The Bison Newspaper - Vol. 98, No. 04

THE THE

ASI kicks off distinguished lecture series with Kennedy

The Harding University American Studies Institute (ASI) hosted high school football coach Joe Kennedy and attorneys Michael Berry and Stephanie Taub on Sept. 22 to discuss their roles in a landmark Supreme Court case that has changed the precedent for religious liberty.

After several years of praying on the 50yard line after each game while he was an assistant football coach, Kennedy was met with disapproval from the school he worked at in Bremerton, Washington, which led to the Kennedy v. Bremerton School District case. As was written in the court summary on supremecourt.gov, “the contested exercise here does not involve leading prayers with the team…” but that Kennedy was disciplined “only for his decision to persist in praying quietly without his students.” The United States Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Kennedy on June 27, 2022, after a court battle of about seven years.

“It really was a monumental victory for religious liberty,” Taub said. “We’re going to see it have implications for decades to come.”

The victory of the case was met with some controversy, as can be seen in a statement

from dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who wrote that the decision “sets us further down a perilous path in forcing states to entangle themselves with religion.”

Berry and Taub both served as attorneys in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District through First Liberty Institute, the law firm that represented Kennedy. First Liberty Institute is a nonprofit Christian legal organization and the “largest legal organization in the nation dedicated to defending religious liberty,” according to the firm’s website. Berry is vice president of external affairs, director of military affairs and senior counsel for First Liberty Institute. Also a senior counsel with First Liberty Institute, Taub’s legal expertise is on religious liberty in the marketplace.

During his lecture, Kennedy talked about the events of his life that led up to the court case, including his childhood, his 18 years in the Marines, how he became a Christian, and his first few years coaching football at Bremerton, during which he prayed after games with no issues. When the school district took notice of Kennedy’s actions, the choice was eventually presented to him to keep his job or to stop kneeling to pray on the field after games.

“My players said, ‘Coach, can’t you just give in? Can’t you just agree with the school?’” Kennedy said. “That’s when I knew I had to stand up. What kind of example would I have set for those young men if I had just given in?”

After the case’s victory, Kennedy’s job was reinstated at Bremerton. He has faced backlash about not returning to coach this season, but he defended his decision by saying that he did not want to return right before the season started to a coaching staff and group of players that he did not know, but he looked forward to coaching next year.

Bison head football coach Paul Simmons said he enjoyed the chance to meet Kennedy and give him a tour of Harding’s football facilities before his lecture.

“I think we’re very like minded in believing that the most important thing about football is it’s just a great avenue for young men to learn about being a Christian,” Simmons said.

The second half of the lecture was a panel discussion led by President Mike Williams with Kennedy, Berry and Taub, who answered questions regarding the case itself.

The Supreme Court’s decision to vote in favor of Kennedy seems to have effectively overturned 50 years of precedence that had

been set by Lemon v. Kurtzman in 1971, which had established a three-part ‘Lemon test’ to determine if a government statute violated the Establishment Clause found in the First Amendment, according to mtsu. edu’s First Amendment Encyclopedia. To use the Lemon test, the Court evaluated laws or government activities against the secular purpose doctrine (Abington School District v. Schempp), the principal or primary effects doctrine (Board of Education v. Allen) and the excessive entanglement test (Walz v. Tax Commission).

“Advocates have been trying to get rid of the Lemon test since its inception, and it’s [Kennedy’s] case that finally did it,” Taub said.

Senior international business major Hanna Grace Garner said she attended the lecture because she is interested in attending law school, and wanted to learn more about the legal details of the case.

“Especially as a Christian going into law, religious freedom is important to me, and I wanted to learn more about the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision,” Garner said. “I think this decision… reinforces the rights of the people to express our faith as we see fit.”

BSA holds ‘Coffee with Chris Jones’ speaking event

Dr. Chris Jones, the Democratic candidate for governor of Arkansas, spoke to a room full of students, faculty and Searcy locals Sept. 23 in the Reynolds Recital Hall. The conversation touched on a variety of topics including his educational journey, his relationship with science and faith, his experience leading the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub non-profit, his vision for Arkansas, and a reminder to persevere through trials.

When asked what advice he would give

to college students looking for connections or community involvement, Jones advised students to take advantage of the opportunities that a college campus offers.

“Reach out to people,” Jones said. “You’d be surprised that if you just reach out to folks, how they will respond.”

He described college as a “golden ticket” for getting people’s attention.

“You all are the ones who are shifting and shaping and changing the future,” Jones said.

This tactic is exactly the one Black Student Association (BSA) Vice President Janae Bradshaw used to get Jones to visit Harding.

“I kind of went out on a whim and

emailed his campaign manager,” Bradshaw said. “I really didn’t think I was going to get a response or that it would come into fruition.”

However, Bradshaw got a response within two days, and Jones was on Harding’s campus the next week. Bradshaw said the experience was inspiring, sending her on a “reaching out rampage” to see if other people would be interested in coming to campus.

“Reaching out to people who you don’t think are going to respond and then they do, I think it’s really inspiring,” Bradshaw said.

Junior Luke Ziegler said he was grateful for the opportunity to hear from Jones.

“I am glad the BSA hosted an event like this,” Ziegler said. “Because Harding pulls students from all different parts of the country, for which I am grateful, it at times feels insulated from state and local politics and issues that face Searcy and Arkansas at large. Jones coming to speak reinforced how important local politics are and how Harding is part of the Searcy community.”

BSA President Halle Miller said she also felt encouraged by Jones’ visit.

“It’s inspiring to see such an accomplished Black man and to have his voice amplified on our campus,” she said.

EMMA JONES editor-in-chief

NICOLE SAVAGE guest writer

Joe Kennedy speaks in the American Studies Distinguished Lecture Series in Benson Auditorium on Sept. 22. Kennedy shared the story of his Supreme Court case to allow prayer on the football field. Attorneys Michael Berry and Stephanie Taub provided legal insight.

Arkansas governor candidate Dr. Chris Jones is interviewed by seniors Janae Bradshaw and Halle Miller in the Reynolds Recital Hall on Sept. 23. The Black Student Association hosted coffee and a discussion on faith, science and civil discourse with Jones.

Photo by MACY COX

at TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Ark., 72149

Photo by JULIANNE BAKER

University centers Lectureship around Christ and culture

Robertson said.

Harding University hosted the 2022 Bible Lectureship this week, inviting alumni and other interested parties to listen to speakers at various times and locations around campus.

This is the 99th Lectureship held by the University, and it included lectures by faculty, current students and Christians making a difference in their communities.

Dr. Jesse Robertson, associate dean for the College of Bible, was involved in planning Lectureship. Robertson said the Lectureship committee is composed of Harding faculty, students, staff and other advisers outside the immediate Harding community.

“More specifically, the director, assistant director and event coordinator are directly responsible for hammering out the details,”

The theme for Lectureship this year was “Culture and the Crucified Christ: Studies in 1 and 2 Corinthians.” Robertson said the Corinthian church was set in a non-Christian culture, and Paul’s letters to them reminded them that “sacrificial love needs to frame their interactions with fellow Christians and the world around them.”

