The Bison - Vol. 99, No. 01

@HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications

Holland-Waller Center opens

University launches “Women of Faith” initiative in conjunction

University ambassador Lisa Williams announced during chapel this week the new “Women of Faith” initiative at Harding. As part of the action, plans to honor five women will pair with the Holland-Waller Center’s official dedication in November.

Dr. Joneal Kirby, founder of Heart to Home ministries; Dr. Cathleen Shultz, founding dean of the Carr College of Nursing; and former Board of Trustees member Lindy Ingram were chosen as three of the five women. The remaining two will be announced Nov. 4.

“We live in a day and age where gender lines are kind of blurred for people, and it makes it difficult for people who are coming of age right now to know what that means for their future,” Williams said. “It’s really about investing in our young women in particular, so that when they leave, they can go into a professional setting and be well-equipped and armed to handle a toxic environment or a healthy one.”

Williams is chair of a 14-member advisory board for Women of Faith made of Harding

alumni, including five who work at Harding. The board had its first meeting Aug. 30 to discuss its goals for the coming year.

“This is about showing people there is a way to live that’s godly, holy, righteous and meaningful, has purpose and can give you a really good life that’s worth living, not one that you might question,” she said. “Today, the No. 1 thing was mentorship on all fronts for men and women.”

Williams said the advisory board plans to host a few weekend seminars for men and women that will be specific to each group. However, she said, mentorship is where the initiative needs to start.

“I’ve been listening to a lot of people, and they all resonate the same things: ‘I want to be a mentor,’ or ‘I want a mentor,’” Williams said. “I think the time is now for us to kind of pivot and do better for the women of Harding, and not just in recognition but in development and opportunities.”

Board of Trustees member and alumnus Rodney Waller, who is the lead donor for the building, named the building after his mother-in-law Sue Holland and his mother Joella Waller. The purpose of naming the

building after them and creating the Women of Faith initiative, he said, was to celebrate and honor the women in his life who have made significant contributions.

“We thought it was great to dedicate the

We thought it was great to dedicate the building to the humble servants of God that do not get recognition.

building to the humble servants of God that do not get recognition,” Waller said. “They have made big contributions to Harding, their churches and communities.”

Waller said the new building is based around Romans 12:1-2, which emphasizes transforming one’s life to become a living sacrifice for the glory of God.

“We want the student body to understand and appreciate eternal life and get them thinking about ‘What can I do today and practice in college to be able to really make an impact

on the world?’” Waller said. “What we want to do is help facilitate growth in every one of our students so that they graduate with the self-confidence to go out into the world.”

The sidewalk in front of the new building directly connects to the First Ladies Garden, which has historically honored the women of Harding.

Construction on the new building went much quicker than originally planned, University President Mike Williams said.

“The Ganus building really needed to be replaced,” he said. “It’s really the best-case scenario, even though it kind of pushed people a little bit at the end.”

The Holland-Waller Center is “exponentially” bigger than the building it replaced, Williams said. The building “does not have a bad view,” and the community spaces were all the vision of Waller.

“The thing I love most about it is that what’s really going to emanate is this Women of Faith initiative,” Williams said. “The building is very symbolic of something much bigger.”

Harding University Bookstore cuts down on inventory

This year, the Harding University Bookstore is going through major changes regarding their offered merchandise.

In an email to Harding faculty and staff July 25, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services David Hall announced that the bookstore would no longer carry religious materials such as church curricula, communion and church supplies. The decision was made after years of consideration.

“The decision has not been an easy one, but the ultimate conclusion was inevitable,” Hall said.

The decline in demand is, in part, due to the lingering effects of COVID-19. The increased access to online options has led to lowered options for in-person access to materials. COVID-19 highlighted alternative options that have persisted.

“New buying habits post COVID-19 and the rise of online purchasing have caused our church supply sales to decline by nearly 80% over the last decade,” Hall said. “The bookstore is part of the Harding ecosystem, and our profits and/or losses directly impact the cost of education on our campus.”

Financial decline was the leading cause behind the pulling of church materials in the bookstore. However, there was a lack of knowledge about the resources available to those seeking curricula and religious materials.

2022, said she had to find resources online or through word of mouth for the events she planned for her social club.

“As devo director, I mainly used resources I already had or that were online,” Reiser said. “If I had known about resources in the bookstore, it would’ve definitely been a helpful and accessible option for me.”

The bookstore will make accommodations for churches who relied on their material. Operations Manager Angela Shaw said these churches will all be referred to another supplier.

“We are referring all of our customers to 21st Century Christian Bookstore in Nashville, Tennessee,” Shaw said. “They have

been providing church curriculum for 85 years and can be counted on to provide fast and friendly service to all of their customers.The changes will mostly impact small churches who have continued to rely on us for their curriculum needs. Those who were nearby or within driving distance liked to come in and pick up supplies – and save on shipping – so they will be most affected by the change.”

Senior Amy Reiser, devotional director for women’s social club Pi Theta Phi in fall

TIANE DAVIS editor-in-chief

EMMA WEBER opinions editor

Construction outside the Holland-Waller Center continues. The building opened for classes with the beginning of the fall semester. Administration announced a new “Women of Faith” initiative during chapel Aug. 30.

A textboook lays outside the University bookstore. Assistant Vice President of Enrollment David Hall announced the closing of the Bible and Church Supply Store July 25.

– Rodney Waller, board member

Photo by MACY COX

Photo by MACY

TimelyCare offers virtual counseling

TimelyCare is an online counseling organization that offers a variety of mental health resources, including scheduled counseling, yoga, and a 24/7 call service. Harding has partnered with TimelyCare to bring better mental health care to students.

