Point Magazine | Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

M A G A Z I N E

Elevating online higher ed page 10

+ WHO GOT YOU THROUGH? | SKYHAWKS LAUNCH FLAG FOOTBALL

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GIVE THE GIFT OF FAITH. At Point University, the core of what we work toward is transformation — for students to encounter Jesus and be radically changed by him. Whether through classmates, professors, coaches or community activities, our students are engaging with the gospel every day. A gift to Point helps enable us to serve students better as they grow in saving faith in Christ. Consider a gift today!

POINT.EDU/GIVE

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Contents FEATURES

10 Elevate: A New Model for Online Higher Education Point’s subscription program allows employers to provide their employees with a debt-free college education.

14 Flag on the Play Meet the coach and student-athletes launching Point’s newest team sport.

18 Who Got You Through?

Alumni from both the Atlanta Christian College and Point University years share stories of the people who helped them make it to graduation.

DEPARTM E N TS 4 From the President 5 University News 22 Backstory

josiah burdette ’26

On the Cover:JAustin Lashley ’24, Lauren McGuire and Kyron

Holmes ’24 in front of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Poplar Road in Newnan, Georgia. McGuire operates the Poplar Road location and participates in Elevate, Point’s subscription program for business owners. Read more on page 10!

COVER PHOTO BY RAGAN BARNES JOHNSON ’21

Calling all alumni!

Whether your diploma says Atlanta Christian College or Point University, we want to connect with you! Please scan the QR code below or visit us at point.edu/alumni to update your contact information and subscribe to The Cross & Crown, our alumni newsletter. Let us know your news, and we’ll share it with your fellow alumni in the next edition. On our website, you’ll also find upcoming alumni events and other ways to get involved at Point.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT Point Magazine Volume 62, Number 2 Spring 2024 E DITO R/DE S IGNER

Sarah G. Huxford ASS ISTANT E D ITOR

Amber Bowman CO NT RIB UTO R S

Ragan Barnes Johnson ’21 Desean Bullock

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ho got you through? We can all think of challenging moments in our lives — times when we needed support, mentorship and encouragement from fellow Christians. For many students, the college years are full of such challenges.

In my case, it wasn’t just who got me through, but also who got me to college in the first place. Neither of my parents finished high school, so I do not come from a family that placed significant influence on attending college. One of my older brothers did graduate from college the year I graduated from high school, and he encouraged me to go to college. At the last possible moment, the summer after high school, I applied and was accepted at Florida Tech, which is now the University of Central Florida. I stayed one semester, ran out of money and dropped out.

I received a letter from an alumnus of ACC, inviting me to join his Christ In Youth team.

After several months of traveling with CIY, I realized that I needed to go back to college and enrolled at ACC. In order to pay for it, I took a job as a youth minister the same day I began college for the second time.

Fortunately, I was blessed to have a “village” who got me through college. Professor John Wade was my advisor and a constant source of encouragement. Professors Huxford, McKinney and Swearngin were always challenging me and pushing me to stay the course.

Even with so many helping, I still had financial challenges. Before my last year of college, I couldn’t figure out how I could pay my tuition and graduate. Professor Don Jeanes came to me and said he would help me out. He took me to a local bank and cosigned a loan for me to finish college. I am still amazed at his kindness.

As I reflect on those who helped me — and especially how Don helped me find the money to finish college — I am pretty sure that God used all of these encouragers to lay the groundwork for programs like our Elevate subscription and our GAP Scholarship, both of which make a college education a reality for many.

I hope you enjoy this issue. And maybe, after you read it, you can think of a college student you can encourage today. You might just be part of the village that makes a life-changing difference for someone!

In Christ,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

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CONTACT US: Point University Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 editor@point.edu © 2024 Point University Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world.

Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 300334097, at http://www.sacscoc.org, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point University.

point university archives

President Collins in 1978

Point Magazine exists to tell Point University’s stories. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for connecting the University’s alumni and friends. For the first 49 volumes of its existence, Point Magazine was known as The Gold & Blue. The magazine is published by the Communications Office, which retains the right to determine the editorial content and presentation of information contained herein. Articles or opinion pieces contributed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of Point University and its board of trustees. Point Magazine welcomes reader responses to its content.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

SNAPSHOT

ragan barnes johnson ’21

Chapel services on Point’s West Point campus provide a time for students, faculty and staff to worship together. Students also have an opportunity to participate in leading worship. In this photo, Janie Marie Messer ’25 leads worship at the January chapel service.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

White to Serve on NAIA-ADA Board Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jaunelle White, pictured above with two Point student-athletes, was recently added to the NAIA Athletics Director Association (NAIA-ADA) board as a representative for the Southern States Athletic Conference. White is in her third year leading the Athletic Department at Point.

