ASI welcomes
Lt. Col. Rooney
SIDNEY DAVIES beat reporter
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, the first American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture series speaker of the semester, spoke at Harding University on Tuesday, Sept. 23. He spoke about his experience as a father of five daughters; as an F-16 Fighter pilot; as CEO and founder of the nonprofit company, Folds of Honor; and of other unique experiences that have shaped
He connected with his listeners by sharing personal stories, describing difficult moments where he discovered God, the inspiration behind starting his company and the experiences that shaped his personal
“Jesus taught in parables,” Rooney said. “People lean in when it’s a story, and that’s what lives in hearts and minds. My big hope is that after 45 minutes people will take at least one thing with them that has an impact for the rest of their lives.”
Photo by KENZIE JAMES
The story of his non-profit has touched not only listeners but also thousands of military and first responder families. Since its founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded 74,000 scholarships, totaling $330 million, to students across the nation.
“It says 87 times in the Bible to take care of widows and orphans,” Rooney said. “I’m just a vessel here to do God’s work and help these extraordinary military and
first responder families get the gift of an education.”
ASI speaker events offer meaningful experiences for the Harding community. Members enjoy exclusive opportunities to take part in a classroom session and dinner before the main event, which is open to all students.
Junior Kennedy Picker, an ASI officer, has been a part of ASI since her freshman year.
“I truly enjoy the opportunities that ASI gives me to hear from wonderful speakers like Lt. Col. Dan Rooney,” Picker said. “He did a great job speaking and was very inspiring.”
Dr. John Richard Duke, the executive director of the ASI program and chair of the history department, shared his own opinion on why students should attend these events.
“I think there’s real value in hearing from people that have lived these experiences and are experts in their fields,” Duke said. “You never know what might challenge you and get you to think in ways you haven’t thought about, and you can always take something from any speaker who comes to campus.”
It was easy to be inspired by all that Rooney has done, but even more powerful was the fact that his faith is at the heart of everything he spoke about and everything he does.
“I always say the same little prayer before I go up and speak,” Rooney said. “I say, ‘Jesus, use me as a vessel and breathe something through me bigger than myself when I’m out there.’”
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney delivers a speech on the stage of the Benson Auditorium Sept. 23. Rooney was the first speaker the American Studies Institute Distingushied Lecture Seriesinvited to campus this school year.
Student Life holds first mandatory antihazing meeting for social clubs
NATALIA LAGO beat reporter
Students gathered Thursday to discuss the dangers of hazing as Student Life hosted a campus-wide meeting to raise awareness about new developments in the hazing requirements. As Harding already has a strict no-hazing rule, the meeting was an update on how hazing is to be reported from now on.
On Dec. 23, 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law with the initiative to stop campus hazing. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all higher education institutions were required to begin compiling statistics and writing anti-hazing policies. The Clery Act, an existing nationwide law that requires universities to collect and report information about crime on campus, works in tandem with the new law. With the new law and the Clery Act, the Clery report will now also include hazing statistics. The report will consist of all reported hazing claims, containing the details of the incident, the club involved, the date of the incident and the date it was reported.
To help students understand the changes and ensure the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on club presidents and vice presidents, Jane Chandler, head of Campus Life, explained the purpose of the meeting.
“The meeting is letting everyone know this is what’s happening, because I don’t think it’s fair to put all of that
on the presidents and vice presidents to take, absorb, retain and then properly communicate that,” Chandler said.
Dean Zach Neal, vice president for student life, explained the changes to how hazing reports are going to be handled, as well as Campus Life’s intentions for Club Week. Every attending student was required to swipe in to the meeting, ensuring that, in the event of a hazing incident later on, Campus Life could reference the meeting. While the attendance requirement may seem intimidating, Neal expressed his intentions.
“New members already feel a level of vulnerability coming into a new group; it is the role of upperclassmen to
make them feel welcome and encouraged,” Neal said. “I want the week to continue to be a whole lot of fun. Everything we do on earth is for the glory of God.”
The meeting was required for everyone planning to be involved in Club Week, though pledging members will attend a separate meeting later. Club Week starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, and the pledges’ meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.
Reed Wilson, president of women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho, explained that as a president, her responsibilities throughout this busy time consist of encouraging her fellow members. She works to ensure everyone involved feels comfortable and has fun.
“Everything that we do is rooted in helping the girls get to know each other, in their pledge class, get to know the club and the previous members in the club,” Wilson said. “And just strengthen their faith also. Because it’s a long week.”
The new hazing requirements do not change scheduled club events, only the methods in which reports are handled. Campus Life held the meeting so that everyone involved would understand the severity of hazing and its consequences.
Graphic by MELANIE GUYETTE
Students host Lectureship sessions
Students took the stage during the 102nd Inspire Lectureship to deliver sessions centered on the theme “Oneness: An Ancient Vision for Ageless Unity.” The student-led presentations demonstrated the next generation of church leaders while highlighting the diverse ministry pathways available at Harding.
Last spring, a committee of faculty and students, led by Inspire co-directors Dr. Devin Swindle and Meagan Justus under the guidance of Dr. Monte Cox, selected the student presenters. The lineup included juniors Myles Day and Carmen Stark from the Theological Studies program, Randolph and Danielle Joseph from Harding’s Equip program and junior Bible majors Zoe Williamson and Eli Barnes.
Justus emphasized the role the student sessions played in addressing the Lectureship’s central theme.
“We wanted our student sessions to show that oneness is not confined to a single background or program,” Justus said. “Including students from Theological Studies and Equip gave space for voices that reflect the wider Harding community and the broader church.”
The Theological Studies second-major option enables students across disciplines to deepen biblical knowledge and prepare for ministry, missions or service. The Equip
program, a non-traditional certificate pathway, supports men and women balancing work, family and ministry commitments, equipping them to lead in a variety of contexts. Together, these programs broaden access to theological education and model unity across different life stages and callings.
Each student speaker engaged the theme of oneness by applying scripture to practical concerns. Preparation for the sessions involved months of study, mentorship and revision. Swindle consulted with students in the spring to shape topics and outlines, while Dr. Scott Adair helped refine presentations in the fall.
Presenters said their messages were shaped by personal relationships, faith formation and a desire to see their generation rely on the Spirit.
In his session, Day examined the Belt of Truth from Ephesians 6, arguing that Christ embodies a singular, unifying truth.
“The same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives within us,” Day reflected.
“We need to abide by the Spirit to do great things according to God’s will.”
Williamson’s lecture focused on how Christ is the key to uniting us above the ties of gender, ethnicity, and politics. She drew from her experience as a ministry intern in California as inspiration for her message of being one body.
“I picked this topic in the spring, and then I went out to California over the summer, and I experienced a very different
church environment, and then when I came back here, I realized that God was teaching me how I can unite that Church and this Church,” Williamson said. “They are one, but sometimes it feels like we’re not one. I feel like God has put it on my heart to want those two experiences to be one.”