Harding University has partnered with TimelyCare to offer all full-time undergraduate and graduate students access to virtual mental health with licensed counselors, starting this semester. TimelyCare is free and confidential and has partnered with numerous universities across the country.

“We do not receive access to what is shared about, just like any other professional, private setting,” Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students Zach Neal said.

TimelyCare offers three key mental health resources: TalkNow, scheduled counseling

and peer community. Additionally, self-care options are available, including online, ondemand yoga and meditation sessions.

The TalkNow service is available 24/7 with an unlimited number of calls.

“With TalkNow, you can talk to a counselor immediately,” Neal said. “At 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., it doesn’t matter.”

Additionally, TimelyCare gives students 12 full-length (45-50 minutes) scheduled counseling sessions per year, renewing each August.

The peer community allows students to anonymously converse and encourage one another. It is remotely monitored by one of TimelyCare’s licensed counselors.

“There’s the element that has to do with your peers,” Neal said. “There’s the element that has to do with you and this licensed medical professional. Then there’s also the element that has to do with you independently in your own growth.”

Angela Bailey, a licensed associate counselor from the University’s counseling center, said one of the limitations their office experiences is they are only licensed to counsel students who are in Arkansas. Thus, if students go home for breaks and wish to continue counseling, they cannot continue with the center at Harding. However, TimelyCare has licensed counselors for all states, so a

student can still receive their mental health services through them.

“It can help a student no matter where they are in the United States,” Bailey said. Student Government Association President Ella Duryea said she is grateful students who need immediate attention from a counselor can access to TimelyCare.

“Getting help – whatever that looks like for you – there is never any shame associated with that,” Duryea said. “Just don’t be afraid to reach out for help. That’s one of the bravest things anyone can do.”

Administration updates student handbook

Quick updates

This week at Harding with

Monday - Organizational fair

Tuesday - Bingo night in the Student Center Pit at 9:00p.m. Win prizes such as a Stanley brand tumbler

Wednesday - Code Black pep rally in the Rhodes-Reeves Field House

Thursday - Founders Day

Friday - Movie in the Administration Auditorium

Wednesday-Friday - Campus Life passports for sale in the Student Center

Student jobs and testing services stop requiring fingerprint ID. Dining hosts mental health event from 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Sept. 13.

This summer, Harding University’s administration made changes to the student handbook. A new philosophy of discipline was introduced last spring that focuses on discipline as a case-by-case scenario as opposed to a “strike” system. These more recent handbook alterations will build on this. New updates include an emphasis on communication, readability and conciseness, said Dean of Students Zach Neal. Both Neal and Executive Vice President Jean-Noel Thompson highlighted the importance of presenting a clear message of Harding’s expectations to students via the handbook. This is the first full year in which Harding’s new philosophy of discipline will be enacted,

and this semester is the first semester of the student handbook changes.

“The student handbook is so important,”

Thompson said. “It’s a guidance piece … It’s kind of a roadmap for how we are asking students to be a part of the community.”

Neal said though the handbook provides a code of conduct, it is more of a guide for the community on how to live together.

Student Government Association President Ella Duryea said she hopes these changes, along with Harding’s new philosophy of discipline, will bridge gaps between students and administration.

“You can learn and grow and mess up, and we still want you here,” Duryea said about the message from Harding’s student handbook.

last

Duryea noted the new philosophy of discipline gives compassion to both students and administration at Harding.

Neal said the energy of new leadership fueled these changes. He said with new leadership comes a time to analyze previous policies and procedures.

Thompson said the handbook changes and philosophy of discipline are not meant to avoid disciplinary action.

“If someone is posing a threat or their attitude is not in the right place, we can’t just ignore that,” Thompson said. “We’re going to have to make hard decisions about whether students are ready to be here or not.”

Neal said the process of shaping the student handbook is an ongoing one.

“We will always analyze and evaluate and continue to make decisions that we feel

Housing on campus is full due to the high number of freshmen.

would be best for the community as well as the individuals within that community,” Neal said.

Thompson said student focus groups are being implemented to receive feedback about the possibility of future changes, including housing and conduct decisions, as well as check-in, curfew and visitation procedures. Duryea said she is optimistic about the changes ahead.

“I think we’re going to see more of that [change] this year and in the years to come,” Duryea said. “We have things to be excited about.”

HELEN STRICKLAND features editor

CAMILLE WHITE guest writer

The Harding student has been officially updated to reflect the philosophy of discipline that was announced

spring. The changes include making disciplinary action a case-by-case system.

Graphic by BEN EVANS

Graphic by BEN EVANS

State of the SGA

SGA President Ella Duryea

The Student Government Association, formerly known as the Student Association, is currently in the process of reenvisioning its purpose. The new name, as well as the new branding material, represent a shift in focus for the organization. While we still see value in holding onto traditions such as donut chapel and campus-wide social events, this year, the student body will see the organization focus their energy and resources on more efficiently listening to and addressing student needs and concerns. This will take place through the revival of “town hall meetings,” which committees will host throughout the year and will act as a

State of the BSA

The Black Student Association (BSA) is a dynamic force on our vibrant campus, fostering community and advocacy. This past summer, I spent a lot of time reflecting on its essence and a deep appreciation for the evolving story that shapes the BSA’s identity. Guided by Hebrews 12:1-3, I spent much time reflecting on what the BSA means to its members and the community around us to understand its purpose and how it can best support its members. The passage encourages endurance in the face of challenges. I am committed to leading the BSA with unwavering commitment, recognizing that our journey toward positive change is ongoing. We’re writing a story that echoes the voices of those who came before us and inspired future generations to strive for unity and equality. Our core

God abroad

Guest Writer Clara Kernodle

Iceland is a place of frequent catastrophes; earthquakes, floods, famines and volcanic eruptions occur often. Icelanders, proud of the “land of fire and ice,” speak of these events casually, as if merely indicating a monument beside the road. The villagers who live near powerful, half-asleep volcanoes place survival over comfort and are lucky to be alive. As recently as the year 2000, a massive earthquake devastated infrastructure and buildings. A flood in 1996 destroyed part of the Skeiðará bridge, severing a transnational highway and twisting the two-inch-thick supporting steel into something like the St. Louis Arch. The infamous eruption in 1973 on the Vestmannaeyjar permanently changed the face of these southern islands, while the most powerful Icelandic volcano, beside which our group is staying for five days, has been due for an eruption for 40 years. There is little comfort in technological protection or the impressively strong infrastructure, for as the Icelanders say, the earth is powerful when it is angry.