White’s appointment to the NAIA-ADA demonstrates the respect of her peers. The NAIA-ADA leadership board consists of 21 members, with a representative from each NAIA conference.

White also serves as cochair of the SSAC Striving For Equality Committee and as a member of the NAIA Champions of Character Committee.

“It’s an honor to be selected by my fellow athletic directors to represent the Southern States Athletic Conference on the NAIA-ADA,” White said. “I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues to engage, empower and promote within the NAIA Structure.”

Commissioner Mike Hall has a lot of respect for White’s leadership.

“Jaunelle is highly respected among her AD peers in the SSAC,” he said.

“She will be an excellent representative of our conference and be able to provide much-needed depth for the ADA board from her years of athletic experience.”

Two Point students and one alumnus were recognized at the Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing state competition on November 3.

Daniel Stith ’26 won first place in classical and second place in musical theater. Maddie Williams ’25 won third place in musical theater, and alumnus Jacob Johnson ’19 won first place in commercial music. All three are voice students from the studio of Dr. Toni Anderson, artist and author in residence at Point University, who was also recognized that day. This was the first competition for all three students.

“It was a really great learning experience that got me around other great musicians to help push me to be a better musician,” said Stith.

330 students representing 47 voice studios across Georgia participated in the competition hosted at Reinhardt University.

2,817 NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED AT POINT IN FALL 2023, BREAKING THE PREVIOUS ENROLLMENT RECORD

News Feed This Christmas, Point’s Student Life Office gave back to the community through a winter coat drive for elementary school students at nearby Bowen East District Head Start Center. Faculty, staff and students donated 106 coats, which meant that every student at the center received a brandnew coat.

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Point’s Spring Ministry Seminar will be held April 18, with guest speaker Joe Putting of Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach, Florida, sharing how his church said “yes” to international missions.

Register for this free event at point.edu/ ministryseminar.

Point joined the CISCO Networking Academy, a skills-to-jobs program offering technology education through public-private partnerships, high-quality curriculum, and inclusive workforce development.

photos courtesy of point athletics, fine arts and student life; ragan barnes johnson ’21

FINE ARTS STUDENTS, ALUMNUS EXCEL IN STATE COMPETITION

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Thoughts on Retirement If you have ever set foot on the University’s main campus, you’ve likely met Mary Susan Underwood. Underwood, who retired in January after nearly 13 years as director of guest relations, was the University’s first West Point-based employee. Point Magazine sat down with her to gather some words of wisdom.

What are your plans for retirement?

Spending more time with my family and going to the beach more often.

What has kept you at Point for 13 years?

I love the mission of Point – educating students for Christ-centered service and leadership – and I love being around the students, learning about their lives and accomplishments.

What has been your most memorable event during your time at Point?

I loved Impact Days, where several hundred students, faculty and staff worked in the community together for a common goal. I want our community to see our amazing students in action. My next favorite is the great concerts we share with the community. We have so much to share with our neighbors. I loved giving tours to alumni and community guests so I could “show off” our amazing custom-built facilities and tell the story of how we reach out to students from so many backgrounds.

How do you turn a tough work day around?

Take a break – walk a lap around the building and think positive thoughts. Stop and talk to a student! ragan barnes johnson ’21

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new student?

Engage in student life and community activities.

You learn more about yourself and getting along with others during your college years than any other time. You also make the best friends during your college years!

News Feed Point was recently named an authorized partner with CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association. CompTIA exists to promote growth in the information technology industry by providing education, training, certifications, philanthropy and market research. The partnership will provide Point students with high-quality IT curriculum and more.

Point University trustee Khalilah Cooper, an executive at Chickfil-A, will serve as commencement speaker. The commencement ceremony will be held May 4 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

On Giving Tuesday, Point’s theme was “Faith in Action,” based on James 1:14.

A decade challenge encouraged alumni to participate in the mission and vision of Point by contributing.

The 1970s alumni won the challenge, with the 2000s alumni taking second place.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Point Alumni Celebrate Homecoming

ragan barnes johnson ’21

Last fall’s Homecoming was a fun weekend of reunion, celebration and remembrance. Ron Lewis ’82 preached in chapel Thursday, followed by the first-ever Glow Run. Friday, the Milestones Luncheon honored alumni who graduated 50 years ago, then a book signing was held honoring Dr. Holly Ritchie Carey ’01. Young alumni also gathered for a bowling event. The Department of Fine Arts held a concert remembering Dr. Eddie Groover ’67, chancellor emeritus, where it was announced that the learning commons would be named in his memory. On Saturday, the Point community enjoyed a tailgate before the football game. Make plans to join us for Homecoming 2024 on November 1-2! To view photos from the weekend, visit point.edu/photos.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

ragan barnes johnson ’21

Biblical Studies Graduate Demonstrates Excellence in Greek Joshua Beam ’26, a biblical studies and preaching ministry major, recently presented his final project in fourth-semester Greek. Beam, who graduated in December, and his wife, Kimberley ’21, relocated to Abilene, Texas, to attend seminary at Abilene Christian University on a scholarship.