By addressing oneness from varied perspectives, these students embodied
Organizers said attendance was strong and discussions continued long after sessions ended.
Turning Point USA chapter hosts first on-campus event
and faculty
began
The morning after the tragic death of the CEO of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, junior Josh Cobb intitiated the approval of a chapter of the organization at Harding. Harding’s chapter currently holds nine student officers and four faculty sponsors: David Kee, Sam Jeffrey, Cody Sipe and Jake Stewart. Cobb started a Turning Point USA chapter at his high school five years ago and felt the calling to do the same at Harding because he
feels that Harding’s values align with those of the organization. He said that Harding has an advantage by being a private school, because conversations surrounding faith and Christianity can be freely shared and accepted.
“God’s not going to ask you if you were a Republican or Democrat when you get to heaven, he’s going to want you to have a relationship with him,” Cobb said. “We want to win souls first and then talk about politics, that way we have a moral compass and have everything backed up by scripture.”
Kee was approached by Cobb to serve as
a faculty sponsor and gladly accepted.
“It’s an organization that has grown tremendously, and now in the past week, it has exploded,” Kee said. “They went from 900 chapters to over 54,000, including high schools.”
Kee feels that there is a demand for an organization like Turning Point USA not only in the country, but specifically in the Harding community.
“Turning Point is unique in the sense that it’s more a faith based organization than a political organization,” Kee said. “They never miss an opportunity to preach the gospel and talk about Jesus – that’s their main goal. Charlie Kirk said it many times, “I’m here so that heaven can be crowded.’”
On Thursday, Sept. 25, Harding’s chapter hosted their first event. There were games and refreshments outside of the Anthony and Wright Administration Building and a gathering inside the auditorium to discuss the purpose and plans of the chapter.
Jeffrey, one of the faculty sponsors, was one of the speakers at the event. He was eager to involve himself in the chapter because he feels the biggest two threats to the country are terrorism and ignorance in the public.
He also sees an alignment of values shared between Turning Point USA and Harding.
“One of the things I love about Turning Point is that, while it’s a political organization, its foundation is in Christ,” Jeffrey said. “It’s expanded now, but in its original form, its three core principles were: salvation is founded in Christ alone, the Constitution is
the greatest founding document ever written, and capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system . . . but ultimately, if you don’t give your life to Christ, the other two are meaningless.”
Jeffrey feels there is a major demand for the conversations that Turning Point USA invokes.
“My sincere hope is that it regrows the muscles that we all need in order to have a peaceful, honorable disagreement,” Jeffrey said. “Turning Point is something that generates conversation and stirs people to get a deeper understanding of why people believe what they believe, regardless of what it is they believe.”
Kee hopes that establishing Turning Point USA will create powerful and meaningful conversations that lead to a stronger community.
“One of our values at Harding is civility,” Kee said. “Can we demonstrate the opposite of what we saw at Utah Valley? Can we show that we can be civil and have discourse, even though we disagree?”
Cobb and the student officers created an Instagram account for Harding’s chapter in the days following its approval, gaining over 600 followers over the next week and over 100 attendees at the first event. Joining Harding’s chapter requires no fees or dues and anyone is welcome to attend their upcoming weekly meetings. More information will be posted on their Instagram account, @tpusa_harding.
Bison Hospitality hosts HUE-themed lunch in the Caf
Bison Hospitality and International Programs collaborated Thursday, Oct. 2 to present the second of six study abroadthemed lunches in the caf.
Thursday’s lunch was inspired by the Harding University in Europe (HUE) fall program. HUE visits around 10 countries each year, but the lunch was inspired by England. Bison Hospitality marketing manager Jason Warrington said Aramark chef Lori Alpers chose to serve fish and chips as the main dish for the themed meal.
“Each program provides a unique opportunity to explore new menu items and recipes, giving students a chance to sample popular dishes from other countries,” Warrington said.
International Programs set up a booth next to the food stations to promote HUE. International Programs communications and recruiting coordinator Steven Chandler decorated the station with posters, brochures, buttons and QR codes for students. The student ambassadors also rotated shifts at the table to talk with students entering the cafeteria.
“We’d get some inquisitive looks, and Steven would ask, ‘Hey have you heard about study abroad? Are you interested?’ and they would come up,” junior ambassador Bethany Johnson said.
Johnson said she was excited for Thursday’s lunch because she was able to promote the program that she attended.
“It’s always fun when you get to represent your specific trip,” Johnson said. “You’re supposed to know a little about each one, but obviously you know the most about your own trip, and it’s the most special.”
the HUE lunch. International Programs collaborated with Bison Hospitality to host six study abroad-themed lunches during the 2025-26 school year.
The study abroad lunches are one of the International Programs office’s attempts to expand the ways that they reach students to tell them about the study abroad offerings.
“Being in the Caf gives us another location to meet with students and just remind them about study abroad,” Chandler said. “We’re just kind of finding new ways to meet with students. … It’s like an awareness campaign.”
In addition to lunches, the study abroad ambassadors have planned booths at tailgates, Relay for Life, Spring Sing and after chapel in the Student Center to connect with more students. These efforts have helped increase the number of students signing up for upcoming programs.
“There’s been a lot more interest since the ambassadors started, and the programs are fuller than ever,” Johnson said.” Even Zambia, which has never been full, is full for next summer as of now. So it’s been cool to see that difference and to get to try to help grow the program.”
KENZIE JAMES news editor
Junior Hailey Stevens hands an Inspire Lectureship guest a lanyard on Sunday, Sept. 28. Students participated in Lectureship by working in the McInteer rotunda, speaking during breakout sessions and performing in Harding ensembles.
Photo by ELENA KALLENBACH
Photo by KENZIE JAMES
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
RANDI TUBBS editor-in-chief
MICHAEL WRYE beat reporter
Pictured left to right, International Programs communications and recruiting coordinator Steven Chandler and study abroad ambassador Bethany Johnson sit at the International Programs table in the caf during
Students
socialize on the Front Lawn during the Turning Point USA Freedom Fest. The Sept. 25 event was the Harding chapter’s first event since the chapter
at Harding on Sept. 10.
Lectureship’s aim: a community united in Christ and enlivened by the distinct voices that compose it.
My friend Tom and I were in Pennsylvania. We needed a way to get back to Harding and were on a tight budget. I did what I normally do when I need to get somewhere cheaply: I went to Google Flights. Other itinerary options were far too expensive, so I tried Philadelphia to Nashville, hoping we could hitch a ride back to Harding once we got to Tennessee. I found a flight on Frontier airlines at a shocking price: $19. I thought I was reading a typo. $19 to get all the way back to Tennessee? As you might imagine, we took that flight. Frontier has a business model of no-frills, just the basics. It stands among just a few U.S. airlines with this model. The largest one is Spirit, another no-frills, low-cost airline that I have flown several times. Spirit has struggled financially in recent years, and not just because of their bad reputation (we will get to that). They haven’t made a profit since 2019 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Aug. 29, according to Simple Flying. Bankruptcy doesn’t always mean a shutdown, and in this case, Spirit continues to operate as they restructure their company. Will they survive in the long run? Maybe not. Their investors are wary, costs are up and travel demand is down. Not to mention, their reputation precedes them.