Explaining the lack of religious faith, then, is not easy. Iceland has been officially Christian since 1000 AD and has practiced state-run Lutheranism since the Reformation in the

Reenvisioning purpose

forum for students to respond to prominent questions and issues on campus. In addition, various partnerships with other organizations across campus will be a chief focus for the Student Government Association, which will assist in connecting students with resources already present on campus. Furthermore, the organization’s current relationship with the administration sets the stage for positive change to occur.

As the Student Government Association president herself, I am quite excited about what the year will hold. I feel an energy on campus that I haven’t felt in the past three years. It just feels more alive. Chapel feels

like it’s reaching more people. Concerns feel like they are being listened to. We are at a critical point where the university is ready for change, and we are in the hands of administrators who can and will make that change happen. To be the SGA president during this important time is a role I am honored to have and one that I understand the gravity of. I look forward to the next year of serving this community alongside each and every one of you. See you on Monday!

Fostering community, advocacy

purpose is to create a haven of support and empowerment for Black students. My team and I are organizing events to celebrate our rich culture and history, fostering a sense of pride and unity. At the same time, we also get challenged to become a better version of ourselves.

As a devoted follower of Christ, I’ve found resonance in the message of the greatest commandment—to love thy neighbor. This principle is at the heart of the BSA’s mission. It is about building bridges within our community and across diverse backgrounds. Loving Jesus and championing social justice are not divergent paths; they are intertwined. We’ve been inspired by Christ’s advocacy for the marginalized and oppressed and strive to do the same.

Out with the old

I marked the end of my freshman year with an instagram post where I quoted “Rilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God.” In the final lines, Rilke says, “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. / Just keep going. / No feeling is final. / Don’t let yourself lose me.” It is almost ironic to look back at this timestamp as a senior and know all the events yet to come. Driving home for the first time, I believed I had cracked the code of the universe, experienced all that was offered and felt every feeling in finality. What a relief to know there is more to life than just a freshman year in college!

We invite all races to join us in fostering an environment of mutual understanding and shared growth. By bridging gaps and encouraging inspired conversations, we create a space where diversity is celebrated, and social barriers are dismantled - we’re running a race that embraces our journeys and the collective journey toward a more inclusive society.

The BSA’s embrace extends to all, inviting people of different backgrounds to unite in our pursuit of a just and equitable world. As the story unfolds, let’s remain steadfast in our commitment, running the race together with enduring faith and relentless determination.

Faith of Iceland

1500s. On paper, Iceland is 85% Christian. In reality, the church is irrelevant. The guide for our Harding University in England (HUE) group, Jóhannes, said that this 85%, shriveled from close to 100% in the 1970s, rarely attends Sunday service. Many prefer to worship at home or go on a morning walk instead. It is the story of Western and Nordic Europe (Jóhannes said with a shrug), which has suffered for a century from a dramatic fall in Christianity. No one is concerned about this, and some celebrate it. The message of The Reykjavík Grapevine, in an edition I picked up at the grocery store, affirmed that the morality of the Christian age is gone, and the enlightenment of neo-pagan narcissistic thinking has arrived. Despite what the Reykjavík newspapers say, Iceland is not yet a godless country. It will be difficult to completely reject the God of creation when surrounded by his sweeping plains, monstrous roaring waterfalls and the neighborhood ice giants: glaciers. There is a small surviving parish life, bolstered by a growing movement of Lutheran Free Churches separate from government control. There is yet hope when Christianity is not invisible. Small white, red-roofed chapels appear on

the Reykjanesbraut road every few kilometers; one such chapel sits on the highest populated point in Vík, South Iceland, just a few hundred meters from our group’s apartments. Though the Vík i Mýrdal church was locked when friends and I hiked up to see it, I was able to enter and observe another parish on the island of Vestmannaeyjar. The Stafkirkjan is a small Lutheran parish given by the Church of Norway in 2000 to commemorate a millennia of Christianity in Iceland. Built from black timber and encircled by a mosscovered stone wall, Stafkirkjan was tiny: a windowless nave with half a dozen pews and a chancel containing an altar, priestly vestments and well-worn liturgical books. While the size of the parish, the only one on an island with 5,000 inhabitants, could have been disheartening, the visit was instead hopeful. Entering through the heavy front door, I realized I was not alone: an old man, cap on the pew behind him, was already inside, kneeling in prayer.

The time from then to now has taught me something Rilke was trying to tell me freshman year: no feeling is final. What I think I know now may change by the time I graduate. What I feel today may change with new information, a different experience or an altered view.

This does not mean I don’t seek knowledge and truth. What it does mean, however, is that I am learning to be okay with mistakes. Being wrong is a part of life I have tried to avoid, but in doing so, I lived ignorant of anything outside of my decided truth. I was too afraid to question, too afraid to accept, too stuck to let things happen to me. I missed out on the beauty that is created by the way God exists in the gray. The gray allows me to be consumed by a peace that passes all understanding.

