The Decree - Dec 2018

The Decree
since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” December 7, 2018

N O R T H C A R O L I N A W E S L E YA N C O L L E G E , R O C K Y M O U N T, N O R T H C A R O L I N A 2 7 8 0 4

Exemplary Teacher Jay Quinan Reflects on 32-Year Career

Psychology Professor Jay Quinan is on the physiology of drug addiction, and in able advice, equipment and laboratory space lasting friendships and represent an important
Wesleyan Exemplary Teacher for the my Ph.D. my emphasis was developmental for my research, and encouragement during part of the college experience.
second time since he arrived at Wesleyan psychology, cognition and learning. At Wes- the long process of gathering data and pre- Q. What’s a typical Jay Quinan class
in 1986. The first time was in 1993. leyan, I’ve had the opportunity to develop paring the manuscript. He was an excellent
A graduate of Siena College (New York), and teach courses about all these areas. role model for a professor and mentor. like now?
Q. Paint us a picture of what you were Q. What attracted you to Wesleyan A.At the start of class I typically make a few
Dr. Quinan came to Wesleyan from the Ph.D. announcements about campus events such as
program at the University of Georgia, where like as an undergrad at Siena College. writing workshops or guest speakers that may
he completed a dissertation titled “Recogni- A. I commuted to Siena since it was close back in 1986? be of interest to my students. I pass around an
A. I was interested in finding a position attendance list and encourage students to write
tion Memory for Expected and Unexpected to my home.At first I was a biology major, but at a small, church-affiliated liberal arts col-
Objects in Scenes.” (“I compared the abil- I changed to psychology in my sophomore lege. A liberal arts curriculum provides an questions (anonymously, if they prefer) on the
ity of 6-year-olds and adults to recognize year. The library was a quiet and comfortable excellent undergraduate education, and a back; I address the questions later in the period.
changes in pictures,” he explained.) place to study between classes, so I spent small college provides many opportunities I may then give an informal, ungraded “practice
Besides teaching a range of psychology quite a bit of time there. Outside of class I was for students to interact with their professor quiz,” asking questions about topics we’ve been
courses, Dr. Quinan has advised hundreds a member of the Psychology Club and the in and out of the classroom. I wanted to discussing in the course and invite students to
of Wesleyan students, chaired the Social college’s choral group, the Schola Cantorum. teach a wide variety of courses rather than share their answers. This “self-testing” strategy is
Sciences and Education Division and Q. At what age did you know you focusing on one or two specialty areas. an effective way for students to review material,
served as faculty marshal at graduation When I visited Wesleyan to interview for and it provides an opportunity for me to review
wanted to be a professor? the position, I learned that I would be half
and Founders Day ceremonies. He’s long- A. It was during my graduate studies concepts that some students may find difficult. I
term member of Wesleyan Singers. The at Georgia. I had a teaching assistantship of a two-professor department, which create my own PowerPoint slides for each class,
Rocky Mount resident was just elected a during which I taught my own sections of would give me the opportunity to teach Dr. Jay Quinan A. Stern photo including a detailed outline of information from

