The Argo (Spring 2018)

the

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O SPRING 2018

THE

GRAD

ISSUE

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS Shorter University Spring 2018

STUDENT LIFE

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Mission Trips

New Faces, New Places

SPORTS

25 Hawks Football New Era for Shorter

ACADEMICS

44 Internships

Cecil Robinson & PVN Ministry

CLASS OF 2018

48 Senior Class of 2018 54 Faculty Pictures

Administration and Staff

Celebrating 4 Years of Excellence

ARGO DEDICATION

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Faculty Advisor: Professor Melissa Baskin

Dr. Bill Mullen

A Man of True Heart & Character

Staff Writers & Editors: Elizabeth Smith, Rhys Pollock, Gaby Mendez, Tyler Cates, & Erica Ray

ES T O N

UR O M O R F

Editor-in-Chief

&

Associate Editor

Welcome back to The Argo! This semester we created so many wonderful memories and had a blast creating this issue for everyone’s enjoyment. Throughout this issue, you can expect senior pictures, sports highlights, and so much more.

I’d like to thank Mrs. Melissa Baskin, The Argo’s advisor, for her amazing work ethic and mentoring. This semester has been a tough one, and she has constantly shown support and grace the entire time. She will always be one of the wisest women I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I will never be able to thank her enough for everything she’s done. Without Mrs. Baskin’s guidance, this yearbook would not be the success that it is.

To Alayna Welker, my associate editor, you are such an inspiration and an absolutely amazing woman. Your sense of humor and kind spirit bring my life so much joy, and I don’t know what I’m going to do when you graduate this May. However, I am so excited to watch you blossom in the real world, and I’m positive you’re going to accomplish greatness.

Once again, Psalms 46:1 helped us to always look to our goal of publishing this issue. With God’s grace and a lot of help from amazing students and faculty, we did it. “God is our refuge and strength...”

Kat Tate, Editor-in-Chief

The Argo has painted so many fine memories of this university, and I am so grateful to have been a part of the artistry for my last semester at Shorter. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as the staff has enjoyed putting it together. Not only does The Argo represents tradition, but also change.

I’d like to first thank Mrs. Melissa Baskin. Without this strong woman leading us day after day, I have no idea where this issue would have been. She is a rock not only in her faith, but in the empathy and understanding that I hope to have one day.

To Kat Tate, the one-of-a-kind Editor-in-Chief, you are a wonder woman. You take what life gives; you face it and handle it with grace. This department and school are better with you in it, and I am so excited to leave this publication in your capable hands.

Alayna Welker, Associate Editor

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STUDENT LIFE

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A

New Chapter Begins Fly Hawks (left): Incoming freshmen attend Camp Hawk to prepare them for life on the Hill.

Photo by: Cassie Thomas

Together again: Katelynn Robinson, Chaloufia Mwila, Brooke Renfroe, and Lauren Rawlins take a break from moving in to celebrate friendship.

Photo by: Cassie Thomas

Enter to learn (left): Professors and staff welcome freshmen to the Hill. It’s a Shorter tradition for professors and staff to officially welcome new freshmen after Convocation each year.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert 6

I&

nternationally Known Loved A place to hang out: Jordan Etsio, Colby Fisher, and Rudi McWhirr enjoy studying in the new international studies lounge.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

A new place to learn: Zach Broome seeks information about studying abroad.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

A home away from home: Thomas Halsall & Hazma Yawar hang out in the new international studies lounge.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert 7

Miss

Shorter And the winner is: Senior Sydney Hillman is crowned Miss Shorter 2018. Emily Tyler, the 2017 winner, helps Hillman secure the crown.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert Signing with passion: For her talent, Hannah Lambert uses American Sign Language to communicate the words to a song.

Dancing the night away (left): Participants in the Miss Shorter pageant open the night with a dance number.

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Photos by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

SOS Color Day fun: The Shorter Orientation Staff (SOS) participates in Color Wars with their partners.

Photo by: Cassie Thomas

Getting ready for freshman: The SOS team gets ready to take on freshman orientation.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

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GR

Livin’

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Love in our bond: The sisters of Phi Mu pose for a picture on bid day with their new recruits.

Living for each other: Elizab Kaitlyn Fudge celebrate on b

Photo by: Abi Valdes

Photo by: Hannah Lambert

REEK Better Men, Better Lives: The men of Delta Sigma Phi participate in this year’s Lip Sync Competition.

