Southern Adventist University Dedicates Land for Future School of Business Facility
Despite the threat of rain, Southern Adventist University students, employees, donors,
and community members joined together on February 24 to dedicate land for a new building
to house the School of Business. After opening remarks, the group formed a large circle
around the future facility’s location and prayed together over the land.
Several university and community leaders were present, including President Ken Shaw, EdD; Ron Smith, PhD, chairman of Southern’s Board of Trustees and president of the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; and local business owner Franklin Farrow, chairman of the fundraising campaign for the School of Business.
“We’re very grateful that many have stepped up with their donations, time, and energies
to make this project possible,” Farrow said. “Southern is in the business of changing
and equipping hearts, and as we take on this challenge of creating a new building,
let’s remember that it’s more than bricks and mortar. It is a place that will shape
characters for generations to come.”
The School of Business is the second largest academic area on the university’s campus, with a 10% increase in its enrollment over the last five years. At approximately 42,000 square feet, the new building will be nearly five times as large as the current space designated for business programs in Brock Hall. It will house a large, multipurpose auditorium, and its investment lab will include 12 Bloomberg Financial Terminals—computer software systems on which students can analyze real-time financial market data.
Thanks to alumni, donors, and other friends of the university, $16.1 million of the $20 million campaign, which also includes an endowment, has been raised through donations and commitments. Groundbreaking for the new facility is planned for early Fall 2023.
“God has anointed our students to be kingdom builders in the marketplace,” said Stephanie Sheehan, PhD, dean of the School of Business. “He has called and will continue to call many students here, and we are thankful they will soon have a new facility to call home.”
For more information, visit southern.edu/gobusiness.
-by Amanda Blake, senior journalism major
Five Students Awarded the Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Each year, one or more Southern students receive the Alumni Legacy Scholarship thanks
to an endowment created by alumni who chose to give back to those who follow in their
footsteps.
Initiated by the SMC-ites – those who attended Southern when it was called Southern
Missionary College – this endowed scholarship has expanded to include gifts from alumni
of any generation in support of legacy students (descendants of previous alumni).
Students in good standing, with alumni ancestors, and preferably working on campus
are eligible to apply.
This year, five students received scholarship funds from the endowment. One recipient, senior finance major Abi Niemeyer (pictured here), had this message for alumni:
“Thank you so much for your generous gift that has worked to fund my education at an Adventist University! It has reminded me of how God will always make a way and provide; thank you for allowing Him to work through you to provide blessings that do that. I am incredibly thankful for your thought and care shown through this scholarship donation; it has certainly provided a huge blessing in my life!”
New Professional Workforce Development Program Addresses Skills Gap
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted significant growth in healthcare and
IT jobs by 2030, with a 16% increase in healthcare occupations and a 13% increase
in IT positions. To meet this demand for skilled workers in these fields, it is crucial
to establish workforce development programs that focus not only on building critical
competencies and skills but also on recruitment, retention, and career mobility.
Southern Adventist University is sponsoring a Professional Workforce Development program
to address the skills gap throughout the region and state. The program provides essential
workforce education for individuals and organizations in healthcare and information
technology, offering 15 high-demand courses with nationally-recognized certifications,
including Medical Assisting, Dental Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Cyber Security,
Data Science, and Project Management. The program is delivered through an online learning
platform that enables students to study at their own pace, ensuring they acquire the
essential skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen field.
If you would like to learn more about the programs and how they can benefit your professional development, or if you are interested in corporate partnership opportunities for your organization, please visit the Professional Workforce Development website or you can directly reach out to Sharon Grace at sharongrace@southern.edu or call 615.330.3875.
New Benjamin McArthur Endowed Lecture Series Kicks Off in April
Southern Adventist University’s honors program, Southern Scholars, is pleased to welcome
historian Eric Anderson, PhD, as presenter for the first Benjamin McArthur Endowed Lecture. In addition to 30 years of teaching and administration in Adventist higher education,
he has been a Fulbright lecturer in Greece and a program officer at the National Endowment
for the Humanities.