“We are living in a time of culture wars, and we are hoping to remind everyone that the way Christians bring about lasting good is by changing hearts with the message of the cross,” Robertson said.

Robertson said there is a mutually beneficial relationship between Harding and the attendees and speakers of Lectureship. He said the speakers serve to inspire students who want to make a difference in the world around them, and the visitors also present

good networking opportunities.

Senior Grace Winfree spoke on Paul’s comfort in God on Wednesday. Winfree said her lecture focused on a cycle of comfort stemming from God as shown in 2 Corinthians.

“Preparing for my lecture has strengthened my own faith in a way that I never could have imagined,” Winfree said. “And I am thrilled to share this change in mindset with my peers in Lectureship as a result. Lectureship is a precious time during the school year where we see people from all over the world uniting on our campus to grow in faith together, and I am blessed to be a small part of that.”

Senior Techima David spoke on boasting in weakness and 2 Corinthians 12 on Tuesday. David said doing this lecture grew her appreciation for lectures given by

biblical scholars.

“For me, speaking at this Lectureship is an honor,” David said. “During the preparation period for my lesson, my professors challenged me to think outside the box, to be vulnerable and to be profound. It was edifying to deliver a lesson that pierced my heart during my study of it.”

Robertson said that immediately after the end of the 2022 Lectureship, the committee began planning for the 2023 Lectureship.

“In the spring semester we will be in touch with potential speakers who have been nominated because of their specific expertise,” Robertson said. “Next year is the 100th Lectureship, so there will also be coordination with plans for Harding’s centennial.”

Students explore Nashville during academic trips

CARTER THWEATT guest writer

Several communication majors hit the road last week for a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to visit alumni and attend a conference.

Public relations majors left for Nashville on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and spent a few days there before returning the following Friday. Students said the opportunity to meet with Harding alumni who work in public relations was too good to pass up.

Junior Bailey Coffman was one such student.

“I decided to go because it was such a wonderful chance to connect with recent Harding alum in Nashville,” Coffman said. “We got an idea of what it would be like to work in the communications field at places like Bridgestone Arena and the Grand Ole Opry.”

Some students weren’t sure what to expect from the trip but ended up loving it. Junior Alaina Wolf said meeting the alumni wasn’t quite like she expected, but that this was a good thing.

“The conferences and meet-ups have not been as formal as I expected, and this has been for the best,” Wolf said. “They were each so welcoming to all of our questions, and they were so approachable.”

Those who went on the trip said it was

cool to see tangible examples of what their lives could look like after college.

“My favorite thing has been getting to learn more about the day-to-day various work lifestyles that are available within my career field of public relations,” Wolf said.

Coffman had similar thoughts.

“I loved being able to see very tangibly what it’s like to work in the communications field and how Harding really is such a tightknit community,” she said.

The public relations trip wasn’t the only trip Harding students took to Nashville last week. Dr. Andrew Baker, Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry director, and Lori Sloan, assistant professor of communications, took their communication ethics and scripture class to Nashville for a conference last weekend, and Baker also brought his Christian teachings class. The event was hosted by STORY Gatherings, an organization of creators and leaders working in a variety of industries to help “shape narratives and shape the future by telling stories that matter,” according to the organization’s website.

“There’s an author named Harris III, and in Christian Teachings, we’re using Harris’ book as a textbook,” Baker said. “He’s curating a conference called the STORY Gathering, and he asked for some help — specifically, some people to serve as hosts. So our students

are able to help out and get into the event for free. It’s a good deal for everybody.”

Baker said he’s always excited when he can attend this conference, but this year’s event was extra special. It was the STORY Gathering’s first in-person conference in two years due to COVID-19.

“We’ve taken students to the event for a couple years,” Baker said. “But it’s actually been two years since they’ve had a face-to-

face event. I’m glad our students can have this great opportunity.”

Between public relations students checking out their possible dream jobs and communication ethics and Christian teachings students attending the STORY Gathering, Nashville was certainly the place to be for Harding students last week.

Alumna shares perspectives on feminism and media

SHEALYN WADE guest writer

Dr. Sara Shaban came to visit Harding University Sept. 21-22 to share her newest book, “Iranian Feminism and Transnationalism Ethics in Media Discourse,” as well as speak about the importance of authentic and credible journalism.

Shaban graduated from Harding in 2010 with her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism. She later pursued her doctorate at the University of Missouri, where she graduated in 2020. Shaban currently teaches journalism at Seattle Pacific University. Prior to becoming a professor, Shaban worked as a local news producer and freelance journalist in Israel, the West Bank and Sierra Leone. Shaban’s passion lies in social justice, she said, specifically for immigrants and refugees. This passion has inspired her research, her book and the purpose behind each of her endeavors and chosen professions.

While on campus, Shaban guest spoke at the Honors College and in several communication classes, one of which was print news writing. During this class, Shaban emphasized the gravity of understanding the context of what, or who, you are writing about.

“To report ethically, you can’t have a Western gaze when interviewing other cultures,” Shaban said.

Shaban said her belief is that the purpose of journalism is to provide the reader with clear evidence so they can construct an informed opinion. But to gain clear evidence, the journalist must understand the context of their topic by conducting research that recognizes but isn’t controlled by their internal bias.

Shaban also spoke to the communication research class about how her career led her to use research as a form of longer-term journalism.

“Not a lot of undergrads think that research is in their future, and I think

having her come and talk about it added a sense of relevancy,” Dr. Ginger Blackstone, who teaches the communication research class, said. “She really told her story and how opportunities opened up to her, and I think it did help the class understand how research can be gratifying.”

Senior Halle Miller attended Shaban’s presentation at the Honors College. This presentation was a focused look at Shaban’s new book. Shaban highlighted the value of thinking critically and seeking to understand the real testimonies of people shown in news headlines, specifically Iranian women. Miller said that after listening to Shaban speak, she feels better equipped to consume media.

“Dr. Shaban’s presentation brought light to the reality of many different kinds of feminism,” Miller said. “She has given me a new perspective on ways to support the liberation of women, specifically Iranian women.”

MAGGIE SAMPLES lifestyle editor

Leonardo Gilbert gives a keynote lecture Sept. 26 in Benson Auditorium. The theme for the 2022 Bible Lectureship was “Culture and the Crucified Christ: Studies in 1 and 2 Corinthians.”

Photo by MACY COX

Public relations students visit with Harding alumni working in Nashville on Sept. 22 and 23. The group visited the Nashville Predators stadium, MP&F and the Grand Ole Opry.

Photo courtesy of EMILY STINNETT

Dr. Sara Shaban speaks to students and faculty in the Honors House on Sept. 21. Shaban presented research from her book, “Iranian Feminism and Transnational Ethics in Media Discourse,” to multiple classes that day.

Photo by MADISON MEYER

M any are familiar with the maxim “all press is good press.” Though this expression is clearly an oversimplification, I couldn’t help but hear the echo of these words as I walked into the theater to watch “Don’t Worry Darling.”

A film riddled with backstage drama, it was hard to exist on social media the past few months without seeing a daily update to the laundry list of controversies that surrounded this movie. A complete outline of the events leading up to this film’s release could fill a column by itself, so it may be necessary to do your own research. I personally would recommend starting with the did-Harry-Styles-spiton-Chris-Pine debacle.