As part of Beam’s program of study, he was required to take four semesters of biblical languages. In this case, Beam chose Greek with Professor Wye Huxford ’73, dean of the College of Biblical Studies and Ministry.

“The objectives in studying Greek for two years,” said Huxford, “include the ability to thoroughly engage with a challenging text from the New Testament, which includes the historical background, the literary setting of the text, addressing any textual challenges of the text, translating the text, exegeting the text in terms of word meanings and word relationships, reviewing how the text has been interpreted in the history of the church, and finally, but not unimportantly, determining how the text addresses the church in our age. This year, the text has been Romans 8:26-30.”

These objectives culminate in the final project, which begins in the first week of the fourth semester. Beam’s 30-minute presentation answered two primary questions: what have you learned about this text that you likely would

not have learned without addressing the Greek text, and what questions have been raised in the process of working on this paper?

“One of the things that makes Josh such a good student is that his ability to work at this level has not made him sour on the idea of what preaching is and the essential nature of the churches,” said Huxford. “He regularly preaches at a small church in the Greater Valley Area. The opportunity to teach and spend time with students like Josh – and many others at Point – is a blessing that I really can’t adequately describe in words.”

Beam understands that the short-term labor of learning Greek will aid him as he pursues a vocation in ministry.

“Taking Greek IV was the most rewarding part of my undergraduate degree,” he said. “This work has given me the tools and experience I need to be a better biblical thinker when it comes to my ministry.”

“I am certain the lifelong advantage of this kind of knowledge will prove useful in all ministry contexts, not just preaching,” Beam added. “I hope to pursue a career in ministry, either in the prison system or with refugees, and I am excited to see how Greek will impact my ability to minister to people in those areas.”

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E L E VA T E :

BY AMBER BOWMAN

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shutterstock

A NEW MODEL FOR ONLINE H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT: COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE. In the United States, the conversation around college education, employment and student loan debt has emerged as a prominent one that impacts more than just students.

Employers, educators, parents, students and taxpayers have all taken an interest. While, according to Forbes, the U.S. workforce has shrunk by 3 million workers in recent years, the average college student continues to graduate with more debt each year. USA Today reports that the total student loan debt is currently $1.77 trillion, and the cost of education continues to rise. In fact, Best Colleges reports that tuition costs increased by 65 percent between 2000 and 2020. Because of these changes, many new attitudes have emerged regarding higher education. It was once considered an indisputable fact that higher education was an advantage for any employee to earn more and have better benefits. But now, according to the Harvard Business Review, only 41 percent of adults ages 18 to 29 view higher education as very important, despite research suggesting that college graduates do earn more, have better benefits, are more civically engaged and are less likely to require public assistance. It’s a complex problem that seems to defy any simple solutions.

But Point University has made the bold choice to step into the middle and offer another way — for both students and employers.

Point University’s Elevate program was launched in 2022, after several Chick-fil-A operators took an interest in a new concept the University was testing for employers to pay an annual fee to send their employees to college. Since its launch, the program has grown to include more than 300 businesses and more than 1,000 students. The goal of the program is to bridge the gap between the University and employers, who typically are competing for the same individuals. Instead of choosing between working full time or earning their degree, students are now able to do both, all while graduating with zero student loan debt.

“There is nothing out there that can touch what Point is doing,” says Lauren McGuire, operator of Chick-fil-A Poplar Road in Newnan, Georgia —about a 40-minute drive from Point’s main campus. “Not only from a value standpoint to me, but also the impact to my business and to these kids’ lives.”

McGuire first heard about the Elevate program through André Kennebrew, a colleague who is also chair of the board of trustees at Point. “He kept explaining the program to me, and it sounded too good to be true,” she says. “For me, things that are too good to be true usually are.”

Despite having many college-aged employees, McGuire was uncertain whether they would be interested in earning their degree through an online program. “I would’ve never wanted to go to school online,” she says. “But for this generation, it’s so natural. I kept hearing about more and more of my employees doing school online, and I just couldn’t get the program out of my head.”

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katie threatt ’24

Kyron Holmes ’24 and Austin Lashley ’24, students in the Elevate program

When she introduced Elevate to her store, McGuire required the employees participating to work a minimum of 36 hours a week while taking two classes online at a time.

“It’s given me this pool of basically full-time talent that I use to backfill all the flexible schedules I have to work around,” she says.

“These kids have become a core part of my staff, and they’re some of my best workers and leaders.”

