Cameron Collegian Issue #1 (Spring 2024)

Collegian T he Cameron University

CU later: www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, February 5, 2024

Volume 110 Issue 1

McArthur to retire after Spring 2024

Brittney Payette Managing Editor

Cameron University’s President of 11 years, Dr. John McArthur, announced his retirement this summer 2024.

McArthur started his journey at Cameron on July 1, 2004, as Dean of the School of Science and Technology. He had that position for two years and then became Vice President of Academic Affairs. He was also provost for a couple of years before he became Cameron’s president on July 1, 2013.

“I really enjoy the variety,” McArthur said. “I look forward to each day… If I had to pick a favorite day every year, it would be commencement. It has the opportunity to see our students finish the Cameron part of their journey and then get ready to go into the next part of their lives.

I really enjoy that each year.”

McArthur said he

is retiring from other positions associated with Cameron as well.

“I will be stepping down from the board positions that I’m on,” he said.

“Most of the boards I’m on, I’m on as Cameron’s president.

So, when Cameron picks its next leader, I’m sure they will inherit some of those positions.”

Some of the boards McArthur is currently a part of include serving as an ex officio member of the LawtonFort Sill Chamber of Commerce, the Lawton Economic Development Corporation and the Duncan area Economic Development Foundation Board. He

is also a part of the program to stimulate competitive research at the state level and an advisor for the

Presidential Leaders and University Scholars program. He said he looks forward to seeing what Cameron University will become in the future.

“As we grow and develop, we certainly want everyone at

of Physical Facilities Bob Hanefiled, and Director of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Accountability Karla Oty. McArthur and Oty are married and have worked together at three different institutions Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Colorado State University – Pueblo, and Cameron University.

“It has been rewarding to work together to try to further the mission of Cameron University,” Oty said. “My favorite part about working at Cameron is working with the students. I have enjoyed teaching Photo by Brittney Payette students in various Cameron to move mathematics forward and add new and statistics classes, skills,” he said. “And interacting with grow and pursue new students in the opportunities.”

Concert Band and the Community Band, and watching students perform in athletics, art, music, theatre, and other types of events.”

Oty began working at Cameron in August 2004 as an Associate Professor in Mathematics.

From January 2005 through May 2010 she served as the Chair of the Mathematical Sciences Department and was the interim McArthur Dean of the School of said there are other Science and Technology people who are leaving from August 2006 Cameron as well, through July 2008. She including Vice President was granted tenure in for Academic Affairs Ronna Vanderslice, Vice President for Business and Finance Ninette Carter, Director

2007. Finally, in July 2010 she started at her current position, which is the Director of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Accountability.

Oty said she has enjoyed her time at Cameron and has high hopes for the future of the institution.

“I would encourage Cameron students, faculty and staff to support each other by attending events outside of their area,” she said.

“We have wonderfully talented students and employees and this should be celebrated by everyone.”

McArthur said Cameron hired John Young as the new Director of Physical Facilities.

“He’s been doing that for two weeks now and is doing great work,” he said. “I’m looking forward to welcoming Lou Izzi as the next Director of Athletics upon the retirement of Jackson at the end of February.”

McArthur currently works for the Oklahoma Board of Regents, which is a board of seven people who are appointed by the governor each year.

“One of their primary responsibilities is to hire and evaluate the president of the universities of that board,” he said. “So, that would be Cameron University, Rogers State University, and the University of Oklahoma.”

McArthur said the board has not yet posted a notice of vacancy for his position. He said that the process of searching for a new university president involves the participation of faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

He said that when a board is searching for a new president, they generally first consider what direction they want the university to go in. Then, they begin looking for someone who they think is qualified and able to become president of the university.

See RETIREMENT

What’s Inside

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Campus Safety

'Mean Girls' Review

Perfect Pitch: CU Softball

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Page 6

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News

February 5, 2024

www.aggiecentral.com

Maintaining campus safety Hannah Owens

emails, pre-recorded phone calls and loudspeaker announcements News Editor strategically placed across the Cameron University strives to campus. protect the safety of the campus and The speaker system is in place to properly inform the community of the help alert those on campus who are appropriate responses to emergencies. not a part of the ECS. An Emergency Preparedness Guide Public Safety wants to remind is located on the Cameron University students to update their personal website, encompassing a wide contact information in Aggie Access range of scenarios and information, under “My Info” to ensure they will including natural disasters, potential receive all announcements. threats and evacuation plans.