Anderson (pictured below), has focused much of his research on African American history and the South. He has written on a variety of historical topics, including Reconstruction and race in politics. His most recent publication is a chapter in Ellen Harmon White: American Prophet, published by Oxford University Press.
The Benjamin McArthur Endowed Lecture Series was developed in honor of Benjamin McArthur,
who was a beloved professor and active scholar. He taught in the History and Political
Studies Department of Southern for 35 years. He published three books and numerous
articles during his long academic career. Anderson is a personal friend of the McArthur
family.
The new lecture series addresses topics that McArthur cared deeply about: the life of the mind, service to community, and spiritual commitment. Additionally, it offers opportunities for participating students, employees, and community members to have informal conversations with the guest speakers, including through luncheons and receptions.
The first presentation of the Benjamin McArthur Lecture Series will be held on Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in Mabel Wood Hall’s Ackerman Auditorium. It is free to attend, and all are welcome. Click here to register.
-Staff Report
Virtual Microgreens Workshop and Farm Tour – April 9
Join Seth Shaffer, Thatcher Farm manager, in a workshop on microgreens, followed by
a tour of Thatcher Farm. Throughout the live event, Seth will be answering questions
about what Thatcher Farm does, gardening tips, and more! Watch via Facebook Live on
Sunday, April 9, at 3 p.m. Facebook.com/SAUAlumni (A Facebook account is not required for viewing.)
Culinary Arts Virtual Cooking Demonstration – April 11
Join Chef Bonny Musgrave, the head of our Vegetarian Culinary Arts program, on Tuesday,
April 11, at 6 p.m., as she creates corn and edamame quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette!
Bonny will be available for questions after the cooking demonstration. The recipe
will be provided in advance. RSVP to receive the Zoom information.
Better Together: Giving Day – April 12-13
Help your favorite academic area round up support for meaningful projects and win
additional prizes. At the end of the event, additional funds will be awarded to the
five school sand departments with the highest donor participation. Watch social media
for updates and challenges! Visit southern.edu/givingday to learn more and join the fun!
I Cantori Tour – April 13-15
The choir of Southern Adventist University will be touring next week. All are invited
to come enjoy their music if they’re in your area! Tour dates include:
• Concert at Knoxville Adventist School in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Thursday, April
13, at 11 a.m.
• Chapel at Spring Valley Academy in Centerville, Ohio, on Friday, April 14, at 10:45
a.m.
• Vespers at Indiana Academy in Cicero, Indiana, on Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m.
• Church Service at Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dayton, Ohio, on Sabbath,
April 15, at 11 a.m.
Wind Symphony Concert – April 16
Southern’s Wind Symphony will perform on Sunday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Collegedale
Church of Seventh-day Adventists. Under the direction of Ken Parsons, the concert
themed “Our Father’s World” will include Richard Saucedo’s Whirlwind(s) and Michael Colgrass’ Bali, among other selections. The event is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed.
For more information, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call the School of Music at 423.236.2880.
Alumni Open House in Chattanooga – April 19
Join fellow Southern Adventist University alumni to reconnect, network, and enjoy
refreshments at the new dental office of Joel, ’07, and Kristy (Rodrigue) Davis, ’06.
Come by on Wednesday, April 19, between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of fellowship
and celebrate their new space with them! Ken Shaw, university president, will be there,
as well as some students who look forward to meeting alumni in the area! RSVP to let us know you’ll come by!
Steel Band Recital – April 19
Southern’s Steel Band invites the community to a recital on Wednesday, April 19, at
7:30 p.m. in Ackerman Auditorium on the second floor of Mabel Wood Hall. Directed
by Keith Lloyd, the 13-member ensemble will perform a mix of traditional and contemporary
steel pan music along with pop music arrangements made famous by musicians Bob Marley
and Gloria Estefan as well as groups A-ha and Toto. This free event will be livestreamed.
For more information, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call 423.236.2880.
