"The Hawkeye" (Spring 2022) by The Hawkeye magazine

THE HAWKEYE Spring 2022 Christian Studies Students Launch Hawks on Mission Events

Communication Studies Professor of Communication Studies

Staff CatherineBloedowStaffWriter Allie

Staff WriterStaffTiptonCarlyWriterMedel-HernandezAndreaCo-editorCarolineWheelerCo-editor 2

Josey Sargent was an inspiration to Shorter Head Football Coach Zach Morrison and the rest of the Shorter University football team. His story proves that giving a kid a chance to play college football can make all the difference in one’s life. Josey and his family came to Coach Morrison asking for a chance to be on the team. He promised to work hard every day and grow on and off the field, and he did just that. Josey passed away this year in a car accident. His team and coaches honored him through the creation of the Josey Sargent Award for the most inspirational player. His family was the first to be awarded, and Coach Morrison will continue to honor him every year. We dedicate this edition of “The Hawkeye” magazine to the memory of Josey Sargent.

The

Melissa Baskin Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Faculty Advisor William Mullen Chair, Department of

By: Cat Bloedow

The Hawkeye Earl Kellett Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences of Studies

Dr.

Cover photo by: Caroline Wheeler Staff photos by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez and Caroline Wheeler Page three photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez Back page graphic by: Mary Corbin Hawkeye Luna

Professor

Christian

Photo by: Dr. Fabrice Poussin

Dr.

134 Students and Faculty Serve Community in Second Hawks on Mission Events QEP: Building A Stronger Foundation Fine Arts Students Present “Cinderella” at Rome City Auditorium Sport Management Program Provides Students with Professional Experience Clubs Provide Outlets for Student Creativity Nursing School Trains Next Generation of Medical Professionals Dr. Kris Douglass Wins “The Hawkeye” Faculty Award128 1614 Inside This Issue 10 3

A group of students serve at the Hospitality House Thrift Store in Rome, Ga. Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Students and Faculty Serve Community in Second Hawks on Mission Events

This year’s Hawks on Mission leadership team was comprised of 14 students from freshman to seniors who oversaw the planning and organizing of the events. Students were divided into subteams, which included prayer, marketing and recruiting, ministry, and registration. Each group had responsibilities to make the service days successful. Team leaders represented a variety of majors, sports teams, and other campus organizations. These leaders were passionate about the Gospel being shared and had a deep desire to serve the local community. Students served at 23 different locations with two groups who prayed with people in downtown Rome. Some projects included picking up trash for the city of Rome, doing yard work and

Approximately 200 students served in Rome and Floyd County for the second annual Hawks on Mission Days in March and April. Hawks on Mission was sponsored by the School of Christian Studies at Shorter University. A large group of students from various majors and sports teams participated in the first event on March 26. Zach Morrison, Shorter’s head football coach, and the football team were unable to participate in the March 26 service day, but they still wanted to be involved. So, the Hawks on Mission leadership team added an additional day in April where the team and coaches served the community in various capacities. This was the first time that Hawks on Mission was a two-day event.The goal of Hawks on Mission was for students to serve others, to spread the love of Christ in Rome, Ga., and Floyd County, and to show the community that Shorter University students cared about them. Dr. Brent Baskin, chair of the School of Christian Studies and associate professor of Christian studies and youth ministry, was the faculty sponsor for the events. “The purpose of Hawks on Mission was for our students to see the value of service. Our students met some important needs in our community that will have a lasting impact beyond Hawks on Mission Day,” he said.

From left to right: Jared Rutledge, Bailey Lane, Heidi Ashurst, and Kaitlyn Comey pick up trash in the city of Rome.

Photo by: Mary Avis Casey

Photo by: Sarah Bradfield

By: Andrea Medel-Hernandez

Purdue said she learned a lot over the past two years of working with Hawks on Mission. “I really wanted this event to happen. I learned that if you are faithful in one single step of obedience that God will do amazing things. The last two years of Hawks on Mission have shown God’s faithfulness. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as Shorter students continue to serve each year,” said Purdue. 5

Two Shorter students pray with a business owner in downtown Rome. Students served in a variety of locations during the second Hawks on Mission events.

painting, and serving at non-profit organizations in the Rome area. Professors and students alike enjoyed the day serving the community and fellowshipping with one another. Katherine Dudley, associate professor of communication studies, and a group of students worked to pick up trash in the downtown Rome area. “Serving alongside my students in the community was a privilege. We showed the love of Christ through our work. That is really what it’s all about, showing our community that the Shorter community loves them,” said Dudley. Students from freshman to seniors in all majors volunteered for the service projects. For Abigail Emery, a freshman Christian studies major, this was her first time to participate in Hawks on Mission. “Serving with Hawks on Mission was genuinely one of the best ways I could have spent my 19th birthday. My team and I got to show the love of God to two households that needed help. It was so neat to see their smiles,” she said.