Though the initial response from critics was less than favorable, I must admit that I was still excited to see this movie. Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut “Booksmart” is hilarious, and though “Don’t Worry Darling” finds itself in an entirely different genre, Wilde’s experience in the industry led me to believe the film was in good hands.

The premise of Wilde’s sophomore film is simple: Alice, played by Florence Pugh, is a woman living in an idyllic planned community with her husband, Jack, played by Harry Styles. But strange things happen that make her suspect that all is not well in the community run by Jack’s mysterious employer, who is played by Chris Pine. The principal cast also included Gemma Chan, Nick Kroll and Wilde herself.

With only a supporting role in a cast of A-list actors, Wilde still found herself directly in the spotlight for this film’s failures. But regardless of speculation about whether or not Wilde was fully involved on set, my issues with “Don’t Worry Darling” were not as much with her direction as it was with the writing. The film fell victim to

'Don’t Worry Darling' review

“style over substance,” but not necessarily due to over-directing. The story simply did not hold up against the cohesive — and incredibly well done — cinematography and production design.

Working with the material she was given, Pugh delivered a standout performance. On the other hand, though Styles was not overtly bad, it was clear he had the least amount of acting experience out of the cast. Fans of Styles can, however, look forward to a far-too-long dance scene featuring the pop star. Please don’t come for me Harry stans, remember: “Treat People With Kindness.”

good as its follow up, and the resolution left the story and its central characters feeling half-baked.

“Don’t Worry Darling” had a lot to offer. Sadly, the good parts of the film have gotten overshadowed by a host of off-stage controversies. But this movie is simply not all it was hyped up to be. My final thoughts: overpromised, under-delivered.

But I think Harry Styles said it best: “You know, my favorite thing about the movie. is it feels like a movie. It feels like a real, you know, go-to-the-theater film movie.”

State of the BSA

All are welcome

M id-semester, do you feel frayed? I often do. My peace and focus get blasted apart like racked-up billiard balls struck hard and scattered by the cue ball of each week’s demands.

A recent week of isolation gave me space to read Gordon MacDonald’s “Ordering Your Private World.” Racking up scattered billiard balls is MacDonald’s metaphor for the inward order we need.

Without inner order, says MacDonald, under life’s pressures “we may sense something within us about to give way. We feel we are just a moment from a collapse that will threaten to sweep our entire world into a bottomless pit.” We are driven by our “outer world,” which is “measurable, visible and expendable” — our “work, play, possessions and a host of acquaintances that make up a social network.” But our private world, “as infinite in size as we perceive our public worlds to be . . . like the depths of the ocean, remains unexplored, full of surprises, ambushes, emotions and dreams.”

At first, I struggled to understand MacDonald’s use of “driven” — not as “excellent,” “achieving” or “successful,” but as something more like lashed onward.

“Among the more painful selfrevelations of my life,” he writes, “was

Psychological thrillers themselves can be a tough sell. These films often rely on an audience’s trust in the world they are building, and the world of “Don’t Worry Darling” simply did not deliver. When a film is hailed as the “modern-day ‘Truman Show’” or the “next ‘Black Mirror,’” there is an expectation for the writing that “Don’t Worry Darling” promises but fails to deliver.

The genre, however, brings with it an intensity that this movie greatly benefits from. The landscape of the utopian Victory, and Alice’s skepticism regarding the world around her, are complimented perfectly by John Powell’s anxiety-inducing score. The film builds well on this tension, progressing into a final act that fully commands your attention. Sadly, the plot twist is only as

Faculty Finds

Ordering your private world

that I am basically a driven person. . . That drivenness has created moments of crisis for me down through the years. And each time I had to come to grips with fresh new revelations of an insidious energy within me that wanted to achieve and accomplish things for reasons that were far from obedience to Jesus or the glory of God.”

Drivenness is a “habit pattern,” he says, “similar to an addiction.” Driven people ride on “unearned characteristics at the beginning” of their young adult lives. We run fast and far before having to develop the inner fiber that we need to really endure.

What follows is a compact little book of dazzling spiritual clarity and wisdom. It’s the boiled-down wisdom of a dedicated Christ-follower, late in life, saying, “Here, take the best I’ve gathered.”

He probes the sources of drivenness: shame, bitterness, anger; attempts to earn the approval of people who may never give it. MacDonald’s selfrevelations are raw but healing for this reader. Each of our stories is different, yet we are not alone.

I also love how MacDonald champions intellectual excellence as a spiritual discipline. The “life of the mind” is deeply inter-rooted with that of the spirit. He says, “Christians ought to

be the strongest, broadest, most creative thinkers in the world.”

Even after reading lots about spiritual life — Foster, Willard, Lewis, etc. — MacDonald’s insights feel continually fresh and new: how to take control of time; how to deepen, rather than just stiffen, as we age; how to make the kind of capital-F Friendships we need as we move beyond our college to life and work settings where friends become scarce.

One line of this book rings in a dark, wide space in my memory, haunting me: MacDonald asks, “[what is] the meaning of ambition in the life of a Christ-follower?”

That’s a difficult question. It cuts to the root of the tree for a university predicated on both “pursuit of excellence” and “commitment to Christ.” But we must ask it, each of ourselves and of each other.

MacDonald points us inward, where the answers gleam.

At the end of most Black Student Association (BSA) chapel announcements or on posters put up around campus from different events, the phrase “all are welcome” is usually included. Yet one of the questions I get asked most often is if non-Black people are welcome to attend BSA events. Also, if everyone is welcome, why is there a separate BSA from the SA? These questions are understandable, but the answers become exceedingly clear once you actually attend a BSA meeting or event. Black students are part of so many different sports teams, majors, social clubs and friend groups across campus. Yet when we all gather, with whoever wants to join, something special happens. It is our choice to come to Harding, and though I cannot speak for everyone, many of the people that I have talked to love attending Harding. Yet, people have also expressed feeling alone or feeling like they cannot be fully themselves in different spaces on campus. Both of these things can be true. Though I do not feel like we have to justify our existence, having a space where even one student feels fully like they belong is justification enough.

The purpose of the BSA is to plan events that facilitate community, be a safe space and uplift voices that are not often heard, keeping students of colors particularly in mind. You may not understand the importance of gathering unless you have experienced being one of the only people, or the only person, who looks like you in the room. You may have seen the videos of children reacting with tears and pure joy at the trailer for the new Ariel movie. That reaction is understandable when you have felt unseen or boxed into being one certain thing based on the way you look. Representation is vitally important and encouraging, and the BSA aims to provide those things. Oftentimes at BSA meetings we have conversations specifically pertaining to the Black experience, and we are able to connect over shared feelings or struggles. We support each other, uplift each other and validate that we are not alone.

