Meetingof theminds
UC debater squares off against psychology professor in Battle of the Brains
Letter from the Managing Editor
As the fall semester enters full swing, The Patriot newspaper staff strives to provide a voice for students, offering frequent updates on campus related activities, current events and student experiences. I am impressed with the determination, skill and dedication the volunteers and newspaper staff have presented.
I have found a family within the communication arts and journalism department, challenging me to expand my writing abilities, to exit my comfort zone and get creative, and to form relationships with the community around me. As The Patri ot’s new managing editor, I have priori tized extending the voice of students within our issue and organizing the best material to inform, entertain and provoke thought. Our editor-in-chief, Ford Edwards, has set the standards high for The Patriot and has many plans in store for the future. I plan to assist him reaching these goals no matter what the height or obstacle.
more than to capture a story. Our staff’s goal is to serve the student body and provide a place to reflect, give opinions, inform and express gratitude for the incredible university in which we attend. I encourage all to read the newspaper and get involved because words are permanent and powerful. I believe that change is possible if you believe in the power of the press.
Sincerely,
Editor-In-Chief
Eric Ford Edwards
Managing Editor
Megan Willoughby
Faculty Advisor
Jeremiah Massengale
Staff
Emilee Agee
Anna Brown
Taylor Duke
Kathryn Green
Leanne Gregory
Tyler Kohn
Shandi Lindsay
Brian Mahadeo
John McCoy
Megan Muggridge
Zane Ross
James Saylor
Editorial Review Board
Lisa Bartram
Marianne Worthington
Megan Willoughby
I am delighted to be a part of a thriving environment that wants nothing
Email comments, concerns or tips to: thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu or call us at 606-539-4172
7000 College Station Drive Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769
The Patriot is the biweekly student publication of the University of the Cumberlands. Our goal is to provide timely and original content by highlighting campus news and views.
Award-winning member of the Associated Collegiate Press and Kentucky Press Association.
BY NICHOLE SHARP Staff Writer
Battle of the brains: Professor vs. Student
UC debate team co-captain squares off against psychology professor in on-campus debate event
Dr. Dennis Trickett, chair of the UC psychology department, went head-to-head in a debate with UC senior psychology major Jordan Floyd, the co-captain of UC’s debate team, in the inaugural “Battle of the Brains” event in Gatliff Chapel on September 19, 2017. The student versus professor debate, which was a UC Engage event, discussed whether or not “psychology is antithetical to religion.” After about half-an-hour of spirited arguments, a panel of judges (in a split-decision) declared Trickett the winner of the formal debate.
The event was attended by over 100 students and was hosted by the debate team, the Communication Arts department and Psi Chi. During the debate, Floyd explained the difficulties that come up when psychology and religion coexist as fields of study; Trickett argued that the fields are able to intermix and teach each other the important values of civil discourse. Floyd made the point, “You wouldn’t use religion and science to study the exact same thing; you use them separately at two different times. They’re two different roads. You’re not holding hands; one’s empirical and one’s theological. It’s irrational to try to use the scientific method and a theological method to find a certain truth.”
During one of his rounds of debate Trickett said that psychology and religion can inform one another, that they don’t have to be in opposition to one another. Trickett said, “Is there one recipe for chocolate chip cookies? No, I think there are multiple recipes. Is it not possible that there are multiple ways to approach some of these same ideas?”
Adriana Roaden, a UC senior psychology major in attendance said, “Trickett gave the best argument to me because I’m a psychology major and have experience with intermixing both religion and psychology myself.”
After the debate was over, Trickett said he hoped students left the event with a great deal to think about. Trickett said, “I want students to see that we can be civil and hold to our belief systems and not let it get ugly.”
In response to his loss after the debate, Floyd laughingly said, “They [students] were biased because they wanted good grades from a possible future professor.”
Floyd, using a much more serious tone, added, “It was intimidating, and it was a new and exciting experience. I felt honored that we could bridge the gap that a lot of students feel that exists between a professor, someone who has always been the teacher, and the students, who are just there to kind of just listen and learn. It’s humbling and it’s something that I was very grateful to be a part of.”
Jay Bourne, director of the debate team, explained, “I think they’re both good debaters, that they both had good arguments for their sides and I think that the judges and students valued the merits of the arguments that they gave.”