The university has also designated Director of Public Safety and Chief assembly points and evacuation of Cameron Police routes, considering John DeBoard the campus layout urged students and potential hazards.

“When in doubt, to familiarize These routes have themselves with been marked and call us and ask.” this information.

John DeBoard communicated to The guide Director of Public Safety all members of the explains how campus community to prepare through signage for potential and the university’s emergencies and subsequently how to official website. respond to them.

DeBoard mentioned there is only Step-by-step plans for general one reoccurring issue that students building evacuation are highlighted should stay aware of. first, along with how to help evacuate There have been multiple those with handicaps, such as instances of suspicious impaired vision or a physical crutch. persons entering campus DeBoard said it’s important to be buildings after hours by informed about what to do in these slipping in after someone instances. with private access enters.

“Because you can’t always rely on DeBoard encourages the police or fire or someone getting students to reach out with any to you,” DeBoard said. “You may be uncertainties they may have. helping, you know, your classmate or “When in doubt, call us your friend or what have you.” and ask,” DeBoard said.

The Office of Public Safety plays a The Office of Public Safety majority role in emergency responses is located in South Shepler on campus, but sometimes the local Room 108. emergency response agencies must be For any further information called. or questions please email Annual training is held with the office at public_safety@ campus police and Lawton first cameron.edu or call the front responders to maintain a cohesive desk at (580) 581-2237. relationship.

In case of emergency, call Cameron University uses an 2911 or 580-581-2911. emergency communication system Calling 911 in the case (ECS) to quickly communicate any of an emergency on campus emergencies, campus closures or any can delay response time, so other information deemed important. please be sure to contact the The different channels of appropriate authorities. communication include text alerts,

Photos by Hannah Owens

RETIREMENT continued from page 1 “You will typically look for someone who certainly at least has a bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I mean, we’re in the business of creating college degrees, so you want the academic leader of the institution to hold a credential comparable to what’s produced by the institution.”

Additionally, McArthur said that

he expects the board members to seek a candidate who has more detailed experience with some level of the university’s operations.

“It doesn’t have to be academic affairs like mine,” he said, “but it could be someone with a background in business, it could be someone with (an) enrollment

management or student services background and university advancement.

Fundraising’s a big part of the job.”

Postretirement McArthur said he wanted to do more of his hobbies, such as traveling and gardening.

“What’s number one on our list right now is to go to the Galapagos

Islands,” he said. “We were set to go on a Cameron University Alumni and Donor trip. We were going to go in 2020. We were due to get on the plane three days before the world shut down for the pandemic ... That’s somewhere I really want to go.”

McArthur said what he wants people to know is how proud

he is of Cameron’s students.

“You make the job a joy,” he said. “Please keep coming. I think you’re the best of what the institution has.

With each generation of students, you change, and you help us change Cameron with each passing year so we can adapt to your needs and your aspirations for the future.”

He said that Cameron would not be what it is today without its students.

“The students make the place,” McArthur said. “It’s been a privilege to be at this institution to work with our students, with our faculty and staff; it’s a great community.

Collectively, they’re pulling for our students to succeed.”

February 5, 2024

www.aggiecentral.com

When the officers first took my older brother to jail, I was 10 and he was around 14.

After getting released each time, something else would happen, and he would go back again.

Then, three years ago, he was sentenced to 15 years.

Although not ideal, my two brothers and I had to cope the only way we knew how.

I have not once thought any less of my brother for being in prison since I have never been in his shoes.

At first, I was angry because it felt as if there was no one left there to protect me. So, I felt pressure on my shoulders to be my little brother’s protector.

There was a sense of priority in knowing that my little brother was now looking up to me.