The BSA exists because the Black experience is real and different. The idea of “colorblindness” is not helpful. Recent rhetoric, often from people trying to be inclusive, is that race doesn’t exist, because we are all part of one human race. This is a nice talking point and has some element of truth but is easy to say when you are part of the majority. When your race is the standard in beauty, in media representation and in positions of authority, it is easier to say that there is no race than when you feel the impact of racism both systematically and interpersonally. Recognition of differences and disparity is essential. Offense does not come in the recognition of difference, but in being treated differently because of those differences. We cannot progress toward a society of justice and equality if we can’t even openly acknowledge the role that race has played historically and today in this country.

While the Black experience is specific, all people have felt in some way that they don’t belong or that the odds were stacked against them. Anyone who can empathize, is willing to listen and wants to learn is welcome to attend anything. Also, anyone who wants to have fun can come to an event. The BSA plans events to just hang out, play basketball, watch a movie, have a devo or just be surrounded by people who want to be together, laugh and be themselves in a space free of judgment. Don’t be afraid to join in. The BSA is not a place where you need to walk on eggshells or worry about saying exactly the right thing. Just your presence, no matter who you are, is encouraging and needed.

We are not an exclusive group. When we say all are welcome, we mean it.

HALLE MILLER is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at hmiller10@harding.edu.

Emma Jones editor-in-chief

Sara Hook features/layout editor

Sophie Rossitto news editor

Ben Lane sports editor

Malachi Brown opinions editor

Maggie Samples lifestyle editor

Gabriel Huff head copy editor

Cianna Jay asst. copy editor

Emma Weber editorial assisstant

Madison Meyer head photographer Balazs Balassa asst. photographer Macy Cox asst. photographer

Gracie Cornett cartoonist Bonnie Spann business manager Cooper Turman graphic designer

Wagner Valdez asst. graphic designer

Stacy Roibal beat reporter Emily Stinnett historian

April Fatula faculty adviser

Michael Claxton narrative columnist

staff guest contributors

Nicole Savage Shaelyn Wade

Mitch Friesenborg Eli Roberts

Carter Thweatt Jon Singleton

Aidan Broome Halle Miller

Watkins Kelly

English Jon Singleton

Guest Writer Watkins Kelly

BSA President Halle Miller

JON SINGLETON is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at jsingleton@harding.edu.

WATKINS KELLY is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at wkelly2@harding.edu.

– Watkins Kelly, senior

Sadly, the good parts of the film have gotten overshadowed by a host of off-stage controversies.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Ten Thousand Words

I voted today!

Not really — but no worries, because I will soon. Early voting for statewide and local elections in Arkansas starts Oct. 24, and elections run until Nov. 8, and as a proud Arkansan, I plan on voting when I get the chance during this election cycle. I’d like to use this column to encourage you to do the same.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Chris Jones, the Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, speak in an event hosted by the Black Student Association. During his talk, Jones said something that really stood out to me: Arkansas is currently dead last in voter registration and turnout by state. Fiftieth out of 50 Jones said that regardless of who people would be voting for during the general elections this year, the most important thing was to get more people registered and actually to the polls to cast their votes.

I have not been very good at exercising my democratic right to vote since I turned 18, which I have come to regret. A timely example is from just this summer. My hometown of Mountain Home tried to get a millage bill passed to renovate the high school. I didn’t go home to vote or mail in an absentee vote, and the bill fell by only 17 votes. I was ashamed! I still have three younger brothers in high school that could have benefitted from my vote, but I was so sure the bill would pass that I didn’t bother.

If voting seems confusing, or if, like me this summer, you don’t want to be bothered by doing it, I would ask you to reconsider. For the most part, it is not that complicated, and you should be bothered to care about statewide and local issues that you can have a say in.

You can register to vote in Arkansas by filling out a voter registration form and mailing it to your local election office. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, you can look up your status through the Arkansas Secretary of State website. The registration deadline is Oct. 11.

For those who are from out of state, or maybe are from Arkansas and don’t have the time to make a trip home to vote, absentee voting is not a complicated process either. To request an absentee ballot, contact your county clerk where you are registered to vote. Some states may require you to have a valid excuse to vote absentee, but most will allow for university students. If you’re eligible, the county clerk will direct you on how to request and return your absentee ballot.

I know voting can seem boring or too complicated, but it’s important for us younger generations to get into the practice of doing it. Local and statewide offices and issues have a direct impact on a student’s home or college community. Historically, young adults have voted at lower rates than older citizens; realizing at a younger age the importance of voting sets young adults up for a future of democratic responsibility.

So when the time comes later this semester, vote! Your voice matters.

EMMA JONES is editor-inchief for The Bison. She can be contacted at ejones19@harding.edu.

Statement of Ownership

Publication Title: The Bison. Publication No.: 577660. Filing Date: 9/26/22. Issue Frequency: Weekly, except for vacations, final exams and summer sessions. No. of Issues Published Annually: 20. Annual Subscription Price: $10. Complete Mailing Address of Known Officer of Publication: The Bison. Harding University, Box 10812, Searcy, AR. 72149-0812. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or Business Office of Publisher: Student Publications, Box 10812, Searcy, AR 72149-0812. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, Managing Editor: Publisher: April Fatula, Harding University Box 10812, Searcy, White County, AR. 72149-0812; Editor: Emma Jones, Harding University Box 12844, Searcy, White County, AR, 72149-0812; Managing Editor: Same as Editor. Owner: Harding University, 915 E. Market, Searcy, White County, AR. 721490001. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. Tax Status: The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the expected status for federal income tax purposes: has not changed during preceding 12 months.

Publication Title: The Bison. Issue Date

Growing up, I never considered myself an outdoorsman. While I lived in an area rich with state parks and walking trails, I was far more comfortable indoors reading or playing video games or making stop-motion movies with LEGOs.

When I first visited Harding’s campus, however, it was not the high-tech science labs that compelled me. It was not the library or even the abundance of above-average coffee shops. I connected, rather uncharacteristically, to the plants. I was mesmerized by the great trees which seemed to reach out from the heart of campus into a great hug of shade cast over the front lawn and surrounding edifices. My tour guide, perhaps noticing that my eyes were perpetually affixed somewhere far above eyelevel, expertly steered me toward the brightly colored First Ladies Garden, where the carefully

Pathos of Pothos

landscaped winding path presented a different, yet equally beautiful presentation of what plants have to offer us.

After that experience, it was hardly a surprise that I settled on this school. From my once reclusive and indoor self, I slowly grew to appreciate nature more and more. From hikes up Sugarloaf to explorations of Bridal Veil Falls to simply watching as the campus trees changed colors and bloomed, my love for it all began. Most recently, I have brought my newfound love for plants to the comfort of my dorm. I have never tried to decorate, but now my roommate and I live, work and sleep surrounded by no less than 13 different species of plants. Each has unique appearances, needs and nicknames that I have chosen for them.

Though I once dropped a large textbook on “Alduin” the Calathea —- killing half its leaves

—- and badly sunburnt “Thermal Detonator,” the unusually large Zebra Haworthia, others like “Carl” the Ghost Plant and “Adoring Fan” the Money Tree bring me joy as they regularly grow new leaves.

Caring for these plants is a domestically blissful responsibility. While a video game or a book is a fine way to use free time, the relationship one develops with a plant is something else. Every day I get the simple joys of feeling the dirt for moisture, watering when needed and keeping a record of pictures to monitor growth. For anyone interested in starting a rewarding hobby, that will also enhance the aesthetics of your dorm room, I recommend this: cultivate a love of plants.