deacon at First Presbyterian Church. introductory psychology. I enjoyed working many courses in the areas of developmen- short video clips that provided real-world the text, pictures and diagrams to illustrate con-
As part of a continuing series, The Decree with students and helping them succeed tal, cognitive, and physiological psychol- examples of the topics we were discussing. cepts, and relevant information which I’ve found
interviewed Dr. Quinan, a native of the Alba- in their courses, while I continued to learn ogy as well as the introductory course, And I began asking students to share their from other sources. I post the slides in advance
ny, NY area, about his interest in psychology, more about the topics that I was teaching. I senior seminars and research methods experiences and ideas in class discussions. on the my.ncwc course page and encourage
his career as a teacher and mentor, as well as also participated in a graduate seminar about courses. I would be able to choose the Q. What were the students like back students to bring a copy to class so they can take
his interests outside the classroom. teaching, which discussed the many roles textbooks and develop course content. The notes which elaborate on the material instead
Q. How did you become interested in and responsibilities of a faculty member. I faculty here was dedicated to excellent in the mid-80s? of copying every word on the slides. I often ask
psychology? decided that college professor was the right teaching. There was a good match between A. They were similar to those at Wes- questions for small- or large-group discussions,
leyan today, but there are differences. For
A. I’ve been interested in psychology profession for me to pursue. my interests and Wesleyan’s needs. example, athletics was an important part which encourage students to relate the concepts
since I was a teenager. I spent my summers Q. Let’s talk about graduate school at Q. Describe your early teaching experiences. of campus life in the 1980s, and the more to their own experiences and share their ideas
as a camp counselor and swimming instruc- UGA. Describe your favorite professor. A. My first courses provided lots of recent addition of new teams such as the and questions about the material.
tor and became interested in the way children A. I worked with many excellent profes- useful information in an organized manner, football team has increased the number of Q. Describe your research interests.
learn and interact with each other. When I sors there. One of the most influential was but I didn’t encourage much participation athletes at Wesleyan. Back in the 80s, stu- A. My interests are in cognitive, develop-
took the introductory psychology course Dr. Milton Hodge, my dissertation advisor. from the students. I soon discovered that dents were more likely to come to my office mental and physiological psychology, and
in college, I was eager to learn more about His research interests were in the areas of lecturing for an hour while the students to discuss course material and other topics. I’ve taught many courses related to these
many of the topics which psychologists study memory and perception, and I was a student silently took notes was not very interesting Today they usually send an e-mail instead. topics. I’m especially interested in helping
and decided to major in psychology. While in many of his courses, including the teach- for the students or me. I developed strategies Q. What are the other differences that students master these topics, so much of my
Winter Is Coming and So is Flu Seasonat Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute I focused ing seminar mentioned. He provided valu- to engage the students such as incorporating professional reading focuses on instructional
you see in your students now? strategies and current research that I can
A.Wesleyan students today are a very
diverse group. The many international students share with students in my classes.
share experiences and points of view that Q. Students can often be heard discussing
One year after a severe strain of flu hit the Based on the most recent data released • cover your cough/sneeze enrich our classes and our campus. Techno- your interest in sleep as a particular research
Wesleyan campus, Wellness Director Jessica by the CDC (for the week ending • eat a healthy diet with five servings of
Brys-Wilson said the college is taking steps October 27th), North Carolina is still fruits and vegetables logical advances make it easy for us to access area. How did this become an interest?
• get enough rest scholarly reference material at any time; so A. I am interested in sleep. Many people
to prepare for the upcoming season. listed as having “minimal” flu activity. • keep your hands off your face many students can incorporate this information find the topic of sleep fascinating since we
She answered the following Decree It’s expected to increase over the next few • stay home if you’re sick
questions in early November: weeks and it tends to peak sometime in into their assignments. However, I’ve noticed spend about a third of our lives doing it, and
Q. Who should get the flu shot? Where that some students spend a great deal of time we often don’t remember much about what
Q. When does flu season begin and end? December through February. Flu often is it available and how much does it cost? using their personal technology. Instead of talk- happened during that time. As an under-
A. In a typical year, it’s from October presents with fever, cough, headache, and
through April. body aches. Some will also experience A. Unless you’re allergic to the vaccine, ing to other students or the professor in person graduate and a graduate student, I led class
Q. What has the federal Centers for nasal congestion and a sore throat. the CDC recommends an annual flu shot before or after class, they take every available discussions about sleep, and I continue to
for all Americans over the age of 6 months. opportunity to use their laptop or their smart discuss this topic in several of my courses.
Disease Control said about the upcoming Q. Besides a flu shot, what steps can we We held a flu shot clinic on campus at the phone.We should take advantage of face-to Q. What’s a common misconception
flu season. Along the same lines, what have take to prevent the flu and lessen its effects? end of September. If a student wishes to
• wash your hands with soap and water, often get a flu shot, he or she now can check face opportunities to socialize with and learn about sleep and the human body?
Is It Just about Jobs?youheardaboutthecurrentfluvaccine? with their primary care provider’s office or from classmates. These may produce long- See QUINAN pg 2
with most major pharmacies. Depending
on the pharmacy and your insurance, the Wesleyan Profile: Vickie Davidson
flu shot costs between $0 and $30.
What’s the purpose of a major said the purpose of a college educa- By Bryant Versprille “wonderful” years to Herb Davidson, or,
college education? tion is “To gain knowledge to perform a job.” Q. Compare last season's flu season to Decree Staff Writer if you’re in the Rocky Mount area and
the previous year. listen to the 98.5 Morning Drive, you
That was the question posed to 114 In their responses, 18 students When you walk into the NCWC Wel- might know him by his alias, Ron Eric
Wesleyan students, or about 10 percent combined career motivations with A. Last year was a bad flu season for our come Center, you’ll be greeted by Vickie Lundy. The Davidsons have two sons and
of the enrollment in the traditional day other benefits, such as attainment of “an community. The NCWC Health Center treat- Davidson, the admissions liaison. two grandsons. Noting that her family
program. Respondents were asked to limit independent life” (freshman, CIS) or ed 140 flu cases, up from fewer than 20 cases means the world to her, Davidson said
their statements to a single sentence. the “American Dream” (senior, criminal in previous years. My best estimate is that 20 When I interviewed Davidson, she she goes through her family photos on
justice). One student sees a college edu- percent of our community was impacted by answered a phone call using her sweet, her computer in her downtime at work.
In their responses, 69 students (about cation as a way to “follow his dreams” influenza last year, when most patients also soft voice to say the same thing she
60 percent) wrote that one of the main (freshman, business administration). seemed to have more severe symptoms. always does: “Hello, thank you for calling Davidson attended The University
purposes is job preparation or attainment Another wants to become “a productive North Carolina Wesleyan College. This is of North Carolina–Greensboro and
of a higher income. member of society” (freshman, sports Q. What steps has the college taken in Vickie, how may I help you?” majored in secondary education and
management), while a senior accounting advance of flu season? French and then returned to UNC-G
Of that total, 51 (45 percent) stated major hopes a four-degree will help her Born in Burlington, Davidson said she for her masters. After her schooling,
improved job prospects or earning provide for her family and “not have to A. The maintenance staff has installed had a “fantastic” childhood. Growing up, Davidson taught English and French
power as the only purpose. worry about money.” A senior English hand sanitizers at all entrances of the she considered herself to be a “tomboy.” for seven years at a high school.
major said a liberal arts college allows Braswell Building and in the residence She loved baseball. She remembered bond-
Such responses were along the lines of: students to meet students “with different halls. We’re also using our Clorox disin- ing with her father over baseball and going Following her teaching career,
“To prepare students with knowledge and ideologies from your own.” fecting machine to cycle through the build- to watch the Burlington Indians, a former Davidson took the opportunity to work
opportunities for their future professional ings on campus to treat all areas multiple minor league affiliate of the Cleveland in Rocky Mount as MBM’s Director of
career” (a senior business and marketing The informal survey was conducted times from October through March and Indians. Davidson told me her first crush Customer Service. In her job, she over-
major); “To gain an edge in a competitive in late October and early November. Re- then hitting hot spots that I notice based on was a pitcher for the Indians, Dick Beres. saw the customer service departments
job market” (sophomore, computer infor- sponses were solicited in common areas flu or other contagious illness cases. “I can remember his nice blue eyes,” she of more than 30 distribution centers.
mation systems); and “To prepare students such as the library and cafeteria, as well said. She also recalled her “magnificent” She would help hire and train customer
for what will be necessary to succeed in the as in three general education classes. Q.What should one do if she/he catches the baseball card collection, which, sad to say, service representatives. She said she
work force” (sophomore, CIS). flu? Is it necessary to visit the health center? has disappeared over the years. liked making training videos for them.
As might be expected with an open- What's the normal treatment you administer?
Junior Catelyn Cink typified students in ended question, there was a wide range of Davidson has been married for 42 She worked for MBM Corporation
this group of respondents. The chemistry views expressed. Following is a sampling of A. If you suspect you have the flu, you for 29 years. “Me and my husband used
other responses: should rest and stay well hydrated. Don’t to ride and walk through (the Wesleyan)
Antonio Johnson was named leave your room unless you’re seeking campus and I used to tell him ‘I want to
conference Defensive Player Senior Jeremiah Handlon (English): medical treatment or using the restroom.You work here,’” she recalled, adding that
of the Year. For sports coverage, “A college education is meant to help can get a meal ticket from your RA or from she fell in love with the college the first
turn to page 3. you develop a stable sense of self.” the Health Center to have a friend pick up time she stepped on campus.
SI photo food from the cafeteria to prevent exposing Vickie Davidson B. Versprille photo
Senior Trevor Harris (biomedical sci- other students to illness. Tylenol and other She got the opportunity to work here
ences and psychology): “A college educa- over-the-counter medicines can help to when a job opened for admissions liai-
tion lays the foundation for our youth to lessen your symptoms while you wait for the son in 2013. “I knew it’s what I wanted
bring about change in our communities virus to resolve. Contact your professors to to do next,” she said.
and the country as a whole.” let them know you’re sick.You can schedule
an appointment with me by calling 252-985- Davidson likes the sense of commu-
Senior James Parrish (business ad- 5186 or emailing [email protected]. At the nity that a small, intimate campus offers
ministration and marketing): “Education health center, you’ll fill out paperwork, be to both students and staff. “I love how
is important because I want to better examined, and given a diagnosis. If appropri- when you’re here at Wesleyan, you’re
myself for my future family.” ate, a prescription for an antiviral medication, not just another number,” she said.
like Tamiflu, may be written for you. “That’s what attracted me to this place.”
Junior Shamon Wright (theatre/enter-
tainment): “To prepare the youth for the See DAVIDSON pg 2
uncaring reality of the world.”

(The following staff writers contributed to
this report: Brooke Bayse, Cameron Beal, Ali
Cucinotta, Jovan Pope, Rex Sauls, Chasadie
Searcy, Qa’lexus Taylor, Gianni Teal, Bryant
Versprille, and TanishaWilliams.)

