The Hawkeye (Spring 2024)

THE HAWKEYE SPRING

Survivor: Keep it COM

First Attempt

Emily Mitchell is the sole survivor of a student reality television series.

THE HAWKEYE SPRING 2024

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Maggie Parker STAFF WRITERS

Blake Baldwin

Rasmus Berg

Brianna Johnston

Maggie Parker

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Blake Baldwin

Bethany Brady

Clark Brannon

Brianna Johnston

Maggie Parker

Dr. Earl Kellett Dean, College of Humanities & Social Sciences Professor of Christian Studies

Dr. William Mullen Chair, Department of Communication Studies Professor of Communication Studies

Melissa Baskin Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Faculty Advisor

Cover photo by: Maggie Parker

Table of contents photo by: Shorter Public Relations

Back cover photo by: Prof. Katherine Dudley Blair Communication Studies comstudiessu 4|

Students Create their Own Reality TV Show

Students in the Advanced Production (COM 4003) class produced their own version of the hit reality television (TV) show Survivor during the Spring 2024 semester.

Filming a reality TV show was a new concept for the class as they normally produce short films written by students. Katherine Dudley Blair, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, wanted to add a twist to the class this year by filming a reality TV show. As a fan of the original Survivor TV show, she said this was the perfect opportunity to expand her students’ experiences.

The original Survivor series is centered around dramatic effect. The show includes intrigue, suspense, and tension to the sequence of events. However, in order to add her own creativity to the show, Blair chose to make their show more light-hearted and less dramatic than the original Survivor series.

All filming and camera work was completed by students. There were seven main crew members with three on camera, two on sound, and two in charge of props. Other crew members held supporting roles for the project. In addition to the crew members, Blair served as the producer, director, editor, and host of the show. Seven students from a variety of majors served as cast members.

Like the TV show Survivor, cast members participated in a variety of challenges such as balancing on a beam, throwing a frisbee, and shooting a bow and arrow. These challenges were difficult yet fun for the contestants to complete. In the end, creativity and support from departments, such as theatre and student life, helped make the show a success.

Throughout Survivor: Keep it COM - First Attempt, Blair noted the students’ excitement that was prominent throughout the creation of the series. In addition to the excitement and success of the series, there were also obstacles along the way. For example, lab and scheduling difficulties proved difficult due to students’ schedules. Nevertheless, some of the greatest aspects to watch while directing and producing was the camaraderie among the participants. Participants worked well together, and all said they enjoyed this unique class.

Apart from seeing the participants connect with one another, the most interesting part of the show for Blair was watching the survivors give it their all during competitions. Plus, she said their conversations made the show entertaining as they are were not scripted and also truly showed the participants thoughts and emotions.

The winner of Survivor: Keep it COM - First Attempt was Emily Mitchell, a freshman biology major. Her prize was a $25 gift card from the Shorter bookstore. When asked about thoughts on participating in the

The cast of Survivor: Keep it COM - First Attempt prepare for the first reality television show created by the Department of Communication Studies. Photo by: Clark Brannon

show, Mitchell said, “I have never done anything like [Survivor] before, but it was a lot of fun, and I definitely learned a lot throughout the process.”

Even though producing a reality TV series can be difficult, it was an enjoyable and fulfilling project for the cast and crew. The show was a success due to the dedication of the cast and crew members, support from other departments on campus, and the leadership of Blair.

In the future, Blair hopes to create another Survivor series. However, it will be a while before any new episodes are filmed as her next Advanced Production class will likely be centered around short films in order to continue diversifying student education with both reality TV and traditional film making.

Fans of Survivor: Keep it COMFirst Attempt may watch all five episodes on the Department of Communication Studies YouTube channel (@SurvivorKeepitCOM).

