The Patriot - Spring 2023 Issue 3

Letter From the Managing Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Lacie DeGough

Managing Editor

Summer Mills

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Staff

Maddie Furtick

Amanda Gault

Anthony Cage Grubb

Cassidy Howard

Alyssa King

Amber Simpkins

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well this week. As we near the end of the bi-term, times are becoming more stressful. Eight-week terms are almost over, so many will have finals while sixteen-week terms are approaching their mid-term exams. Be sure to attend classes, stay focused, and study the best way you can keep up with things! Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the grade at the end of the term after working vigorously for it.

Something fascinating is going on at a fellow Kentucky university, Asbury University. One of the best things is to see a spontaneous revival like this. The students created an atmosphere fostering a welcoming environment for people from all over the country to join them in worship. This event is one of the most inspiring things to see. There are many false teachings in today’s world; one can often not tell what is real and what is a show. Asbury has set an excellent example of leadership, love, and faith over the past two weeks. At the Cumberlands, everyone needs to set this example as well. Do not be a part of a trend, but spread the word of God authentically and uniquely to the testimony you have to tell.

This issue will include a testimony from a student on campus here at UC. There are articles focusing on the choir, dining options, and professors. One piece will be about the first silent disco that our campus hosted. The event was in place of the typical casino night, but there will be other events later in the semester to help transition between the two. The silent disco will prove to be fun. Make sure you show up in a themed outfit, ready to dance and socialize!

This bi-term has gone by quickly. The days are long, but the months are short, so time is just passing. Surrounding yourself with people you love and who are true to themselves (and you) is the best way to spend your time. Enjoy the time you have in the present while you can.

Instead of spending so much of your brainpower on the past or future, live in the moment. God is moving across the country and showing the believers here on our small campus in southeastern Kentucky! Be vigilant.

Love, Summer Mills

Hannah Mae Sizemore

Emily Sloan

Elizabeth Spires

Front cover photo by Elizabeth Spires

Back cover graphic by Hannah Mae Sizemore

Photo by Lacie DeGough

Dance Like It’s the 80s

UC Housing Department Hosts a Silent Disco Dance Party

BY AMANDA GAULT Staff Writer

Grab your favorite 80s-inspired outfit and dance the night away at Silent Disco! The Housing Department hosted the first annual Silent Disco on Wednesday, February 22, in the Cafeteria from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The cafeteria transformed into an 80s-themed party, complete with disco balls and neon lights. They provided many types of snacks prevalent in the 80s, such as pizza rolls and twinkies. The Housing Department rented 500 headphones for students to use. Each student had the option to choose between three different music stations. Once students put their headphones on, they could jam out to their favorite songs and dance the night away. “I am most excited to step back in time to one of the most iconic eras: the 80s! The foods, the decor, and the dress—it will be fun stepping into my parents’ shoes when they were my age!” stated Hannah Haegan, the Archer Hall Residence Director.

The Student Government Association partnered with the Housing Department to help bring the party to life. SGA gave $500 for prizes and gift cards to benefit students directly. They allocated $200 specifically for gift cards

that students had the opportunity to win through an interactive giveaway. SGA members carried signs encouraging students to participate in the giveaway. For example, one sign read, “The first person to bring me a scrunchie wins a $10 Walmart gift card.” They allocated $300 for 80s-themed prizes, such as lava lamps, moon lamps, and disco balls. These prizes were distributed to the winners picked out of all of the students who came to the event.

The SGA Media Committee created promotional material for the event. “We wanted to create a video that got people excited about the Silent Disco. We also wanted people to understand better how it would look. The Housing Department did an excellent job transforming the office into a ‘mock’ Silent Disco. I had a lot of fun filming the video, and I had a blast at Silent Disco,” stated Lilli Vance, the Student Government Association Media Coordinator.

Photos by Lilli Vance

More Would Be Merrier

UC Students’ Opinions on Campus Food Options

BY AMBER SIMPKINS Staff Writer

How satisfied do you feel about UC’s dining options? The dining options on campus are a topic often discussed among students. We asked some students on campus to see their opinions on UC dining.

One of the most often mentioned facts regarding UC’s dining options is the variety of options given to students. The campus has three restaurants, a dining hall, and three coffee shop locations. Although that may be a decent amount for students, many say that more variety would be better. We asked UC student Cole Hannon how he felt about the food options on campus; he stated that “it is a decent number of options to choose from, but it could use more variety.” Another student, Nathan Siler, has vouched for using the meal swipe at more places downtown, similar to how UC students can use their meal swipes at the downtown Cumberland River Coffee location. “I think it would be a great idea if we could use our meal swipe at some of the places downtown,” Siler said. “It would bring more options to us.” Nathan also mentioned the variety in the dining hall. “The variety is decent, especially the lunch and dinner variety, but breakfast needs more variety along with more variety on the weekends.”