2 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 December 7, 2018

WESLEYAN PROFILES

Zack Foster: After Accident, ‘God Fills the Voids’

By Cameron Beal at Clemson University. Once his uncle personnel called him in as “dead on arrival.” Wesleyan ROTC members led a Veterans Day ceremony on
Decree Staff Writer had died, Foster said, it was hard for his He had suffered three compound breaks November 12.
father to think about track. “So he just and his femoral artery was severed. He had Photo by C. Lewis
When I saw Zack Foster coach a stuck to coaching football,” the son said. broken his fibula, tibia, ankle, knee, femur,
football game for Southern Nash High and other bones in his left leg. Foster said his Tuition, Other Costs To Rise 3.6 Percent
School, I was impressed. Standing on At six-foot, two and 180 pounds, knee was “destroyed,” and that he suffered
the sidelines on a recent fall day, dressed Foster is a natural athlete. He attended trauma to his head, while his mother had Students will pay 3.6 percent more per • Tuition: $31,500 ($30,600)
in navy polo shirt and khaki pants, the Southern Nash Middle School where he several breaks. (The SUV driver sustained year for a Wesleyan education, under an • Room: $4,950 ($4,800)
Wesleyan student yells encouragement, played football during seventh and eighth only minor injuries, Foster said.) increase approved by the college’s trustees. • Board: $5,800 ($5,600)
signals plays to Matt, his quarterback grade. After middle school he moved • Student Activities: $200 ($150)
(and brother), and shakes the hands of onto Southern Nash High. Though he Foster stated that it was a long recovery. In 2019-20, total costs will come to Next year, for the first time, the col-
his players as they trot off the field. played basketball and ran track, Foster’s The doctors were pessimistic. “I was told $42,650 for a student who lives in a double- lege will assess a $200 technology and
main sport has always been football. I’d be lucky to ever walk again,” he said. room and purchases the standard meal plan. administration fee to all students.
Though he exudes a positive at- Brackett was interviewed by The
titude, the assistant coach is not afraid He was the quarterback for the Fire- Foster endured four surgeries, then was Suzanne Brackett, vice president of DeQcr:eWehiant mid-November:
to use “tough love.” birds all four years, two on the junior var- released from the hospital and sent for re- Finance, broke down the figures, with arethespecificreasonsfortheincreases?
sity and two on varsity, where he set many habilitation. In the aftermath of the surgery, last year’s price in parenthesis: SB: They were mainly due to the increase in op-
“If I see something one of our guys passing marks. Foster’s records include he said moving the leg was difficult due erating costs associated with utilities, cafeteria food,
did wrong, I’ll let him know when he career passing yards (2,773), passing yards to significant swelling. Then there was the QUINAN from pg 1 transportation services, and security, among others.
gets to the sideline.” (1,508) for a single season, and career (29) mental toll. “I was pretty bad off,” he said. A.Therearemany.Forexample,noteveryone Q: What does the new $200 technology
and single-season (18) touchdown passes. “I was talking in third person and couldn’t needstohave8hoursofsleepanight.Therearein- and administration fee cover?
Football has long been important to read or write without terrible headaches.” dividualdifferences,butmostpeopleneedbetween A: It’ll support the technology used for on-
Foster, a former Wesleyan quarter- While Foster was the starter, the varsity 6.5and9hourstofeelwell-rested.Teenagersoften line services such as registering for classes and
back. But due to a life-altering event, went 9-4 both years. His junior year he led Following inpatient rehab at Bryant needmoresleepthanadults,notless.Forexample, applying for graduation. It’ll provide funds to
coaching is now his sole means of the Firebirds to a conference champion- T Aldridge in Rocky Mount, he moved theymayneed8to10hoursanight.Manyteens service technology––like new laptops in the
taking part in the game he loves. ship, earning a berth in the state playoffs. back home and did out-patient at WilMed don’tfeeltireduntillateatnight,sotheydon’tget library––that we received from grants. And
In his senior year the Firebirds came in Rehabilitation Center in Wilson. muchsleepbeforetheyhavetowakeupforearly it’llQh:elWp phaayt, for upgrades to WiFi and cabling.
Foster was born on December 17, 1997 second place in the conference to the classesand,asaresult,cometoclasstired.Students if any, new construction projects
to two loving parents, Brian and Kim Fos- Rocky Mount Gryphons, who went onto In time he regained enough strength mayfindithelpfultostudyforatestinadvanceand andSeBn:hAatntcheismtiemnet,saadrdeitipolnaanlnceladssfrooro2m0r1e9n-o2v0a?-
ter. Long-time Wilson residents, Foster, his win the state championship. At the end to walk without a walker, but mentally getenoughsleepthenightbeforetakingtheexam. tions are contingent on donor gifts. In other words,
parents and younger brother are Christians of his senior year, Foster passed for 132 he was still struggling. “I had a lot of Keepingone’ssleepandwaketimesconsistentev- we’ll only proceed with construction projects if
who attend church every Sunday. yards and a touchdown, as his team (the memory problems and, considering all erydayoftheweekwillhelpour24-hourcircadian we receive money from a donor; grant funding is
East) won the East-West all-star game. my previous concussions (from football, rhythmremainstableandavoid“jetlag”symptoms another possibility. The college isn’t looking to take
Foster’s parents are both teachers at basketball), I was concerned,” he said. suchasfeelingtiredatthewrongtimeofday. on additional debt or raise tuition for this purpose.
Southern Nash High School. His mother After his high school career, Foster Q: What’s the status of the new academic
used to coach tennis and softball there, was recruited to play for the Bishops. Determined to resume his life, Fos- Q. Would you say that the average building that would house the business
while his father, Brian, is head coach of ter put in the hard work, allowing him Wesleyan student is sleep deprived? school and provide space for other classes?
the Firebirds football team. His father has Foster now says he chose Wesleyan to return to Wesleyan last year. SB: We have $1.5 million in an account and
been the head coach at Southern for 21 because, “it felt like that’s where I was A. Many college students are sleep deprived. a land trust valued at $2 million. Once the land
years, but has coached for a total of 29. supposed to be. Nowhere else felt “I like the trajectory my life is on even According to a 2001 study, only 11 percent of trust sells—and we think it could be soon––that
right.” A recipient of a Heritage Schol- more than the one I was on before,” Foster college students consistently sleep well, and about would give us $3.5 million toward the $5 mil-
Foster related that his father used to arship, Foster had a bright future. said. “Am I glad it happened? No. Do 73 percent report that they sometimes have sleep lion we would need for a new building.
coach track, but stopped after the death I think it was supposed to happen, and problems. Sleep-deprived students may have QSB: W: Ahabtoisutth$e1c0olmlegilel’isocnu.rrent endowment?
of his younger brother, a track coach Then came the accident, a life-altering believe there was a purpose behind it?Yes. difficulty concentrating and remembering what Q: The next two questions are linked: What
experience. Having sustained a wrist in- It was hard for a while trying to pick up the they’re trying to learn. They may fall asleep at is the anticipated deficit for the current year?
Zack Foster is back in the classroom jury earlier in the week, Foster was given pieces and fill the voids (e.g., football) that inappropriate times, for example when they are SB:As of the end of October, we’re at a
and on the sidelines after a serious permission by the football team to join his were left as a result of the wreck. I had to let driving, studying and sitting in class. Sleep depri-
setback in 2016. Photo courtesy of C. Beal. family for a long weekend at the beach. go and allow God to fill the voids for me.” vation may suppress the immune system. It may
also make them feel more stressed and irritable.
DeTchreee On October 14, while driving down The accident ended Foster’s playing
I-40, with his mother as a passenger, career, but he remains involved in foot- Q. Why is psychology a good major
since 1960 Foster noticed something wrong with ball. Besides coaching at Southern Nash, in today’s (high-tech) world?
“of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” their car, a 2006 Buick Lucerne. “I no he plays flag football and enjoys fantasy