AIDAN BROOME is a guest writer for The Bison. He can be contacted at abroome@harding.edu.

Remembering Dr. Gary Elliott (1940—2022)

For the past 15 years, I have had two standing appointments on Thursdays. One is at Mi Pueblito for lunch, and the other — at least during basketball season — is at my spot beside the water cooler in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. While I grew up as a fan of neither sports nor salsa, I have come to love them both. Partly because the other thing they had in common was a chance to hang out with Dr. Gary Elliott.

Elliott started teaching English at Harding five years before I was born — a fact I enjoyed pointing out to him. By the time I joined the faculty, he only had four years left to go before he retired. He spent two of those years as my boss. Gary had been the department chair back in the 1970s, then left to serve as dean and later president of Columbia Christian College in Portland, Oregon. He eventually returned to Harding and to his first love of English. In 2005 he resumed the position of chair for his last two years. I called him the Grover Cleveland of the department since he was the only chair to serve two nonconsecutive terms.

Elliott died on Sept. 13 at the age of 81, and neither Thursday lunches nor basketball games will be quite the same.

Week after week, Gary held court at the Mexican restaurant with several of us from the English Department. As an extension of his engaging classroom persona, the master storyteller knew how to hold an audience. He told us about his childhood in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and his adventures fishing and raising livestock. He told us about his days at Harding College in the late `50s and early `60s (Just as some recent students can do an affectionate impression of Dr. David Burks,

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Gary could imitate his predecessor, Dr. George Benson.) We would hear about his deer hunts, his golf games and his cattle farming. If he ever came to lunch fresh from delivering a newborn calf, he’d make a point to tell us, “You don’t want to shake my hand today.”

Still, that hand dove right into the communal chips. Gary was also famous for ordering toxic hot sauce. One time, the waitress brought out this bubbling green liquid. It looked like a combination of raw jalapenos and battery acid. The chefs were peeking out of the kitchen, waiting to see what would happen. Halfway through one of his anecdotes, Elliott dipped a handful of chips into the sauce and took a huge bite. His eyes watered, his face turned a few different hues and he hit the table one time with his fist. But all he said was, “That lit my fire,” and went right on with his story. He never understood why we wouldn’t try his sauce.

I’ll never forget our last lunch together before Gary and his wife moved to Fayetteville. He regaled us with stories about the old days of the department a half-century ago, sharing some of his favorite classroom experiences. He loved to talk about the time he was teaching Alexander Pope’s mock epic poem “The Rape of the Lock.” Dr. Elliott dropped his pencil during the class, and when he bent over to pick it up, his pants split. A bit red-faced, he backed up to the chalkboard and carried on

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bravely with class. Two days later, a student presented him with a poem in rhyming couplets in the style of Pope. It was called “The Gape of the Doc.”

Basketball games won’t be the same, either. Gary was scandalized when I told him I had attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and had never once gone to a Tarheels game. So, he insisted I come to watch the Bisons and Lady Bisons with him. We ended up sitting next to each other for over a decade. Nobody could heckle a referee like Gary. A master of superlatives, he frequently declared a call the worst he’d seen in 50 years.

I once heard him say that three times in the same quarter. When I asked how three calls could equally be the worst in half a century, he told me not to bother him while he was working.

We teased each other as only close friends can do. When I wrote a column making fun of his big Southern truck, he put a typed letter on department stationery in my office box, assigning me a new — and particularly miserable — teaching schedule. He signed it, “Sincerely, Bubba.”

Married for 59 years to Cheryl, father to Douglas and Heather, grandfather four times over and friend to everyone in town, Gary was a true Renaissance man. A farmer and a preacher, a cattleman who could quote Shakespeare and the Psalms, an administrator who loved all Harding sports, he was a witty and gracious mentor to generations of students and colleagues, including me. We will not see his like again.

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

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Editor-in-Chief

Emma Jones

Illustration by Gracie Cornett

Narrative Columnist Michael Claxton

Guest Writer Aidan Broom

Graphic by Wagner Valdez

Athletic alumni to be inducted into hall of fame

COOPER TURMAN graphics editor

The Harding University Athletics Hall of Fame will be hosting its 2022 induction ceremony tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Charles White Dining Hall. Thirteen new members will be inducted in this year’s ceremony.

Every five years, a committee from The Bison Boosters meets to discuss which former athletes to induct into the hall of fame.

Athletic director Jeffrey Morgan described the steps of choosing the inductees.

“Usually the ones considered have awards such as conference player of the year, allAmericans, national champions, record holders, et cetera,” Morgan said. “Occasionally, we may have someone inducted for meritorious service. Our committee this year consisted of 14 people who went through the bios [of the athletes] and then voted. This committee is made up of retired coaches, former studentathletes and Bison Booster Club members who care deeply about Harding and our Athletic Department.”

Assistant athletic director for Sports Information Scott Goode said these athlete biographies that are considered by the committee are created by “using Harding’s athletics record books to find the information of the former athletes.” Goode further explained the criteria for the nomination process and just how intensive it actually is.

“The minimum qualification for consideration for the Hall of Fame is making all-conference,” Goode said. “There are hundreds of former athletes that meet that criteria. I reduce that to candidates who would have a legitimate chance of being elected. The committee then selects the most deserving for the Hall of Fame.”

Goode said he recognizes the significance of the incoming inductees.

“Because we only have an induction every five years, we always have an extremely impressive group of inductees,” Goode said. “They are the best of the best in their respective sports,” Goode said.

Sophomore football player Tyra Wilson spoke on what this means to students currently in the Athletic Department.

“It is inspiring,” Wilson said. “It creates a sense of wanting to leave your own mark on the program as much as they had, but not just as an athlete but also how you treat people.”

According to the Harding Sports website, the list of inductees includes Molly (Arnold) Reynolds (volleyball), Kristen (Celsor) Johnson (women’s basketball/track and field), Adam Darby (baseball), Guillermo Hernandez (men’s tennis), Adrian Hickmon (football), Dave Hudson (bowling), Ronnie Huckeba (outstanding coach), Artur Kern (men’s track and field), Gerald Payne (football), Robert Towns (football), Calister Uba (track and field), Chad Ware (men’s basketball) and Ewa Zaborowska (track and field).

To purchase tickets or for more information on the event, visit hardingsports.com/tickets.

Bisons drop to OBU in first loss of season

MITCH FRIESEBORG student writer

This weekend was one to forget for the number seven ranked Harding Bisons, who fell 13-21 Sept. 24 to number nine ranked rival Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) Tigers. At first, momentum seemed to be on Harding’s side, as sophomore running-back Jhalen Spicer went untouched on a 77-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game from scrimmage. However, whatever momentum they had was lost with the offense stagnating in the second half and the defense unable to ground the Tigers’ aerial attack.

“Ouachita played us well,” head coach Paul Simmons said. “They came prepared and played harder than we did. There’s a lot we can take from this game, but for now we need to be focused on next week’s game.”