During school, I was constantly striving to be the best example I could for my younger brother and be a genuine, honest and ethical human, all while trying to learn more about myself daily.

Thanks to the pressure I put on myself to go down a better path, I graduated high school 17 out of 2,524 students.

Now, I am a junior in college and beyond grateful for the stroke of luck life has given me.

Recently, I do not feel that pressure the way I used to since now I understand that someone is going to choose the way they would like to live their life regardless of how you live yours.

After his sentencing, it has been complicated, but I try not to think about every “what if” that wants to run through my head. Every day I wake up, I remember how grateful I am to be in the position I am in today.

Despite being a hormonal 20-year-old, attending college and working two jobs, I still feel guilty when I wake up on an extra sunny morning with the light shining through the window. The birds chirping oddly loudly near my window, knowing that my brother will not be able to have a similar experience for a very long time.

I often think about my older brother and how he and I grew up in the same environment, so I ask myself, why him and not me?

In the sense that what started it all was one suggestion from someone, why did no one make such a suggestion to me?

Unfortunately, I have to be okay with all my unanswered questions, and one day I might get an

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Voices

answer.

I’ve been living with feelings of guilt ever since his sentencing.

At first, I did not realize what all these vast feelings were, until I expressed those feelings to someone.

I do not wish those feelings on anyone.

My brother constantly asks me not to forget he exists even though I send him letters often, and I tell him I think about him more than anyone else.

If you have someone who is currently imprisoned, there are plenty of people who understand exactly what you are experiencing.

It tends to be the most beautiful things that I stop and

Ramona Villegas

Sports Editor

wish my brother could see the beautiful things life offers, not just me, but everyone else, too.

Through his time in my brother’s imprisonment, my grandma Gloria “Gogo” has been my rock through learning who I am, loving appropriately, and forgiving.

I’ll leave you with a quote that Gogo constantly reminds me of: “You are the architect of your own life.” -Henry Thomas Hamblin.

Photo by Ruth Villegas

Photo by Ramona Villegas About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

Our Views

The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author.

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

Letters Policy

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

Editorial Staff

The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

Managing Editor - Brittney Payette News Editor - Hannah Owens Voices Editor - Amelia Lozano A & E Editor - Kemar Noel Student Life Editor - Ciera Terry Sports Editor - Ramona Villegas Copy Editor - Kaley Muse

Newsroom Staff

Staff Writers - Justin Liszeski Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz

All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.

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A&E

Courtesy Photo

February 5, 2024

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MEAN GIRLS CULT CLASSIC TURNED MUSICAL Kemar Noel A&E Editor

Since its initial release twenty years ago, “Mean Girls” has been dubbed a cult classic by many and is one of the movies that has stood the test of time.

“Mean Girls” has been many things throughout the years (a Broadway show, comedic movie, lackluster sequel, and parenting book), but this is the first time the Plastics have been put on the big screen in the form of a musical.

Yet again, Tina Fey is the one in charge of the musical recast, and viewers wanted to know if Fey could recreate the magic of the original 2004 hit.

The straightforward answer is simply, no.

“Mean Girls” (2004) follows the life of transfer homeschool student Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) who lived in Africa for the majority of her life. She has to quickly adjust to one of the scariest places known to man high school.

Cady unwillingly joins the “Plastics,” a group of friends at the top of the social hierarchy, but after falling for the queen bee Regina George’s (Rachel McAdams) ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennet), she gets humiliated by her new “friends.”

After this, Cady decides to take Regina down from the inside out by officially becoming one of the Plastics but starts to become more and more like the one she hates most throughout the film. Cady realizes what she has become and fixes things at the end making everyone know that it is okay to be themselves and not to seek validation from others.

This movie, while being a comedy, focused on different themes and topics, which added to its original success.

The problem with the 2024 musical is that, while it is a carbon copy, it lacked certain elements that made the first film work.

The film musical tries to replicate the same formula the 2004 film had, beat for beat. The only difference is that this version is a musical, yet the movie felt bland and out of place.

Angourie Rice plays the new Cady, and she lacked the comedic awkwardness Lohan possessed in the original as well as character and overall screen presence.