So, if you fly Spirit Airlines, should you really be prepared to meet the Holy Spirit? From a safety perspective, the answer is actually no. According to a study by WalletHub, Spirit was the safest airline in the U.S. in 2024. This was judged based on the number of fatalities, accidents, injuries and the age of their planes. Safety might not be an issue, but the customer grievances don’t stop there.
Otro septiembre pasa, sin los pétalos de jacaranda que barrer de mi entrada. Sin olor a anís y canela en la cocina de mi abuela. Sin ver el tricolor en cada esquina y en cualquier lugar. Septiembre y octubre… meses patrios, meses de celebración, meses de tradición. Meses que pasó en Searcy, lejos del folclor. A pesar de esta lejanía, puedo decir que estoy en un lugar en el que no se siente tan sombría.
En mi experiencia, el lugar donde tanto soñé en estudiar, Harding, está repleto de gente que ama y se alegra en hacer sentir bienvenida a mi cultura y muchas otras. Aquí he conocido mexicanos, que a pesar de que seamos del mismo país, creo que jamás hubiera podido conocer a gente de estados tan lejos al mío. Con ellos, la lejanía se olvida pues hablamos como en casa. Hay algo muy especial de conocer gente de tu país estando en otro lugar, es como un cachito de casa junto a ti, una cercanía inmediata.
Este es un sentimiento que no comparto sola. Por ejemplo mis amigos Herber y Valerie se juntaron con el resto de la gente de Guatemala para cenar juntos dobladas de pollo y tostadas de frijol en un open dorm de shores hace un par de semanas. La patria compartida reunió gente que tal vez no había conectado antes, para compartir acerca de cómo están las cosas en el país y soñar en lo que más anhelan de regresar. Y se siente bien dejar de hablar de lo que pasa en este campus, y poder extrañar juntos lo de allá.
Aquí he conocido gente de otros países, que aunque no compartamos patria, compartimos el sentimiento de haber tenido que dejar la nuestra para mejorar. Llevamos nuestras raíces con nosotros día con día. En cosas simples como portar un jersey de la selección nacional de béisbol de Nicaragua, como juntarse y ver
As an ultra-low-cost carrier like Frontier, Allegiant or Ryanair, Spirit has one priority: to make prices as low as possible. This means less leg room, so extra rows of seats can be added, no free snacks, and extra fees for carry-on and checked bags. If you go in expecting a no-frills experience, you will not be disappointed. Unfortunately, most flyers are judging Spirit by the standards of the big carriers like American, Delta and United (the big three). However, Spirit is offering flights at a fraction of the cost of these competitors. A WalletHub study shows the cost of airfare is under 5 cents per mile for Spirit in 2025. By comparison, the big three carriers average over 15 cents per mile. Despite being under a third the cost, Spirit is expected to deliver on amenities the major carriers offer such as free food, free Wi-Fi, leg room, in-flight entertainment systems, free baggage and more. The problem is, Spirit doesn’t exist for those who require these amenities. Often, Spirit is used by those who cannot afford to fly at all on other major airlines. No one criticizes Taco Bell for offering a lower quality burrito than Chipotle (ok, maybe some people do), so Spirit shouldn’t be panned for offering a low-cost flying product. This is an apples-and-oranges situation, and flyers should understand what they are getting and what they aren’t when they book their next flight on Spirit. A proper understanding of Spirit’s place in the industry would probably soften much of their criticism..
For those who still prefer the premium flying experience on American, Delta and United, more power to you! It turns out, Spirit is helping you too. When the acquisition of Spirit by JetBlue Airlines was
blocked in January 2024, the judge wrote in his decision, about the “Spirit effect.” He claimed, “When Spirit enters a market, its rivals reduce their prices by between 7% and 11%, on average.” A quick search on Google Flights confirms this reality: A oneway flight to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) from Nashville (BNA) on Spirit is listed at $48 on November 14. Due to the presence of Spirit, pricier airlines Southwest, American, and Delta are all offering the same flight for under $100. In order to compete, they have reduced their prices, saving everyone who books those flights money. Next time you take a flight on American, United or Delta, check and see if you saved money because of Spirit.
Despite their recent struggles, Spirit is a company worth supporting. Any reputation they have gained for being unsafe is simply unwarranted, as they have been one of the safest airlines in recent years. Another common reason for beef with Spirit is flyers misunderstanding their purpose in the airline industry offering budget, no-frills flights at a fraction of the cost. Finally, Spirit is “flying under the radar,” having a subtle impact on the entire landscape of air travel by lowering ticket prices for flyers on traditional airlines on the routes they fly. So, if you happen to need a cheap flight soon, see if Spirit can help. And next time you’re at the airport and you see those bright yellow planes, yell out a “Huzzah” for the cheap airline that could.
partidos de fútbol entre nuestros países en el lobby de Keller Hall, y obviamente gritar cada gol y bromear de las victorias y derrotas. Aquí he conocido personas con raíces en nuestros países, que crecieron en Estados Unidos y tal vez se sintieron desconectados de la cultura de sus padres, pero que al compartir con otros han podido saborear esa parte de su historia como nunca antes. Lorena Perez, ha vivido toda su vida aquí en Arkansas, pero sus padres Mexicanos siempre le contaron de la cultura que dejaron atrás. Ella cuenta que al venir a Harding experimentó una cultura que nunca se había sentido suya. “Me sorprendió conocer gente de tan lejos. Descubrí que todos los latinos tenemos mucho en común.Conocí culturas vividas y no solo contadas por mis papás. Aquí pude experimentar lo mío, mi otra cultura, y me encantó. Me hizo sentirme más cómoda, más auténtica.” Mi ser se ha vuelto experto en extrañar, pues ahora no soy de aquí ni de allá. Extraño Cancún, la playa, mis chihuahuas, los tacos de birria de mi señor padre,y el pozole de mis tías. Pero cuando regreso, también extraño descansar en un columpio en el front lawn, las actividades de mi club, pasar tailgate con mis amigas, y los atardeceres de Searcy. Yo voy a seguir trenzando mi pelo con listones de color, y usando negro y dorado con orgullo y honor. Celebrando como mi país se volvió suyo, siendo mía y lo que soy. México siempre será mi hogar, pero Harding ya es mi casa igual. La distancia no borra lo que somos. Y he entendido que no hay que escoger entre un lugar y otro, porque al final uno aprende a ser un poquito de aquí y un poquito de allá.