longer had control of the steering and it leagues. Among his other interests, the A. The psychology major emphasizes
s ta f f just veered left,” he said. The car crossed English major likes to read, write, watch critical thinking, research design and library
the median and went into oncoming traf- basketball, attend church and follow research skills applicable to many professions.
Editor-at-Large fic, he recalled, noting that a mechanical politics. He hopes to teach English and, Students learn about human development,
problem was not found after the acci- like his parents, coach at Southern Nash. personality and psychopathology, cognition and
Quinn Tobias dent. “My mom tried to grab the wheel, the social and physiological factors that influ-
but the car kept turning left.” “Before I was unsure what I wanted ence our behavior. It’s valuable in our complex
Senior Staff Writers to do,” Foster said. “Now I know with- and rapidly-changing world to gain an under-
Their Buick hit a northbound SUV out a doubt. I’m thankful to be alive and standing of other people and their behavior.
Johnathan Pickler, head-on. know that the reason I’m here is because
Santanlia Scoggins, Toni Tutt God wasn’t done with me. I still have a Q. Let’s talk about your life outside of
Cut out of the vehicle, Foster was airlifted purpose to fulfill.” the classroom. How long have you been
Staff Writers to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in a member of the Wesleyan Singers?
Wilmington. On the way there, emergency Foster thinks his future is even brighter.
Brooke Bayse, Cameron Beal, A. I sang with the group from 1995-
Ali Cucinotta, Jovan Pope, Profile: Dance Coach Starr Mitchell 2001 and from 2006 until the present. I deficit of $1 million, which is directly related
By Chasadie Searcy began to get into her hobbies and her high sing either the bass or baritone part. to the decline in theASPIRE enrollment. We
Chasadie Searcy, Qa’lexus Taylor, Decree Staff Writer school life.Adancer since age seven, Mitchell expect to seeASPIRE continue to fluctuate until
Bryant Versprille, Tanisha Williams Q. What are your other interests May. Spring enrollments have not been finalized
outside of work? in either the traditional andASPIRE programs.
Staff Photographer It was difficult booking this celebrity was quick to note that this was her own Spring enrollment will impact the deficit.
for my interview. Between working full decision and not her parents living vicariously A. I’ve had a life-long interest in music. I
Joel Hernandez time at Enterprise and serving as assis- through her. She continued to dance, all the started taking music lessons when I was six. Q: What are specific initiatives that the
tant coach of the Bishops dance team, way into high school and college. Earning I’ve played string bass for theatre productions colSleBg:eWhea’sreulnoodkeirntgakatewnatyosrtoeirnediunceexsppeenndsinegs?,
Special Contributors recent graduate Starr Mitchell juggles trophies, medals, and countless awards, she’s atWesleyan, the Rocky Mount Playhouse, and and we’re restructuring departments and reviewing
a lot. I was lucky to schedule her for a performed jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, Northern Nash High School. I also played string positions as staff resign. New reports have been
Carl Lewis, Andrew Stern, pizza-making date on a Tuesday after and modern. She attendedWestlake High bass with theTar River Symphonic Band for 16 developed for all department heads to help all of us
Grace Wallace her work hours and of course on a day School, where she says she was very popular. years. I played the church organ every Sunday
Forced by her mother, she had to choose for 15 years nearAlbany and in Rocky Mount, understand how their area can help in the effort.
Faculty Advisor and I now serve as a guest organist at Bethlehem
she didn’t have to run a practice. a sport to play during high school, and her Presbyterian Church several times a year. I’ve DAVIDSON from pg 1
Dr. William Grattan She was prompt as usual. When she been a member of the First Presbyterian Church
arrived at my residence hall, she was in her options were volleyball, track, or cheerlead- Chancel and Hand Bell Choirs since 2011.
179 Braswell • Phone: 985-5336 business-casual attire, a simple white blouse, ing. She didn’t choose volleyball because Davidson relishes the fact that she
Email: [email protected] Q. What’s your favorite place in North has made many friends since she started
brown pants, and tan heels. Her jewelry was she felt she didn’t fit the image of a vol- Carolina? working here and loves making new ones
dazzling: threeAlex andAni bangles, an leyball player, and she didn’t choose track
AKAbrand wristband, and anApple watch. because she didn’t want to mess up her A. I enjoy visiting the North Carolina every year. “I love it when we add a new
Aquarium and Festival Park in Manteo. Battling Bishop to our family,” she said.
Not five minutes into our session, hair, so the only option left was cheerlead- She said that spring is her favorite
ing. “I’m a girly-girl and I’m very prissy, Q. You’ve been at Wesleyan for 32
Mitchell’s hasty tendencies began to years. In what aspect of your career do you time of year because that’s when she
emerge. “Hurry up and ask the questions, so I chose cheer,” she recalled. Beginning take the most pride? meets the prospective students and their
families during campus visits.
Chasadie!” she said. “I don’t have all day!” her freshman year, she cheered and soon A. My teaching and advising have enabled If you’ve ever seen Davidson, you’d notice
Even with her sharp tone, Mitchell’s a became one of the team’s top fliers. me to help many students achieve their academic
As the questions about her hobbies and career goals. In my 15 years as a division that she’s always wearing beautiful dresses
loveable person; just don’t waste her time. chair and faculty mentor I helped newer mem- and skirt suits, many with magnificent floral
I preheated the oven, which gave me began to wind down, I went to check bers of the faculty to advance in their profession.
a hard time and added to her impatience. the oven to see if we had made prog- I’m proud that I was able to share my knowledge patterns on them. Every once in a while, she’ll
and experience with students and faculty. wear sophisticated solid colors. “I love to
Once I figured out the oven, I set the tone ress. “You don’t know how to work the keep up with the current fashion,” she related.
with one of her favorite musical genres, oven here?! This is your dorm hall!” she
to help loosen her up. Usher’s “Nice and exclaimed. “How do you not know?” Asked when she started to be so stylish,
she said she helped a friend run a boutique
Slow” began to play and because it was We began to banter about the oven and and that that’s when it started. She added
the “Notorious Nash Kitchen.” We joked
90’s R&B, she began to sing along. laughing, “I’ve been around a long time and
When asked her name, she’ll always re- about the stale smell throughout the halls, accumulated a lot of clothes over the years.”
ply with her full name, Starr Destini Mitchell. and how the sticky tables and counters When she’s not at work, Davidson said that
needed to be wiped clean.After about four she loves camping and spending time outdoors.
“I feel my name fits me because, of course She also reads and studies French. She said that
I’m a star.” She was born and raised about minutes of playful conversation, she became
30 minutes from Washington D.C. in Laurel, her snappy self and began to rush me. I she’s excited about an upcoming trip; she and
her husband are travelling to Italy in June.
Maryland and even though she’s lived in finally got the oven at a steady temperature, Davidson said that she would later like
put the pizza in the oven, and got to cooking.
North Carolina for over a year she doesn’t As the interview continued, Mitchel to get the chance to teach FLES (foreign
want to let go. Her favorite food is seafood,
she makes frequent trips back to Maryland, talked about her time in college. She came language in the elementary school) at an
elementary school. “I love the French
votes absentee, and still hasn’t changed her to Wesleyan in 2014 to study business language, and I’d like to share it with the
license plates; she’s a diehard Marylander. administration. She was also recruited by
Her only fault is that she isn’t a huge fan of coach Kayla Wygal for the cheer team. youngins,” she said.
As far as retirement plans, she said, “I’d
gogo music, which is popular in the DMV Her time was a bit rocky in the be- love to be a campground host with my
ginning, she said. Going from fast city husband three to four months out of the
(DC, Maryland, and Virginia area). See MITCHELL pg 4 year. But that won’t be for a long time.”
Once we got the basics out of the way, we