Rice didn’t have what it required to be a lead; she felt out of place and uncomfortable throughout the film and definitely didn’t do her predecessor justice.

While filling the shoes of Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan is tough, there shouldn’t have been this big of a difference between how the characters were played. The casting choices were questionable, to say the least, and this movie felt like it was afraid to be the one thing that it desired to be, which is a musical.

Another major problem was the way the music was constructed. The musical tried to make a soft indie pop vibe with its music rather than taking the theatrical route.

Rice isn’t the best singer, and it shows throughout the musical her vocals are choppy and devoid of emotion.

The way the music was mixed in the studio beforehand was horrendous and there isn’t one musical number that lands throughout the film. These usually could be saved by good vocals but there wasn’t much of that either. The choreography felt akin to a TikTok dance rather than actual dancing.

It is hard for lovers of the original film to digest, but when choosing to adapt a film of this caliber, there is only so much that can be expected. Not one of the recreations has even a sliver of genuine enthusiasm or wit that the original undoubtedly possessed which made this musical film even harder to watch. I would definitely not recommend this film to anyone and will rate it a solid 3/10.

REVIEW: LETHAL COMPANY

Hannah Owens News Editor

Lethal Company is a first-person cooperative horror/comedy survival game playable with up to four people.

Players assume the role of loyal employees for “The Company” and travel to different extraterrestrial moons, collecting metal scraps and other miscellaneous items to sell back to The Company to meet a quota. Every in-game day, employees must navigate through huge bunker-like facilities or

2023. As of January 2024, Lethal Company has about 10 million downloads. Believe it or not, there is a single 21 year old man behind the viral sensation known only as “Zeekerss.”

Why has this game blown up?

What is the appeal? I think there are many factors behind its popularity.

While Lethal Company can be played alone, it is more curated toward group play. The problems and enemies faced are far more balanced between multiple people so the experience is challenging without being frustrating.

Features like proximity chat and the ability to spectate other Courtesy Photo players after death contribute to the multiplayer aspect. Proximity chat giant mansions to search for scraps and in a video game is a communication bring them back to their ship before feature that allows players to interact midnight. On top of a time constraint, with each other based on their in-game players must also avoid a large variety proximity. of hostile and deadly creatures. There Zeekerss explained in an interview are lethal consequences if the quota is why horror and comedy work so well not reached in sufficient time. together.

Lethal Company is available on “Gameplay-wise, it’s actually Steam for $10 and has over 250,000 a game about laughing at death,” reviews, with most being positive.

Zeekerrs said.

Released on Oct. 23, 2024, the game The independent developer saw about 600 players recorded intentionally crafted horrifying, yet as having played, and this number ridiculous, creatures and situations increased to over 40,000 by Nov. 13, to scare players and then make them

laugh. The combination of horror aspects like deadly blind dogs that react to in-game microphones and comedy aspects like the ability to kill friends with a falling ladder has proven very effective.

YouTubers and live streamers gravitated towards Lethal Company playing it in front of thousands of people every day of the week for hours. Personally, watching gameplay videos on YouTube is how I discovered the game.

There is a lot to love about Lethal Company, but there is some to be missed.

The game lacks a substantial plot or storyline, which may eventually disinterest players seeking that type of progression. There are many different moons, the locations are still very similar and become repetitive quite quickly.

Being curated toward group-play is also a downfall because there is not much encouragement for single players to invest into it.

It’s important to remember, though, that this game has a lot of potential for updates and improvements and currently only has one person behind it.

I rate this game 6.5/10 and would gladly recommend it to others.

February 5, 2024

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Student Life

Student Wellness Center www.aggiecentral.com

A safe space for Cameron students Ciera Terry Student Life

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 29, Director of the Student Wellness Center Jennifer Rowland hosted Mental Health Monday in North Shepler, an event created in order to introduce the Cameron student body to the resources available on campus and to destigmatize how society views mental health issues.

The event created a safe space for Cameron students to learn their way around the Student Wellness Center.

Rowland said student support is important at Cameron.