Look what you made me do, Taylor Swift. I was perfectly fine with your societal style, your high-hattery. But you’ve gone too far, and now we’ve got bad blood.
Harding is a wonderland, a place where only the young students’ desires and interests glint across their mirrorball hearts. You, from your crumbling castle, recklessly release preposterously good
music with no concern for our midni ght rain sleeping habits. How are you, reader, going to motivate yourself to leave bed and enter the daylight after you spent all last night partying to “The Life of a Showgirl?” Even worse, Swift is an international hit. All the Honduran girls at home and London boys will suffer sleep deprivation along with us — at the very least, we’ll be fearless and together. I estimate several societal changes will occur to the last great American dynasty after the album drops. Moreso, I fear these changes will affect Harding’s campus. It is my duty as an ethical, nonyellow journalist to tell you of them.
After “Life of a Showgirl” drops: Warehouse 4 will issue a breakfast sandwich with eggs shaped like Swift’s face.
Swift will announce she will begin referring to herself as Alison Swift after the rampant success of her album, in honor of the famed singer-songwriter Alison Krauss from Union Station.
Apple Music will take up 22% of Harding’s wifi bandwidth. While impressive, it is still far from challenging Xbox gamers in Keller.
Chapel will record a record-low attendance rate after most girls, all performative males and Dr. Mac Sandlin leave the Benson to sing “Ophelia” in the First Ladies garden. Midnight Oil’s deck will shatter after hosting their Life of a MO Girl event, after the entire student body attempts to cram themselves onto the deck.
The dress code is briefly dropped to allow students to mimic Swift’s clothing in her album cover.
Harding will quickly reinstate the dress code and hold an emergency split chapel. The women will discuss watching what they wear to avoid causing men to sin, and the men will be given a complimentary pair of exercise shorts, seven sizes too small.
Swift is given an honorary degree in theological studies and 273 engraved bricks are placed in a path from the Benson to the cafeteria. One brick for each of her songs, minus “Me!” Harding will rewrite the tune to “Alma Mater,” taking heavy inspiration from “Lavender Haze.”
All Inspire attendees will receive a cassette tape of “Red.”
The provost’s inbox will be flooded with emails from enraged parents demanding to know why Harding allowed their child to tattoo the subsequent line of letters T-L-O-A-S-G on their forehead.
It’s dangerous out there, but don’t fear. The terror should pass after a few days. In the meantime, check out some niche bands that lack the limelight. Or don’t; it’s your Spotify Wrapped.
READ IT IN ENGLISH!
Graphic by GRACE BROWN
Guest writer
Danae Lucio
Opinions editor Andrew Reneau Guest writer
Nathanael Weber
DANAE LUCIO is a guest writer for The Bison.
NATHANAEL WEBER is a guest writer for The Bison.
ANDREW RENEAU is the opinions editor for The
Samples of gold
Adulting
Not to be an absolute millennial, but I can not wait for adulting. I can’t wait to work a 9 to 5 desk job for my foreseeable future. You’re telling me that I am going to get to wake up every morning, put on a fun office outfit, eat my meal prepped food, have a productive workday, come home and then hangout with my friends every single day? Oh, and I won’t have any homework or work responsibilities outside of working hours, plus I’ll be making money? How could you possibly not be excited about that?
I know what you’re thinking: “Being in college is the most freedom you’ll ever have,” or “you don’t even have any reason to believe that life will be that good post-grad,” and that’s valid. Except for the fact that it’s not valid because I don’t feel totally “free” in college, and I did actually experience what post-grad would be like. Last summer I was an intern in Little Rock, living with two close friends – and our days were exactly like my description above. Don’t get me wrong, I feel some level of freedom in college that I didn’t have in high school, but college freedom is only a stepping stone to the actual freedom that adulting brings. In college, I have commitments every day, sometimes starting at 7 a.m. going until 11 p.m. at night or later. Any free moment that I have in between classes or activities, I am thinking about the homework I have to do or the emails and texts I have to respond to. This is not the freedom that I feel like is my peak.
Some of my friends idolize the lives of people in shows like “Gilmore Girls” or “Gossip Girl,” while I idolize the lives of people in shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and Sarah Jessica Parker’s roles in the late 1990’s. In one of Parker’s roles, she plays a newspaper columnist (literally my future) living in NYC who has a lively social life and has incredible hair and incredible style and most of all she has the absolute freedom that comes with adulting. Why would I ever favor Rory Gilmore’s college life over Sarah Jessica Parker’s adult life?
I know, I know, that I will have bills to pay and will actually have to do work every single day. That does not scare me at all. Something college has taught me is how to save money and develop a good work ethic. So basically, I can’t think of anything bad about adulting that I haven’t already considered and have decided I am okay with.
I am particularly fired up about this topic right now because last weekend I went to a small concert in Little Rock with some friends. It gave me another hit of the feeling I had this summer – that adulting is going to be so much better than college. We played pool, listened to music and chatted away. Stepping outside of my body, it looked like a scene straight from “How I Met Your Mother,” and you know I loved that. A couple weeks ago I wrote about being scared of figuring out life after college. A couple months ago, during my internship, I wasn’t scared at all. I think there is a message that is accidentally spread at college campuses that “it doesn’t get better than this” and the thought of working for decades post-grad makes college look like the closest thing we have to heaven. I am here to remind you, or to introduce you to the idea, that life will only get better. Maggie Samples would remind you not to dread the future, but find the samples of gold in your life today and the life you have left.
Engagement pressures and individual ambitions
I remember when my boyfriend and I began dating as freshmen. After we had been dating for only a few months, I recall many people asking if I thought we would get engaged when we went abroad together, as sophomores. My boyfriend and I had to shut down many comments about it being the “perfect setting and timing,” and we always reminded our friends that we had no interest in getting engaged so young. I always knew that marriage was something I wanted, but not at the expense of enjoying all the time I could living with friends and
D.C. after I graduate.
As a freshman, I knew that Harding had a unique dating culture, and it never really bothered me until recently. I am sure we have all had friends who made comments about feeling behind or hopeless because they have not yet
being independent. When I started my senior year, I knew that the big question would be on everyone’s mind: “When are you getting engaged?” I did not realize how much this question would soon come to bother me.
I quickly became frustrated with how everything seemed to be focused on that, when I really wanted people to be asking me about my other post-graduation plans. And yes, I know some of this is on me, because at times I do love to talk about the life I plan to build with my boyfriend. Yet I equally love to discuss my passion for working in politics and, hopefully, moving to
found “the one” at Harding. I can even remember one friend calling me a Harding millionaire because I had a serious boyfriend, and then labeling herself as someone willing to pick up pennies to have some sort of currency in the Harding dating game. And trust me, I know this is rich coming from a girl who started dating her boyfriend in her freshman year and is hoping to get engaged to him.