The UC debate team is planning to hold a Battle of the Brains event again during the spring 2018 semester. Bourne said, “And I think based off the attendance from this event, we’re looking forward to offering more.”
Photos by Nichole Sharp
Why did you choose UC? a freshmen
photo survey
complied by JOUR 416
I chose UC because of the Christian atmosphere, it’s a small school, and that’s the environment I really wanted.
- Viktoria Wilson
The University of the Cumberlands was the first to accept me when applying, and I got the most scholarship money from them!
- Lashae Smiddy
I chose UC for the atmosphere. I really love the beauty of the area and I love the awesome campus and awesome people.
- Justin Darley
God basically, god kind of turned all my plans, and opened every door for me to come here.
- Sarah Hunter
When I learned about UC, I thought it was a real community feel and a campus that is serious about serving the Lord.
Friday night: Sundy Best
Band to perform UC as part of homecoming weekend
- Samantah Rayburn
I chose UC because of the Christian atmosphere, it’s a small school, and that’s the environment I really wanted.
- Skyler Johnson
I chose UC for Archery and Academics. I’m from Dayton, Ohio so it’s a very different environment from what I am used to, but it’s a fun environment.
- Emily Cardis
BY CHELSA E. BOWMAN Staff Writer
There’s nothing like hanging out with friends and family, making new memories and reminiscing about the old memories. During Homecoming the students, staff and alumni come together to celebrate the memories and legacy of the Cumberlands. It’s the time of year where students meet alumni, gathering around them to hear the stories they want to share about their experiences at UC.
During Homecoming weekend the campus hosts several events for the students, faculty, staff and alumni. This year, Cumberlands is bringing something new to Homecoming: Sundy Best. Sundy Best, a popular duo from the hills of Kentucky, will be performing as a part of Homecoming in Gatliff Chapel as Friday night’s headliner on Sept. 29.
“A lot of students were talking about Sundy Best, and how cool it would be to have them here. It started with the students, where most of our events come from,” said director of student activities Lisa Bartram.
The country duo was formed by Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Jamerson is the lead vocalist and plays the guitar, with
Bentley accompanying him on the cajón drum. Even though they are listed as a country duo, Sundy Best says they don’t really identify with a type of music genre. Their music includes different types of genres, depending on the song.
“Sundy Best is one of my favorite duos, they complement each other so well. I have seen them in concert five times. After hearing that they are playing at UC, I was beyond thrilled,” says Kellie Halcomb, a UC graduate from the class of 2017.
Although their concert is scheduled for Homecoming, the seating in Gatliff Chapel is limited. Admission is free. There were 425 concert tickets available beginning on Sept. 18 for students and alumni. Remaining tickets will be given out to the public; first come, first serve.
“We just want everyone to have a good time, to come and socialize. The alumni get to see someone they went to school with and reminisce about their time here,” said Bartram.
Fans of Sundy Best and those who want to see the concert, or hang out with friends while listening to a band close to home, be sure to save the date.
Photo courtesy of SundyBest.net
Photos
Right state of mind
UC Counseling Center’s Jodi Carroll and Debbie Gilbert
talk about the importance of mental health
BY ZANE ROSS Staff Writer
The University of the Cumberlands has been providing a free counseling service to students, professors and other faculty members for going on three years now, but it somehow still feels like the best kept secret on campus. Jodi Carroll, the director of behavioral health, and Debbie Gilbert, one of the on-campus counselors at the UC Counseling Center, were happy to sit down with me and share some information that students might not be aware of when it comes to the importance of counseling.
Zane Ross: How many students have utilized the counseling service?
Jodi Carroll: The number was 75 unique individuals who used the service during the last school year and we have served 24 individuals this year.
What would you say to students who feel like they may need or want counseling, but do not come out of fear?
Debbie Gilbert: I would say that in this area, especially being one of faith, that there is a stigma because of things parents, churches or friends have said about counseling. I think that it is taking the initiative to realize that you are in college and that you are going to be a professional and you need to do what you have to do to be the best version of yourself. I think the main issue is that they don’t understand what goes on in a counseling session.
What is it that goes on in a counseling session?
DG: Well, as counselors we aren’t here to judge them, but to guide them. We accept them right
where they are at no matter what the narrative is. We are here to walk with them while they find meaning in their life. Our job isn’t to fix people, but to be with people while they search out their own answers.
Online counseling is also an option for students who may not feel comfortable coming in for face to face counseling. Would you say it is as effective?
DG: If you speak to some people that I counsel then they would say they feel that it is just as effective as face to face counseling, but they aren’t here on campus. I think that the best situation would be to meet face to face and form an alliance that they know they can trust.
From what you have seen would you say that the counseling service has been beneficial to the students who have come in?
DG: Absolutely. I do not know this statistically, but I would say that I have heard story after story from returning students about how their lives have improved since the start of the summer because they had sought counseling last year. They have made the decision to continue the counseling because it had gone so well and they want to finish out their college career strong.
How many counselors are currently on staff?
DG: I am a licensed professional clinical counselor who works as a GA here because I am working on my doctorate in leadership and counseling supervision. We have two interns. Matt Frye sees a lot of our male patients, but he could see either. He graduates in December
and will be ready to go into the counseling field professionally. Logan Reynolds is another; she can work with either men or women, but mainly works with women. We also have Bj Croley, who is a practicum student that works with us. We also have Dr. Steven Halstead who works with us; he is a licensed professional clinical counselor and, of course, he teaches in the human services department.
What is the counseling services policy when it comes to violations of the University’s guidelines?
JC: The counseling center provides services under the protection of HIPA, the federal law which governs all physical and mental healthcare, and we follow the guidelines of that law. If someone is a potential danger to themselves or others then it is mandatory that we report that to officials. If we are told about immediate child abuse or something that would strongly suggest a child in immediate danger then we are required to report that.
Carroll and Gilbert also mentioned that they were interested in promoting the Counseling Center and overall the encouragement to inform students on the importance of mental health as well as overcoming the stigma that comes with it. Carroll says that if any campus groups or students express interest in learning more about mental health topics, then they would be willing to speak on the subject with that group or create pamphlets that better explains those topics. You may schedule an appointment by e-mailing counselingcenter@ucumberlands.edu or learn more by going to ucumberlands.edu/ counselingcenter.
Photo submitted
Stressed? University of the Cumberlands provides free counseling service to students.
& Welcome to my Dorm
The perks of dorm life
BY ERIC FORD EDWARDS Editor-In-Chief
Whether it’s your first year of college or your fourth year, it’s nice to have a relaxing place on campus to get away from the pressures of classes. Dorms can provide just that space. Students have the chance to customize the space to their liking and make their cut of UC feel like home.
Few things during your college experience make you feel more like an adult than moving into your dorm for the first time. If you’re anything like me, you were wide eyed, eager, and excited to hang your “Ferris Bueller” poster up, and meet your new roommate.
I wanted to learn why students decorate their dorms, and what creative ways they do so. I started asking students, “Who has the most creative dorm room?” and like the search for Atlantis, the clues were scarce. Eventually, Devon Goings, resident house director of Robinson–Cook, pointed me in the right direction.
I walked into a room of two UC freshman and I was greeted with the words, “Hi, I’m Miles (Parramore)!” “ And I’m Marcus (Kidwell),” & “Welcome to our crib.” They may have been coached into quoting the MTV show “Cribs,” but the two didn’t need any help showing off their dorm room.
Then, after Goings introduced me to the residents, they went on to explain all the work and features that went into the decoration of the dorm room. The room included various types of lighting, a street sign from Kidwell’s hometown, two different gaming consoles, shelves filled with snacks, and plenty seating for any one who wants to come by
and play “Call of Duty: Zombies.” Parramore and Kidwell seem like they’ve been friends for years though they’ve only known each other for a little more than a month.
Parramore said, “When you decorate your dorm it feels like home, you can bring pieces of home with you and put them up on the wall, and it makes you miss home a little less.” He went on to say that because the room is decorated, “It’s never just me, Miles, and Austin (their other roommate). We usually have quite a bit of people over.” During the interview the duo had two other students playing video games, which proved their point. Kidwell and Parramore went on to add sometimes friends end up sleeping on the floor. The only thing that has been difficult for the freshman wrestlers has been adjusting to sharing a space with other guys. Though they agreed that adjusting to sharing a space with others is healthy.