The first Hawks on Mission Day took place in April 2021 and was the idea of Bethany Purdue and Sydney Holden, both junior Christian studies majors. Their idea came out of a desire to share the Gospel and to serve others. Purdue’s goal was to include as many Shorter students as possible. To help make that happen, she approached Baskin for help in executing the idea. Without hesitation, Baskin said, “Let’s go! Let’s do it! How can I help you?” Since the beginning, he showed support and was a huge encourager for Purdue, Holden, and their team of students. Much like the 2022 events, students worked in a variety of places but had to adjust their schedule due to rain. Despite the rainy weather, over 80 students participated for the first Hawks on Mission Day. After the 2021 service day, Baskin received many phone calls from people in the community who praised Shorter students for their work ethic and servant hearts. Baskin, Purdue, Holden, and their team of students knew they had to make Hawks on Mission an annual event.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Dr. Charles Carter, associate professor of history, (far right) and a group of students help paint a local woman’s house.

From left to right: Raphael Houssou, Ralph Barnett Jr., and Jonathan Hope, all members of the Shorter men’s basketball team, help a local community member by doing yard work.

Students and Faculty Serve Community in Second Hawks on Mission Event

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Photo by: Sydney Holden Juniors Bethany Purdue (left) and Sydney Holden created Hawks on Mission with the desire to serve others and share the love of Christ with the local community.

Photo by: Maggie Parker

Students from a variety of majors volunteer to serve the Rome and Floyd County community for Hawks on Mission.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert Marissa Brown and Abby Hart load brush into the back of a trailer. Photo by: Brayden Williams James Craig (left) and Brady Jacobs help with landscaping at Unity Christian School of Rome.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert Abigail Emery enjoys her first Hawks on Mission event as she helps to clean a garage.

“Building a Stronger Foundation: First-Year Engagement and Retention” is the title of Shorter’s new QEP, a topic resulting from several years of planning. As O’Neal explained, “Our planning for this really goes back to 2018 when the QEP committee at that time held focus groups with every academic, administrative, and support unit across campus to solicit topic ideas for the next QEP.” According to O’Neal, these focus groups generated a fairly long list of possible topics, but what seemed most urgent was the issue of retention, in terms of how do we help students persist in their academic work? What can we do to support students and help them be successful, especially in that crucial first year? When speaking on the current QEP’s goals and the amount of collaboration required to achieve them, O’Neal discussed how, “It not only involves academics, but also Student Support Services, Admissions, Advancement, Student Life, pretty much every area in the university collaborating and consolidating resources in order to streamline student support.” She explained how the QEP has three program outcomes: “We want to provide students with an exceptional college experience; enhance their knowledge, cognitive skills, and values in a chosen field of study; and eliminate

A Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP, is a topic selected by a college or university that will enhance student learning or success and is a crucial component of the SACSCOC accreditation process. The selection, development, and implementation of a QEP is led by a committee of faculty and staff representing a broad cross-section of the university. Shorter’s current QEP committee is comprised of Dr. Angie O’Neal as Chair, Dr. Earl Kellett as Vice-Chair, Dr. Marcus Washington, Prof. Andrea Moss, Prof. Amy Neal, Prof. Katherine Dudley, Mr. Kevin Cooke, Prof. Michael Ross, Dr. Kris Douglass, and Ms. Brooklyn Stepp.

What is happening on the Hill? Beyond serving as the header for a weekly newsletter, those words also serve as the first question that anyone interested in Shorter University will ask. Of the many colleges available for students seeking higher education, including two other Christian centers of learning in this very state, Shorter University must prove itself to be a unique environment that fosters learning, living, and loving in service to the Lord. One of the foremost methods that is used to make life at Shorter particularly rewarding is the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan.

QEP: Building a Stronger Foundation

Guided by the wisdom found in Matthew 7:24-27, the QEP aims to improve retention by building a stronger foundation and shepherding our first-year students more effectively so that they can grow and flourish in this season of transition. By prioritizing the spiritual, emotional, and personal welfare of students as well as their academic success and meeting them where they are with resources, advisement, and reminders as to why God has led them to seek higher education at Shorter, the university’s new QEP demonstrates a profound understanding of what is and should be happening on the Hill.

obstacles that prevent them from successful degree completion.”