There have also been a lot of strong feelings about the previous restaurant, Tossed, being replaced with Habaneros. Many students have expressed that they wish the university would have kept Tossed instead of changing it to Habaneros. Student Taegan Jones has expressed her feelings on the matter. “I really miss Tossed,” she said. One of The Patriot’s staff members, Hannah Mae Sizemore, added, “Habaneros is good, but it doesn’t compare to Tossed.”

Something else that has received a lot of commentary from students is

how our meal swipes work. UC students are allowed three meal swipes a day but only two on weekends. Most students thought three meal swipes were a reasonable amount per day, some thought three swipes were not enough, and others said it depends on what counts as a swipe. Most students have said one less meal swipe on weekends is inconvenient. Student Rachel Wade stated, “I feel that three swipes are not enough. We are college kids, and we need coffee, and making us choose between [food and coffee] is making us choose between a normal meal and sanity.” Wade added, “When we have only two meal swipes on the weekends, it makes it very hard. I personally have to space out my food, and I am left hungry for most of the afternoon. It would be nice to be given an extra swipe along with some more meal options, but I am thankful for what I am given.”

There have been many complaints about only one coffee counting as a full meal swipe. The coffee shops offer food and most drinks, but not together as a swipe. Student James Haus has said, “Coffee isn’t a meal; therefore, it shouldn’t count as a full meal swipe.” Sizemore has also given insight into this by stating, “We should be able to get something else along with coffee.”

Do you agree with the students in this article? UC students seem relatively content with the current options, but more variety is always better. Many UC students would love to see more variety of options and changes to the way meal swipes work.

Photos by Emily Sloan

To Be or Not To Be Musically Inclined

UC Students’ Impact on Community

BY EMILY SLOAN Staff Writer

“Earth, water, air, and FIRE!” shouted a couple of hundred music advocates last week during an eventful Kentucky Music Educators Association session. The voices of amateurs to professional musicians filled the room as an exciting instructor attempted to teach the basics of musical components through the popular animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Laughter and excitement filled the air as everyone bonded over the common ground of musical passion, and the best part was that not everyone was a music educator or major. Music is a beautiful field that brings together the most and least experienced musicians and unites them under an umbrella of curiosity.

To any Patriot who is looking for the chance to get involved, this article is for you! There are a lot of opportunities to get involved available at the University of the Cumberlands. Whether you are looking for an inclusive club, organization, or creative outlet, UC has options for everyone, especially in music.

One of the more under-advertised organizations here on campus is UC’s NAfME chapter. Collegiate NAfME—the National Association for Music Education—is an organization for aspiring music educators and music advocates. Mrs. Shawn Sudduth, the Director of Music Education and Athletic Bands here at UC, shares that “NAfMe has existed since 1907 and works to advance the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music. Our collegiate chapter is very active and made up of students across campus. We provide a meaningful place for musicians to engage in various activities that support our UC Music Department and ensembles. We also provide experiences to strengthen future music educators and all music advocates who will be influencing the coming generations.” You do not need to be musically inclined to

participate in this chapter’s events. Anyone passionate about the subject can join this group to help the community flourish by spreading the joy that stems from music. One of the points that NAfME stresses the most is its student’s impact on society through community service. University of the Cumberlands was one of only five national schools recognized as a recipient of the 2022 National Chapter of Excellence Service Award.

Speaking of service, on February 8th, 40 students and faculty members from Cumberlands loaded up and went to Louisville to help and participate in the annual KMEA conference. In addition to these trips, UC’s NAfMe chapter “supports area school music programs regularly visiting to assist music teachers through clinics, workshops, small group and one-on-one instruction, instrument demonstrations, etcetera,” states Mrs. Sudduth. “We have helped raise money for local groups, and we also play a huge role in hosting schools and events on and off our campus.” In the end, Mrs. Sudduth reveals that the vision of music here on campus is to create “awareness and expertise for those who will be teaching and supporting music in their communities, whether as a music educator, band or choir parent, church choir member, school board member, etc. Our goal is to increase understanding about the importance of having strong music education and high-quality music experiences available for everyone, no matter their walk of life.”

If you want to learn more about music here at UC, contact Shawn Sudduth to ask how you can get involved! Scholarships are available to everyone, regardless of musical experience. You will not regret the opportunities that music has offered; from traveling and friendship to making elemental sounds with Avatar, there is a place waiting for you here in UC’s music family!

Photo courtesy of Emily Sloan

Looking Back

UC From Professors’ Points of View: Then and Now

BY ALYSSA KING Staff Writer

The University of the Cumberlands, previously known as the Williamsburg Institute, was established in 1889. Many changes have occurred since that time—both inevitable and innovative. The professors on campus today are essential sources of information regarding the university’s history.