Additionally, a new community has emerged at the store for the Point students who work together. “I want these kids to have an experience like college, where they can learn to be responsible,” says McGuire. “They’ve created this really cool community within themselves One Sunday, as she worshiped at her church, where they help each other, talk about what’s going on and encourage one another. That’s McGuire still felt undecided about moving forward with the program. “I was praying about it, what community in college is like, where you have friends to help you along. That’s becoming and I said, ‘Okay, God. If I should do this Point a reality for us, which is really fun.” thing, would you let just one of my employees For students, Elevate offers a second tell me they want to go to Point?’” chance at earning a degree and changing their The next morning, McGuire met with one lives, even when they had already given up. of her employees to discuss her future with “In high school, I was irresponsible and had a Chick-fil-A. When McGuire asked her where lack of care for my schoolwork,” says Kyron she wanted to go to pursue her degree, that Holmes ’24, an employee at Chick-fil-A Poplar employee responded that she wanted to attend Road studying human relations through the Point University. “I looked at her and said, ‘I’m program.

“I was unable to get into any schools going to pay for your education,’” says McGuire. because of my horrific GPA. In the beginning “I called Point that day and signed the contract.” of the process, I was denied by Point because Elevate has caused a ripple effect at Mcof my GPA, but Lauren vouched for me, and I Guire’s restaurant. “It’s the easiest sell I’ve was accepted into the program because of her ever had,” she explains. “All I have to do is lay belief in me.” out the program for them, and then they bring Through hard work and accountability, the their friends who are struggling to pay for program has changed the course of Holmes’ school or who have quit school because they life. “This opportunity has impacted my life so can’t afford it.” much,” he says. “Now I’m educated, and I have The program has completely changed the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree McGuire’s business and the culture of her or to get a job. Overall, it has grown me in my store. “After the pandemic, the whole world discipline and the ability to work through hard hit this labor shortage, and we were having a things.” He’s now a junior in Point’s underhard time finding kids that fit with us who also graduate program. wanted to work a lot,” she says. “We were reThe same sentiment is echoed by fellow ally struggling, and I was worried about losing Poplar Road employee Austin Lashley ’24, who my leaders because they were working more is pursuing his MBA at Point. “After completthan anyone should have.” ing my undergraduate degree in 2018 at the

ragan barnes johnson ’21

University of Georgia, I thought I was finished with higher education,” he says, “but little did I know, the Lord had bigger plans! Lauren asked me one evening if I wanted to pursue a master’s degree; at first, I laughed it off, until an epiphany struck: why not?”

“For me, the opportunity was low risk with minimal barriers to entry,” he adds. “I refused to take on additional student loan debt, and the subscription program allowed me to earn a graduate degree without the financial burden.

Additionally, the flexibility of the online program allowed me to maintain a healthy work, school and life balance.”

Lashley has leveraged his education to develop his skills and knowledge within his current position at McGuire’s store. “I applied the principles taught in my Strategic Marketing course to market our store’s then-new serve-only food trailer to underserved markets, which accounted for over $130,000 in sales in 2023,” he says.

Before entering the program, Lashley had assumed the path before him was set. Now, because of Elevate, his life is radically different.

“Because of this program, I will be the first person in my family to earn a graduate degree,” he says. “The course work has added immense value to my personal and professional acumen in that I’ve learned how to manage my time more effectively while still producing quality work, collaborate with peers to understand the course load beyond the fundamental readings, and apply my learnings to real-world scenarios that have positively impacted my role in business and my community.”

While Chick-fil-A operators across the country have chosen to participate in Elevate, the subscription program also extends beyond them. Several local businesses in the Greater Valley Area also subscribe, including ITC Holding Company, a private equity firm that operates seven of its own businesses across a variety of industries.

“Our business is built off of subscriptions,” says Mark Smith ’05, ’18, chaplain at ITC Holding Company. “That’s our revenue model.

So we felt like it was really going to be a great thing for Point University to pursue, and we expressed our interest in participating. We rolled it out and it’s been a really great success.”

ITC’s implementation of Elevate was driven by a desire to care for their employees.

“Our chairman, Cam Lanier, always says there are two things that make the world go around, and those are people’s desire to love and to be loved,” says Smith. “So, for us, this program is just a way for us to let our people know that

we love them. It’s to invest in them and to help them grow as individuals and become more equipped.”

ITC doesn’t require its employees in the program to pursue a business degree. They’re given the freedom to pursue whatever program they are most interested in.

Smith believes that through Elevate, everyone involved benefits: “We really believe this will be sustainable for the long run. Point wins because their enrollment goes up, our company benefits by having more knowledgeable employees and better processes, and our employees are blessed as they grow and flourish in the program.”

Of all the benefits of the program, Smith says his favorite part is that at its core, Point University is faith-based. “At Point, faith is just woven into everything,” he says. “At ITC, we have some employees who are believers and some who are not. But either way, they’re being exposed through their peers, their professors and the whole network of Point folks. To me, that’s a great thing.”

Through Elevate, Point University has addressed the national worker shortage and rising tuition costs to benefit and bless everyone involved. God is a God of second chances, sometimes even third and fourth chances. The Elevate program encompasses that same ideal.

Now, students can start over and transform their lives and their families’ lives with a debtfree college education.

Mark Smith ’05, ’18, chaplain at ITC Holding Company

Want to know more about how you can subscribe and provide your employees with a debt-free education?

Visit point.edu/elevate.

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ragan barnes johnson ’21

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Flag on the

piecing together the puzzle of building a brand-new collegiate athletic program . . . from scratch

At left: Leah Prather ’27, Maddy Motz ’27 and Kyra Hart ’23, ’25 helped kick start the women’s flag football roster

Play

BY DESEAN BULLOCK

W

hen women’s flag football was announced as Point’s newest athletic program in December 2022, curious minds had to wonder about many aspects of launching a new collegiate sport. Who would lead the program as the head coach? Would recruits be interested in being part of something so new? Could the sport help grow the institution with a diverse culture?

The first piece of the puzzle was placed in April 2023, when Theseus Jackson was named head coach for the women’s flag football team. Jackson brought with him the knowledge he gained with 15 years of playing and coaching flag football. When he was hired, Jackson said, “I am here to win and bring in recruits who have that same mindset.”

As a recruit, how could someone come into a program with little to no history? Jackson hit the roads around Alabama, Georgia and Florida looking for players who saw the vision that was in plain sight and were ready to live out their dreams of becoming a collegiate athlete.

A high-school senior from Columbus, Georgia, who may not have expected this dream to come true was the first signee. Leah Prather ’27 wanted to be a part of history. “I was not expecting to go to a college level, let alone be the first person to sign, so it was an honor to be the first,” she says.

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Prather’s journey to flag football began in her freshman year at Northside High School, when the sport was introduced. She found a love for the sport and played all four years, including going to finals and championships – but never could win it all. At Point, she wants to help the Skyhawks win the big one. “I’m ready to win, and I’m glad that Coach Jackson wants to win,” she says. “I want to prove something with this team.”

Prather, who is strong in her faith in addition to having a fierce competitive drive, was that all-important next piece of the puzzle. But Jackson needed at least six more players.

Luckily, Jackson is no stranger to the Point community, having served as wide receivers coach for the football team in 2021-22. He knew student-athletes at Point, and many of them wanted to add pieces to the flag football puzzle. In April 2023, the Student Life Office also hosted an informal flag football game for female students, which Jackson used as a sort

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of tryout for new signees. Many students used the game as an opportunity to demonstrate their seriousness about playing flag football at the intercollegiate level. Current student-athletes playing women’s basketball, women’s soccer and volleyball also expressed interest in becoming dual-sport athletes.

Jackson continued to solve the puzzle by using social media and reaching out directly to the growing number of high schools with flag football programs.

The second official signee, Esther Udo ’27, smiled ear to ear on her signing day in May 2023. Udo saw the opportunity to come to West Point and create a legacy for herself.

Caitlin Raynor ’26 previously played women’s basketball at Point, winning a conference championship ring. But she longed to return to the sport where she made memories during high school. “I love the sport of women’s flag football, and I knew I could make an impact if given the opportunity,” she says.

josiah burdette ’26

Caitlin Raynor ’26 dodges her opponent during an early-season game against Milligan

josiah burdette ’26 and ragan barnes johnson ’21

High school signee Maddy Motz ’27 joined the team shortly thereafter, and the puzzle started to look more complete. Motz came from the same high school and hometown as Prather, which helped with the transition to college life in West Point. “I am truly excited for women in general to see how big flag football is getting, so this is a big honor,” says Motz.

As the 2023-24 year approached, the team looked to get ready for one thing: practice.

Many start-up programs go through the early phases of growing pains in learning the sport.

Jackson felt that the only way to know what progress needed to be made was to get his team on the field and find their identity leading up to the first game.

In November, the team finally played a scrimmage against an outside opponent. The Skyhawks stepped onto the field at their future home of River Bowl Stadium to take on Florida Gateway, a storied program that has won many national championships. For Jackson, this was the perfect introduction to what the team needed to expect once the season began in February 2024. The scrimmage on the home field served as a humbling moment of knowing that the team had a long road ahead. Going into Christmas break, it was clear that play time was over once the spring semester began.

In January, 52 days from opening day, the team got back to work. The first media day was held, team photos were taken and uniforms were ready. The puzzle seemed to have almost been solved.

The clock seemed to speed faster, and suddenly, the team was on the road to Marietta for the first game in program history, against Life University. Jackson and the players’ nerves settled in as the national anthem was played before taking the field. There were highs and lows in the game, but February 22 was still historic for the team.

The final piece of the puzzle of building a program is playing in front of your own fans at home. For the Skyhawks, that piece was placed on February 24. Motz also made program history, scoring the first-ever touchdown.

The process of piecing together the perfect puzzle can be bumpy, and it takes a great deal of patience. The vision of wanting to be the best in the first year of a program will also mean going through trial and error to figure out what defines the “best.” Now that the puzzle of building the program is complete, women’s flag football at Point has nowhere to go but up.

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Who got you

through?

We asked, and you delivered! When the call went out for alumni to share stories of the people who got them through to graduation, responses poured in. Read on to enjoy just a few of those stories — and scan the QR code on the next page to read more on our website.

Vivian Riley Akins ’79 It was either my sophomore year or my junior year; I decided to join the Backpacking Club for a weekend hike. Not being a real outdoorsy person, this was a real stretch for me. I borrowed a pair of hiking boots from a friend (first mistake) and gave it my best shot. Prof. John Wade was the club sponsor, so he was with us. We hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail. We arrived on a Friday afternoon, and the goal was to arrive at the campsite before nightfall. Started off good enough, until the tent I was carrying on my back kept falling off, and we had to keep stopping to reattach it. Then, as the trail got steeper, I got slower, as inclines have always been an issue for me. The higher we got, the harder it was to breathe. I didn’t know about altitude issues. I got blisters on my feet from wearing someone else’s shoes. I was so behind the others and miserable! But Mr. Wade stayed with me the entire time. He encouraged me and shared with me his wealth of knowledge regarding plants and terrain. He knew the botanical name of every plant we saw! I was so amazed! He was a walking, talking encyclopedia!

He rested with me any time I needed a break and never made me feel like I was holding anyone back. We just kept going together. He was that kind of man. I remember in his classes, no matter what question you asked, he made you feel like it was the best question in the world!

There were many professors who helped me along the way and pushed me beyond what I thought my limits were. Warren, McKinney, Sizemore, Hay, Huxford, Swearngin, and more. But this particular story, I thought, was a good example of getting me through something. By the way, I dropped out of the Backpacking Club.

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Caroline Stinson ’17, ’21 I’ve been around Point University/ ACC for practically all of my life. My sister and I were the fourth generation of our family to attend. My mom suggested that I get a student job in the library, because she thought I would enjoy Mr. Michael Bain as a boss, like she did when she worked in the library as a student. Upon my introduction and telling him whose daughter I am, he responded with, “Very nice to meet you; you make me feel old.” We were going to be great friends.

This led to me working five and a half years with Mr. Bain. He and I discovered that we shared a love of music, movies, sarcastic remarks and the ability to find ourselves far funnier than anyone else did. Mr. Bain and I are still good friends. We have Zoom calls once a month and check in on each other. I listen to him wax poetic about his retirement, he listens to me dream and plan my career goals as a counselor, and we still think that we are far funnier than anyone else does.

Tessie Jones ’13 I was battling severe depression as I struggled with the effects of PTSD from my time in the Navy.

I was just about ready to quit not only school, but life, and Professor Shirley Thompson-Lewis mentored me through that difficult time. Not only did I stay in school, I ended up graduating summa cum laude. Thank you to Point for providing such loving professors who care not only about their students’ academic performance, but their lives.

courtesy of point university archives and alumni

Stories of guidance, friendship and connection

Edmond Gjoni ’03

courtesy of point university archives and alumni

Marvin Bussey ’86 When I was in my senior year of high school, I wasn’t planning to attend college. I thought I wasn’t strong enough in my academics to do college work. I also knew my family could not afford to pay for my college tuition. Fortunately, I knew a member of my church who was attending Atlanta Christian College.

After I applied, I spoke with Mrs. Nancy Taylor in admissions and began to build a rapport with her. I was clueless about the process and all the criteria, so I did what I thought I knew to get into the school — I wrote a letter of appeal to Mrs. Nancy Taylor.

In my letter, I explained to Mrs. Taylor that my family could not afford to send me to college, but I really wanted to attend. I sent her a picture of myself and wrote, “Mrs. Taylor, if you let me come to the college, I will cut my Afro.” Yes, I do laugh at myself now for thinking that a personal letter about getting a haircut would help get me admitted to college.

Well, maybe it did convince her of my determination, because after following the process for college admission, I was accepted to the school. Thank you, Mrs. Taylor!

A few years after I graduated in 1986, I started a nonprofit that is still operating today. Years later, I received the Alumnus of The Year Award, and at the event, Mrs. Taylor and I chuckled about that letter. I currently serve on the board of trustees at Point.

It was August of 1999, and I was invited to go to Durres, a port city in west Albania, one hour drive from my home in Elbasan, as a translator for a professor in a church.

I was an English teacher at that time, and I did not know whom I should translate for.

I went to Durres, and we introduced each other — I am Wye, strange name for me. Nice to meet you, Wye. I am Mondi. I stayed two weeks with brother, and later my father-brother to me, my helper and supporter, beloved Huxford. He deserves all these names, because he really is a good man of God. He was a quiet person, talked little with a smooth voice. I was privileged to translate for him. After I learned that he was a professor at ACC, I expressed to him a very long desire — to study God’s word and serve in my country, Albania, as a servant of God, proclaiming the Gospel. And to my surprise his answer was yes, why not? This is possible.

Less than one year later, in August 2000, I made it to come to ACC, and here brother Wye as a father took care of anything I needed, more than anyone else, no exaggeration. He provided my sheets, pillows and other basic things until the day I left the USA for good in June 2003. I am very grateful for his help, and I thank the Lord always for him, though he is very modest. May God bless him richly and may God bless Point in its mission and vision.

Randy Cordell ’80 My wife, Sue Ann, and I came to Atlanta Christian College as a very young (19 years old) newlywed couple. Many people thought we were older than we were, because we were married and lived in the apartments on Mackenzie Court, just a short distance from campus. Sue Ann went to work full time, while I worked part time and attended classes full time. Professor Denver Sizemore and his wife Helen seemed to immediately recognize our youth and inexperience, reaching out to us in many helpful ways. They had us over to their home often, involved us with other couples in Bible study and usually provided a meal! Denver also got us involved in serving with them at Central Christian Church, allowing me to get valuable ministry experience under his oversight. I had not been raised in church, and he was a wonderful mentor in that first year in school. Knowing that I wanted to preach, he then connected me with another church, where I would have the opportunity to preach every Sunday.

While in my first year at school, we found out we were going to have a baby!

We were so young and naïve that we didn’t anticipate how challenging that was going to be. Denver and Helen must have been concerned about us, because they made sure they were there for us every step of the way! I vividly remember seeing Professor Sizemore walking into our hospital room right after our daughter had been born. It was so reassuring that we had their support!

There were other professors who also had a powerful impact on me in such a positive way, but looking back on those early days, I don’t know how we would have fared without their love and support. We are forever grateful.

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Dell Stephens Hagood ’71

I never thought I would attend college due to a math learning disability.

Atlanta Christian College gave me a chance, and it changed my life. Early on in my freshman year, my father became ill and developed cancer. Dr. Blackburn took the time to get to know me and helped me make the decision to return home to help my mom. I got a job and attended a local university until my father passed.

Throughout it all, Dr Blackburn kept in touch and became like a second father when I returned to ACC. After graduating with a bachelor of science with an emphasis in missions, I became an admission counselor for the school. While working, my dream of becoming a missionary came true, with the opportunity to live in Bulgaria. Dr. Blackburn encouraged and supported me throughout the two and a half years I lived in Bulgaria. When I came back to Ohio, I met and married my husband, Tom Maloney. Dr. Blackburn made the trip to Ohio to officiate the wedding ceremony. After 19 years of being married and having my beautiful daughter, Neli, Dr. Blackburn and I still keep in touch. I will forever be grateful that he became my mentor throughout college and my adult life.

God gave me a chance to find forever friends, develop confidence, learn about missions and get an education at Atlanta Christian College.

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James Sennett ’77 The best thing about my time at Atlanta Christian College was the faculty. I had many professors who inspired and encouraged me in many ways – John Wade, Olin Hay, Denver Sizemore, Bernard Riley, Wye Huxford, and others.

But the one who affected my future most and in the most important ways was Professor Jim Evans. I am a retired college professor, and it was Prof. Evans who inspired me to spend my life in the college classroom. He was strict and demanding while also being fair and understanding. He had well planned lessons, but always welcomed student questions and would take whatever time was needed to make sure his answers were understood.

I remember very clearly sitting in Prof. Evans’s Greek I class one day, watching him at work, and thinking, “That’s what I want to do.” I did not just want to be a professor – I wanted to be one Prof. Evans could be proud of.

courtesy of point university archives and alumni

Sandra Farmer Maloney ’98

In response to the request for faculty members who facilitated and encouraged students, I would like to relate how Academic Dean William C. Bravard did so for me.

It was the beginning of my senior year at Atlanta Christian College. I was called into Dean Bravard’s office and wondered what I had done to cause this. He proceeded to tell me that I was lacking commercial science credits in order to graduate in 1971. Needless to say, I was stunned and upset at the thought that I would not be a part of the Class of 1971 graduating.

Dean Bravard assured me that he would help and had already looked into a way.

For the rest of my senior year, I was to work for Professor V.G. Gilbert to earn applied work credits in order to fulfill the requirements for a B.S. in Christian education/commercial science.

I was both grateful and relieved at this late date in my college education that Dean Bravard had discovered the shortage and facilitated a path for me to graduate with my class.