After OBU took the lead 7-6 in the second quarter, Harding drove down the field, gaining 65 yards on 10 plays. On a crucial fourth down, freshman quarterback Cole Keylon tossed a 35-yard pass to Kage Citty, putting the Bisons just outside the red zone. Sophomore fullback Will Fitzhugh would score two plays later. However, a 50-yard touchdown pass by the Tigers in response changed the game.

proud of the way we fought. We just need to make some more plays, and I know we’ll bounce back.”

Senior defensive tackle Wesley Coleman shared Fitzhugh’s sentiment and had thoughts of his own on what the team, especially the defense, needed to improve.

“It was a great game,” Coleman said. “Obviously things didn’t go our way. It’s always a war when we play against them. We as a team still have a lot of work to do. We need to focus on fundamentals.”

“They just made more plays than we did,” Fitzhugh said. “Hopefully we get another chance at them eventually this year, but I’m

The Harding Bisons are playing a home game tomorrow where they will lock horns with the Oklahoma Baptist University Bison. Since Harding began playing Oklahoma Baptist in 2015, they have gotten six straight wins and zero losses. Like Coleman said, it will be a litmus test for how the Bisons will respond after the loss to Ouachita Baptist.

Students, faculty compete in volleyball tournament

CIANNA JAY asst. copy editor

Twenty teams competed in the Relay for Life sand volleyball tournament on Sept. 24. Each team paid a fee of $30 to participate as part of a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Members of the winning team each received a water bottle and a $25 gift card to the Harding Bookstore, which sponsored this event.

The winning team was Beebe Caps, which consisted of freshmen Joshua Schmidtlein and Luke Kingbury, sophomores Elly Harper and Jon David Mills, and juniors Max Guyer and Lindsey Hollis.

Guyer said he and his teammates frequently play volleyball together and that this was a

perfect opportunity to do what they love while supporting a good cause.

“It was a really fun experience,” Guyer said. “It was also super encouraging to see how many people donated and participated.”

One of the teams this year, The Faculty Team, included all faculty members. One of these members was President Mike Williams, who said he decided to play in the tournament because “Relay for Life is a tremendous cause.”

“I want to lock arms with students doing great things,” Williams said. “It was fun. The students were great. I’m thankful that they did not openly mock us.”

The student directors, seniors Mason Adams and Kaitlyn Rigsby, facilitate Relay for Life’s executive committee of students and work closely with organizations and social club service directors. Rigsby said this is the

second year Relay for Life has hosted the tournament and one of its primary functions is raising awareness so students will begin asking questions about what Relay for Life is, who it benefits and its impact on campus.

“The volleyball tournament was kind of just a kickstart event to get people’s attention about the overall event, which will happen in a few weeks,” Rigsby said. “The point of that was to just raise some extra money, really just to have fun, but also bringing awareness.”

Rigsby said the event was a success, as the number of participating teams significantly increased from the 13 teams that played last year, and they raised $3,300 of their overall goal of $20,000.

This year’s Relay for Life theme is “for a world with more birthday parties” and will be held on Oct. 14 from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the Front Lawn.

at

Searcy, Ark., 72149

Students play in the sand volleyball tournament for Relay for Life at the intramural fields Sept. 23. Teams raised money towards a fundraing foal of $20,000.

Sophomore Jhalen Spicer runs the football downfield, while being trailed by junior Hunter Willis on Sept. 24. The Bisons took an early lead, but were scoreless after losing momentum in the second quarter.

Photo by Jeff Montgomery

Photo by MACY COX

– Wesley Coleman, senior

It’s always a war when we play against them

Veterans chit, chat, chew together

At this table, every veteran is welcome. Ages ranging from 29-85 make an effort to come and connect with one another.

Three years ago during the end of summer, veteran Bill Morton, known on the road as “Rhino,” and some friends came into the local Searcy diner Chit, Chat and Chew for a cup of coffee. Owner Jacob Dixon, a fellow veteran, had been wanting to start a coffee call.

Morton and his friends in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 7-8 provided the perfect starting point. Since then, the group has expanded and amassed friends from all branches of the military. Their common thread: a desire to create community.

“We have lots of differences, but we put them aside at the table,” Morton said. “So many of us have so many attitudes so it should not make sense. But it does.”

“This event is open to the public,” Morton said. “We want veterans to come in and make friends.”

The Commander of CVMA Chapter 7-8, Bill Blecher, known as “Oscar,” elaborated on the need for veterans to have a place to feel supported.

“Since leaving the service and moving to a civilian company, I haven’t felt the same feeling of family,” Blecher said.

Blecher and Morton create a family-like atmosphere by connecting their friends with professionals who can help. Frequent members at the table have many skills relating to suicide help and internal veterans aid.

Morton and Blecher both mentioned that these services help many of the people at the table.

“We are just friends helping friends,” Blecher said.

Another member of the group, veteran Candice Wyant, has taken the steps to make a group just for women.

“There are a lot of us out there,” Wyant said. “Here, you have a family you can

have coffee with. You think, ‘Hey, there is a place for me.’ And we are just doing life together.”

Wyant works specifically to make a space where female veterans can find their identity outside the service.

“When you get out of the service you lose yourself, and you want to be a part of things but it’s hard to communicate with others,” Wyant said. “So you end up staying home. But there is a lot more to us. We are strong and proud, and we want to build a community.”

Events like the coffee call at Chit, Chat and Chew provide opportunities for all those who have served to have a central location to meet.

Acappella members visit Harding for Lectureship

Several members of the singing group Acappella, many of whom are Harding alumni, visited Harding’s campus for the Bible Lectureship 2022 program. Bass singer Robert Guy led the singing at Highway Church of Christ on Sunday, along with their worship leader James McDuffie, as well as chapel worship throughout the week. Guy, a 1992 alumnus, said he was shocked when he was first asked to come for Lectureship.

“It’s an honor to be back here at the school and … to see the changes that are still being made,” Guy said.

Aside from chapel, Guy also led a daily worship time in Cone Chapel focused on teaching new songs. He and the rest of Acappella were invited by director of the center for preaching Devin Swindle, who said much of his love for music was inspired by the group.

“Knowing of his ties to Harding and his musical abilities, it was only natural for him to bring his worship leading to Harding for Lectureship,” Swindle said.

Other Harding alumni involved in Acappella include Brishan Hatcher, Jeremy Swindle, Steve Maxwell, Tony Brown and current Harding employee Matt Nunnally. Acappella founder Keith Lancaster said singing is one of the most important aspects of a worship service because it is a community experience.

“It’s the one part of the service that everyone can participate in equally,” Lancaster said. “Not everybody can preach or teach or do some of these other important facets of ministry, but everyone — young, old, members, visitors, male, female, everyone should — by biblical command should participate in making a joyful noise and singing. And

I’m convinced that everyone’s voice is equally important.”

Lancaster is also the founder of Praise and Harmony, a program focused on helping churches with their singing. Praise and Harmony teaches the basics of four-part harmony and instructs song leaders.

I’m convinced that everyone’s voice is equally important.

That program is the main reason he came to Lectureship, Lancaster said, because churches need to know what is available to them.

