
Columns Magazine
Featured in This Issue

Early childhood education lays a foundation for young minds, making a lifelong impact on students who will grow into the next generation of leaders. Graduates from Southern’s School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling are on the frontlines of this work, nurturing their students with a caring, Christ-like approach that goes beyond book learning.
To learn more about the alumni-run schools mentioned in this feature, visit freehavenfs.com (Free Haven Forest School) and leapfrogmontessori.org (Leap FROG Montessori Forest School).

Many Southern students get a jump on their futures through small-business endeavors while in college. Whether snapping cap-and-gown pictures, searching for vintage tees, or sharpening scissors, these three savvy entrepreneurs are embracing lessons in administration, marketing, and client satisfaction in preparation for careers in the working world.


Members of the animal kingdom lend support and foster joy in the lives of students and employees at Southern. Representing the variety in creation, these creatures also provide a different kind of education not common to classrooms. Here is a sampling of student and employee pets who are instructing, protecting, and spreading humor across the campus and beyond. Enjoy three bonus pet stories below.
Bonus Pet Stories

Ellen Hostetler, VP for Advancement
Named after the automobile, Bentley is a grumpy English Mastiff that Ellen Hostetler says was “the answer to my prayers.” She had studied dog breeds for months while seeking a unique combination of intimidating protectiveness and docility, and adopted Bentley when he was less than 8 weeks old. Now at age 11, he enjoys his own couch and a king-sized bed, eat four cups of food a day (half Kibble and half home-cooked lentils and rice), snores loudly, snacks on all fruits and vegetables except lettuce and celery, and naps in the sun. While shy to new people and other dogs, he loves to join Ellen on outdoor hikes around lakes.

Jessica Spears, Research Services Librarian
Jack, 15-year-old son of Jessica Spears, originally wanted a bearded dragon, but a pet store employee steered him toward Groot, a crested gecko. These vulnerable, nocturnal reptiles, which can live up to 20 years, are named for hair-like projections found above their eyes and continuing as two rows of spines to the tail base. The entire family enjoys watching Groot in his habitat, but only Jack appreciates more familiar companionship––specifically doing homework with his crested buddy on his shoulder.

Harold Mayer, Retired
Charlie, a blond rat terrier and Maltese mix that’s affectionately known as a “ratese,” was a gift from Harold Mayer to his wife, Sylvia, ’75, eight years ago, but the puppy soon began running alongside Harold during his regular mountain bike rides. Whether temperatures are hot or cold, Charlie logs six miles most days. She enjoys cooling off in water found along the university’s White Oak Mountain trails, where the duo has become quite well known, and wears a coat during winter months. At home, man’s best friend waits for Harold to stretch out his legs on the ottoman, so she can jump up and lay on his lap. Sylvia says, “Someday, I’d like to have a dog.”
Bonus Pet Stories
Ellen Hostetler, VP for Advancement
Click to read about Ellen and her Englilsh Mastiff, Bentley.
Jessica Spears, Research Services Librarian
Click to read about Jack, Jessica Spears' 15-year old son, and his bearded dragon.
Harold Mayer, Retired
Click to read about Harold Mayer and his dog Charlie's active lifestyle/