While I did find a great person that I want to spend my life with, why does every single student seem to feel pressure to do the same? My parents did not meet at college, nor did my roommate’s, so why did we both fantasize about finding “the one” at Harding? To these questions, I have no answer. I have a feeling that is how it always has been and maybe how it always will be. But if anyone is worried that Harding students are not concerned with dating, they have it all wrong. In reality, they
might be a little too worried about dating and finding “the one.” While I do not subscribe to the conspiracies that Harding is trying to marry us off to raise Christian families, I do think that our dating culture needs some work. I recall going home as a sophomore and discussing marriage with my parents after graduation, and they both responded with, “You have all the time in the world to get married… why are you thinking about it now?” I was shocked. I just assumed that the marriage pressure I felt at Harding was because of the religious background of the university. Still, my religious parents did not seem to share the sense of urgency that I felt. I don’t think this is just a Harding thing, either. Other Christian universities across the country share this mindset. I am sure many of us have seen social media content regarding the speed at which Christian couples are getting engaged. Do not misinterpret what I am saying. In many cases, getting engaged and married young is a wonderful and honorable thing, but making it an unconscious standard can become a dangerous thing. I hate seeing friends feel bad because they have not yet met their person at Harding. I hate feeling behind because I am not yet engaged, even though it is what my boyfriend and I both want at this stage of life. While I do not think any one person is perpetuating this stereotype, there is no doubt that this underlying message floats around campus. There is no clear call to action to end this piece, as I am not entirely sure what to do about the assumption that permeates our culture. I do know, however, that I am personally trying to steer my conversations to personal ambitions and dreams rather than relationship statuses and diamond rings after college. After all, isn’t college about celebrating that we all want to focus on different areas to make the world a better place? What a joy it is that we are all unique individuals pursuing different things!
A Malodorous Analogy
I remember my first academic conference.One of my teachers in grad school thought that an essay I had written for his class could be presented at a meeting in Atlanta.That was handy, as my family lived 30 minutes away from the city.
Still,I stayed at the convention hotel,as my session was scheduled for early in the morning. Not that I slept at all, given that I was a nervous wreck. At least I avoided the nightmares about embarrassing myself before a full audience.
RANDI TUBBS is editor-in-chief for The Bison. She can be contacted at rtubbs@harding.edu.
As it turned out, six people showed up, two of whom were presenters in the same session. I read my essay, hoping the audience was too sleepy to ask questions.When someone did ask one, I froze. Fortunately,my professor stepped in and gave a fine answer on my behalf.
At their best,scholarly conferences are laboratories of ideas, where colleagues meet to share their latest discoveries,make friendships with fellow academics and commiserate over the trials of university life.At their worst,these events can be places of humiliation, showboating and highbrow skullduggery.
Recently, my department chair shared a story about a conference where Scholar #1 (an up-andcoming researcher) had planned to critique an essay by Scholar #2 (an established warhorse of the profession). Scholar #1 wrote to Scholar #2 in a seeming spirit of goodwill, sending him the critique in advance. At the conference, Scholar #2 spoke first and proceeded to blast the research of Scholar #1. Scholar #2 got up next and read an entirely different paper, making Scholar #1 look like the petty tyrant he was reputed to be. That seems to confirm a theory concocted years ago by Scholar #3, who impishly speculated that the behavior at academic conferences was much like certain rituals in the animal kingdom. He was specifically thinking of horses and the aggressive ways in which they mark their territory and eliminate rivals. Digging deep into the arcane science of scatology, he proposed a connection between conference presentations and stud piles. Naturally, this analogy was pure satire.
A few weeks ago, my colleague wondered if his theory was original,so he asked if Google Gemini had heard of the idea. No, it said, but it was “a novel and creative one.”AI then proceeded—unprompted— to compile a detailed table of talking points for constructing such an analogy between conference papers and mustang stud piles. The making of such monuments, we learned, was characterized by “territorial marking, dominance display and risk aversion.”
Likewise, AI informed us,“academic conferences often involve a similar set of status-driven,territorial and ritualistic behaviors.” The Q & A sessions could be particularly ripe for comparison: “Challenging questions can be a form of posturing, and responses demonstrate whether the presenter is a dominant figure or not.”Helpfully, Gemini proposed that the writing of academic papers could be seen as a form of “adding to the pile.”
In its defense,the AI recognized the analogy as a “humorous or cynical critique of academic culture.”
But then Scholar #3 took things a step further. He asked Google AI to evaluate the idea it had just elaborated on. The algorithm went on to trash its own outline, suggesting that while the analogy was “novel,” it was “convoluted,” relied on “unpleasant biological details”and was likely to cause “confusion and discomfort.”
The AI didn’t stop there.The theory was “jarring and disgusting to a human audience.” Plus, it just didn’t hold up: “While academic ambition can be intense,it lacks the aggressive,territorial crudeness of the mustang’s ritual.”Then Google piled on further, suggesting such a comparison would damage the
author’s credibility and proposed that he review “fundamental writing principles.”
My friend was on a roll now. Next, he asked the AI to evaluate its own critique of the analogy it had explored.In so many words,Gemini praised its own criticism as right on target.
As our friend narrated this adventure over chips and salsa, my colleagues and I were amazed. AI had generated all this material in seconds. It had also made very personal judgments, as if it were a mother, saying, “Don’t write about that, son. It’s disgusting.” And as fun as it was to watch this computer get caught in a feedback loop, we could also see the writing on the wall.
As a teacher, when I am in a room full of students sharing ideas or talking with them oneon-one about their writing, I am blissfully happy. I believe that growing along with young people is what I was born and called to do.
Which is why I wonder how much longer they will need me. Will AI become like the Oracle at Delphi, whose every utterance is taken as the last word? If so, will dinosaurs like me just be shoveled onto the stud pile of history? I’ll pack some potpourri just in case.
MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative columnist for The Bison. He can be contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.
Narrative columnist Michael Claxton
Comic by GRACE BROWN
Graphic by TOBIN SELLERS
Graphic by GRACE BROWN
Editor-in-chief Randi Tubbs
Features editor Abby Davidson
ABBY DAVIDSON is the features editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at adavidson3@harding.edu
Graphicby GRACEBROWN
Harding gets revenge, beats OBU 24-7
With a little over eight minutes left in the game and Ouachita Baptist facing a third down and 10, Harding’s head football coach
Paul Simmons got into a squat position and emphatically shouted “Go get that win!” several times to his defense, holding on to a three-score lead. He kept himself in that position until the play ended with sophomore Brock Knapton sacking the OBU quarterback behind the line. As soon as the play was over, Simmons walked closer to midfield and raised his fist into the air. Another tough battle between the two teams was over, and this time, the Bisons were back on top.
Harding defeated OBU 24-7, completing a year-long mission to not just retain the Traveling Trophy to Searcy but to send a statement to teams looking to top the Bisons this year.
Simmons said after the game that it’s hard to win against OBU and that the win felt great, and that he was proud of the players for making it happen.
“I’m really proud of the guys,” Simmons said. “They played really, really hard, a lot of toughness.”
Despite the loss to OBU last season, which ended the Bisons’ 25-game winning streak, Harding and Ouachita finished with
the same record, which meant a tie at the top of the GAC standings. And while both teams made the DII playoffs, OBU fell in overtime in their only game while Harding advanced to the semifinals.
It was senior quarterback Cole Keylon’s 40th career win in 44 games as a starter. With two of his four career losses occurring against OBU, Keylon said that the game carried extra weight, despite OBU’s slow start to their season.
“This one against Ouachita, it’s always personal,” Keylon said. “It’s always a big game, whether they’re 3-0 or 1-2, it doesn’t matter.”
Harding now leads the all-time series between the two schools 35-27-4, and the game marked the Bisons’ third straight win at home. Keylon said that the fierce competition goes both ways, making each game memorable regardless of the final score.
“We just want to beat these guys so badly, and they want to beat us badly,” Keylon said. “It’s no better feeling than to beat them.”
Keylon said that the Bisons came into the game with a plan to prevent OBU’s defense from taking over, and credited offensive consultant and playcaller Kenny Wheaton for preparing the team for the gritty environment.
“If you give Coach Wheaton a year to prepare after he gets stumped in a game,
Men’s soccer finds new energy
TUCKER ALLEN guest writer
The Harding University men’s soccer team is in a season of revival. With fresh talent and leadership from veteran athletes, the team’s recent performances show a commitment to rebuilding a winning tradition. Led by head coach Jon Ireland, the Bisons are laying the groundwork for future success, even against tough non-conference opposition.
A recent 1-0 loss to Dallas Baptist University showed the team’s growth on the defensive end, with [classification] goalkeeper Rinner Stewart making an impressive five saves. This defensive line is a highlight of this years squad, as they have kept a clean sheet in two of their first five games. According to senior Matheus Barbosa, the improvement is a result of a specific tactical shift.
“This season, the defensive part of the team
each other more, which helps the new guys settle in and learn what we expect from each other on the pitch.”
The road ahead for the Bisons presents opportunities and challenges as the conference schedule becomes crucial for their standing in the Great American Conference and their chances to make the tournament in November.
“With the start of the conference, the mentality has become more serious and everyone understands that this is when everything counts,” Grudis said. “We want to prove that we can be a dangerous and winning team.”
He also credited the coaching staff for their detailed preparation.
“Coach Ireland has helped us by preparing us for the games during the week and showing us video analysis of the opposing team so we can take out their strengths and explore their weaknesses,” Grudis said.
The team and fans are excited for their next home game, hoping to use the home crowd to secure a victory. For fans who have followed the team, like senior Kelmen de Carvalho, the recent success has been a welcome sight.
“It feels amazing,” de Carvalho said.
“I remember watching them games in the past, and it was hard because I could feel the frustration and disappointment that the players went through. Now, seeing them finally win and perform at a higher level makes me really happy, and it’s just fun to watch
The team is focused not only on its current season but on building a culture
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
and you run it back with the same plan, he’s going to take advantage of that,” Keylon said. “You’re not going to beat us at our own game.”
Harding’s defense flipped the script from last year’s game as well, stopping the Tigers several times in Bison territory and only letting up one scoring drive. Sophomore linebacker Kyle Henry brought in four tackles, and said that he had even more of a reason to want to beat OBU given his past history with the school.
“I was originally committed to OBU, but then I came here and loved it,” Henry said. “Coach Simmons convinced me, and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Harding.”
A key point during the week was to keep every Bison player’s head in the game. Despite the tension growing late in the game, Harding’s discipline led to OBU committing several penalties out of frustration, including a targeting penalty to open the second half and an “unnecessary roughness” flag that flipped the field for Harding in the fourth quarter. Henry said that that discipline paid off in a big way.
“The main thing we discussed this week in practice was focus,” Henry said. “Eliminating distractions, and doing our jobs.”
Harding is now 4-0 in the season and faces East Central next week at home in a battle between two top teams in the GAC.
Cross-country teams hits stride
Sophomore Bible
On Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., Harding’s cross-country team competed in the Steve Guymon Invitational on their home course about 10 minutes from Harding campus.
In the sport of cross country, the scores of the first five places from the team are added up, and the lowest score wins. Both the Harding men’s and women’s teams finished with the lowest amount of points, simultaneously ranking first place in their first meets of the season.
The final score for the women’s team was 27 with the runner up scoring 56. Captain Josie Parks, a senior exercise science major, said that this past race was the first time they had won on Searcy’s home course during her time at Harding. Parks said she is excited to see the younger runners grow, especially after such a strong start.
“I think my favorite part is just being able to push my teammates and myself to help everyone improve,” Parks said.
said that the course felt like running at home and put them at an advantage, since it is their practice course. Her favorite part of being on the team is the community and how it feels like a family.
“Our win was incredibly exciting,” Williamson said. “It shows that we have great potential to do really well this season.”
The Harding men’s team finished with a total of 29 points; the runner up scored 44. Freshman Jack Fink shared his belief that the team’s culture is one of family. He said that members support one another despite wins or losses. Fink believes that the win in the first race of the season sets the tone for the year, and establishes Harding as a team to be contended with.
“The win was very nice,” Fink said. “It showed the team as a whole that we can do it, that we can go out and we made a statement to the rest of the conference.”
At the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri, on Sept. 26, the men’s team scored second place, while the women’s team placed seventh, with both running against 19 other teams.
ELI DEAN sports editor
Freshman defender Noah Legge tries to keep pushing the ball upfield during the Bison’s 2-0 victory over Southwest Baptist Sept. 8. The soccer team has improved steadily since the beginning of the year, having already matched their win total from last season.
major Zoe Williamson
NONA NIELSEN beat reporter
Members of the Harding’s cross-country team turn a corner during the Steve Guymon Invitational on the Harding cross country Course Sept. 12. Both the men’s and the women’s teams have had strong starts to their season through the first two meets.
Photo by BRILEY KEMPER
Left: Harding’s defensive line begins to rush the passer to try and apply pressure on Ouachita Baptist’s offense during the late stages of the Bisons’ 24-7 win over the Tigers Sept. 28. Right: Senior Braden Jay hypes up the group after plowing his way into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter. Jay scored twice on 10 carries, averaging over eight yards a carry in the game as the Bisons remained undefeated on the season.
Photos by ELI DEAN
Senior linebacker Clark Griffin awaits for the defensive play call before a crucial play late in Harding’s 24-7 win over Ouachita Baptist Sept. 28.