Akeyla Bridges Johnson ’19

Lane Loman ’71 I “found” Atlanta Christian College in the Yellow Pages in 1968. I was attending Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, and I was the pastor of a Church of the Nazarene in Smyrna, Georgia. I requested a catalog and then met with President Redmond. I applied and was accepted for the 1968-69 school year.

As the fall semester progressed, I was told that basketball tryouts were being held. One of my classmates said, “You’re tall; why don’t you try out?” I was 6'2". I had played basketball in high school, so my love of the game nudged me toward the gym the day of the tryouts. I made the team and played for the Chargers from 1968-71. I had the privilege of playing alongside Dr. Jimmy Donovan, Tim Smith, Carey Massey, and Dudley Bray, just to name a few.

In 1970, I became a single dad. It was a tough time for me as I attended school full time, pastored a church, and took care of the needs of my sons. I would often have to bring my son to school with me, and he was welcomed in my classes. That meant so much. Prof. Roy McKinney was not only my basketball coach, but also my confidant. His counsel during my senior year was invaluable. My teammates would often come and stay with me at the church parsonage, encouraging me during those difficult days.

Atlanta Christian College was my safe place. The education, the friendships forged, and the support I received played an integral part in my life and ministry. I am grateful for the way the school has and is touching the lives of so many, even one like me, who, at the time was not a part of the Christian Church and the Restoration Movement.

courtesy of point university archives and alumni

Cassidy Waddell Davis ’18 The person who got me through my college career at Point University was Dr. Todd Weaver. I majored in accounting, but I had a lot of classes with Dr. Weaver, like marketing, marketing metrics and economics. His courses were always so fun and interesting. He was, and still is, always so helpful to connect me with other business professionals to help me be successful. I know that even today, I could email him, and he would answer my questions or point me in the direction I need. The kindness that Dr. Weaver and his wife spread to students at Point University is inspirational and truly made me want to continue to do my best and be as successful as possible.

During my time at Point, I went through many roller coasters through the transition from adolescent to adulthood without understanding what exactly this new chapter of life would entail. I built great relationships with many of my professors and faculty members in various departments, but one professor in particular that to this day has walked out life with me is Trish Stuart. I am so grateful to know her and to have met her during my freshman year, and to spend the next almost decade now continuing to learn and grow through the wisdom that she offers me that helps me to navigate moments in life.

Anytime I needed prayer, encouragement or for someone to remind me of what God placed on the inside of me, she has been there. She not only walked through vulnerable, great and difficult moments during my time attending Point, but she’s also been a great support during my becoming a wife and mother and navigating these new responsibilities and relationships.

I am so grateful to Point for providing me with the opportunity to encounter Trish and so many other great individuals who have impacted me during my time at Point and beyond!

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We would have loved to include every story we received on these pages, but space wouldn’t allow it. But scan the QR code below to visit our website (or visit point.edu/ magazine), and you can read more stories of amazing mentorship!

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I

n 1994, the world was changing rapidly.

The PlayStation was released, Beanie Babies mania was sweeping the nation, the Amazon.com domain name was first registered, and Seinfeld was the most popular TV show on the air. In the midst of these world-altering changes, Atlanta Christian College continued solidly standing on the foundation laid in 1937 — to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world.

That same year, on a beautiful spring day in East Point, Georgia, three students gathered to participate in a photo shoot with the Admission Office. Tony Carter ’95, Amanda Griffin Sikes (’93-’94) and Darrell Portwood ’97 lined up outside of the administration building and took a stroll among the greenery and pink tulips that were just beginning to bloom.

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“I can’t remember what the three of us were talking about for the life of me,” says Portwood. “I love that I’m wearing jorts, a rugby shirt and visibly carrying a tube of pepper spray!”

Portwood attended Atlanta Christian College from 1993 until he graduated in 1997 with a bachelor of science in human relations. After graduation, he went on to serve in full-time ministry.

“ACC was a great experience for me as it helped set my path into full-time ministry,” says Portwood. He served as a youth pastor for 14 years in Christian churches in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida. In 2011, Portwood accepted his first senior pastor position at First Christian Church in Monroe, Georgia, and served there for four years before moving to Crawfordsville, Indiana,

where he currently serves with New Hope Christian Church. Portwood’s experience at Atlanta Christian College deeply impacted him and prepared him for a future of servant leadership.

“Some big influences from my time at ACC include Ralph Warren, Drs. Byron and Katie Cartwright, Dr. Kim Macenczak, Dr. Steve Hooks, Bob McGuire and Wye Huxford,” says Portwood.

Additionally, Portwood met his wife, Cheryl Fessler Portwood ’97, at ACC. “There are so many people and memories I still carry with me to this day from my time at ACC,” he says. “Even from 600 miles away, I love to keep track of the people I spent those years with.”

Have a photo from your college years you want to share with us? Email the photo and your story to editor@point.edu.

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