Another component of “Building a Stronger Foundation” centers around student learning and a newly refined Foundations of College Success (FCS) course that, she said, “is more relevant and engaging than ever.” O’Neal explained that “first-year students at the beginning of their academic careers need help seeing the connection between academic work and professional skills, what is called the ‘education-employment’ connection.”

Supported by research on the topic of “integrative learning” as a retention tool, the QEP will also facilitate faculty training on how to incorporate integrative learning strategies into general education courses to help students persist in academic work by “seeing the relationship between academic and professional skills” while also preserving the intrinsic value of Christian education as an integral part of “Transforming Lives through Christ.”

By: Cooper Hunt, guest writer Editor: Dr. Angie O’Neal Graphics by: Mary Corbin & Andrea Medel-Hernandez

“One major part of the QEP will be enhanced advising,” she explained, “creating a robust advising system that involves more than just helping students choose their schedules; it involves mentoring, career counseling, and proactively identifying obstacles to set students on a clear path to success.”

Lindsay Williams, a junior musical theatre major, and Jared Ivey, a senior musical theatre major, play the lead roles of Prince Topher and Ella. Photo by: April Moore

Students in Shorter University’s Department of Theatre worked hard to present “Cinderella” as their show for the spring 2022 semester. The production was held at the Rome City Auditorium on April 22 and 23. Students placed their focus on making this immersive play to be highly detailed and fun for all ages. Lindsay Williams, a senior musical theatre major, was excited to see this play come to life on the stage as she played the lead role of Cinderella. “This show holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “The story of Cinderella got me interested in following my passion for theater, and it was also the first show I saw on Broadway. I was blessed to play this role and to show the audience my own interpretation of Cinderella. I took my own pieces from different variations of existing versions and added my own flare to the character.” This show, the biggest musical undertaking Shorter has done in several years, was a tremendous success. Everything the audience saw on stage was carefully choreographed. The entire cast and crew put their maximum effort into all areas to make the play run smoothly. The main goal of the cast and backstage crew was to make the magic happen in front of the audience’s eyes. Williams said, “My favorite part of this show was witnessing the process of the dress transformations. It was fascinating to watch because the costume designers brought the costumes to life on stage.” Jared Ivey, a senior musical theatre major, joined Williams on stage to play the lead role of Prince Topher. This show, more of a romantic comedy, helped Ivey grow in his confidence on stage. Ivey said, “It was a very interesting experience to play such a humorous role. The comedy was so precise, and I grew more comfortable bringing humor onto the stage. The journey from my first role as a dog in a small black box theater to playing Prince Topher in an historic auditorium in downtown Rome left me feeling very sentimental. So much has changed in the theatre department since my arrival to Shorter four years ago. I’m so honored to finish my college career on such grand note.”

By: Caroline Wheeler

Fine Arts Students Present “Cinderella” at the Rome City Auditorium

Everyone involved in the production of “Cinderella” put in their very best effort to make this show as magical as possible. It was inspiring to see not only theatre majors, but also students from other majors, participate and show enthusiasm and passion for this production. The cast and crew were quite diverse and extremely hard working. To see all their hard work come to fruition on the stage was definitely worth it for the cast and crew. For seniors like Williams and Ivey, their performance in this production was the highlight of their collegiate career. It was an experience both seniors and underclassman alike will take with them after graduation.

Sydney Holden (left), a junior Christian studies major, and Marissa Brown, a senior musical theatre major, make up a part of the dance ensemble.

Photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez

Prince Topher, played by senior musical theatre major Jared Ivey, has just revealed himself at the ball. The ladies rush to his side hoping he will marry one of them. Photo by: April Moore

Photo by: April Moore Emily Wilder (left), a senior double major in vocal performance and music education, and Kennedy Zenobia Neely, a sophomore double major in musical theatre and theatre, perform the roles of Madame and Gabrielle.

Students with Professional Experience Shorter’s sport management program has been nationally recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Intelligent.com named the online sport management degree program as number one in the nation.

major.Members of the Hawk Sports Society meet former NBA player Charles Barkley at the Hoopsgiving event.

Dr. Heath Hooper, dean of the Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business and associate professor of sport management, and Michael Ross, chair of the Department of Sport Management and assistant professor of sport management, are responsible for the success of the program. They both conceptualized how to serve their students academically and spiritually while preparing them for careers in the field of sport management.Rosssaidthe mission of the sport management program is to serve. “Any sport management program should have service at its heart,” he said. When our students serve in these capacities, they gain experience to help them in their future careers,” he said. Professors like Ross prioritize student engagement in the vocalization of their faith by building on their biblical knowledge and applying it to real world circumstances. The overarching goal of the sport management program is to represent Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Sport management classes are built on practicality and application. Students learn how to build résumés, to network with others, and to use hands-on approaches when operating games for the Shorter Athletic Department. These classes allow students the opportunities to work with coaches to gain a better understanding of the business side of sports and the inner workings of team dynamics.

“The Department of Sport Management at Shorter offers more than a degree. Through this program, I had opportunities that have prepared me for my dream job to one day work in sports marketing. I had the opportunity to volunteer at events and intern in places that allowed me to feel fully prepared for the workforce,” said Kylie League, a senior sport management

By: Cat Bloedow

Photo by: Michael Ross

Sport Management Program Provides

Through The Hawk Sports Society, students are afforded opportunities to gain experience by participation in real-world sporting events. Casey Raschen, a senior communication studies major and sport management minor, Noah Hightower, a senior sport management major, and Katie Patrick, a general business major, along with several other students had the opportunity to serve at Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta in December of 2021. This event allowed these students to experience work revolving around philanthropies, brand promotion, and sporting events. Students also volunteered at past National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl games. This spring, students volunteered at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four basketball games. Opportunities like these set Shorter’s sport management program apart from those in other schools and allow students the chance to gain realworld experience in their field of study.

Students’ career goals are enhanced through events held at the Ledbetter College of Business, including the student led club, Hawk Sports Society. Speakers from former athletes to coaches to facility managers give insights into their jobs. Students are encouraged to meet and to build connections with speakers, thus, providing students with contacts for possible job opportunities in the future.

Photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez

From left to right: Sierra Withers, Alicyn Harris, Dr. Zack Strait, and Seth Stringer meet weekly to work on their creative writing ideas.

English and Creative Writing Clubs Provide Outlets for Student Creativity

tudents who love narratives should consider joining the English Club. Anyone interested in books, movies, and television shows would benefit from membership in the club.Aside from regular meetings, students attend an English conference and take numerous trips each year to hear published authors. Students also enjoy trips to museums as well as places like the Shakespeare Tavern to watch a play. “Membership in the English Club provided an opportunity for all majors to attend functions. We had several events including a Christmas party and a Barnes & Noble scavenger hunt,” said Rin Richardson, a senior interdisciplinary studies major and president of the English Club. The club is led by faculty advisor Dr. Julia Pond, associate professor of English. Pond loves working with students outside of the classroom and believes the English Club is a great way for students from all majors to bond. “The English Club provides a social outlet for students who love stories of any kind to spend time together across department lines outside of academia, having fun and fostering relationships,” she said.

By: Carly Tipton Dr. Zach Strait, assistant professor of English, launched Filament, a creative writing club, this year for students interested in developing their writing abilities.

“The club’s goals are to develop students’ love of literature, workshop their creative work, and encourage and guide them in the process of submitting and/or applying for graduate creative writing programs,” said Strait.Each week, club members shared their writing and received beneficial feedback about their work from their peers. “The creative writing club is very enjoyable and a place to share and grow as a writer,” said Sierra Withers, a junior psychology major. This club provides an opportunity for students who wish to grow in their imagination and broaden their writing skills while socializing with others who share the same desire.

By: Caroline Wheeler

Photo submitted by: Dr. Julia Pond

Members of the English Club and English faculty members attend Ken Ludwig’s play “Leading Ladies.”

Since the Covid-19 health crisis has been at the forefront of our lives for the past two years, no group has been more recognized than those who work in medicine, especially nurses. Nurses are on the front lines every day in hospitals and in other medical facilities taking care of patients and making sure things run smoothly. Essentially, nurses are the backbone of the medical field.