December 7, 2018 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 3

SPORTS

Football Team Beats Methodist, Loses Last Three Games
Despite a mid-season loss to Aver- and pulled in a total of six passes for and Dontavion Cunningham rushed eventual champs on the road. tor, I’d take our guys, as banged-up
ett, the Bishops football team was in 108 yards. It was his second 100-yard for a combined 179 yards. Huntingdon Donielle Totten, starting at quar- as we were, and roll the ball out there
contention for the conference title after game to go with two 200-yard games. punted only once on the day. terback, completed 17 of 30 passes again. I believe we’d win.”
its victory over rival Methodist in its In the third quarter, Wesleyan held a In relief of Nate Gardner, quarterback for 150 yards, but threw two intercep- The Bishops played without several
homecoming game. 29-13 lead, but the Tornados scored a Donielle Totten passed for 337 yards tions. Maryville’s defense stifled the injured offensive linemen as well as
Two weeks after it beat the Monarchs, touchdown and converted a two-point and four touchdowns, but it wasn’t Wesleyan running game, limiting the linebacker Antonio Johnson, named,
Wesleyan was scheduled to face the unde- conversion to set up a dramatic ending. enough to erase Huntingdon’s early lead. Bishops to 48 yards, while the Scots after the season, the USA South Defen-
feated Maryville Scots in east Tennessee. Down by eight, Brevard drove to “We had opportunities to change the rolled up 244 yards on the ground. sive Player of the Year.
But it first needed to defeat a Wesleyan’s two-yard line where it had momentum on both sides of the ball “Maryville is just a solid football Against the Scots, linebacker JT Litch-
Huntingdon team that was enduring a the ball first and goal. and in the kicking game, but we never team and program,” said Coach enberger was the leading tackler with 17.
rare losing season, arriving in Rocky But the Bishops defense mounted a capitalized,” Coach Filkovski said. Filkovski. “We’ve beat them a couple Bridgewater 21,Wesleyan 14
Mount with a 2-5 overall record. goal-line stand, as the front seven pen- Maryville 31,Wesleyan 14 times in the past and they’ve beaten us
Playing before 500 fans at Rocky Mount etrated the offensive line and forced a couple times. I’m not downplaying Jay Scroggins scored on a one-yard
Playing in their last conference run to break a tie and send Bridgewater
Sports Complex, the Bishops came out flat, the Brevard backs to run sideways. game of 2018, the Bishops fell to the their championship, but as a competi- to a 21-14 win over the Bishops in
as Huntingdon jumped to a 27-9 first-half “That goal-line stand has to be the defen-
lead. NCWC battled back, but the Hawks sive series of the year so far,” Tobias said. western Virginia on November 17.
held on for the victory and the Bishops fell Wesleyan 37, Methodist 10 In the final games of their careers,
out of the hunt for a playoff berth. Nate Gardner threw for 196 yards and
Raising its conference record to 4-1, two touchdowns, Adrian Minondo ran
Following is a week-by-week recap Wesleyan vanquished the Methodist Mon- for 73 yards on 13 carries, and Trey Lan-
from the second half of the NCWC season.
Averett 24,Wesleyan 14 archs, 37-10, in its homecoming game. caster snared two passes to up his season
It was a rare victory over its in-state total to 69. Linebacker JT Litchenberger
Averett’s Sean Bowman rushed for rival. “The win was really gratifying was second on the team with 11 tackles.
229 yards, and Bishop quarterbacks for us seniors after losing close games Reflecting on the season, Litchen-
were unable to ignite the passing to Methodist the past three years,” said berger said the highlight was the win
game, as Wesleyan lost its first confer- linebacker JT Litchenberger, who racked over Methodist. He noted that the loss to
ence matchup of the season at home. up six tackles, one for a seven-yard loss. Huntingdon produced a “spiraling effect”
Donielle Totten and Nate Gardner Running back Adrian Minondo rum- on the team, as it lost its last three games.
completed a combined 12 of 32 passes bled for 249 yards and three touchdowns “Not only were we no longer playing
for 114 yards, one touchdown and one to lead the offense. Nate Gardner passed for a championship,” he said, “but sev-
interception in the losing effort. for 173 yards and connected eight times eral key starters were hurt during that
Coach Jeff Filkovski said that his team with wide receiver Trey Lancaster and game. Even under the circumstances,
was not as opportunistic as it had been four times with tight end Ben Dorfman. I’m proud of the way we competed the
the previous two weeks in conference Wesleyan scored on three sustained last two weeks. It’s disappointing how
wins over LaGrange and Greensboro. drives to open a 20-0 lead halfway everything played out, but I wouldn't
“We missed on a bunch of opportunities through the second quarter. It played an Freshman WR Jai Irvin made a sliding touchdown catch against trade a second of it. I’m optimistic that
error-free game, while James Parrish, Huntingdon, but the Bishops lost a key game at home. next season will be a different story.”
that would have kept the offense moving,” SI photos

he said. “This game is all about making plays
and if you miss that opportunity, it’s magni-

Young Volleyball Team Seeks to Improve in 2019fiedwhenyouplayaqualityopponent.”
Wesleyan 29, Brevard 21 Isaiah Williams and Nathyn Frantz The Wesleyan volleyball team plenty of freshmen and sophomores. If a graduating a year early). We ran into inju-
each sacked the Monarch quarterback.