Searcy gets down at Downtown
One barbecue store owner brought over 300 pounds — the equivalent of an eastern gorilla — of meat to Get Down Downtown, an annual festival held Sept. 26-27 in downtown Searcy.
“I did 220 pounds of pork butts, 60 pounds of turkey legs, 60 pounds of pork belly,” Brandon Watley, the owner of BJ’s Backyard BBQ, said. “It’s not cheap, but this is what I love doing.”
Over 40 sponsors supported the event, including Harding University. In addition, more than 100 vendors, food trucks and political activists showed up on Main Street to meet the crowds.
Watley has brought his family-run restaurant to Get Down Downtown for four years. Though now he caters out of Pine Bluff, his first meal was sold out of a University of Arkansas dormitory.
“My dad had an old grill in the backyard,” Watley said. “One day [my friend] was like, ‘Let’s fire it up and make some money.”
Something worked, because years later the Searcy community anticipates his grill.
“One of the most rewarding things is to hear people say, ‘That’s the barbecue guy from last year.’ Watley said. “They keep me in the same spot every year so people don’t have to search for me.”
Other booths were packed with political advertising, such as the two tents set up on opposite sides of the festival representing
citizens running for Congress and one person running for coroner.
Natalie Evans, who turned a hobby into a paycheck, had a booth set up nearby. She lives in Searcy, and runs a business selling handmade crafts such as keychains and bracelets.
“[It] gives me something to do in my free time,” Evans said. “I’d like to eventually get some more complicated and bigger things, but I don’t know how well they’d sell in Searcy.”
At the south end of the festival in Spring Park, two inflated bounce castles shook with leaping children, and animals grunted from the petting zoo.
Outside the zoo, Heath and Lane Brown watched a child attempt to place one animal
on top of another. Their son Sterling is a sophomore marketing student at Harding.
“We literally came over here because the boys said, ‘I want to go to the petting zoo so I can hold a rabbit,’” Heath Brown said. “They usually have this one set up at Harding during Homecoming. Since it’s not there, we came over here.”
Several churches set up shop alongside the vendors. Lori Black and around 10 fellow church members represented the Crosby Baptist Church, 13 minutes away from downtown Searcy. Black and other helpers handed out information sheets and small Jesus figurines.
“We have about a 130 that go to church with us,” Brown said. “We’re just out trying to spread some Jesus love.”
Mission Machine builds hope for Searcy homeless
Mission Machine is a non-profit organization in Searcy which supplies tents, blankets, food and other necessities to the local homeless community. Since it was founded, Mission Machine has expanded into two locations. The first center provides amenities that those struggling with homelessness can utilize while finding employment and permanent housing. The second center has two trailers that serve as a longer-term shelter for those who need longer accommodation.
Mission Machine’s next project is developing a facility with a common living space, a kitchen and several private rooms. Mike Phifer, the director for Mission Machine, says the idea for the tiny houses came from the need to offer more permanent housing to those who struggle with long-term homelessness.
“One of the groups of people that we always felt was underserved in the 10 years that we’ve been doing this is people who are chronically homeless for some underlying reason, mainly mental illness,” Phifer said. “There’s not really a place for people with severe mental illness that are homeless.”
Mission Machine has raised $260,000 for the new project, and on Oct. 23 they will host their annual fundraising event for the other expenses.
Based on a 2024 census, 771,480 people were reported homeless in the U.S. Out of this number, 274,224 of these people have no place to seek shelter.
This number does not include data from all homeless shelters and therefore does not fully capture the extent of homelessness in the country.
The Arkansas Balance of State also reported in 2024 that 336 people in the state of Arkansas experienced homelessness, but Mike Phifer stated that their shelter alone has helped over 100 people. He says this is proof that the number is very inaccurate.
Karen Kelly, president of the board for Mission Machine and Harding nursing faculty member, states that in Searcy, people tend to think homelessness is not a problem, because the local community seems so familiar. Kelly warns that many underestimate the difficulty of leaving homelessness. For some, it is a temporary situation, but for others, it might be indefinite.
“Most people think it’s a situation that anybody can get themselves out of, and that’s really not true,” Kelly said. “That’s the biggest thing, just the realization that there are people who need permanent housing support.”
Mission Machine is always accepting donations and volunteers and encourages all of Searcy to look for ways to serve an easily overlooked community.
Searcy launches new dog park, industrial project
CURTIS
The City of Searcy is constructing a new dog park, located near the Carmichael Center. The park is expected to be complete by next year, with an industrial development taking the place of the old park.
“I designed it myself,” Searcy planning development director Richard Stafford said. “I did the conceptual designs for it, then I handed it off to an engineering company, but I’ve been involved in it from the get-go.”
The new dog park will be bigger and better than the last. Stafford said that the park will have a sloped surface, more shade and separate sections for different sizes of dogs. The park’s shape will also reflect dogs’ needs.
“It’s tougher for dogs to run a fence line when there are corners,” Stafford said. “So, making the park in a serpentine shape allows the dogs to be able to run better.”
Along with the #MySearcy plan, the city members and staff are taking on many improvements around Searcy.
“As part of the overall #MySearcy master plan, the creation of the new community center and the creation of the new ballparks led to the opportunity to repurpose some properties,” Darrel Welch, with Forward Searcy and the Searcy Regional Economic Development Corporation (SREDC), said.
Searcy is not only getting a new dog park in a new location, but an industrial development is taking the place of the old one.
“A few years prior to my coming on with Forward Searcy, the city had an agreement with the SREDC to market that property for industrial use,” Welch said. “Industrial companies are looking to relocate or looking for properties that they call ‘shovel-ready.’”
The industrial development will bring commercial activity and new jobs to Searcy.
“So, the main purpose is for job creation,” Welch said. “To create jobs, we need an
industrial site that makes a suitor that’s looking to relocate more attractive.”
Many people have had a part to play in getting this project off the ground.
“I was in on the initial field trips and the research and things of that nature,” Searcy Parks and Recreation director Mike Parsons said.
“We were deciding what we wanted, and then Richard took all the different information and put together a plan.”
The #MySearcy plan, and especially the dog park, are exciting concepts and editions for the community.
“All these projects that we’re doing were driven by the public and the citizens,” Parsons said. “Richard and Mat [Faulkner, Searcy mayor] did many presentations, and we had many public meetings, and the main things the public wanted [were] the community center, water parks, trails and different updated sports fields.”
LORELAI
community editor
ANDREW RENEAU opinions editor
NONA NIELSEN beat reporter
Harding Belles and Beaux ensemble performing at Get Down Downtown Friday, Sept. 26. Pictured left to right are juniors Eva Gaugh, Quin Tindel, Jake
Fitzpatrick and Nathan Britt; senior Julianna Williamson; and junior Juile Smith.