Photo by: Hannah Lambert

beth Smith, Blair Fowler, and bid day for Alpha Delta Pi.

Seek the noblest: Emily Crane and Whitley Brooker are all smiles as they think about the fond memories they have shared this semester.

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Photo submitted by: Laura Beth Dawson

Home is Wher

Taking the field: The Cheer Hawks welcome the football team to the field.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Backstop: Students enjoy playing in a corn hole tournament during homecoming activities.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Shorter royalty: Cecil Robinson and Kelsi Jones celebrate their victory as homecoming king and queen.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

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re the Heart Is

Posing with royalty: President Dr. Donald Dowless and his wife Teresa celebrate with the new homecoming king and queen Cecil Robinson and Kelsi Jones.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert Taking flight: Members of the Cheer Hawks practice a routine in preparation for the homecoming game.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Just hanging out: McKenzie Staples and Laura Beth Dawson (back) celebrate homecoming with friends Kendall Knowles and Rachael Minard (front).

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert 13

We’re on a Mission!

Mission trips provide a chance to travel abroad, to serve others in need, and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Over spring break, Shorter students took the opportunity to do just that. They traveled to three very different places, but all had a common goal: to serve others and show Christ’s love. Staying in the United States, Senior Christian Studies major Sarah Johnson traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, with a team led by Dr. Alan Hix, Associate Professor of Christian Studies. Most of Johnson’s days began at 7:30 a.m. and even at 5:30 a.m. on travel days. Johnson’s days were dedicated to ministering to local children. However, in the middle of all the hard work, the group still had the opportunity to learn how to run a dog sled team! Ultimately, this amazing trip granted Johnson new friendships, memories, and a new appreciation for all of her blessings.

Students from the Ben and & Ollie Brady School of Nursing served in Léogâne, Haiti, located approximately Serving in Africa: Joy Romano cuddles two hours from the capital of Port-au-Prince. Nursing a tiny goat during her mission trip to student Yecica Rivas enjoyed her first mission trip ever to Africa.

Haiti. The days started bright and early at 6 a.m. when the rooster crowed. Nursing students spent their days practicing Photo submitted by: Joy Romano the medical education they learned by giving physicals and other medical treatments to the local people. Rivas felt like she was “in a completely different world,” but the colorful landscape, delicious food, and loving people quickly made her feel welcome. “God showed me that love has no barrier, color, lifestyle, culture, or limit,” said Rivas. This may have been Rivas’ very first mission trip, but it won’t be her last.

Another student, Joy Romano, experienced a “first” in her mission trip journey over spring break by serving in the Horn of Africa, a lifelong dream of hers. The trip was full of surprises, and in a country where the prime minister had just resigned, the political tension was high. The language barrier posed a problem for them, and the short phrases and words picked up in the city soon became useless as they traveled to the countryside. A completely different language was spoken there, but that did not stop the people from welcoming them with love. Although the countryside had a lot of poverty, it was the most memorable part of the trip for Joy. She explained, “The hospitality 14

of the people there was amazing and honestly put southern hospitality to shame.” Her days were filled with working at goat clinics, making house visits, and even helping on a dairy farm. She said that the trip really put life in the United States (U.S.) into perspective.

“We are so privileged to live in the United States. The people in Haiti had nothing but were so satisfied. Here in the U.S., we seem to have the world, but can be discontent sometimes.” The trip also helped her realize that it was okay to slow down, “For someone like me, slowing Freezing cold and loving it: This group of students went on mission down isn’t easy,” said Romano. “I to Alaska over spring break. Photo submitted by: Sarah Johnson don’t like to slow down because I feel like I am wasting that precious time, but each and every day the Lord kept reminding me over and over, ‘Rest in Me.’”

By: Gabriela Mendez

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’

Then I said, ‘Here I am!

Send me.’”

-Isaiah 6:8 Checking vitals: Taylor Ferqueron puts her nursing skills into practice by checking a little boy’s breathing.

Photo submitted by: Cally Glass 15

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SPORTS

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Serve It Up! Set it up: Determination is high for the Lady Hawks as they meet the other team at the net.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Spike: With her teammates looking on, Tinsley Fain prepares to execute a serve to the other team.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Send it: Alli Bell makes a serve while teammate Annie Homan anticipates a return.

Photo by: Karen Allen 18

Nothing But Net!