Shorter Nursing School Trains Next Generation of Medical Professionals

Many nurses, including nursing students at Shorter University, choose nursing careers because of their passion to help others, according to Roxanne Johnston, dean of the Ben and Ollie Brady School of Nursing. Serving and helping others is what Christians are called to do. Professors at the Brady School of Nursing believe being a nurse, coupled with Christian values, truly helps their students to … “transform lives through nursing. This is our theme,” said, Dr. Kris Douglass, associate professor of nursing. This motto perfectly aligns with the mission of Shorter University, which is to “Transform Lives Through Christ.” The goal for the nursing professors is to teach their students to not only help their patients physically, but to also show the love of Christ as they care for their patients. Students who desire a career in nursing must go through a long process to reach their goal. Incoming freshman are required to take four semesters (two years) of pre-nursing classes, including chemistry, microbiology, and other pertinent courses. While taking the prerequisite courses, students may apply to be admitted to the nursing school. Once these courses are completed, students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), a standardized test given to all potential nursing students throughout the United States. Shorter’s nursing program is highly competitive and only accepts students with a high likelihood of success. Although the process of being accepted into nursing school and successfully becoming a nurse is an arduous one, it is necessary to produce the best nurses who are skilled in Mary Ann Litchfield (right), assistant professor of nursing, teaches juniors Alexis Shearouse (back left) and Daisy Ramirez-Chavez (front left) about caring for a mother and a her newborn.

Photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez

Photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez Breanna Shook, a junior, (left) learns how to place a nasal canula from Dr. Wanda Taylor, assistant professor of nursing. A nasal canula provides oxygen to the patient.

Students in the Brady School of Nursing train both in the classroom and in local medical facilities to help prepare them for a career in nursing.

Students have a team of professors with decades of experience in the medical profession. In addition to Johnston and Douglass, there are five other nursing professors in the Brady School of Nursing. They include Christine Donadio, Rachel Johnson, Mary Ann Litchfield, and Dr. Wanda Taylor, all assistant professors of nursing, and Dr. Celeste Dunnington, associate professor of nursing. Careers in nursing are projected to grow due to an aging population and the increase in chronic health conditions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More nurses are needed now than ever before, but the competition for those jobs is steep. Graduates of the Brady School of Nursing are meeting the challenge and feel prepared to compete for those jobs.

Photo by: Andrea

Medel-HernandezBy:Allie Luna

their field. Johnston said, “We make sure we graduate competent students because not only is their practice a reflection on their personal lives, but it is also a reflection of us here at The Brady School of Nursing.”

Graduates from the Brady School of Nursing have a high probability of employment upon completion of their nursing degree. “Almost half of our 2021 graduating class had job offers from hospitals before they even graduated. There is a guarantee of a job coming out of this program,” said Douglass. Because Rome serves as a health care center for many people in Northwest Georgia, having a nursing school in the area is a great asset. Due to the large number of health care facilities locally available, Shorter’s nursing students have countless opportunities for hands-on training to better prepare them for their future careers.

The Hawkeye Faculty Award Winner Spring 2022 Dr.

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez

Dr. Kris Douglass, an associate professor of nursing at Shorter University, is a deeply admired professor on the Hill who has devoted her time to guide nursing students in their academic success and lead them closer to Jesus. Her character reflects everything Shorter represents, and she is always willing to serve others. Students are inspired daily by her selfless attitude and genuine compassion as they strive to extend their education in the nursing program and provide the best quality patient care possible through the teachings and leadership of Douglass. Danielle Siever, a senior nursing student said, “Dr. Douglass truly makes me excited to go to class and learn because I know she will challenge me. She also helps me every single step of the way.” Douglass is a beautiful example of how one should lead his/her life to be the hands and feet of the Lord. She is a humble and gentle soul who does her best to be involved in her students’ personal lives as well. Douglass constantly encourages her nursing students to do their best, study hard, grow from their mistakes, and trust in the Lord and His plan for them. Victoria Ergle, a senior nursing major, said, “I have never had an educator who cared so deeply about me and exemplified the love of Christ in all she does. Dr. Douglass is so deserving of recognition as her actions and genuine kindness do not go unnoticed.” Kris Douglass

Dr. Douglass and her colleagues celebrate their students’ accomplishments at the end of the 2019 academic year.

Douglass has been a huge asset to the Ben and Ollie Brady School of Nursing at Shorter University. It is evident that she pours her heart and soul into her students’ lives. Even though her students only spend a few years with Douglass, they will benefit from her training and care for a

Photo by: Dr. Dawn Tolbert

Photo by: Andrea Medel-Hernandez Joy Romano (left) and London Hale (right), both senior nursing majors, celebrate their accomplishments with Dr. Douglass at the 2021 pinning ceremony.

Wheeler

Dr. Douglass teaches Laura Dodge, a junior nursing major, about patient care.

By:Carolinelifetime.

Douglass has 43 years of nursing experience with an extensive background in nursing education. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2014 from Gardner-Webb University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Regis University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Eastern Mennonite University, and a Nursing Diploma from West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing. Her research interests are health promotion and development of clinical judgment in nursing students. She is also an expert in nursing research and pharmacology.