Many students decorate their dorms to some degree, but few decorate their dorm room and suite as much as UC senior Haley Swihart and her senior suitemates. Upon walking into this suite you feel like you’ve stepped into a furnished apartment, or an Ikea aisle, more than a suite in a dorm. The lobby is peppered with coffee mugs, bright colors and patterns, painted canvases, and inspirational quotes hung on the walls. The majority of the women in the suite are education majors and constantly help each other though classes. This being another perk of dorm life, the suite of women seems very much like sisters.
After the ladies of the suite graciously let
me take some snapshots of their living arrangement, they also agreed to take a few questions about dorm life. When I asked the room of UC seniors about one perk of dorm life, Cassidy Daugherty stated, “a closet to share.” I was confused, thinking sharing a closet would be a pain, but she went on to explain that she meant picking from her roommates’ clothes. Swihart went on to discuss the benefits of decorating their space. Swihart replied, “I think that it’s inviting. If anybody, or any of my suitemates, wanted to come into my room they might feel more at home if I had it decorated.”
UC’s Madison Miller added, “I think it provides a space for you to rejuvenate at the end of the day. If you’ve had a hard day you can come back to the little piece of comfort you’ve created.” Classes can be tough, especially as a senior, and it’s no surprise that students need a place to get away and study. Swihart added, “I like doing homework in a place I enjoy.” She went on to explain the benefits of living in a dorm of other women saying, “I only have a brother, so it’s fun having other girls to talk to. You always have someone around.” During the interview the group of ladies were all smiles, and more than hospitable.
Whether you’re living in a suite with close friends or you’ve found a friend in your new roommate, dorm life can cultivate lasting friendships and pull you out of your comfort zone. During your years in college you may look back on the individual you were on your first day you moved in and realize the lasting impact your friends and roommates have had on your life.
Photo by Eric Ford Edwards
Photo By Ford Edwards
It
a review
BY EMILEE AGEE Staff Writer
A new movie adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel “It” was released to theaters Sept. 8, which might explain the red balloons you might have seen appearing everywhere or why clowns are becoming a topic of conversation again, and the movie delivers truly chilling scenes in unanticipated ways. Set in 1989 in Derry, Maine, a team of kids use their summer to find other children that have disappeared and soon learn that they were taken by an evil clown named Pennywise (played by Bill Skarsgard) who lives in the sewer and feeds off of their fear. If you were expecting a movie that would spark terror into the deepest part of your soul, you’re going to be surprised at how far this movie is from what you can imagine.
Instead, director Andy Muschietti only works with the first half of the more than one-thousand-page novel, centering mainly on each of the kids’ personal lives and struggles and their plans to defeat Pennywise. The best part of the movie was not what would make you jump from your seat or have you biting
your nails in suspense, but how the tension and horror was cut at perfect moments by the sentimental, immature, and silly nature of the kids but also their traumatizing home lives and extremely realistic struggles. This is sure to pull at your heart but also brings to light more complex issues, and its ability to inspire further conversation is commendable, but despite having scenes that contain toxic relationships among the children and their parents and peers, these situations are not glamorized and do not distract from the focus by being overdramatic.
The way these problems are shown as contributing factor to their fears, while each specific sequence still being fairly poignant makes the movie that much more gripping. King’s intricate plot enriches the story and prevents the two-hour movie from dragging or being predictable.
Tommy Lee Wallace’s television miniseries from 1990 might have been the origin of your lifelong fear of clowns, but upon further viewing, probably could make you laugh or even cringe more than made
shudder, but audiences should be prepared to be shocked from Muschietti’s first scene. The access to more advanced technology and realistic-looking makeup means that this version will haunt the viewer long after they leave the theater.
King fans will also appreciate the Easter eggs that appear throughout the movie which pay homage to “Carrie,” “Christine” and “The Shining” to name a few. The additional ‘80s pop culture references that are sprinkled in contribute to the nostalgic flair and further plunge you into the time period, and as a result, into the disturbing nightmare taking place. With there already being talk of a sequel, and with the knowledge that 27 years later the kids return, it’s only a matter of time until “It” does too.
Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema. Used with permission.