Huntingdon 51,Wesleyan 29

The next week, playing in western Needing a win to remain in con- finished 5-11 and in sixth place in the fan were to watch a Bishops match this ries early in the season with our hitters, so
tention for the conference title, the
North Carolina, the Bishops capitalized on Bishops fell behind in the first half and East Division of the USA South Con- past season, how would she know that it we want to make sure we have the depth
Brevard’s mistakes to beat their new rival Huntingdon exploded for 542 yards in ference. The team was 10-23 overall. was seeing a young team in action? on our roster to continue the job our start-
and improve their conference record to 3-1. total offense to win on the road. The Decree interviewed fourth-year VG: Miscommunication was an issue. ers were doing. At the moment, we have a
Coach Vicky Gentile about the season It comes from a lot of new players on solid list of potential student-athletes; we
“The key was the defense and special Coach Filkovski discounted the and her young team’s progress. the floor at the same time not really un- just need them to make their decisions.
teams forcing turnovers on their side of the notion that his team overlooked the Q: What was the high point from the derstanding how each other plays. It was Q: Are you targeting new areas of the
field,” said senior tight end Quinn Tobias. Hawks, with first-place Maryville on past season? all really minor things––not closing the country in your recruitment efforts?
Brevard fumbled three times. Two the schedule the following week. VG: It was beating Methodist in five blocks, inaccurate passing, hitting errors VG: For the most part we’re staying
led to Wesleyan scoring drives and a “Huntingdon has been king of the sets at home. It was a back-and-forth match in crucial moments. But fans would also within the areas that have been good
third was returned 50 yards by Antonio conference for the past five years,” he
Johnson for a touchdown. “That play noted. “They’re not going to just fall off all night. We won the first set, they won the see that when we were playing in our sys- for us––Florida, Virginia and North
gave us a spark of energy that we re- the map and we didn’t see them as their second, we won the third, they won the 4th tem and everything was going our way, Carolina. Of course we’re always trying
and then we put it all together and won the we were unstoppable and that we were to get student-athletes from Ohio and
ally needed,” Tobias said. record (2-5) indicated. A very well- Pennsylvania.
A junior linebacker, Johnson totaled coached team, they play a physical style. fifth. It was a great atmosphere. The fans very athletic in every aspect of the game.
12 tackles on the day, including a sack, They made the plays and we didn’t.” were really the X factor in helping us pull Q: Are you expecting all your current
out that victory. The best part was that we players to return for next season?
to spearhead the defense. Jumping to a 27-9 half-time lead, played as a team and supported each other VG: At the end-of-the-year meetings
Nate Gardner passed for 175 yards the Hawks controlled the game with in every aspect of the game. We showed everyone stated that they’d be back.
and two touchdowns, while wide re- a balanced offense, as quarterback our true Bishop pride that night. Q: In what specific ways will playing
ceiver Trey Lancaster returned a kick- Michael Lambert completed 20-27
off 56 yards to set up a Bishop score passes for 353 yards, and Eric Thomas Q: You had no seniors on the team and together one full season benefit your play-
Soccer Seniors Look Back on Careers ersandhelpthemtoimprovenextyear?
VG: Having been in our system for a
year, the players will develop consistency
The NC Wesleyan’s women’s soccer about the 2018 season? mates could help tutor me if I was having and become familiar with their team-
team lost to Methodist, 2-1, in the first round MR: It was rough. We knew it would be trouble in my classes. mates, their styles and habits Confidence
of the USASouth Conference tournament. is another key component to becoming a
a tough start, because we lost some great CS: I’m a double major in criminal
Jordan Forbess scored her fifth goal seniors that had a huge impact on the team. justice and psychology. I think it both helped successful team and gaining that through
of the season to tie the game 1-1 early We worked hard every practice, every game, and hurt my academics. Being on the team the first year is vital to winning. After a
in the second half. But Alexa Smith and seldom saw the results we wanted. with 30 other girls helped my academics be- year the coaches can lay our expectations
responded in the 71st minute as the CS: I wished it was longer! I expected cause there were a lot of other people taking in even more in detail and the players
Monarchs advanced to the next round. us to get further in playoffs. Coming into the same classes as me, or had already taken start to understand and apply what we
The loss was the last game for the 11 se- the season, I saw so much potential for all the classes. This made it easy to have quick expect from them. Callie Cline was named to the
the girls on our team. I’m sad the season access to help when I needed it. On the other USA South All-Sportsmanship
niors on Wesleyan’s team, which finished ended in the first round of playoffs, but hand, if I hadn’t played soccer, I would have Q: Tell us about freshmen who came in Team in volleyball.
2-5 in the conference, 4-9-1 overall. this past season and became key contributors.
Following the playoffs, the Decree in- I’m proud of how hard we worked and the had more time to focus on classes, and my VG: Our freshman class did a tre-
terviewed three seniors, Maggie Rankin, things that we achieved together as a team. grades would have been a little bit higher. mendous job coming in and competing MBeisnh’ospSBoricefcse: r
Cassie Sullivan, and Madeline Williams, for playing time. There were freshmen A stout defense helped the Wesleyan
about playing soccer and balancing MW: This past season I tried to enjoy MW: I think it forced me to learn time that stood out, but I’d like to keep it men’s soccer team to a second-place
athletics and academics. (Editor’s Note: every practice and game as much as I management when I came in as a freshman. focused on the group. At different points finish in their division, but the Bishops
the women’s soccer team ranks a close could. Although the season didn’t turn out I was unsure of what I wanted to major in throughout the year, there may have been fell in the semi-final round of the USA
second to women’s tennis for the highest as well as we would have liked, I’m still at first, but after I decided what I wanted to two or three freshmen that came in on a South tournament.
GPA among athletes: 3.45). thankful for the last season that I had with do—I’m double-majoring in biology and moment’s notice and did a great job.
the other seniors and the rest of the team. math––it was much easier to find time to The Bishops ended the regular season
Q. What are your overall feelings do the work. Having to go to practice every Q: Who was the most improved with an 8-3-1 conference record, a game
Q. What did you learn about yourself day and having games throughout the week player from last year? and a half behind first-place Greensboro
Christian Tippette finished 20th the past four years? came with a lot of late nights and cram- (11-1). The team, led by goalkeeper
at the USA South cross-country ming, but overall I don’t think that being VG: All the returners made significant Tobias Borzel (0.96 GAA, 4 shutouts),
meet and earned a spot on the MR: I learned to enjoy every moment, part of the team hurt my academics. improvements over last year and the blanked six teams down the stretch and
all-conference 3rd team. to enjoy the time with my teammates on spring. They learned how to be leaders, yielded one goal in two other games.
and off the field. Q. What's your best memory of being and they improved in attacking different
a student-athlete here? shots on the court and delivering more In the tournament, the Bishops
CS: I learned that I can do anything if I aggressive serves. avenged an early-season loss and
put my mind to it. Being a student-athlete MR: Getting free food before and beat William Peace, 4-0, in the first
helped me push through so many adversi- after games, especially Chick-fil-A! Q: In what specific areas do your round, getting goals from Aly Cadet,
ties. I learned I can strive for excellence players need to improve in order to reach Enzo Genovese, Tommaso Iovene and
while having a lot on my plate at one time. CS: I felt I clicked with the team the next level and compete with the elite Dominique Giovannini.
during the first day of practice my fresh- USA South teams like Meredith?
MW: I’ve learned so much about myself man year. There is no better feeling than Wesleyan then saw its season end in
through being at Wesleyan and playing soc- knowing you belong somewhere! VG: Strength is overall number one. We east Tennessee. Maryville’s Kai Miet-
cer. I learned how much I can accomplish need to put the ball away when we’re given tinen scored the only goal of the match in
when I set my mind to something, and I’ve MW: It was last year when all the athletes multiple opportunities to do so. Passing is the fourth minute and the Scots limited
learned what I really want out of my life. wore their "Team Wesleyan" shirts and went another critical area; everyone can always Wesleyan’s chances the rest of the way.
to the gym for a photograph. When all of make passing better. We also need to have
Q. The women’s soccer team is the sports teams were sitting in the bleachers more of a middle-attacker presence. Maryville, the first-place team in the West
known for its academic accomplish- waiting to take the pictures, the teams started Division, then claimed the tournament
ments. What’s your major? And do you the chants that we do at games and everyone Q: Let’s turn to recruiting. What are the championship with a 1-0 win over Covenant.
think being a member of the team helped joined in, and a lot of people were dancing. priorities for you and Coach Shoemaker?
or hurt your academics? To me this showed the support that all the
student-athletes have for each other, and that A: This recruiting season we’re
MR: I’m doing a BA in biology. Be- Wesleyan is truly a big family. looking for hitters (in particular we need
ing a member of the team has helped my outside hitters, since Autumn Spence is
academics. It helped because my team-