This year, I am dedicating myself to finding new ways to look at things. I want to let everything happen to me: beauty and terror. In my opinions, I am going to allow myself room to be wrong. This is scary to do, yes, but I will keep going. The wisest people I know are ones who are willing to own up to their mistakes and gracefully accept when they’ve been wrong. Sometimes our need for certainty forces us to hold tightly to ideas that evidence and other’s experience may disprove. Let it happen. Keep Him close. What I hope comes from this practice is a new appreciation for life. To learn something new, you must release the old way you viewed the world. This may seem daunting, but I have some comfort in letting go: no feeling is final.

EMMA WEBER is the opinions editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at eweber1@harding.edu.

Kernodle

ELLA DURYEA is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at eduryea@harding.edu.

BRITNEY NJERI is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at bnjeri@harding.edu.

CLARA KERNODLE is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at hread@harding.edu.

Opinions Editor Emma Weber

BSA President Britney Njeri

For Love

Editor-in-Chief Tiane Davis

My top nine

Everyone who owns an iPhone knows they can pin up to nine people in their text conversations. Their mom, dad, best friend or therapist might be included in that list. Or maybe they never took the time to pin anyone’s name at the top. Or maybe they stick to phone calls.

I have requirements for the nine people I choose, and I will try my best to spell them out.

Mainly, I pinned you in my text conversations because I text you so often that it became a pain to not have you saved permanently at the top.

Maybe you’re in all of my classes. Maybe you’re my brother. Maybe you’re one of my best friends in the whole world. Maybe I have a crush on you. Regardless, I probably love you in some big or little way.

My Top Nine Friend Council was never just an emergency contact list. You are the people who — whether we expected it or not — are some of the first I text when I wake up.

Some days I’ll wake up with a song in my head, and it reminds me of you. I’ll reach the middle of my day feeling sad and know you’ll say the right thing — even if it’s just a reminder to drink some water. I witnessed a funny interaction and had to tell you about it in our wholesome, “appreciate-the-littlethings” way. I catch myself feeling hopeless and have to tell you that I am scared.

“I ate three meals today!” I tell you proudly — because you know I sometimes forget to eat, and I know you would be glad to hear I’m doing well. We both want the absolute best for each other. We love each other with no reserve. Or it’s possible we just work together.

I probably miss you a tiny bit every day. Not always in an achy way; I just think about you by default. We might live together, yet I’ll still miss you while I’m in class. I bet I could find your name on my phone with my eyes closed.

“QUICK! I need help deciding if I should buy these!!” I message you from a clothing store dressing room with a missed FaceTime call immediately after.

Twenty minutes later, “Ehhh, those are a little iffy,” you say. “To be honest, I am not a huge fan of the cargo shorts.”

You are still my biggest supporter when I nervously wear them out in public anyway.

I send you a picture of me holding a bouquet I picked.

“Tiane I love it so much!!” you say. I can hear you smiling through the typed words.

I send you all of my “One year ago, today” photos and share my “Things that make me happy” list with you.

If you take a long time to respond, I don’t worry about our friendship. I just worry for your safety.

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. I hope and pray I can be the average of my nine pinned contacts.

My requirements are not always clear, but I always know when a person deserves a spot.

I am proud to keep these people stuck at the top, just like they are proud of me.

You might keep your list a little shorter than mine, or you might not keep a list at all. No matter. What matters is that you and your people want the best for each other.

To nine of my favorite people in the world: You bring joy to my life, and I love you. If I could be half as good as you, I would be content.

This summer, I had the immense pleasure of participating in one of the most important cultural events of the year: Barbenheimer. Of course, this portmanteau refers to the July 21 releases of both “Oppenheimer” and the “Barbie” movies – more precisely, viewing both as a double feature. These two films couldn’t be more different. One is a colorful, creative, fun-filled journey with a strong emphasis on feminist values and personal development. The other is a biopic of the man who created the nuclear bomb. In fact, the only thing these movies have in common is their release date. Both movies were incredibly successful. The combined ticket sales are over $2 billion worldwide, with Barbie expected to become Warner Bros.’ highest grossing movie ever. Both are fantastic in their own right, but much of their success can be attributed to the massive hype generated by the Barbenheimer movement. I call this a “movement” since Barbenheimer was not a corporate marketing campaign or promotion but something formed and fueled by a collective desire to poke fun at an absurd coincidence. I

think it’s important to realize this: It wasn’t anyone’s doing that created Barbenheimer. In fact, no one party could. It happened almost naturally – people participating in something for the sake of participation, participation so powerful that “Barbenheimer” has become a household name. Pondering the meaning of trends like this has made me notice all of the inside humor my circles have. I’ve been more appreciative of all of the weird things we do when we’re together, and I can’t help but feel happy to be a part of something collective, large or small. Barbenheimer came and went. Brief but beautiful, bountiful with lessons we can learn. It started as a joke but grew to be something that people from around the world communed in. It taught me to appreciate being a part of something, even if it’s something silly. So maybe, as we each go our separate ways, if we smile with those around us a little bit more, we can find our own Barbenheimers.This Ken is signing off.

Shelling Out for a Princess

I’m sorry to start the semester off with bad news, but Princess Toadstool has left the building. I’m not talking about the Mario franchise character, who, so I understand, is still reigning supremely in the Mushroom Kingdom. I’m talking about her namesake, the Sulcata tortoise that once roamed the aisles of the Neighborhood Pet Shoppe in Searcy. Along with her fellow turtle Bulbasaur—named after a Pokémon—Princess T held court at our newest pet emporium in town, happily entertaining the masses until a customer snapped her up.

I must confess that, until recently, most of my turtle knowledge came from fiction. Aesop taught us about the tortoise and the hare. Lewis Carroll gave us the Mock Turtle in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” I grew up on characters like Dr. Seuss’s Yertle, and Hanna-Barbara’s Touché Turtle (pronounced too-shay), and later, on the Teenage Mutant Ninjas. I was technically past my childhood when Squirt from “Finding Nemo”and Oogway from “Kung Fu Panda” came along, but I was happy to see them join the pantheon of loveable hard-backed reptiles in pop culture.

The Sulcata-so I learned-is native to SubSaharan Africa and is the largest mainland tortoise species. These endangered creatures are herbivores but have been known to munch on a zebra carcass if the local hay and alfalfa shoot supply runs dry. The Sulcata starts small but doubles in size every year and can reach over 100 pounds. Impressively, they can live 75 years or more.

They are popular as pets, but their lifespan can pose a problem for owners. There’s no way to put this gently: They might outlive you. If that is an issue, I would suggest starting with

a guppy, at least until you get used to the idea that a turtle could end up as executor of your estate. But that’s not the only reason you may not swing a Sulcata for your backyard.

They are expensive. Babies go for $200. Princess was 4 years old and brought a whopping $3,500, according to my inside source at the Neighborhood Pet Shoppe. By contrast, I noticed when I visited the store recently that hedgehogs were on sale for $179.99.

Bulbasaur is still roaming the Pet Shoppe and has no plans to leave. At age 6, he has an estimated value of $5,000, but he is a permanent store pet. Customers are encouraged to say hello but not to pick him up or pet him on the face. “You’ll get headbutted,” Trevor Koonce, floor manager, said. Trevor also recommends that customers not wear green shoes around Bulbasaur. “He’ll eat them.”

Locals are dying to know if there was a romance budding between Bulbasaur and his female companion before she left. I’m told he was interested, but Princess Toadstool was not. She often had to be rescued by the sales rep from Bulbasaur’s advances. Slow as he might have been, a turtle in love pursues his lady with steady purpose. I feel sorry for the guy—imagine you are thousands of miles from home, and the only other Sulcata tortoise in town just wants to be friends.

There are signs the old chap may be lonely. “We lost him last night,” Trevor reported last Friday. “It took 30 minutes to find him hiding under a desk in the office.” Do we really blame Bulbasaur, though? I suppose if I lived on alfalfa shoots and had watched my beloved rung up at the cash register, I might hide under the furniture, too.

Then again, Bulbasaur should count his blessings. Living to a ripe old age is rare at the Pet Shoppe. Even if the Social Security trust fund will run out in 2037, the tortoise has it made compared to others. Take the feeder mice, for example. If your species name is “feeder mouse,” that pretty much tells you how many punches you have on your dance card. Trevor tells me that new shipments of these mice arrive at the store all the time and sell out immediately. Who buys feeder mice? People who own pythons.

Guppies may have just as short a lifespan, but at least when their number is called, they will only end up floating at the top of the tank. Not slowly being digested by the Sarlacc.

The Neighborhood Pet Shoppe has become a popular location in Searcy since it opened in February. Their selection and services must be seen to be believed. If you are new in town, and especially if you’re fond of animals, I suggest taking a stroll through the aisles. Just don’t wear green shoes or get too close to the pythons.

For a run-down of this amazing store’s inventory, check out the next installment of “Just the Clax,” now in its 18th year in The Bison.

MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative columnist for The Bison. He can be contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.

Graphic by BEN EVANS

THOMAS BURKE is a student writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at tburke1@harding.edu.

Illustration by Gracie Cornett

Narrative Columnist Michael Claxton

TIANE DAVIS is editor-in-chief for The Bison. She can be contacted at cdavis27@harding.edu.

Guest Writer Thomas Burke

The real Barbenheimer was the friends we made along the way

Graphic by BEN EVANS

Harding hires new men’s golf coach

MAGGIE SAMPLES news editor

Harding alumnus Travis Lauterbach began this fall as the University’s head golf coach after 15 years of Dustin Howell coaching the team.

Lauterbach has coached golf at Faulkner University, Old Dominion University and Lyon College. He previously worked for Harding University as athletics compliance officer and assistant coach for the golf team. He was on the Harding golf team during his time as a student in 2002 and 2003.

“It has been amazing to watch the program grow and [see] some of the talented players that have come through Harding,” Lauterbach said. “Coach Howell did a great job of recruiting and building the program to what it is today. I am definitely stepping into a winning situation with all the hard work he and the previous players have put into this program.”

Lauterbach said a high-level performance was one of his goals for the season, but he also wants to focus on building relationships within the team.

“I will hopefully push them to be the best players that they can be but not lose sight of what really matters in life,” Lauterbach said. “I hope when they leave Harding, they have a better relationship with God and make friendships with their teammates that will last them the rest of their lives. College athletics is a very unique time in

these athletes’ lives, and we hope to make that the best experience it can be.”

Junior golf player Wilmer Haakansson noticed Lauterbach’s passion for golf.

“He’s served as head coach and assistant coach at a couple universities before and has worked as a full-time caddie at incredibly prestigious courses such as Augusta and Whistling Straits,” Haakansson said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what this impressive record of experience can bring to help us get to the next level.”

Junior golf player Finlay Cummings said he appreciates the bond the members of the Harding golf team have.

“A team is what you make of it, and I have created some great friendships with my teammates since I arrived here in my freshman year,” Cummings said. Cummings said his teammates push each other to their limits in order to reach their full potential.

“I have been lucky to spend lots of time with Coach L. before his appointment to head coach this year, and he’ll for sure bring a new energy to the team,” Cummings said. “I’m very much looking forward to the semester and years ahead with Coach L. in charge. The sky is our limit, and we have the program and players to reach it.”

The Bisons will begin their fall season on Sept. 11 at the Great American Conference Preview in Oklahoma City.

Harding volleyball set to begin 2023 season

The Lady Bisons will open their season today with the hope of producing another successful season.

The Harding volleyball team is coming off a historic 2022 season. The team posted a 28-match winning streak, breaking the previous record of 17 accomplished twice, first in 2002 and again in 2005. The Lady Bisons won their third conference title after posting an undefeated conference record and finished the season with an overall record of 30-2.

Harding’s success was rewarded throughout the entire season. Head Coach Meredith Fear took home her third Great American Conference (GAC) Coach of the Year award, senior Kelli McKinnon was named GAC Player of the Year and senior Sarah Morehead was named GAC Setter of the Year.

As the new season approaches, Fear said the team has not become complacent during their preseason training.

“They’re still really hungry to get better and improve,” Fear said. “They do a really great job of competing together and not against each other.”

The team chemistry has continued to grow during preparation for the 2023 season. Fifth-year senior Libby Hinton said the team support sets Harding apart from the competition.

“I personally have never played on a team with this much team chemistry,” Hinton said. “We truly just want the best for each other.”

Multiple key players will return from the record-breaking 2022 squad to defend their conference title, seven of whom are seniors and will be playing their final season as a Lady Bison: outside hitters Chloe Ingersoll and Logan Smith-Morgan, defensive specialists Emma Winiger and Grecia Soriano, middle blockers Libby Hinton and Kelli McKinnon and setter Sarah Morehead.

Ingersoll said the seniors are calling this season a “victory lap” after several years of hard work and dedication.

“I’m really excited to see how this chapter of our lives ends,” Ingersoll said.

Harding will begin the season with 14 games on the road before returning to the Rhodes-Reaves Field House Sept. 21 for their first home game of the season against Ouachita Baptist University.

As the excitement continues to build, Fear said she would love to see the student body support the team throughout the season.

“It’s an exciting, fast-paced game, and we really do our best to make the student body proud,” Fear said.

The Lady Bisons will begin their season today at the Texas-Tyler Invitational as they face off against St. Edward’s University and University of Montevallo.

Women’s soccer visits Greece on preseason trip

The Harding women’s soccer team traveled to Greece to prepare for the upcoming season. The trip lasted from Aug. 1-13 and involved visits to the Acropolis, Athens and Delphi, and moments of team bonding, Bible study and learning about the places where the apostle Paul walked.

Head soccer coach Greg Harris said though the team played some soccer while in Greece, the main focus of the trip was team bonding.

“The most important thing we wanted to get out of this trip to Greece was allowing the team to come close together and bond,” Harris said. “That was our major focus, was on this team growing together as a team, as a family, as a unit.”

Several of the players discussed the positive aspects of the trip and what they learned from the experience.

“I learned that traveling is exhausting, but you have to fully embrace it and have a good time,” senior midfielder Kelli Tindel said.

The trip involved many moments of vulnerability, freshman forward Gabie Eddins said. She said the close proximity brought them closer to each other.

“I think we learned how to get along with each other,” Eddins said. “You’re in close quarters for two weeks and there’s no one else, and [you’re] just learning how to live in community with one another.”

Sophomore outside back Katie Cabana said the trip helped build community within the team, especially with the freshmen.

“I just think it’s really unique, and we got to know some of the freshmen a little bit more than we would if we were in Searcy,” Cabana said.

Visiting biblical locations and doing Bible studies at those places impacted the players.

“That was really, really cool, just to see another place you read about in the Bible,” Tindel said about visiting Delphi.

Eddins said the team also visited Mars Hill, a location where Paul spoke in the Bible.

“We did a devotional on Mars Hill, and we had a guide for that one,” Eddins said. “He recited what Paul spoke on Mars Hill, so for me, that was just really powerful. It just makes it come alive.”

The Lady Bisons were on the road again yesterday as they played against Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. The team will host their next game Sept. 3 against Northeastern State University.

TRINITY GOLDEN guest writer

NIC FRARACCIO sports editor

Travis Lauterbach is the new Harding men’s golf coach. He has previously held positions at Faulkner University, Old Dominion University and Lyon College.

From left to right: Fifth-years Logan Smith-Morgan, Kelli McKinnon, and Sarah Morehead prepare before the serve. The Lady Bisons won the GAC title after an undefeated regular season.

The Harding women’s soccer team visits Greece for a team-bonding trip. The 2-week trip abroad gave the team a way to build relationships while continuing its training.

Photo provided by DR. GREG HARRIS

Photo provided by JEFF MONTGOMERY

Photo provided by MADISON MEYER

Art, music displayed at Robbins-Sanford

CALEB CHUNN student writer

A community arts, music and life event will take place at the Robbins-Sanford Grand Hall in downtown Searcy Sept. 1.

With over 10 local vendors, 15 artists who will be displaying their work, five musical performers playing 30-minute sets and three food vendors; Sassy Sweets, Imago Dei and Paiz Food Truck, guests are invited to peruse the galleries, admire and enjoy the art and music all while getting a bite to eat.

The staff at Robbins-Sanford have been involved in every step of the planning process for this event. The head event coordinator, Shannon Sagers, said this is an opportunity to bring the whole community together.

“It is just about bringing in anyone and everyone and celebrating all forms of art,” Sagers said. “The main purpose of it is not only to build relationships, but also to rebuild relationships in the community.”

While several vendors will have work for sale, the event will be free for anyone who wants to stop by. Togetherness and inclusivity

has been stressed as a focal point. Abigail Wornock is on staff with Robbins-Sanford and has been heavily involved with planning this event.

“We’ve been walking around measuring everything,” Wornock said. “We’ve been trying to figure out how to fit every single person we can in here.”

Robbins-Sanford has included an opportunity for children to create their own art with the addition of a kids’ craft corner.

“And the kids’ corner — we’re going to have a table that has origami, there’s going to be coloring pages and then also some bookmarks that they can just make … something to keep them entertained, as well as, like with their parents being entertained,” Sagers said.

With opportunities to support these local artists being few and far between, this Friday’s event promises to be one that will bring the Searcy community together and lift up these talented individuals, giving them the recognition they deserve.

The event lasts from 6-9 p.m. and is free to the public. For further questions, please contact the Robbins-Sanford Grand Hall.

Multiple new stores open in the Searcy area

The new Old Navy is open for customers at 1325 Janet Street right next to Five Below, Ulta, TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby. Plans to welcome the store to Searcy were announced in December, and it officially opened June 10.

The Robbins Sanford Grand Hall is located on N Spring Street in Searcy. An arts, music and life event was held there Sept. 1.

Customers wait outside the Searcy Whataburger at 3900 E Race Ave. Construction on the building began in late February and officially opened to the community June 26.

Photo by MORGAN PICKERING

Photo courtesy of Robbins-Sanford

Photo by MORGAN PICKERING

Chandler recharges Campus Life

Jane Chandler, the new director of Campus Life, stepped into office in July to facilitate relationships within the student body.

As director of Campus Life, Chandler has created more opportunities for students to be involved in activities around campus. Chandler said her goal for the year is to create a place where students can find fun activities and entertainment every weekend.

“I think that making things more inclusive and welcoming to people is a huge thing,” Chandler said. “I have purposely hired some student workers to bring a different view, opinion or background from my own to voice that difference. I don’t want anyone to feel that they’re not welcome at Harding in general or at these specific events that we have.”

Born and raised in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Chandler said she quickly ran into culture shock after moving to Searcy as a college freshman in 2012. Club weeks, concerts and other campus events convinced her that Searcy was more than a small town with nothing to do. After graduating in 2016, Chandler worked for Harding Admissions for seven years until she was approached by Assistant Dean of Students Marcus Thomas and Dean of Students Zach Neal about the position in Campus Life.

“Jane has the confidence to take a public role of leadership but maintains the humility that allows her to be very comfortable guiding others behind the scenes,” Neal said. “She was a student leader, did an excellent job in Admissions and now brings both experiences into Campus Life of knowing how to create an environment that fosters relationships.”

Chandler said the biggest need she has seen on campus recently is the desire for

normalcy after COVID-19 changed the students’ high school experiences. Chandler said she is pushing for normalcy after every student was affected by COVID-19.

“No matter what age or classification, you’ve had a weird four years wherever you’ve been,” Chandler said. “Now that we are out of the scariness and uncertainty, people are just desperate for community and connection and some version of a normal experience, whether they are seniors or freshmen. We are trying to pack our schedule for this year so that whatever someone’s interest is –bingo, movies, sports or whatever – there is something available for them.”

Chandler said she planned exciting activities for the year and worked closely with students for feedback on the voices and opinions of the student body. Senior Britney Njeri, one of the Campus Life co-directors, said Chandler has been working hard in preparation for the semester.

“Jane is one of the most joyful, kind and patient people I have ever met,” Njeri said. “She has a passion for Campus Life and deeply cares about Harding students. I have greatly enjoyed seeing her plan events, executing them, being at almost every event and making the effort to know people. Harding is so blessed to have her as director of Campus Life.”

In addition to bingo and movie nights, which have continued from previous years, Chandler has plans for a Taylor Swift listening party, board and yard game rentals in the Campus Life office, a concert, and a group trip to Magic Springs over Fall Break for students that might not have transportation.

“We want this space to be inviting and be a place where people want to be,” Chandler said. “And if people see me around campus, say hi and pitch an idea. I want people to talk to me … and pitch ideas if they want. Come hang out and make it your own.”

New jumbotron built for First Security Stadium

Each landmark in Searcy is significant. From the Rialto Theatre to the Freddy’s on Race Street, every building holds people that all have one thing in common- they’re most likely a part of the Searcy community. The First Security Stadium, home to Harding University’s football team, is no exception. Built in 1957, the field had several revenovations over the years, the most recent being in 2014 when members of the 1959 football team and their families donated money to build a new scoreboard and video board. This fall, with the help of various coaches and board members, such as Athletic Director Jeff Morgan and Head Football Coach Paul Simmons, a new Jumbotron has been constructed as part of the first phase of remodeling different athletic facilities. In this first phase, the new scoreboard was moved to the other side of the field in conjunction with totally redoing the stadium, in expectation of new weight rooms, concession stands, bathrooms, and more. According to the Production Manager at Harding, Mark Prior, the new video board is “43 feet in width and 24 feet in height”. When asked what this new addition to the

First Security Stadium would mean in this coming year, Coach Simmons has high hopes. “I don’t know if it will affect winning or not, but I hope it will make it easier for the fans to engage and will improve the fan experience a lot. I hope it will bring the players closer to the fans… and make it a more fun and exciting experience”. There has been a great deal of work that has gone on behind the scenes, with monetary support from various supporters. “Our cornerstone sponsors are Unity and Sonic. At least

initially those companies will have the ability to play live audio and video commercials.”