By: Maggie Parker

CAST

Blake Baldwin - senior, communication studies

T’Asia Banks - freshman, psychology

Katherine Dudley Blair - associate professor of communication studies

Sophia Blair - freshman, criminal justice

Zac Colquitt - freshman, early childhood education

Emily Mitchell - freshman, biology

Maddie Stack - freshman, biochemistry

Sam Warner - senior, general business

CREW

Katherine Dudley Blair - associate professor of communication studies

Clark Brannon - junior, communication studies

Brianna Johnston - junior, communication studies

Madison McWhorter - senior, early childhood education

Hannah Rose - freshman, psychology

Jared Rutledge - senior, marketing and management

Ted Thomas - technical director for theatre

Payton Tuder - senior, interdisciplinary studies

The crew prepares to film an episode of Survivor: Keep it COM - First Attempt. Before each episode, the film crew checks sound and camera angles. Photo by: Brianna Johnston

Emily Mitchell (left), a freshman biology major, and Sophia Blair, a freshman criminal justice major, prepare for the final team huddle. Mitchell is the sole survivor.

Photo by: Maggie Parker

Students Select Dr. Kyle Conkle for The Hawkeye Faculty Award

Dr. Kyle Conkle, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, is well known throughout the Ledbetter College of Business for his ability to lead and mentor students, not only in their academic lives but also in their spiritual lives. These characteristics are crucial in the selection process of The Hawkeye Faculty Award. Due to his outstanding recommendations, he was selected as The Hawkeye Faculty Award winner for Spring 2024.

In his academic and professional careers, Conkle has held firm to the belief that a “Christian worldview should influence how one understands competition, coaching philosophy, the concept of group dynamics and the use of abilities; therefore, it should shape the purpose and meaning of sports,” according to his biography at www.shorter.edu.

Conkle has taken that philosophy and used it throughout his educational and work experiences in sport management. He has numerous degrees and work experience in the field of sport management. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama (UNA) where he also played collegiate baseball. While at UNA, he served as an intern, gained experience, and worked his way up to the Manager for Athletic Operations and Facilities, where he aided in facilitating the school’s transition into Division I athletics. He gained further experience as an adjunct instructor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department at UNA. In addition, Conkle received a master’s degree in Sports Management from UNA, a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and a Ph.D. in Sport Management from Troy University.

Being nominated for The Hawkeye Faculty Award is a great honor as the nominations are from the students. The nominations include strenuous standards meant to differentiate professors with a true passion for teaching, those who are inspirational, and those who support the mission of Shorter University. This means that the award is not simply given to an individual by outsiders looking at his achievements, but the professor is chosen for his distinct and profound impact students see and feel during their time at Shorter.

Shorter students recognize Conkle as “an excellent professor who genuinely cares about his students.” Students also love his desire to connect with them on a personal level. Conkle is incredibly supportive of “his students both inside and outside of the classroom,” said one student. He also makes himself available and checks on students when he notices something amiss.

In addition to his connection with students, Conkle leads students in prayer and continues to pray for them and their circumstances. This truly represents a godly lifestyle and emulates Shorter’s vision of “Transforming Lives through Christ.” Faithful prayer and motivation in his spiritual life are not the only areas

in which Conkle excels. He is truly cognizant of his influence, which makes him genuinely intentional with his students. Conkle “wants them to succeed in the classroom and goes above and beyond to do everything he can to help them achieve success,” said one student. Student nominations show Conkle’s caring and driven nature is at the forefront of his teachings.

Dr. Heath Hooper, Dean of the Ledbetter College of Business and Professor of Sport Management, said that he is “blessed to call Kyle a faculty member at Shorter University, but also a dear friend to me and my family.” Hooper truly feels that Conkle is instrumental in allowing Shorter University to achieve and maintain positive relationships and foster further enrichment of students at the university. Conkle has been critical in improving student support by “immersing himself in student affairs, events, athletics, and campus support,” said Hooper. Such characteristics allow him to truly understand students’ experiences on The Hill and give him a more thorough understanding of how he can further support his students. “He takes pride in growing each student’s intellectual, professional, and spiritual maturation,” said Hooper.

It is evident that Conkle’s love for Jesus and his students shine through all that he achieves as a professor at Shorter University. Hooper is grateful to have excellent professors such as Conkle in his department, especially one who is so important to the overall success of the sport management program. In addition to students’ gratitude for his impact on their lives, Hooper said, “Thank you, Kyle, for truly exemplifying the mission of Shorter University and Transforming Lives through Christ.”

By: Maggie Parker

Dr. Kyle Conkle actively engages his students in a lecture during his Event and Facility Management class.

Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Students gain understanding of a project in one of Dr. Kyle Conkle’s sport management classes.

Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Chapel Provides Positive Worship Experience for Shorter Students

One of Shorter’s long-standing traditions is their chapel service each Wednesday where students meet to worship God in song and listen to a sermon by a guest speaker. Chapel is not just a religious ritual; it is an important part of the fabric of Shorter University. David Roland, Shorter’s campus minister, said, “Chapel is the opportunity as a Christian university to come together as a community for the purpose of worshiping God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.” He emphasizes that chapel is a place for students, faculty, and staff to come together and worship God despite our differences. He believes that it is healthy and good for us because it gives people an opportunity to grow and walk with Jesus Christ.

Chapel is a huge part of fulfilling the mission of Shorter University, which is to “Transform Lives through Christ.” In chapel, students learn how to strengthen their relationship with Christ, what it means to live for Him, how to love God and one another, and how to build better a community and world.

Roland knows keeping chapel relevant and interesting for students, faculty members, and staff is important. He accomplishes this through using a variety of guest speakers, including ministers from area churches, ministry organizations, missionaries, and alumni. Roland says that having alumni who share their life experiences like how they found God, their relationship with Him, and even the mistakes they have made along the way really connects with current students. “Our students know they are not perfect and make mistakes in life like we all do. But it is the striving for becoming perfect that is important. God loves all people and he wants that relationship. Through that, there is an opportunity for forgiveness. We strive to convey those messages each week in chapel,” said Roland

Students from freshman to seniors experience chapel in different ways. When Joshua Greene, a senior communication studies major from Marietta, Ga., came to Shorter, he was skeptical of chapel because he had grown up in church. Thus, he was not sure he needed to worship and hear the messages each week since he already attended church. “I did not think chapel was important when I first got to Shorter because I thought I knew it all. I soon realized I can always benefit from being around other believers in worship and studying God’s Word. I learned that attending chapel is not about me but about me being available. So, I am grateful for the opportunities to attend chapel while at Shorter.” Dori Owen, a freshman pre-nursing major, enjoyed her weekly experiences in chapel. ”Overall, I had a very positive experience. I appreciated the speakers who made the effort to connect with students. Chapel was always a good midday pick-me-up,” she said.

Chapel also provides an opportunity for students to gain leadership experience through participation in the worship band. The worship band is led by Brandon Snow, a Shorter alumnus. Snow helps train future worship leaders and teaches them the importance of leading a congregation in music worship. “It’s a privilege to lead chapel. Leading in worship is awesome in and of itself, but helping future worship leaders hone their craft is special. There is no other group of future leaders I would rather pour into,” he said.

Chapel is not just a worship service every Wednesday morning, but it is a chance for the Shorter family to come together as a community and to embrace their love for God.

By: Rasmus Berg

Students attend a weekly chapel service to worship God and learn more about Him through the teaching of His Word. Photo by: Brianna Johnston

Shorter Student Nursing Association Empowers Nursing Education

The Shorter Student Nursing Association (SSNA), a smaller version of GANS (Georgia Association of Nursing School), is an organization that focuses on helping nursing students practice leadership before assuming roles in medical facilities and helping pre-nursing majors make a smooth transition from taking general education courses to taking classes in the Brady School of Nursing.

Nursing courses are much different than general education courses, and students are in for a big change upon entering the nursing program. For example, students are used to 50 or 75 minute time slots for their general education courses. Nursing students often have six-hour lectures and hands-on clinical training that can last 12 hours at a time. Nursing students must focus on their time management skills to successfully navigate the nursing program. Members of SSNA help new nursing students adjust to changes such as these and teach them how to succeed in the nursing program.

Cassidy Hasket, a senior nursing major and SSNA treasurer, joined the organization to ensure that she and other nursing students had opportunities for community and connection. Maddie Walter, a senior nursing major and a junior advocate, joined SSNA to help the new nursing students transition into the Brady School of Nursing more smoothly. Walter wants to make these students feel included and involved. She helps by offering tutoring sessions and helping new majors pair with senior majors for mentor-ship purposes. Megan Gilliam, a senior nursing major and president of SSNA, states that the best part about being a member of this organization is the relationships she has built with her professors and fellow students.