4 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 December 7, 2018

CAMPUS LIFE

WHIG Director Sees Opportunities for Wesleyan Students
By Ali Cucinotta School was “never really my thing,” so he often WHIG-TV has been around for 20 WHIG is expected to be a boon to
Decree Staff Writer rebelled as a teenager.After graduation, he years. “It was based around communi- Wesleyan students, communication and WHIG Technical Director Robert
worked in landscaping and when he got tired ty,” Morris said. “If you wanted to come other majors, who want to get hands-on Morris.
As Robert Morris gave me a tour of his of that, he moved on to working at Firestone in on television and say something, you experience at a for-profit television station Photo by A Cucinotta
studio, I couldn’t help but notice how tall Wilson.The tire plant provided him with more could build a show around it.” during their education. “A lot of schools
he was (He’s 6’, 2”). He was wearing khaki stable job to support his daughter, who was have student-run television programs,”
pants, a blue button-up, short sleeve shirt, born when he was just 19. Each day WHIG airs “The Morning Morris said. “I started in a student-run tele-
and brown lace-up boots. Show,” which covers topics related to vision program. But students learning from
Morris soon realized that making the Rocky Mount community. In recent students is a whole different environment.
Morris, 27, was born and raised in Rocky tires was not what he wanted to do with weeks, for example, state senate and You learn, but you don’t learn as much as
Mount, so his southern accent was another his life, but he had to stick it out for house candidates appeared on the pro- you will in an actual business.”
characteristic that stuck out. He’s been the another year to save money so he could gram to discuss their platforms and urge
technical director of the community TV station return to school while still providing for citizens to vote. Around Halloween, Morris soon would like to introduce
WHIG, for about a year and a half. Morris and his daughter. After leaving Firestone, local haunted house operators came to student-directed programing at WHIG.
a team started building the studio last Decem- he chose to attend Nash Community publicize their attractions. “We want to have a show that’s about
ber, and it was running by January. College and earned an associate degree Wesleyan, put together by Wesleyan, for
in arts. While at Nash, he became Besides “The Morning Show,” WHIG- Wesleyan College,” he said.
Now located on Wesleyan’s campus in the involved with the campus radio station TV’s most popular programs include the
Gateway Technology Center, the studio is a and he revived his interest in film- Russ Varnell Show and two health-related Morris is seeking students with skills
large room with one wall that’s designed making, producing a documentary shows, “Here’s to Your Good Health” and and interest in broadcast journalism,
to absorb light, a so-called “green screen,” titled “The Cost of Living High,” which “Remedy This Naturally.” videography, editing, and lighting,
which, Morris explains, allows television explores the opioid crisis and depicts among other areas. “We’re looking for
studios to produce a “background behind the toll that addiction takes not only on According to Morris, WHIG generates a student that will come to us and say
the subjects that you film.” the user but his community. most of its revenue from advertisements, ‘Hey I know a little bit, and I want to
but some comes from local residents who learn more,’” he said.
As we walked around the studio, Morris Through an acquaintance, Morris heard about pay to rent studio space to produce video.
conveyed a deep knowledge of the technol- a position at WHIG, which he joined in 2014.
ogy and other furnishings needed to run On the Wild Popularity of Fortnite
a television station. The studio includes When Morris started working for WHIG- By Jovan Pope Tyler Bird has been playing Fortnite for hours. There have been weeks when I’ve
couches and tables for conducting interviews. TV, it was located at the Power Plants, near Decree Staff Writer a year. He plays the game every night for spent more than 10 hours playing Fortnite.
And of course there are cameras and sound Chico's Mexican Restaurant. He took the
equipment in the studio to record WHIG job, he said, with the understanding that
programs. Behind the studio is the control
room, which houses all of the monitors and he was going to help the station rebrand Unless you’ve been living under a
other hardware needed to produce their its business after it moved to the Wesleyan rock for the past year, you would know about two or three hours throughout the When I reached that level, I realized
week. Despite his active participation, Bird I needed to slow down. My grades and
shows. When you enter Morris’office, you campus. Morris is comfortable in his new that “Fortnite” is the most popular game explained that he’s still able to keeps up with social life had begun to slip, as I was
notice the camera equipment and several environment, as he tends to work late into worldwide. It launched in 2017, but school work and other hobbies. “Nothing using study hours to play the game.
computer monitors. He also has pictures with the evenings and he feels safe leaving the wasn’t popular until the actual release of is more important to me than my educa-
his family and a yellow sticky note with the office. He also enjoys sharing his knowledge the Battle Royale game mode. tion,” he said. “I have so much free time Knowing it’s important to manage my
time, I made quick improvements before
words “I love you Daddy” written on it. with college students, he said. The objective is to survive a battle against throughout my night because I complete all it was too late. Once you lose that time,
Morris said his career snowballed Three others work at the TV station 100 players and emerge as the last one stand- my homework earlier in the day.”
from a hobby he began as a child. He full-time: Morris’ wife, Brittney Smith, ing. One may play solo, duo (two players), you’ll never be able to get it back.
said he would write scripts and film the marketing director; his mother in-law, or squad (three to four players) to oppose the Bird noted Fornite helps him to Opinion: Expand DI
short movies with his friend, Andy Sandra Smith, the station manager; and other 100 players. What makes the game so unwind after a busy day. “Playing the Playoffs to 8 Teams
Smallwood. One movie script was about Bobbie Booth, the sales director. Morris addictive is that players can harvest wood game helps get my mind off school work
teenagers who disappeared at a Hallow- and his wife met here at Wesleyan and from trees, metal from cars, and bricks from and it’s a great way to keep up with my By Bryant Versprille
een haunted house attraction. The teens now work side by side. They also col- buildings to use as shelter during a battle. friends back at home,” he said. Decree Staff Writer
were killed as part of a revenge plot, laborate on a show every Saturday morn- They use what’s known as a pic-axe to
he recalled with a smile, noting that the ing, reviewing country music. The four harvest such materials. Throughout the map, Two is company and three is a crowd. Like many observers, I think it’s time to
script was not produced. full-timers are accompanied by around players can find weapons, grenades, healing Deonte Camp and Rayquan Harris agree revamp—once again—the playoff system
20 part-time employees that range from potions, and many more gadgets to help that playing with friends enhances the for NCAA Division I football.
Morris went to several schools as a child, show hosts to videographers, Morris said. them get to the “number-one victory royale.” experience. “I like the social interaction
and later settled on Nash Central High School. that I have with my friends outside of The four-team playoff system is simply
school because playing by myself isn’t as too small. Since it only has four teams,
Wednesday Prayer Offers Support, Calm for Students enjoyable,” Camp said. “If you ask me, at least one of the Power Five conference
By Brooke Bayse footing. “The weekly prayer is important to and Dean Naylor and myself are in total teamwork always brings in the easy win. champions isn’t selected to the playoff
Decree Staff Writer this school because that’s the time when all agreement with this philosophy,” Drum When you win a game with your friends, every season. (The Power Five include the
it's like scoring a touchdown or passing a Atlantic Coast, the Big Ten, the Big 12, the
Each Wednesday in the chapel there is a of us can come together, not as deans and said. “We’re convinced that the divine test after putting in the hard work.” Pac-12, and the Southeastern conferences).
prayer meeting led by Chaplain Barry Drum students, but as God’s family,” he said. favor we have enjoyed is a result of our
and Dean Ed Naylor.Arond ten attend in a willingness to seek the face of God.” Camp reports that he spends about 25 Sometimes, more than one champion miss-
typical week. They believe the noon gather- Blaise Gourley echoed Strausser’s hours a week playing the game and has es out. In the 2016-17 season, for example,
ing helps the school grow closer together remarks, explaining that weekly prayer Dean Naylor added, “The chaplain won a total of 102 squad games. Ohio State was selected to play in the playoff.
and brings them closer to the Lord. gives students the opportunity to unite felt it was important that we find a time That year, the Buckeyes did not play in the
together with faculty and administra- each week when the campus could pray Robert Wilson and Kyle Garrett like Big Ten championship game. The final four
Will Plyler, a regular attendee, says tion under one cause. together. It’s a good opportunity for the competition they find in Fornite. did not include the Big Ten champion, Penn
that the meetings are important to the students, faculty and staff to join in a “It’s a very creative game and it can get State, and the Big 12 champion, Oklahoma.