Photo by KENZIE JAMES
Yves Bilong rises after rejection
Harding University draws interest from across the globe, and it caught the attention of one remarkable student-athlete from France, senior Yves Bilong, who now holds multiple records and achievements for the track and field team. More than accolades, Bilong embodies trust in God’s plan and lives out his purpose each day
During his time at Harding, the senior has competed in the triple jump for the Bison track and field team, earning multiple school records, two conference championships and four All-American honors.
“To our team, he is a tremendous motivator and hard worker,” head coach of track and field Don Hood said. “He has more energy than 10 or 12 people combined.”
Beyond being a force on the track, Bilong has pursued his faith ever since his baptism during his sophomore year, and it remains central to his life. His teammates see his faith on display in weekly devotionals in his apartment and how he conducts himself.
“He is a very religious person,” long jumper Anton Kopytko said. “I think his relationship with God and his prayers help him find that very energy and that right way to achieve his goals.”
Yet Bilong’s faith has affected other areas of his life, including his relationship with his parents, who forced him out of their home.
“My parents rejected me because I chose to live fully for my faith in Jesus Christ,” Bilong said. “To them, the path I’m taking in the United States seems unrealistic and unstable; they would prefer that I return to France, get a regular job and live an average life. But I believe that God has a far greater plan for my future. I’ve decided to trust him
track athlete
for
due
and follow the vision he gave me, even if it displeases my parents. The fact that I would rather obey God than their plans hurt them, and that’s what ultimately led to them forcing me out of the house.”
The driven Christian was initially left with nothing but his faith. “I left the house with a
Harding’s Accelerated Master’s in Architecture program has recently renovated the third floor of Kendall Hall and plans to renovate the second floor this year to accommodate the rapidly expanding program. The degree program began in fall 2022 with 13 students, initially based in the Olen Hendrix, though faculty knew the program would soon outgrow the space. The program now consists of 84 students.
Mike Steelman, director of the architecture program, said that Kendall Hall, having closed as a dorm shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, was an easy choice.
“There are still a couple classes over in the Olen Hendrix, because we share a few classes with interior [design],” Steelman said. “But pretty quickly, we’re getting classes that are too big for the spaces over there.”
Phase one, completed fall 2023, renovated the eastern half of Kendall third floor. Phase two, completed summer 2025, renovated the rest of the floor in time for the 26 sophomores to move over. The 34 freshmen are currently in the Olen Hendrix, but phase three will accommodate them in Kendall next year by renovating the second floor.
backpack and less than $10,” Bilong said. “ I had an account with all my savings in it. My parents don’t want to give me the money.”
After being evicted from his home, the devoted sportsman was left with ultimately one option to avoid sleeping outside: his planned mission trip to Albania. Though
“Kendall has come a long way since the beginning of my sophomore year,” Mitchell said. “The department will feel much more complete when we get the additions.”
The program enrolls students in several hours of studio each year, assigning them semester-long projects that demand more
his parents opposed it, Bilong remains committed to serving in ministry to kids and pointing them to Christ. But thanks to donations, Bilong has everything he needs for his mission trip and his plane ticket back to the United States. “We can give a big thanks to God for it,” Bilong said.
Harding students seek to find a local church home Architecture program expands into Kendall Hall
Every month, many Americans type “churches near me” into Google, a number that rose sharply in September according to Google Trends.
In difficult times, many Christians find comfort in the promise of the kingdom of heaven, and countless people continue to seek that assurance. The desire to find a church home is growing according to local ministers, and Searcy offers a number of strong options. Kent Jobe, lead minister of Downtown Church of Christ, reflected on the local faith community.
“The Christian community in Searcy for the most part is in a healthy spot right now,” Jobe said. “There are a lot of great congregations in Searcy who are diligently seeking God’s will in the life of their church and are concentrating on the things they do well. There is a spirit of unity amongst many of the area churches that is attractive to seekers.”
For students, joining a church community can be one of the most meaningful choices they make. Local congregations recognize this and are actively creating opportunities to connect with young people. Grant Fitzhugh, minister to college students at College Church of Christ, emphasized his strong interest in supporting the spiritual lives of students in Searcy.
“My goal as the college minister is to love
square footage than other programs. Studio projects give students realistic experience with multiple aspects of the profession. Kendall is a needed space, Steelman said, so that “each studio has dedicated space for each student.”
Each cohort is given a section of the floor, which is shared among classmates. Junior Ella Heightman appreciates the space.
“It’s more open in its space planning,” Heightman said. “I like the close proximity for asking questions and getting peer feedback on projects as well as for taking quick yapping breaks.”
The building also includes a space for students to present projects and receive reviews from peers, professors and outside jurors.
“The goal is for the program to be known for excellence,” Steelman said.
Students have benefited from the program’s rigor.
“It gives me the soft skills, education and degree to give me the best chance of doing well in the workforce,” Mitchell said.
and equip students, through the church, to be lifelong disciples and disciple makers for King Jesus as they go from Searcy all throughout the world,” Fitzhugh said. “I want them to know they have people who care about them and want to invest in them spiritually.”
Involvement in local churches benefits not only students but also the congregations they join. Donny Lee, one of the shepherds at Living Way Church of Christ, shared his perspective on the role of young believers.
“College students are not the church of the future,” Lee said. “They are very much the church today and are essential to the body’s health and vitality. College students have energy, ideas, and optimism. We need to guide but we also need to get out of the way sometimes and let them show us how the body of Christ can look and be in 2025 and beyond.”
Joining a church community can feel challenging, especially to students, but the experience is often rewarding.
“To those students who want to find a church but don’t know how, I think it really comes down to just being bold and jumping in,” Fitzhugh said. “Searcy churches can be intimidating with so many people, but maybe starting by going on a Sunday night or Wednesday night can help them immediately get to meet members and build relationships. The students who hang around after Bible study or who serve in some way end up being the ones who get the most out of it.”
CARTER OWENS beat reporter
CLARA KERNODLE assistant copy editor
CARTER OWENS beat reporter
Director Mike Steelman shows students around the new architecture studio. Harding’s architecture program expanded to Kendall Hall in 2023.
Students worship together at Downtown Singing. Local churches have encouraged students to be involved in their congregations for many years.
Senior
Yves Bilong competes in the triple jump and holds the Harding indoor triple jump record. Bilong left his home
Albania
to disagreements with his family over his faith.
Photo provided by JEFF MONTGOMERY
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
Photo provided by Reese Mallett
By next year, Steelman said, “Years four and five [seniors and masters students] will be on the second floor, years two and three on the third floor, and first years in the Olen Hendrix.”
Senior Denver Mitchell looks forward to the final renovations.
Capstone Treatment Center works with young men ages 14-26 struggling with a wide range of hurts, struggles, compulsions, addictions and other self-destructive behaviors. The primary duty of Support Staff at Capstone is to ensure the safety, care, and well being of clients residing on campus. This role offers the unique opportunity to mentor, encourage, and support young men that are struggling and provide a positive example during their time at treatment.