Jump shot: The Hawks go for a layup as the opposing team attempts to take control of the ball.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Communication is key: Bianca Thornton communicates to a fellow teammate to make a successful pass.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Free throw shot: The crowd looks on as Denise Newton prepares to make a crucial free throw.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Driving in: With the other team blocking, the Hawks dribble the ball down the court.

Photo by: Karen Allen

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Hole in One! Hard work pays off: The Lady Hawks golf team came in fourth place at a meet held at Union University.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Game, Set, Match!

Teeing off: The golf team happily poses for a picture before their next meet.

Photo by: Karen Allen Doubles Team: Jose MorenoManzano and Gregoire Vincent work together in a match.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Ace: Anastasia Jovicic returns a ball with a backhand.

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Photo by: Karen Allen

Victory is sweet: The tennis team celebrates a win after a tough game.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Heading for the Finish Line

Making it over: SheQuilla McClain clears the hurdle during a meet.

Determination: Clayton Scarborough races for the finish line with the competition on his heels.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Photo by: Karen Allen

Almost there: Lane Fletcher looks for the finish line.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Go, Fight, Win!

Balancing act: Annabel Sandoval easily balances during a cheer routine.

Perfect form: The Cheer Hawks balance each other out.

Photo submitted by: Annabel Sandoval

Photo submitted by: Annabel Sandoval

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It’s All About Teamwork

Looking to score: The Lady Hawks are on the attack shooting for a goal.

Photo by: Karen Allen For the score: The men’s lacrosse team prepares to score.

Photo by: Dr. Brent Baskin

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Battling for the ball: Fiorella Gamarra battles an opposing player for possession.

Dribbles past defender: Jordan Etsio dribbles down the field evading defenders.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Photo by: Karen Allen

Duel On The Diamond

Focused: Catcher Samyr Santos focuses on the ball.

Strike!: Pitcher Jacob Ramos delivers a fastball.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Batter Up!

Photo by: Paula Wheeler Line drive: Outfielder Raul Cortes steps up to the plate.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Batter up: Maddie Hunt steps up to face the opposing team.

Hawks gather at the mound: The softball teams comes together for a quick mound visit.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Photo by: Karen Allen Waiting: Ashley Langel plays the field.

Photo by: Karen Allen

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Hustle & Heart Fire away: Quarterback Tyler Pullum looks for a wide receiver while B.J. McCoy blocks a defender.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Thank you (right): B.J. McCoy stops to thank God for helping him in the game.

Photo by: Karen Allen

Taking it down field: A Hawk running back aims for the goal line.

All fired up (right): The Hawks take the field in anticipation of the game.

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Photos by: Karen Allen

A New Era for Shorter Football

Head Football Coach Zach Morrison One late afternoon in January may have seemed like a regular Thursday on campus. However, gathered upstairs in the Eubanks room was a crowd of onlookers ready to welcome in a new era of athletics at Shorter University.

Everyone from members of the football team all the way to Shorter’s first ever Head Football Coach, Phil Jones, were in attendance to hear the announcement that Zach Morrison was the new Hawks head football coach. This was a sentimental day for many as Morrison played on Shorter’s inaugural football team during their very first season in 2005. Morrison began by recounting a particular memory of his first day meeting his new teammates in 2005 and how Coach Phil Jones taught them about relationships. Though he didn’t understand the importance of that concept then as a player, Morrison now sees the crucial role it can play as a coach.

Morrison elaborated on this

Athletic Director Tony Lundy saying, “I want to reshape this university. I want to bring the culture back. I want to bring the concept of relationships to the forefront and bring and build men of character.” Morrison made it very clear that he believes the team will succeed as a whole when each team member succeeds as an individual. “If we build Christian men of character, this program will succeed not only on the field, but with these men throughout their lives,” stated Morrison. He made it clear that he was ready to begin rebuilding Shorter’s football program. Morrison ended the conference saying, “I’m here for the Hawks, and I’m home.”

It is true that Shorter is home for many. In fact, Morrison is not the only person ushering in this new era for Shorter athletics who has former ties to the university. Former Shorter offensive coordinator Tony Lundy has been hired as the new Athletic Director.

“I’m excited about working with

all of the coaches as we develop young people who perform well on the field of competition but who do so in a way that honors Christ,” said Lundy. He also expressed how much it means to him to serve in the Shorter athletic department.

“Being at such a Christ-centered university keeps me motivated to bring about quality changes to the athletic department,” said Lundy.

With all of the changes taking place in Shorter’s athletic department, it is safe to say that the future looks bright. With new coaches and many with previous ties to the university, athletic programs seem to be on the rise. These new staff members, new recruits, and current athletes are all dedicated to the university’s motto of “Transforming Lives Through Christ,” and are ready to live that out both inside and outside of college athletic events.

By: Elizabeth Smith Photos by: Karen Allen 25

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ACADEMICS

Alpha Chi Alpha Chi: #1 Chap

Top prize: Students and their faculty sponsors proudly display the trophy.

Winning the President’s Cup was truly an honor. Photo submitted by: Dr. Kathi Vosevich

We did it: Shorter’s Alpha Chi won the 2 other chapters in the United States! Crea honor society that promotes academic e Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Barsha Pickell Sponsor: Dr. Kathi Vosevich Assistant Sponsor: Mary Darrylene Corbin

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Proud of success: Kayla Zuniga proudly displays the President’s Cup award. Photo by: Dr. Barsha Pickell

The photo on the academic divid

pter in the Country!

Celebrate: Mary Jayne Caum is excited for the Shorter Alpha Chi win.

Photo by: Dr. Kathi Vosevich

2018 President’s Cup award to top 300 ated in 1922, Alpha Chi is a national excellence and exemplary character.

Feeling excited: (from left): Kayla Killingsworth, Mary Jayne Caum, Hannah Lambert, and Kayla Zuniga celebrate their Alpha Chi chapter’s victory.

Photo by: Dr. Kathi Vosevich

der was taken by Dr. Dawn Tolbert.

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Celebrating Acad

Hannah Lambert Accounting

Gabby Williams Art

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Mary Jayne Caum History

Fiorella Gamarra Economics

Anderson Joiner Management

Erin Dallmann Music Education

Avery Harris Music Performance

Hannah Cauthen English

Kayla Killingsworth Psychology/Honors Academy

Alexa Moore Marketing

Abbey Poole Musical Theatre

Samantha Kirkland Liberal Arts

S

demic Excellence

Kelsi Jones Sports Management

Hannah Draper Special Education

Abi Valdes Middle Grades Education

Ashley Keller Early Childhood Education

Kaitlin Tidmore Biology

Emily Venable Nursing

Colby Fisher Communication Studies

Kayla Miller Ecology & Field Biology

Cynthia Wanka Criminal Justice

Aaron Bryant Natural Science

Ada Panni Political Science

Dr. Angie O’Neal President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching & Scholarship

Mary Darrylene Corbin Staff Employee of the Year

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Celebrate

SH

PRESENTERS Cynthia Wanka Criminal Justice

Madison Hunt English, English Education, and Liberal Arts

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Kara West Biology and Natural Science

Supporting one another (from left to right): Madison Hunt, Cynthia Wanka, and Kara West presented during the presentation session.

All photos by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

HORTER POSTER SESSIONS

Sharing their hard work: Rachael Minard(left) and Matt Alves proudly show off their projects in the poster session of the 2018 Spring Celebrate Shorter event.

Matthew Alves, Christian Studies Taylor Barton, Biology Mary Jayne Caum, History Christopher Elsey, Ecology and Field Biology; Natural Science Regina Evans, Middle Grades Education Emily Tyler, Mathematics Education Nancy Flores, Middle Grades Education Nathan Gaydosik, Christian Studies Rachael Minard, Communication Studies Jesse Wheeler, Criminal Justice

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College of Art

Preparing for the future: Students take notes in English class as their professor goes over the assignment.

Photo by: Dr. Fabrice Poussin

Once in a lifetime: Science professors join other Shorter faculty, staff, and students to observe the solar eclipse. It was a monumental moment because it was the first total solar eclipse in nearly half a century.

34 Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Sharing knowledge (right): Dr. Barsha Pickell participates in Constitution Day. Students were happy to celebrate the significant day in history when the Constitution was signed.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

ts & Sciences

Communicating success: Communication Studies students are inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, a communications honor society.

Photo by: Melissa Baskin

Spreading the good news(above): Dr. Brent Baskin and youth ministry majors make ministry contacts at the 2017 Youth Ministry Conclave held in Nashville, TN. Photo submitted by: Dr. Brent Baskin

It’s your birthday: Students surprise Dr. Clint Helms by filling his office with balloons for his birthday.

35 Photo by: Lori Black

School of E

Out of this world: Madalene Brackett shows off her planet project.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Welcome new members: The Kappa Delta Pi Internation members this year. Julia Houston, Assistant Professor of E Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

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Induction night: Kappa Delta Pi members celebrate their new induction.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Education

Polar Plunge Challenge: Allie Meers helps a student take the polar plunge. Education students participated in a STEM event at a local elementary school.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

nal Honor Society in Education inducted fifteen new Early Childhood Education, was the faculty advisor.

Science rules: Katie-Brook Ross teaches a student about the weather and shows her 37 how clouds are made.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

School of Fine &

Are you ready?: Dr. Duane Warfield prepares the band to play during a concert.

Photo by: Dr. Yuman Lee

Exit the King: Still in character, these musical theatre stu theater productions can be. Photo submitted by: Kevin An Sing Mary sing: Senior Mary Saintfort sings during “The Old Maid and the Thief.”

Photo by: Dr. Yuman Lee

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Heading to nationals: Asa Stallings, Lizzie Drake, and Emma Stempson qualify for the national NATS competition.

Dr. Tara Warfield congratulated her students.

Photo by: Dr. Yuman Lee

& Performing Arts

Shorter Chorale: Students are all smiles after a successful and beautiful Chorale concert.

Photo by: Brooke Womack

udents give us a sneak preview at just how captivating nderton

Dance duet: Colby Fisher and Traci Romero perform a lyrical dance.

Photo submitted by: Faith Im

Tuck Everlasting: Noah Hunt sings “Everything’s Golden.” The song was the Man in the Yellow Suit’s villain song.

Photo submitted by: Kevin Anderton 39

Ben & Ollie Brady

Cherished memories: Joyous moments spent with friends will last a lifetime for these students and Haitians.

Photo submitted by: Cally Glass

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Putting education into practice (left): Junior nursing major Cally Glass measures the height of one of the many young Haitians who were impacted by this group of nursing students.

Photo submitted by: Cally Glass

What a view: These the beautiful countr

Photo submitted by

y School of Nursing

Being prepared for real life: Nursing students hone their skills in the simulation lab.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

e nursing students take a quick picture before leaving ry of Haiti.

y: Cally Glass

Dance off (right): Some of the local children in Haiti teach a group of nursing students how to dance.

Photo submitted by: Cally Glass

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Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business

Honoring the best: The Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business celebrates its students who have top academic honors for the 17-18 academic year.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Career of service: (below): An officer from the Cobb County Police Department greets a student interested in serving her community.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

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A future career: SGA President Sean Carpenter gathers information from Innovative Solutions, one of many businesses who participated in the career fair at the Ledbetter School of Business.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Remembering Dr. Robert Stinchcomb Dr. Bob Stinchcomb, better known as Dr. Bob to his students, was a kind-hearted person whose love for life and care for his students will never be forgotten.

Dr. Lauren Duplantis, Assistant Professor of Sports Management, said that Dr. Bob was a great colleague and one of the kindest people she ever had the pleasure of working with. “… Dr. Bob just made you smile. He always had a good story to tell, a cup of coffee, and a mint to share. He went out of his way to greet everyone and always had an encouraging word,” said Duplantis. Dr. Heath Hooper, Dean of the Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business and Associate Professor of Sports Management, agreed with his colleague. “Bob was always the first person to go out of his way to do something for someone else. He truly loved his students and the people he worked with,” said Hooper.

In addition to his zest for life and compassion for others, Dr. Bob was an important part of the Department of Sports Management and challenged his students not only in the classroom but also in life. “Bob was able to invigorate students with lifelong learning from both an academic and practical perspective,” said Hooper. To his students, Dr. Bob was a mentor, friend, and father figure who guided them with wisdom. “Dr. Bob always wanted to make sure that I was successful with whatever I chose to do in life. Dr. Bob even helped me get a job with the USA South Athletic Conference,” said Maggie Graham, a senior sports management major. Kelsi Jones, a senior sports management major, said that Dr. Bob “… challenged me to reach my potential. I will miss him dearly, but I will forever cherish the days I got to sit in his office and laugh and learn from my friend. I can’t wait for the day I get to see him again.”

Dr. Bob Stinchcomb served as the Department Chair of Sports Management for three years.

However, his experience in the world of sports goes far beyond the classroom. He founded Administrative Athletic Concepts LLC, a consulting business that assisted school athletic programs.

Stinchcomb also served as the Athletic Director for Darlington School in Rome and coached at several universities including Florida State, Auburn, Samford, and the University of South Carolina.

His love for students and passion for sports also afforded him opportunities to coach several high school teams.

Stinchcomb was honored with numerous awards throughout his career including being named Regional Athletic Director of the Year three times; he also had the honor of being named the 2003 State Athletic Director of the Year. Throughout his career, Stinchcomb published works in 15 national journals and frequently spoke at conferences throughout the United States.

Although Dr. Bob Stinchcomb had great successes on the football field and in the classroom, his colleagues and students at Shorter University will remember him most for his kindness and devotion to others. Dr. Bob truly exemplified Ephesians 4:32 both in and out of the classroom. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

By: Melissa Baskin

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Communication Studies Student Gets His Big Break Cecil Robinson, a senior communication studies major, served as a public relations (PR) intern for Mitchell Communications, an award-winning communications firm based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Robinson first heard about Mitchell in his public relations classes with Professor Melissa Baskin, Instructor of Communication Studies. Hearing about the firm’s many successes peaked Robinson’s interest. So, he applied for Mitchell’s internship program and was chosen, along with five other college students, for the “Big Break” internship program. This program immersed college students into the world of public relations; students learned from PR specialists and even created a campaign for a real client. Robinson and his team created a public relations campaign for the Arkansas and Oklahoma chapters of The American Red Cross. Robinson noted that gaining hands-on experience by working with a real client better prepared him for life after college. “I learned so much about the public relations industry and how I could better prepare myself for the working world. It was great to gain experience and learn from public relations professionals,” said Robinson.

Working at Mitchell Communications was Robinson’s second public relations internship. He interned at the Wakulla County Sheriff’s department in Florida during the summer of 2017 and plans to work at a public relations firm in Florida this summer before heading off to graduate school to study strategic communications.

By: Erica Ray

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Youth Ministry Majors Land Local Church Internships Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church (PVN) in Rome has become both a loving church home and an amazing learning opportunity for sophomore youth ministry majors Lauren Jendrzejewski and Kylie Kessler.

Both students serve as student ministry interns at PVN. Jendrzejewski feels that the internship has been an adventure. She said that although ministry is a tough calling that it’s definitely worth it. Kessler agrees. “I’ve learned several things in this short year I’ve been interning, but the most important would be that ministry is perhaps the hardest thing I’ve experienced in my life. But, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” said Kessler.

Throughout their internship, Jendrzejewski and Kessler serve in a variety of ways, including teaching small groups, helping to plan youth services, and chaperoning youth events such as a summer camp and a Disciple-Now weekend. Both believe they have made positive impacts in students’ lives. Jendrzejewski believes she brings a creative spirit to the ministry and is able to relate to the girls she now counsels. “It is very rewarding and exciting,” said Jendrzejewski, emphasizing how she hopes this internship will bring her closer to God and help grow her ministry skills. Kessler also feels she has contributed positive feedback to this new internship program and hopes that with her help, more ministry students will have an opportunity to serve at PVN. Both students hope to gain practical knowledge and skills of how to run a ministry from this internship. When asked to give advice for future ministry interns, Jendrzejewski said, “Pray. Pray. Pray.

God knows where He wants you to be, and He will make a way.” Kessler agreed. “Pursue the passion God has given you, and He will work out your plans,” said Kessler.

By: Erica Ray

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CLASS OF

2018

President’s Council Dr. Donald Martin Executive Vice President / Provost

Dr. Ken Whitlow Vice President of Student Affairs

Ms. Susan Zeird CFO & Vice President of Finance

Dr. Ben Bruce Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Donald Dowless President

Dr. Emily Messer Vice President for Enrollment Management 48

Ms. Candi Himes Senior Executive Assistant to the President Photos by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Deans & Directors Dr. Kathi Vosevich Associate Provost & Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Heath Hooper Dean, Ledbetter College of Business

Dr. John Reams Dean, School of Fine & Performing Arts

Roxanne Johnston Dean, Brady School of Nursing

Dr. Linda PalumboOlznaski Associate Vice President of International Programs

Legare Price Dean, Online Programs

Jeff Bramlette Director of Information Technology

Photos by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Dr. Norma Harper Dean, School of Education

Justin Mitchell Registrar

Larry Arrington Director of Student Engagement and Success

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Faculty/Staff

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Josh Adams

Suzanne Agan

Bob Bagley

Dr. Cory Barnes

Dr. Brent Baskin

Melissa Baskin

Dr. Marcia Bost

Bethany Brady

Dr. Daniel Clayton

Dr. William Gary Cole

Jessieca Dingler

Katherine Dudley

Dr. Bert Exsted

Susan Gaukel

Jill Goad

Candy Edwards

Faculty/Staff Dr. Mark Hamilton

Dr. Alan Hix

Julia Houston

Dr. Enoch Jacobus

Dr. Earl Kellett

Dr. Dana King

Kristina Koonz

Dr. Phil Larsen

Dr. Yuman Lee

Dr. Jared Linebach

Dr. Qiang Lu

April McClung

Dr. John McCluskey

Dr. Bill Mullen

Claudia Navichoque

Amy Neal 51

Faculty/Staff

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Dr. Patty Nelson

Dr. Edwin Nyamwala

Dr. Angie O’Neal

Dr. Justin Pettegrew

Linn Pitts

Dr. Fabrice Poussin

Dr. Julie Pond

Dr. Aaron Rice

Dr. Greg Richardson

Nichole Robinson

Gerri Schlitz

Dr. Hally Shaffer

Mary Shotwell-Smith

Jan Sidwell

Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Dr. Jerico Vasquez

Faculty/Staff Dr. Duane Warfield

Dr. Tara Warfield

Dr. Christopher Wheelus

Taylor Wilkerson

Dr. Alan Wingard

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

- 1 Corinthians 15:58 53

Seniors

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Kemoy Anderson

Aaron Bryant

Kartez Carr

Mary Jayne Caum

Hannah Cauthen

Khalil Craig

Chaloufia Mwila

Krystin Clinton

Jasmine Crump

Bryana Cuthbert

Jessica Darnell

Cumberland Davis

Morgan DeNoers

Ryan Dolan

Tiffany Dorsey

Jordan Filotei

Photos by: Dr. Fabrice Poussin

Seniors Colby Fisher

Qurann Fite

Lane Fletcher

Oswaldo Franco

Fiorella Gamarra

Nathan Gaydosik

Audrey Goodman

Maggie Graham

Kristen Guy

Avery Harris

Jackie Hudson

Rachel Ibarra

Courtney Hettinger

Sarah Johnson

T’keyah Hollingsworth

Kelsey Jones 55

Seniors

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Justin Kilpatrick

Jalen Kirkland

Kevin Knight Jr.

Hannah Lambert

Jose Manuel Mareno Manzano

Logan McKenzie

Rudi McWhirr

Ada Panni

Jessica Paradise

Tyler Parham

Brianna Poss

Alden Powell

Erica Ray

Ricardo Rivera

Cecil Robinson

Macy Seagraves

Seniors Mitchell Slayton

Bryant Speed

Natalie Stewart

BreAnna Thompson

Dallas Vaughn

Ada Wang

Alayna Welker

Austin Weller

Sarah Westerstorm

Laura Williams

Remel Williams

Cynthia Wanka

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

- Jeremiah 29:11

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Argo Dedication Dr. Bill Mullen

Chair and Professor of Communication Studies

Dr. Bill Mullen is known throughout the Department of Communication Studies as a mentor and a guide for students. It is obvious that he cares deeply for his students and wants them to do their very best in all endeavors. He loves watching students thrive and move onto bigger and brighter things after graduation. Dr. Mullen also encourages students to grow in their faith. He starts each lecture by asking for prayer requests and then prays to start the day. Many students find Dr. Mullen inspiring because he is such a godly man and strongly believes in the power of prayer. Senior Taylor Slade said, “He does a phenomenal job of engaging students and intertwines the Gospel into each class.”

Dr. Mullen received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries at the Grace College of Bible in Omaha, Nebraska. He then graduated with a Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. Mullen was awarded a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has been a professor at Shorter since 2014 and became the chair of the Department of Communication Studies in 2017.

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By: Kat Tate

“Dr. Mullen inspires me to be not only the best student, but also to be a person who strives for excellence in all that I do. Through his compassionate and humble nature, he has allowed me to flourish and to always seek the next best thing. It has been an honor to be a student of his for the past three years. I will truly miss him.”

- Cecil Robinson Senior, Communication Studies Major

“Dr. Mullen is the epitome of a gentleman. Students watch him walk his wife to class everyday and hold doors open for her.

Seeing someone treat his wife that way after years of marriage gives me hope for my generation!”

- Rachael Minard Junior, Communication Studies Major

Photos by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert, Kat Tate, & Melissa Baskin

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