These companies have played a large role in making the dream of the full remodel of the First Security Stadium a reality. Jeff Morgan, as the Harding Athletic Director, speaks directly to the community involvement in different Searcy owned businesses and what it means for everyone involved. “I think for Harding, one of the things we’ve always tried to do is- this is home, and having these great relationships with people in the community,

the advertisers that we have out there, we have a great partnership, and there’s a lot of people that want to support Bison football… and be a part of it.” As Harding enters into the next phase of this remodeling process, it is clear that the motivation behind these exciting steps is an effort to bring people together. Every decision concerning the field has been made with connection in mind. Connecting the University to the town of Searcy, connecting the fans to the players, and the players to the game.

Classes to begin your semester.

What if you moved your body, not to change the way it looks but because of how it makes you feel?

Give your movement meaning

LAUREN SIMMONS guest writer

Photo by CALEB CHUNN

Campus Life Director Jane Chandler speaks to senior Lynley Eller Aug. 23. Chandler began her position as campus life director in July 2023 after seven years of working for Harding Admissions.

BAILEY COFFMAN guest writer

Harding’s scoreboard stands at First Security Stadium Aug. 30. It was built in 2014, and the new jumbotron is its subsequent update.

Photo by MACY COX

“The Marvelous

Theatre program and was performed after students

‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ win heart of Searcy community

The Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre (SSDT) successfully staged the jukebox musical “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” achieving a sold-out status on 12 occasions during the summer.

Senior Emma Myhan, who played Cindy Lou, said the show has themes of love and drama.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes is a show with four women, set in the 1950s in the first act and then the 1960s in the second act,” Myhan said. “We play four high school girls at their senior prom, and then when we come back in the second act, it is the 10-year

reunion, and the show is just about love and drama. When the second act begins, you get to see what the girls have gone through in the last 10 years of their lives.”

Myhan said this performance choice specifically targeted the SSDT community.

“The community has reacted really well to this show,” Myhan said. “It targets the SSDT audience, which is a lot of people who are in an older stage of their life, so we’ve had a lot of fun because a lot of the people who have come to the show so far have known a lot of the songs because it is a jukebox musical. We’ve had a good community response.”

Sophomore Stella Jones, who performed as Missy, said the community also engaged with the performance.

“The SSDT audience is usually older, so they knew the music and really enjoyed it,” Jones said. “There were even a few ladies who showed up in poodle skirts and letterman jackets.”

Jones said this year was different from past years because they performed two shows over the summer instead of the usual three. This allowed the cast and crew more time to set up and work in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center, where they performed the show.

Junior Maddie Canterbury, who played Betty Jean, said the characters in the performance are relatable.

“This [show] is, at first glance, just stereotypical women singing songs and dancing, but as you get to know them, you

start to see bits and pieces of yourself in all four of the characters and just really start to feel with them and watch all four of them go through hard times but then come out the other side looking so much happier,” Canterbury said.

Canterbury said the audience could interact with the characters.

“There’s one part where we go out in the audience and interact with them, and so we would have so much fun just going up and messing with people that we know, but we couldn’t act like we knew them,” Canterbury said. “We would interact with them and try to get them on stage. I know we had Dr. Burks and his wife in the audience one night, so having them clap along to songs with us

New mobile ordering options add to on-campus dining

Visitors to the Harding Starbucks can now order through the Starbucks app, a process implemented this summer. Starbucks is one of many on-campus dining locations to add a mobile ordering option, as customers can use the Boost app to preorder items from Panda Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Midnight Oil Coffeehouse. Greg Chaffin, the interim general manager of Chartwells at Harding, said Chartwells is also working on setting up mobile ordering at Tacker’s Shake Shack and Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co.

Customers have taken to using the Starbucks app to order on campus. Chaffin said last week, Starbucks was averaging 40 mobile orders a day.

“Our team at Starbucks has raved about this change,” Chaffin said. “Students can

preorder before chapel and set the pickup time for after chapel. Preorders also help keep the line down and speed up service, improving the guest experience.”

Students have expressed positive feelings about ordering through the Starbucks app. Sophomore Rylee Gregg said as a socially anxious person, she feels better about using the Starbucks app and not having to order in person. She also said using the app provided a smoother process than ordering in line.

“I honestly was really excited,” Gregg said. “Whenever they put the announcement out, I sent it to my friend, cause we’re both kind of the same when it comes to talking to people and that kind of anxiety thing. But I’m really glad they added it because I just think it’s a lot easier and quicker.”

Junior Mary Ella Baker noted that students can wait for their order at a table and study when they order using the app. Students

cannot use Dining Dollars if they order with the Starbucks app, which Baker said was the one negative aspect of mobile ordering, but she will continue to use the app.

“I think it’s kind of fun,” Baker said.

Mobile ordering is not the only change to the checkout process at the campus dining locations. Both Chick-fil-A and the Student Center Market have implemented self-checkout kiosks at which students can use Dining Dollars.

Harding Chief Information Officer Keith Cronk said many companies are switching to self-checkouts for economic reasons and to adapt to changes in technology. Even without the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, technology would still have moved in the direction of self-checkouts, Cronk said. He said he likes the customizable nature of ordering using a kiosk.

“You’re less likely to have the communication problems,” Cronk said. “I like it from that point of view.”

“Back in the Day” is a special section in The Bison newspaper in celebration of Harding’s centennial year. Each print issue during the 202324 academic year will have pieces related to the centennial, connecting our readers to Harding’s past.

This week, we get a glimpse at the banter between students and faculty from years past. We also see an add for ‘college bowl’ connecting the Searcy community with Harding’s culture.

CIANNA JAY head copy editor

ABBEY WILLIAMS layout/lifestyle editor

The Harding University theatre department performs

Wonderettes” in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center on August 24. The show was part of the Searcy Summer Dinner

returned to campus.

Photo by MACY COX