“We emphasize preaching, which is very, very important, but we’re not emphasizing the singing to the same degree,” Lancaster said. “And in my opinion, singing is just as important as preaching. I want to encourage everyone to sing and make a joyful noise, even if you don’t think you have a good voice.”

EMMA WEBER editorial assistant

– Bill Morton, veteran

We have lots of differences, but we put them aside at the table.

Veterans from the Searcy community gather at Chit, Chat and Chew Cafe on Sept. 22. Chit, Chat and Chew hosts the veteran’s coffee call every Thursday at 9 a.m.

Photos by MADISON MEYER

Photo by MACY COX

SARA HOOK features/layout editor

Acappella bass singer Robert Guy leads worship at chapel in Benson Auditorium before the morning keynote Lectureship speaker on Sept. 26. Guy also led worship singing at Highway Church of Christ on Sept. 25.

– Keith Lancaster, founder of Acappella

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Baja team rebuilds vehicle frame

ELI ROBERTS guest writer

The Harding University Baja Team is a student-led organization that designs, builds and competes with a single-seat, off-road vehicle against schools across the world. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hosts an annual competition series and releases rules and regulations that Baja and the other teams have to follow to compete.

“The big change for 2023 is, for one, this is the first time we have ever been required to have a four-wheel drive vehicle,” senior Ryan Hankins, the Baja team captain, said. “So every year since the start of the organization, the vehicles were two-wheel drive only. In 2020, they gave us a heads up that this change was coming and to be prepared.”

When the Baja team heard about the upcoming changes in rules, they began designing and constructing the project. The SAE encouraged teams to start early before officiating the rule in the 2022-23 season. Harding’s team successfully started the fourwheel drive early for the races.

“We built a four-wheel drive vehicle in 2021, and it was very successful,” Hankins said. “We won a lot of the events at the competitions and placed fourth place overall. Then, in being so successful, we have just built off that, which gives us an upper hand.”

Another change the team has to make is acquiring a different engine. The Baja team believes this engine will be about 20% faster than the older model engine.

“With a new engine, this means all the data we have whenever we started as a team

in 2013 doesn’t matter,” Hankins said. “The whole system is so much more powerful, so everything has to be redesigned.”

This new engine requirement is a big deal to the program. The team will now have to reconstruct the whole vehicle to fit the new power and torque of the engine.

“I think it’s going to be really cool,” junior Colton Mercer said. “It is exciting because we had those slow cars the past two years that would not move very fast because of the lack of power. But now that’s going to be different. This means it’s bigger, bigger frame, and everything is made in-house.”

The final change of the season is that everything has to be made in-house. This means that other businesses or companies cannot step in and construct anything for the team, primarily the chassis, or the vehicle frame. Freshman Christian Wilson said that with the new rule in place, Harding students will now fully construct their own chassis or they will be penalized points in competitions.

“You’re supposed to make as much in-house stuff as you can,” Wilson said. “It’s a learning experience. If everybody has professional stuff built, it defeats the whole purpose.”

Wilson said even with the new rules and changes, the team remains optimistic about their performance in the 2022-23 season.

“[The team is] optimistic, I think,” Wilson said. “The last time there was a major rule change, our team was ahead. We shook up all the teams at once, put in the hard work and came up prepared. I think we can do this again.”

Q&A with Lisa Williams, ambassador for Harding

STACY ROIBAL beat reporter

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, some basic background?

A: I grew up in West Virginia, on a mountaintop basically. I was more of an outdoor girl. I played in the mud, ran through the woods, rode my bike and had to be called in at nighttime when it was time for bed. So I love nature, love being outside, always have.

At Harding, I studied Elementary Education. I actually wanted to study interior design, but that wasn’t encouraged at the time, so I went ahead and did Elementary Education — which ended up being good, too.

Q: What title do you prefer? I’ve heard “presidential spouse” and “first lady.” Do you have any strong opinions on that?

A: I don’t know how the rest of the world views “first lady,” but for me it sounds a little misplaced. I think it can put you at arm’s length away from people, and I want to be approachable and able to have relationships that are more spontaneous and organic.

At Faulkner I was an “Ambassador.” I like that here. I’m an Ambassador for Harding University. I want to be more involved, probably more than what other people might choose to be. I promote goodwill for the University, and I’m supportive of what Mike does.

Q: If I see you around campus, should I call you Ambassador Williams?

A: I’m fine with people just calling me Lisa! Some people call me Mrs. Williams, or Ms. Lisa, or first lady, but I’m okay with just saying, “Hello, Lisa.” I love it when people come up and introduce themselves to me.

Q: This can be a position of influence if you choose to make it one. Is that something you are hoping to do?

A: I do hope to be an influence. I think it would be a shame for me not to be involved and not to use the position that I hold currently because of what Mike does.

We have always liked to take things on together, and this is part of that. We’re a part of Harding University. It’s for both of us, for our whole family actually.

I’ve prayed a lot about this, how the Lord could use me and show me what he would like for me to do. He has been doing that, and it’s not what I thought it would be, but actually what he had in mind was a whole lot better than what I had in mind.

Q: What are some things you are passionate about? Where would you like to exercise the influence you have?

What I keep hearing, especially from women, is that it’s nice to see women taking a part, being a part, having a voice or a presence. We have so many talented women who are very confident in what they do, and so it is our loss if we don’t harness the ability that each one brings to the table. So whatever I can do to help make that better for women, I want to do.

I also care about a lot of other things. I care about people on the autism spectrum, and I hope that Harding will be able to have a position where we can stand in the gap for parents and people on the spectrum. We could help provide services to churches

and to schools and help build understanding and bridges so that it’s not such a mystery to a lot of people.

You would think that all of those myths about autism would have already been dispelled by now, but that’s not true. There are still so many people who misunderstand it and who want to know more about it. It’s an easy thing for us to do, to help churches know how to bring families in that have a child with autism, to help schools use applied behavioral analysis and how to bring that into the community at large.

Recently in chapel there was a video shown where we talked about telling your story. It’s so important to be able to share God’s word with each other. I think if we could all share that freely and daily with one another, it will only make us stronger and encourage us.

I think in some of our darkest moments when we had our greatest trials, it was scripture, songs of worship and friends who would pray with us to help us get through those times. I know it can be a crucible especially for freshmen coming in, and for anyone coming here it can be a pivotal moment in your life when things are taking shape.

I really don’t want to be idle. I want to be used.

Q: What do you think is most unique about being in this position at a Christian school, as opposed to a non-Christian school?

A: I’m humbled daily by the comments, the notes, the texts, the hugs, the words that people share with us. It continues to remind me how the mission of Harding matters a great deal to so many people. For that I’m thankful.

We want to do what we’ve been charged to do, we want to do it well and we want to make good on the sacrifices of all the people who came before us.

There are so many good people here with such good hearts. We all have our bad days. We all have our moments where maybe we’re not doing our best, but everyone here wants to do good. I think the most humbling part is just how kind people have been, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without that kindness and support.

Q: How do you hope to foster relationships with students on campus?

A: I love coming to chapel. I love listening to students sing, and sometimes I get choked up and I have to stop and just listen. I know that the more I’m there, the more familiar I become. Little by little, more and more people come up and introduce themselves.

