movement shows how people are ready to learn something new when it is approached in a certain way.

We, as Christians, aren’t preaching the good news the way we should or as often as we should. The Gospel and the salvation Jesus has given us should be so interesting and intriguing to us that we cannot stop talking about it.

We could be talking about and displaying Christ in a way that is exciting and gravitating for other people to witness. We need to find a way to prove that we are not all the stereotypical, dis-

criminating Christians the media says we are.

Every Christian has their own problem and issue when it comes to spreading the Gospel; there is no way we will always get it right. However, there are a lot of us who do not share the Gospel at all.

I do not have the perfect solution or idea for portraying Christ in a way that always works.

I don’t think there is just one way to witness to people; in fact, there are probably several.

All I do know is that we all need to do better, myself included. We can’t be satisfied knowing that people are not seeing Jesus for who He is.

These days it can be nerve-wracking to admit that you are a Christian in front of a crowd because of the way that Christianity is perceived in our society. However,

that does not mean we can lay low. If Jesus laid low none of us would be here. He was radical, unashamed, honest, and showed grace to everyone. Those are the characteristics we need if we want to effectively share the Good News.

Romans 10:14-17 states: “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

If people are willing to learn about the idea of birds not existing and being government spies, then why aren’t they believing that God created the universe, and He is making an eternal home for us? Why aren’t they listening to us? Why do they not find Jesus as interesting and amazing as a conspira- The

RELIGION

Doubt: Where God meets us at the foot of the cross

Nina Bueno

Contributor

I doubt a lot. Probably just as much as the next person, or maybe even more sometimes. I doubt that I will do well on a test. I doubt that that guy really does like me. I doubt that the plan God has for my life really is the best thing for me. I even doubt that I will ever be able to know what that plan is.

But I’m also a Christian. And as a Christian, I’m supposed to have faith. Faith that things will work out according to His plan. Faith that even though I don’t know what the plan is, for now, I must follow the light at the end of the hallway: a light that is sometimes bright on a night that Vespers is vesper-ing and I feel the Spirit moving but sometimes dim as I’m stressed and overwhelmed and I doubt — again.

But why do Christians doubt?

It seems double-minded, contradictory, to profess so much faith in Jesus but then find yourself doubting. You start to wonder how strong your faith was to begin with, and why, when you pray, the answers don’t come. But what if doubt, though disheartening, can actually help us grow in faith?

Doubt makes us realize that we cannot do anything alone. We are powerless; we cannot live by bread alone; we can do nothing without God. And this complete dependence can feel horrible. It can feel like God is not there. But He is: “If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there” (Psalms 139:8).

And it is also in this place, this often “horrible,” dependent place, that we learn to call on God for everything. It is when we realize our true powerlessness that we rely on His power;

it is when we grow tired of bread that we eat of His word; it is when we realize that we can do nothing alone that we claim the promise of God’s power to do the impossible in us (Philippians 4:13). Doubt is what brings us to the foot of the cross. And faith in that cross is what carries us through to eternity.

But what does this faith look like practically? Mark 9 tells the story of a man whose son was

possessed by demons. As a father, he was desperate, longing to see his son healed. But when he went to the disciples, hoping that they could heal his son, they were unable. Shocked at their inability to heal his son, he was overwhelmed with doubt. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he cried, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit. … I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they

could not. … But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (Mark 9:17-22).

Jesus met the father where he was. He met him in that depth of doubt and called him to claim His promises. “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes’” (Mark 9:23). What happens next is beautiful: “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24).

That is what we must say when we call upon God, when we experience doubt. Doubt does not suggest that our faith has been extinguished but that it must simply be renewed through prayer. And as we continue to ask the Lord to help us overcome our unbelief, our faith will become stronger and stronger through Jesus.

mind-boggling “Birds Aren’t Real” movement spread rapidly. The gospel should too. (Photo sourced from Flickr)

Overcoming break-away guilt as a first-generation Latinx college student

Steve Mota

Contributor

It was Jan. 5, 2023. I was in my living room with my family preparing to leave for Southern Adventist University. My ticket was purchased, my roommate was set, and I was packed, but a large part of me still did not want to leave. My hesitance was not caused by a lack of excitement about the next phase of my life but by the immense sense of guilt I felt for leaving my family behind.

I felt guilty because, for most of my life, I’ve heard stories of the hardships my family endured for us to be able to live in the United States, the struggles my siblings faced as undocumented children and the challenges that arose with higher education. A large part of me wanted to call the whole move off and stay close to my family, where I could get a cheaper education and a job to start helping my parents financially.

This story isn’t unique. According to Forbes, 56% of students in the U.S. are first-generation, and 25% of those are Hispanic/Latinx. I am one of the many within that 25%.

What is unique to a lot of Hispanic/Latinx students, including myself, is this idea of breakaway guilt. This idea suggests that my decision to pursue higher education comes with the price of abandoning my family.

My parents weren’t opposed to me going to a university; they encouraged it, and my sister was a big supporter of me coming to Southern. However, something about leaving

home felt like I was breaking away from my family, that, rather than continuing to pursue my education, I was abandoning my parents. Furthermore, a big part of why I chose to go to college was to bring honor to my family and community. When leaving home with this mindset, a person can feel totally alone in this experience.

Coming to a place where a lot of the people I meet aren’t first-generation makes me feel out of place. I’ve experienced challenges in areas professionally, financially and academically. My parents don’t have professional networks I can tap into and get advice from. My parents are trying their very best to support me financially through

college, but there is an understanding that I will be putting effort into supporting myself.

It’s been hard not being able to call my parents to help me in certain areas of school because they never went through it themselves. However, coming to Southern has been an easier transition with all the help and resources the university provides.

I view my status as a first-generation student as a source of strength. Everyday, I try to remind myself why I’m here. It’s a motivating factor that helps me become driven and determined. I look forward to the day when I can look at my parents and say, “Lo hicimos” (We did it).

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

Dear Kevin

Dear Kevin, Now, I don’t mean to ruffle any feathers, but it’s evident that Kevin embodies the spirit and charm that our school stands for. His feathered presence at the pond brings smiles and warmth to our campus. It’s high time we let Kevin waddle into the spotlight and take on the esteemed role of our campus mascot. How can we get that ball rolling?

Dear Friendly Fan,

While I appreciate the admiration and support, I am more of a low-key, behind-the-scenes, advice column-writing type of duck. I personally don’t desire the attention a campus mascot typically receives.

I think there’s room for multiple animals on campus, although I personally prefer the non-carnivorous sort.

#SAUlife

Dear Kevin, I think my friends are starting to distance themselves from me. They constantly post pictures without me and casually forget to invite me out. I feel like these are my only friends, and it makes me feel so alone. What should I do?

Dear Lonely Linda, I’m really sorry to hear that your friends are acting like a group of geese. Feeling like your friends are distancing themselves from you can be tough and isolating. Before taking any action, try to understand whether there might be reasons behind your friends’ behavior. Sometimes, people get caught up in their lives and may not even realize how their actions are affecting others. It might not necessarily be intentional. However, if their behavior isn’t lining up with your values, maybe try searching for a new group.

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.

This week’s winner is Anjan Sapkota. To collect your prize, go to the Student Development office.

Knowing that students need a latenight boost to study for midterms, Kevin is offering a

Starbucks Gift Card

a photo of where Kevin is hiding!

First-generation Hispanic/Latinx students might feel as if they are abandoning their families when they pursue higher education.

(Photo sourced from Unsplash)

Weekly Birthdays

TODAY