Wesleyan community because of its roots. According to regular attendees, one major form of worship. Prayer is an integral very competitive,” Garrett said.
“It’s imperative that we guide our school goal is to make God’s presence known on part of faith for Christians; it’s a chance In other years, some conferences have had
into the future based on the Judeo-Chris- campus. “As much as this is a Christian com- for the campus community to exercise Garrett added that the game might two teams to make the playoff. In last year’s
tian principles that our founders intended munity, it’s important we make Jesus promi- that spiritual discipline together.” be too competitive. To make the game playoff, for example, there were two teams
for us,” said Plyer, the SGA president. nent in everything,” James Cheazar said. more enjoyable for beginners like him, from the SEC. The SEC conference champion,
“The prayer meetings make us appreciate MITCHELL from pg 2 he wants the designers to refine the Georgia, was selected, as was Alabama, which
A couple students noted that Wednes- God’s direction and guidance on campus.” matchmaking generator. He believes lost to Auburn in their last-regular season game.
day afternoon prayer serves to bring living to the slow country pace was a “the pros” should face other players of Alabama entered the playoffs as the number-
different religious affiliations together. Prayer can be important to the college, but bit of a shock, but she soon got the hang of the same experience and skill “There four seed and beat Clemson in the first game
Kaitlyn Petteway believes that the student it should also be beneficial to the student and it. She said people thought she was stuck up should be a separate area for begin- and then defeated Georgia for the national title.
body has wanted a revival and sees that staffs in their personal lives. “The weekly at first, due to stereotypes of Marylanders. ners,” he said, noting that it’s frustrating
happening when we all come together as prayer meeting is the most essential activity “They’d think I was mean, or uppity because to get eliminated from a competition as In light of such outcomes, I think the
one. “For a revival to happen on campus, on campus, because it awakens my spirit I was from up North,” she recalled. he learns how to play. NCAA should expand playoffs to eight
we need to come together across denomi- when we fellowship with the Lord,” Cheazar teams. If it went to eight, then all Power
nations and find a common ground,” she said. “I see the weekly prayer meeting as an Mitchell stayed in her own group of Fortnite has a player base of about Five conference champions could com-
said. “That common ground is prayer.” opportunity to give thanks for God’s abun- friends during her first two years and almost 125 million from around the world. It’s pete for the national title. This would
dant grace not just upon me, but all Bishops.” transferred to Rider University in New Jer- a free game to install on any platform, also leave room for three at-large bids.
Petteway feels comforted by the sey. Back then she would take the train home yet it makes almost $1 million a day. The three at-large bids could be for the
campus prayer. “Seeing that there is a Strausser said the presence of Dean Naylor almost every other week. It wasn’t until after Revenue comes from in-game purchases champions of smaller conferences or for
place for prayer, it’s easy to feel support and Rev. Drum at the prayer meeting makes her sophomore year that she began to branch toward unique skins, dances, battle another Power Five team that’s deemed
for whatever is going on in your life,” she him feel a sense of calm. “How many students out and enjoy college life. passes. The battle pass is a bundle that deserving by the selection committee.
said. “Having Dean Naylor and Dr. Drum from other schools can say that their school’s comes with multiple skins and virtual
there, we know it will be heard by the staff is praying for them?” Strausser said. A member of AKA sorority, Mitchell money known as “V-Bucks.” Last season, the University of Central Florida
important members of the community.” was a part of the cheer and dance program went undefeated in the regular season and faced
Petteway said she likes the comfortable at- all four years at Wesleyan. She cheered her Josiah Wright refuses to pay for extra Auburn in the Chick-fil-APeach Bowl. During
Joshua Strausser noted that campus prayer mosphere that’s been established at the prayer first three years, and helped start the dance content in a game that’s free. “As a sopho- the regular season theAuburn Tigers had beat
puts all members of the community on equal meetings. She said she feels more confident program her junior year. more in college without a job, money is both Georgia andAlabama, but lost to Georgia
in her “personal walk with the Lord.” scarce,” he said. “I could spend money on in the SEC championship game. UCF trounced
SeniorTrevorHarrisworksinthenew During her third year, she completed an Fortnite, but then I wouldn’t have money the Tigers and finished 13-0. SinceAuburn was
biology lab that opened in Gravely “When it comes to prayer and putting internship with a local accounting company to eat. I choose not being hungry as a the only team to beat theAlabama Crimson
Sciencethisfall.The pharmaceutical my faith in front of people, I’m not called Nottingham. Once she graduated, she priority over a video game.” Tide, the winners of the Division I playoff, UCF
company Pfizer donated funds for always very confident,” she said. “I was offered a job at Enterprise, the car rental declared themselves the “real” national champi-
the lab. don’t like to be pushy with my faith. So, service. “I see myself staying at Enterprise,” In Fortnite, weapons and gadgets ons. It’s hard to argue with the claim.
Photo by R. Sauls getting to come to a place and hearing Mitchell said. “There are a lot of career oppor- can be found throughout the map in
faculty and other students pray and pray tunities there.This is a place where I can grow.” golden chests or just out in the open. The So far this season, UCF is still undefeated
for me gives me a feeling of confidence.” weapons are not all equal in strength. and its players think they deserve a shot at the
After almost an hour, our pizza was done. Distinguished by colors, each weapon national title, but the team will never earn that
Dean Naylor shared that his per- I interrupted the interview one last time to has a different “rarity.” For example, chance as long as the playoff consists of only
sonal walk grows whenever he is in a take it out of the oven, and Mitchell’s boujie grey weapons are common, green four teams. Their strength of schedule is 71st
time of prayer. “My personal belief, side began to show. When she saw the Tor- weapons are uncommon, blue weapons out of 126, and because of that UCF has no ar-
one that’s shared by many Christians, tino’s supreme pizza covered with sausage, are rare, purple weapons are epic, and gument compared to a one-loss team, Georgia,
is that God is my creator and redeemer pepperoni, and green bell peppers, a disgusted orange weapons are legendary. that has the third hardest schedule. If the NCAA
and worthy of our focus and prayers,” look appeared on her face. Mitchell told me committee would expand the playoff, UCF
he said. “Prayer is a fundamental part the pizza looked cheap, but she reassured me Asked to name complaints about Fort- would get an opportunity to show the country
of being a Christian and I enjoy speak- with pity and told me that we’d eat it. nite, Jacob Brumley described his beef with that they can compete with the big dogs.
ing with God regularly in prayer.” the turret gun, one of the legendary weap-
In ten years, Mitchell hopes to be married with ons. It can be placed on a flat surface and it Expanding the playoff would also give
Plyler agreed with Dean Naylor’s kids.Along-term goal is to open her own busi- shoots continuously. It can be destroyed by the NCAA more money. More teams equals
sentiment. “Being a Christian, prayer ness, either a fashion boutique or a dance studio. an opponent with any gun. “I understand more games, which equals more television
is a huge part of that,” he said. “It’s a that all players can get their hands on the and gate receipts, which equals more
great way to focus and have a positive Once we finished our interview, she strongest of weapons; it depends on your money, and the NCAA loves money.
enforcement on what’s most important.” grabbed her Louis Vuitton purse and headed landing spot,” he said. “But nothing bothers
for the door, as it was getting late. I thanked me more than getting eliminated by a turret Of course there are drawbacks to expand-
Dean Naylor and Rev. Drum recounted her for her time and we talked about the gun. It’s very annoying when trying to es- ing the playoff. More teams means more
the origins of the prayer gathering, which upcoming practice schedule.As she headed cape from enemies, but they just keep shoot- games that the players have to play. This leads
began last spring. “When he began as for the door, I offered to cut her a slice of the ing down my shelter. If it were up to me I’d to more fatigue and higher chances for injuries.
president, Dr. Clark made it clear that pizza it took us an hour to make. remove the turret gun from the game.”
prayer was a high priority on campus, The College Football Playoff has a contract
“Oh, Chasadie, it’s fine,” she said. “I just That’s enough about my peers and their with the NCAAthat lasts until 2025. Is the play-
remembered that I have leftover spaghetti in views on Fortnight. How do I feel about the off system better than the BCS computer ranking
the fridge. Thanks, though. I’ll cash app you game? Fortnite is very colorful, creative, system? There are arguments on both sides. Will
your money back for the pizza.” and competitive. I’ve spent up to $50 on we see an expansion in the playoff? It’s hard to
in-game purchases, acquiring many dances, tell.All that is certain is that no matter how the
skins, and battle passes. When I buy a battle national champion is decided, there will always
pass, it motivates me to play for countless be football fans who disagree with the result.