This first year is kind of a hurdle because there’s so much traveling to do and so many special events happening, but everytime we can possibly be where students are, that’s where we want to be.

Q: What would be the best advice you could give to students right now in the context of the world we’re living in?

A: I’m thankful that I’m not coming of age right now. This is a hard time, but I will say this: Choose what you listen to, choose what you hear and what goes into your head. Let that be paramount in going forward, because there are so many voices out there.

Lisa Williams speaks at inauguration and with guests in the C.L. Kay Plaza in front of Benson Auditorium after the presidential inauguration on Sept. 16. Williams and her husband, Mike, hosted a coffee meet and greet after the inauguration to speak with guests and promote the new University motto: Inspired Purpose.

Photos by MADISON MEYER

Junior Grayson Sutherlin works on the organization’s off-road vehicle on Sept. 15. The new rules required the team to design and build a new vehicle around a stronger engine.

Photo by GRACE HURT

Student resources offered on campus

BEN LANE sports editor

Unlike Campus Life, clubs, campus organizations, recreational activities and other activities that offer a social outlet, several free resources exist to help students achieve academic, professional and personal success during their enrollment.

Examples include the Writing Center, Center for Professional Excellence (CPE), Media Center, Watson Center, Counseling Center and STEM Center. The Writing Center, hosted by the English Department, allows students to attempt to improve their papers with the help of a student tutor.

“I’m here to help with anything writing related, from brainstorming on a paper topic to figuring out proper citation style,” junior Rachael Bull, who is in her third semester working for the center, said.

Bull said there is a misconception that the center is only for bad writers, but it is intended for anyone regardless of their writing skills.

“The truth is that everyone needs help with writing sometimes,” Bull said. “Even good writers get stuck or have questions or maybe just need a fresh perspective on their writing.”

The Writing Center is located in the Brackett Library and is available by appointment seven days a week with walk-ins accepted as staff allows.

Other centers, like the Media and the Watson Centers, provide resources students may use for their projects. They, for various prices depending on

the need, provide colored or black and white paper, spiral binding, large print formats, buttons and magnets, faxing, lamination, document scanning and other materials that students may need for projects.

Harding’s CPE for the previous decade focused on students and alumni of the Business Department, but it transitioned into a resource for all departments on Sept. 1.

Executive Director of CPE Brian Harrington said in an email that CPE provides career services and professional development for students and alumni.

“We can assist with the job search, review resumes and cover letters and provide mock interviews,” Harrington said. “We also help facilitate networking between students and employers/alumni.”

The next career fair that CPE is hosting is the IMC Expo on Oct. 11,

which will focus on marketing, sales and communication roles.

A staff of six professional counselors is available to students in the Counseling Center on the third floor of the McInteer building and is also of no cost to students.

“Our goal is to assist students as a part of the University’s mission to promote student success in all areas of life,” the Counseling Center’s website said.

Campus Players hosts 24-hour Writing Project

GABRIEL HUFF head copy editor

Campus Players, a theatre club available to all majors, is hosting its fifth annual 24-Hour Writing Project Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 on campus, encouraging students to implement their talents in producing mini performances.

The event is open to all students, who can volunteer to write, direct and act for different shows, though no one is allowed to both direct and act. Sign-ups are open until noon today and the project will begin at 6 p.m.

Sophomore Aubrey Jones, vice president of Campus Players, is helping run the event along with the club president, senior Gabi Gonzalez.

“The writers will come in and start from

scratch,” Jones said. “It usually ends up being about a 10 minute play or so, just a shorter script. And then the directors will come in a couple of hours later to help flesh out ideas, and they’ll do read-throughs to get a final script out before curfew on Friday night.”

On Saturday morning, the actors will go through a quick audition process and get assigned to a show and its director. They will then spend the rest of the day rehearsing until showtime at 6 p.m. in the Reynolds Recital Hall, when the entire campus is invited to watch the results of their work.

Jones said there are usually about six to 10 shows produced, with each one having a runtime of about 10 minutes.

Junior Emma Myhan, Campus Players’ publicity officer, said that outside of limiting scripts to a short time period and keeping

them Harding appropriate, the shows do not really have any boundaries, allowing writers to be creative with their plot and characters.

“Writers tend to keep their cast size between two and four, or two and five, because if it gets above that then we have to start double casting them in shows,” Myhan said.

Both Jones and Myhan said the 24Hour Writing Project enables students to get involved in theatre without having to devote a significant amount of time to an entire production.

“This is one weekend where we can go through the whole creative process and students are able to be creative and have fun with each other without having to worry about all that commitment,” Jones said.

But the event is not only for the students’ benefit. Campus Players sponsor Seth Fish said the organization usually charges a $2-3 entry fee to raise funds for a larger-scale show the organization performs in the spring, which in turn raises money for a charity.

“Each year, the students choose a different charity, depending on the cast and the director,” Fish said.

Started in 1924, Campus Players is one of the oldest organizations on campus. The club does not hold a formal membership outside its officers, allowing students to participate in events as they please.

“It brings together lots of different majors, people from different backgrounds with different interests, and unites them in their love for performance and theatrical experience,” Myhan said.

Ice returns to Midnight Oil in Brackett Library

EMMA JONES editor-in-chief

The ice machine in the Midnight Oil Coffeehouse Brackett Library location has been replaced with a new machine after nearly a month of not working.

Senior Ryan Simpson, the library location manager for Midnight Oil, said the machine was having issues earlier this summer, but the Physical Resources Department repaired it before the semester started. On Aug. 30, however, the machine had completely stopped producing ice, and physical resources was unable to determine why. Simpson said a new ice machine was ordered, but unable to be put in immediately due to missing parts.

“For the majority of the time we were out of ice, the new machine was sitting in our back room and was missing pieces,” Simpson said. “We were waiting for the missing parts and for physical resources to internally clean it since it was a used machine.”

On Sept. 22, physical resources finished installing the new machine, and it started producing ice, much to the excitement of many library regulars.

Senior Alaina Abbott said she was upset when she heard that the machine

was broken, because she was usually first in line in the mornings and had to begin ordering a different drink.

“I was putting hot espresso shots in my frozen chai as a substitute,” Abbott said. “They thought I was crazy but it worked. When they finally got it fixed, I can confirm it was the talk of the library for an entire day.”

Midnight Oil manager Rachel Miller said that because of the location in the library, the equipment in that branch technically belongs to physical resources. Miller said this is why there was a delay in the machine getting fixed: It was not a Midnight Oil responsibility to get it repaired, only to tell physical resources that it needed to be.

“A lot of people were really gracious, and either went elsewhere to get ice or got a warm drink,” Miller said.

Senior Cooper Moore said he wasn’t too upset about the machine getting broken and chose to just get a frozen drink such as a granita until the machine was fixed.

“I just kind of wish the ice machine had started working before the weather had cooled off,” Moore said.

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Students make use of the new Center for Professional Excellence office in Mabee 103 on Sept. 27. CPE announced on Sept. 7 the new location would provide career services and professional development for all Harding students and alumni.

Graphic by

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN