Seeing Double

Q. Are there physical attributes that help people differentiate between the two of you?

A. “My hair is a lot longer than Alex’s! We are a lot alike but also very different.”

Statistics from 2017 show that there were 33.3 twin births per thousand while in 1980, there were only 19 twins born per thousand. Even though twins are still a rare occurrence, they have become more frequent. According to a study done at the University of Texas, identical twins are more likely to occur by chance, but fraternal twins are usually hereditary. If fraternal twins run in a family, the chances of giving birth to twins increases. Opposite sex fraternal twins account for two-thirds of twin births, while identical twins account for only onethird. If twins are the same sex, it is much harder to determine whether or not they are fraternal or identical. However, if the two are commonly mistaken for each other, they are most likely identical. The only way to make sure that the twins are identical or fraternal is through DNA testing.

Recently, semi-identical twins popped up in Australia. They were discovered through genetic tests and both shared one placenta. However, these twins happened to be male and female, which is not possible for identical twins. Thus, the semiidentical term was born, pun intended. This occurrence is extremely rare, as this was the first and only time semiidentical twins were discovered. Our fascination with twins will undoubtedly continue.

Seeing Double Story: Kat Tate Photo: Submitted by Drew and Alex Givens

Dr. Dub Darville to Retire After 34 Years

Story: Tyler Cates & Rhys Pollock Photo: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Dr. Robert Darville III, Chair of the Department of Business Administration and Professor of Accounting, has been a valuable member of the Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business for thirtyfour years. Although he plans to retire from fulltime teaching, those students and faculty he has impacted through the decades will never forget him.

Darville's love for students is evident in the many lives he has touched during his years at Shorter. “I had Dr. Darville for Intermediate Accounting 1 and 2. He always taught us to be professional. He believed in giving us practical applications to go beyond just the theory. This really helped us be prepared for our future careers," said business major Courtney Bach. Darville has not only impacted students but also his fellow faculty and staff members. "Dr. Darville took a chance on me eight years ago as a young man. He has mentored, guided, and befriended me over the years. I thank him for taking extra time with me and for taking a chance on me as a young adult. Dr. Darville is a mentor and a colleague, but more importantly a great friend. He will always be a representation of Shorter and the love it carries," said Dr. Heath Hooper, Dean of the Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business and Associate Professor of Sport Management. In addition to Darville's commitment to academic excellence, he has supported on-campus organizations such as the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and Shorter Hawks sports. He has served as a guest speaker for the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and

showed support to Shorter Hawks athletics through game attendance and financial donations.

Darville is also well-known in the Rome community where he currently serves as a member of the Rome/Floyd County Chamber of Commerce, the Governmental Affairs Committee, and the

Confluence Committee. In 2013, he was selected as a participant in the Leadership of Rome XXXI program. Serving in the local church is important to Darville. He is currently a member of the Three Rivers Community Church.

He also served Fellowship Baptist

Church as a Bible study teacher, deacon, chairman of deacons, and as a volunteer church administrator.

Throughout his career at Shorter, Darville served as Dean of the

Robert H. Ledbetter College of

Business, the Chair of Business

Administration, and the Sewell Chair of Business Ethics. He holds degrees from Southwest

Mississippi College and Mississippi State

University. Prior to his arrival at Shorter,

Darville taught at Columbus State University and Louisiana College. He also served as a Church Administrator and Minister of Education. Darville is also an ordained Southern Baptist minister and holds CPA certification in Georgia.

Darville's students and colleagues wish him well in his retirement and will always remember the impact he has made on their lives. Courtney Bach said it best. "Thank you for everything that you have done for us over the years. The many hours in the classroom, lunch trips, and long talks in your office will never be forgotten. Enjoy your retirement; you deserve it!”