In 1958, the University of the Cumberlands had the Dean of Women. The Dean of Women was responsible for all issues pertaining to women students. During the 50s and 60s, women in America were constantly fighting for their rights. During the time of limitations, girls at UC had curfews and rules. In 1958, Dorothy Sanders was the Assistant Dean of Women. At the time, UC was only a 2-year college. Mrs. Sanders—who worked for UC for six years but has now moved on—states, “Dr. Boswell was president then, and he was instrumental in the University of the Cumberlands becoming a 4-year college.” In 1982, the Board of Trust expanded the academic programs and turned the University of the Cumberlands into a 4-year college, which is how it remains today. Mrs. Sanders explains that much has changed when it comes to the rules regarding female students.

Dr. Sharp attended the University of the Cumberlands for her English education and then returned to work full-time in the English department in 1991. Dr. Sharp explains that “little has remained the same from 1991 to 2023, except for Cumberlands’ mission.” The university’s mission is to provide a quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds through broad-based academics grounded in Christian principles. “All English professors who were teaching in 1991 have retired or left with the exception of one,” Dr. Sharp states. Online classes were not available until recent years. Looking towards the future of UC, Dr. Sharp says that she hopes that the English department will be able to offer more upper-level in-seat classes and that more students will compose

and present their literary papers at conferences. Dr. Sharp’s favorite part of her department is the English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta, which has strong and active group members. Dr. Sharp further explains that “seeing students achieve success as they accomplish their English education is always an encouragement for me as a professor.”

Dr. Jeff Smoak, a professor in the music department, joined UC in 1994 at the age of 29. This year, technology was advancing, making it easier and more fun to lecture and teach students. When Dr. Smoak first arrived, he brought his cassette tape! There was no Google at this time—just emails and messaging. UC began to develop online classes for students. Dr. Smoak says that this helped his music appreciation class tremendously. Unlike some other schools, the University of the Cumberlands now has administrative support for the arts. Another change that Dr. Smoak mentioned was how students could get involved with so much more than before, in a sense that not just majors and minors in the department could participate. Some improvements that Dr. Smoak would like to see in the music department are more scholarship opportunities, travel opportunities for the singing groups, an increased budget to bring in more equipment, and building upgrades. Two of Dr. Smoak’s favorite things about his department are the comradery between the faculty and the faculty’s ability to interact with a variety of students.

The University of the Cumberlands has tremendously developed over the past 100 years. The university has helped to diminish inequality, expand its programs, advance its technology, and become one of the safest campuses in America. All of these great advancements are a part of the rich history and great future in store for the Cumberlands.

Photo by Alyssa King

Share Your Testimony

Elias Duff Recalls His Salvation Story

HANNAH MAE SIZEMORE Staff Writer

Ally’s Top Picks

Elias Duff is a sophomore here at the University of the Cumberlands. He is a Christian Studies major and plans to pursue further education in a theological seminary. Duff states, “Wherever God leads me, I will go.” He currently serves with the Evangelism Discipleship Ministry, otherwise known as the E.D.M. Through campus ministries, there are many areas to serve!

According to Eli, when he hears the word “testimony,” he thinks of “either a circumstance or a season of life or a period of life that God is working in your life, which is always.” He also states, “it is evidence of God working in your life.”

Elias Duff’s walk with Christ is remarkable! Duff was born and raised in a little town called Sandown, New Hampshire. He grew up in a wonderful Christian home. He lived with his mother, father, and twin sister. His parents raised him to value the characteristics and personality traits that Jesus portrayed. And his parents displayed those same traits for him; they poured the love of Jesus into their children’s lives.

Duff was working full-time at a group home serving middle-aged men in wheelchairs. His job involved caring for these men. He thought that was what his career would be, but he felt he needed to either take a break from this job or leave and try

ministry. He knew he wanted to work in both human services and ministry, so he researched Christian colleges. He discovered a few schools, but he selected the University of the Cumberlands after it was all said and done. He knew as soon as he arrived on campus that God was preparing a foundation and home for him here.

Duff states that throughout his time at home, he never understood why he followed Jesus and why he needed Jesus. He just knew that the God he worshiped was good. And he thought that was what he needed: something good. When he came to UC, he started to make his faith his own. His parents— in his words—“laid the foundation for what was to come.” A year ago, his faith started to grow. He learned his sinful nature is no match for God’s desire to get him into heaven. There is nothing he can do to achieve eternal life, and there is nothing he can do to achieve the highest point of righteousness or success. He knew that from then on out, he needed Jesus. Jesus saved him from sin and is the only way to the Father and eternal life.

His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 139:14: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well” (KJV).

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

Alyssa King, a member of our staff, is giving you an excusive look into her music taste with this playlist! Shuffle this playlist for an even mix of her top favorites.

Graphic by Lacie DeGough