Creation Lecture – April 20
Southern welcomes Professor Joe DeWeese for a convocation presentation titled “Without
Excuse: Exploring God’sPower Through Science” on Thursday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in Collegedale Church of
Seventh-day Adventists. Connecting the biochemical world with intelligent design,
this guest speaker from Freed-Hardeman University will explore examples of divine
handiwork in daily life. The event is free, open to the public, and will be streamed live online. For more information, contact Southern’s Biology and Allied Health Department at
423.236.2926.
Fine Art Show – April 20
Southern’s School of Visual Art and Design is hosting an exhibition titled “The Lord
God Made Them All,” featuring plants and wildlife of the Appalachian region in watercolor
illustrations by graduating senior Lilly Jorgensen. Opening in the John C. Williams
Art Gallery on Thursday, April 20, at 6 p.m., this nature-honoring gallery is free
and open to the public through May 1. For more information, visit southern.edu/artgallery or call 423.236.2732.
Ice Cream Social at Camp Kulaqua – April 21
If you’ll be at camp meeting or in the High Springs area, we’d love to invite you
and your family to come see us at the Florida Creamery on Friday, April 21 between
5:30-6:30 p.m.! Enjoy a complimentary treat with the Alumni Association while networking
with fellow Southern Adventist University alumni in your area. Let us know you’ll
come by signing up at southern.edu/florida-alumni.
423 Night Market – April 22
Southern’s Student Association invites the community to campus for its 423 Night Market
on Saturday, April 22, at 9:30 p.m. This student-organized event will showcase the
creativity of university students and employees, featuring live music and handcrafted
items for sale including artwork, clothing, greeting cards, food, and more; organizers
anticipate 80+ booths. Admission is free for the event, which will be housed in the
parking lot of Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists.
Orchestra Concert with Guest Violinist – April 23
Under the direction of Laurie Redmer Cadwallader, Southern will present its Symphony
Orchestra in concert on Sunday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. with guest violinist Lyndon
Johnston Taylor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic who holds a doctorate in musical arts
from The Julliard School. The free event is open to the public and will be livestreamed
from Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists. For more information, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call 423.236.2880.
Horn Ensemble Concert – April 24
Southern’s Horn Ensemble will be in concert on Monday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Ackerman
Auditorium on the second floor of Mabel Wood Hall. Nearly a dozen musicians will share
renditions arranged for horn quartet, sextet, or octet by composers from around the
globe. Director Gordon James serves as principal horn for Chattanooga Symphony and
Opera. The concert is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed. For more
information, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call the School of Music at 423.236.2880.
School of Music Choirs Perform – April 29
Bel Canto, Die Meistersinger, and I Cantori from the School of Music at Southern will
be in concert on Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m. under the direction of Gennevieve Brown-Kibble.
The free event is open to the public and will be livestreamed from Collegedale Church
of Seventh-day Adventists. For more information, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call 423.236.2880.
Jazz Ensemble Concert – April 29
Southern’s School of Music will feature the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of
Ken Parsons, on Saturday, April 29, at 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public
and will be held in Mabel Wood Hall’s Ackerman Auditorium. For more information, visit
southern.edu/musicevents or call 423.236.2880.
WELLkids – May 30 to June 2, June 12-16 and 26-30, July 10-14
Keep your kids moving and exploring the great outdoors this summer with “WELLkids
in the Wild,” a day-camp program at Southern. Each week-long session offers outdoor
adventures facilitated by the university’s Adventure Programming staff. Activities include
rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, ropes course, caving, rafting, and more. Available
for ages 10-16. Spots are limited, so don't wait! For fees and other information or
to register, visit southern.edu/wellkids.
Academic Summer Camps – June 12-14
Southern is hosting camps for high school students in automotive repair, computing,
filmmaking, journalism, media production, outdoor leadership, photography, pre-med,
and vegetarian culinary arts. For fees and other information or to register, visit
southern.edu/camps or call 423.236.2807.