“We are committed to creating a campus culture where students feel supported, valued and empowered to see the help they need,” Rowland said.

Mental Health Monday provided valuable information, and Rowland gave students the opportunity to win a free HP touchscreen laptop.

When the event came to a close at 3 p.m., Rowland pulled the ticket for the lucky winner, CU sophomore Clara Williams.

“I was really surprised because I’ve actually really been needing a new laptop,” Williams said.

The Student Wellness Center helped the student body while also providing opportunities that got students interacting with campus events.

Williams said she thinks the Student Wellness Center is a vital campus campus student resource.

“It’s really good to have a give away in order to get students more involved with activities on campus,” she said.

The Student Wellness Center is on campus to advocate for students in every way it can.

Hosting events like Mental Health Monday, is important to Cameron University.

Rowland said the Academic Festival provided funding for Mental Health Monday events “to promote awareness and offer students the opportunity to participate in activities and discussions aimed at destigmatizing Mental health issues.”

For more information about the Student Wellness center contact at Studentwellness@cameron.edu

PAC Jibbitt Giveaway

What a Croc! From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jan. 23, in the MCC lobby, PAC hosted their very own Jibbit giveaway. Jibbits consisted of animated characters like Spider-man and Deadpool, sports logos and equipment, camp life style and fast food logos.

Photo by Ciera Terry

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Sports

February 5, 2024

www.aggiecentral.com

Cameron University

By Ramona Villegas Sports Editor

Softball

The Cameron University softball team will start their 2024 season against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats at 2:15 p.m., Feb. 9, at the Wichita Falls Sports Complex.

Cameron has ten returns and twelve the team conducts scrimmages against each other. This allows new players to add the 2024 season. for some friendly competition Cameron Head Softball Coach among the players and so that Emma Johansen emphasized the Coach Johansen can assess her significance of being a positive role players. model and trusted mentor for her “I am here to give them players. direction and build their skill “Everything is based on being a set,” Johansen said. “It is up to family,” Johansen said, “but we like to have fun and get after it at the same them and how hard they work and want it.” time: work hard, play hard.”

The team enters the softball A second-year coach, Johansen season with a full roster of prides herself on fostering open talented student-athletes, communication and maintaining an each with their own goals and environment where players feel the motivations.

In addition, the coaches authentically care about and players all expressed a strong prioritize players. desire to continue strengthening Senior right fielder Ashlynn Bruce their bond as said a unit.

Johansen Senior takes an “As a senior …

I feel pitcher active Jocelyn like my job is to support interest in Bright draws the lives everyone —Keep everyone motivation of her from wanting going no matter if we’re players. to make “If losing or having a hard day of her mother someone proud. has practice.”

Bright’s something — Jocelyn Bright mother in their Senior pitcher played personal college life,” softball, but Bruce had her career cut short at 19 when said, “she (Johansen) makes sure she’s she became pregnant with Jocelyn. always checking on them, or someone Bright is driven to succeed not just is always checking on them.” for herself but to honor her mom’s In order to prepare for the season,

Photo by Ramona Villegas

legacy.

As one of the Lady Aggies veteran leaders, she pushes the team to play each game with an appreciation of the privilege of being a college athlete.

“As a senior … I feel like my job is to support everyone,” Bright said, “Keep everyone going no matter if we’re losing or having a hard day of practice.”

Ashlynn Bruce learned the importance of resilience and taking the higher road from her father.

He instilled in her the values of perseverance and integrity that have shaped Bruce into the person and athlete she is today.

Bruce’s dad often reminded her growing up that being the bigger person meant not stooping to another

level, even when it was difficult.

“Definitely, where I am today is because of my dad. I would not be anywhere without him because I don’t have a mom, so it’s just my dad and me,” Bruce said.

The Lady Aggies have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. As the players support each other like family, their differences strengthen them, making them a force to be reckoned with.

The Lady Aggies are set to take the field for their anticipated home opener on Feb. 16.

Finally, the Lady Aggies are focused to leave it out on the diamond and enjoy the journey together.

For more information visit cameronaggies/softball.com.