Members of SSNA also serve in the local Rome community. Last semester, they held a Halloween event with ESP You & Me, an organization for people with disabilities. At this event, Shorter nursing students connected with members of ESP You & Me to have a pizza party and decorate pumpkins for the holiday. In addition to connecting with local community organizations, SSNA also makes donations to nonprofit organizations in need. Students donated supplies and helped make food for the Community Kitchen, an organization that meets the needs of the homeless. Students also donated their time to distribute items such as food and school supplies to foster children and families in the local community. A year ago, SSNA also helped with small care packages for mothers who had lost their babies. Each package contained prayer cards and a teddy bear to help mothers with their grief and loss.

A future goal of SSNA is to become more wellknown outside of the Brady School of Nursing and allow other students and members of the Shorter family to gain awareness of this organization and its place on campus.

Gilliam and other SSNA members are proud of the service they have provided to those in the Rome community and how SSNA has represented Shorter in a positive way. “Everything we have been able to accomplish here at SSNA is because of good teamwork and God’s help,” said Gilliam. She and other members look forward to how SSNA will expand and continue to shine a light on Shorter and the Brady School of Nursing.

By: Rasmus Berg

The Hawkeye

(From left to right) Megan Gilliam, Maddie Walter, and Cassidy Hasket lead SSNA at Shorter. Photo by: Rasmus Berg

Hawks on Mission Celebrates Fourth Year

Hawks on Mission Day, an annual day organized by students and sponsored by the Department of Christian Studies, enters its fourth year as students, faculty, and staff gather to serve Rome and the surrounding communities.

This day was created in 2021 by two Christian studies alumni, Bethany Purdue Mull and Sydney Holden, and has continued each year. Their goal was to bring together those in the Shorter community and have a day of service to Rome and the surrounding communities. By serving others, the Shorter community lives out Romans 3:15 in the Bible, which says, “...How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

What was once a dream for these alumni became a reality four years ago and is carried on through current students, faculty, and staff. This year, the initiative is carried forward by current students Mckenzie Livingston, a junior double major in Christian studies and communication studies, and Scott Clinton a senior Christian studies major.

Over 300 students, faculty, staff, and alumni participated in this year’s event. Participants worked in a variety of settings this year. For example, a few teams helped organizations such as Safe Haven Ranch and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, both foster care ministries. Some groups volunteered at Unity Christian School in Rome, Ga., while others did yard work for senior citizens. Students also walked the streets of downtown Rome to pray with business owners and share the Gospel with those they encountered.

Students who participated in Hawks on Mission had the opportunity to see what being part of the Shorter University community was all about. Dr. Brent Baskin, Chair of the Department of Christian Studies and Professor of Christian Studies and Youth Ministry, highlighted the event’s significance in furthering a sense of community and demonstrating Christ’s love through action. “Whether you are a freshman or a senior, a professor or a staff member, everyone is a Shorter Hawk. We showed the love of Christ by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others in our community,” he said.

From a student’s perspective, Livingston said this day allowed students to experience the love of God through their service. “It was beautiful to see God move on this day, and that is something I hope students see and carry with them forever,” she said.

This day of volunteerism served as a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting mark on the world. Hawks on Mission Day is more than just a day of service; it is a testament to the power of faith, love, and community to change lives and inspire hope through Jesus Christ.

By: Blake Baldwin

Members of the Shorter Hawk football team build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a foster care ministry.

Photo by: Bethany Brady

Fine Arts Launches Piano Renovation Project

Shorter is always trying to make its campus a better place. One of the ways that has made an impact this year is the Piano Program Project.

This project was led by Dr. Jerico Vasquez, Chair of the Edith Lester Harbin Department of Music, Professor of Music, and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies and Amy Neal, Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy and Class Piano. The project, which began in 2019, involved fundraising and the effort to create a better environment for piano and music students.

The Piano Program Project underwent three phases. The first phase included replacing older instruments with 12 state-of-the-art digital pianos. Phase one was completed in the spring semester of 2020 and has made a big impact on the students who were not piano majors by allowing them to also have quality equipment.

Phase two included purchasing and replacing new hammers for the Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano. This restored the quality and original tone of the instrument. This phase took place in the summer of 2021.

This year in 2024, phase three focused on completely rebuilding the Steinway concert grand piano. This piano, which was built in 1982, was given in honor of Ms. Elizabeth Buday, a renowned Shorter University piano teacher. After many years of use, the piano needed some necessary renovations. The action, strings, and soundboard will be replaced to improve the quality of the sound and performance of the instrument. The cabinet will also be refinished. The piano will be completed and returned sometime during the summer of 2024. This phase took some extensive fundraising, for which both students and staff were extremely grateful.

Katelyn Johnston, a junior piano pedagogy major, and Seth Stringer, a sophomore piano pedagogy major, said that they are very excited to play on the Steinway piano and that it is a great addition to Shorter. They are glad that the project will be completed soon and that they get to perform on some of the best instruments. Stringer said, “It is exciting that the Piano Program Project will soon be complete, and we will benefit from playing such fine instruments.”

These changes have enhanced the music department as a whole and will continue to make an impact on the students’ performance. Vasquez said that even though Shorter is a small school, these opportunities are amazing for the students. “It is such a privilege for our students to be able to play beautiful, state-of-the-art instruments,” he said. In total, eight baby grand pianos were refurbished and 12 digital pianos were acquired as well as the renovation of the Shigeru Kawai and the Steinway pianos.

By: Brianna Johnston

Katelyn Johnston, a junior piano pedagogy major, practices for a recital. Photo by: Brianna Johnston

BCM Holds Talent Show to Raise Funds for Mission Trips

Students in Shorter’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) held a talent show in February to raise funds for a spring break mission trip to Montana and a summer mission trip to Tanzania, Africa.

Joshua Greene, a senior communication studies major, and Gavin Gilreath, a sophomore theatre major, served as hosts for the event. Faculty acted as judges and included Melissa Baskin, assistant professor of communication studies, Dr. Lucas Butler, adjunct instructor of Christian studies, and Dr. Marcus Washington, associate professor of education.

The Shorter Side Stitches, a student-led improv team and featured guests, opened the show with several comedy skits. Hayden Lanier, a junior middle grades education major, was the first contestant and performed a unique rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” while Montana Garrett, a senior human services major, performed “Clarity” by Zedd. The three-man band of Kameron Probst, a sophomore communication studies major, Nathaniel Wolfe, a freshman early childhood education major, and Thomas Stearns, a junior Christian studies major impressed all with their rendition of Billy Joel’s “Pressure.” Liam McRee, a

dual-enrollment student, serenaded the audience with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

Catherine Rowan, a freshman nursing major, amazed the crowd with her lightning-fast Rubik’s Cube solving skills in under two minutes. Sophomore music education major Thomas Dillard’s performance of “Novus Vitae” on the euphonium left the audience in amazement. Ryland Murray, a sophomore middle grades education major, impressed with “Crawlin” by Linkin Park. Who could forget the final act by sophomore psychology major Reid Jefferson’s soulful rendition of “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling?

Rowan stole the hearts of the audience and earned the People’s Choice award for her Rubik’s Cube skills. Taking third place was the dynamic trio of Probst, Wolfe, and Stearns with their performance of “Pressure.” McRee took second place with his captivating rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. Lanier claimed the top spot with his performance of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” It was a night filled with talent, joy, and a sense of community, all in support of a worthy cause.

By: Blake Baldwin

Joshua Greene, a senior communication studies major, cohosts the BCM talent show. Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Gavin Gilreath, a sophomore theatre major, entertains the crowd in between acts. Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Talent Show Participants

Thomas Dillard - sophomore, music education

Montana Garrett - senior, human services

Reid Jefferson - sophomore, psychology

Hayden Lanier - junior middle grades education

Liam McRee - dual-enrollment student

Ryland Murray - sophomore, middle grades education

Kameron Probst - sophomore, communication studies

Catherine Rowan - freshman, nursing

Thomas Stearns - junior, Christian studies

Nathaniel Wolfe - freshman, early childhood education

Liam McRee, a dual-enrollment student, places second for his performance of “My Way.”

Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Catherine Rowan, a freshman nursing major, wins the People’s Choice Award for her Rubik’s Cube skills.

Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Kameron Probst, a sophomore communication studies major, and his band take third place.

Photo by: Blake Baldwin

Hayden Lanier, a junior middle grades education major, wins first place in the talent show with his rendition of “Piano Man.”

Photo by: Blake Baldwin

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

Psalm 100: 1-2 (NIV)