ARTS & MEDIASOUTHEASTERN ISSUE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE WINTER 2018

Kristen Ledlow ALSO FEATURING Joivan Jimenez FROM SEU TO THE NBA: Curran McQuade A PLATFORM BEYOND BASKETBALL Seth Pendergast

SOUTHEASTERN 1 SOUTHEASTERN TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER 2018

FEATURES

This issue features alumni from the College of Arts & Media serving in the fields of public relations, music and sports broadcasting.

30 KRISTEN LEDLOW: WORK HARD, PLAY HARD As a sports anchor and co-host for “NBA Inside Stuff,”Kristen Ledlow ’10 has been given a platform to serve and reach those around her, and she intends to continue to speak for God's purpose.

32 CURRAN MCQUADE: LIVING INTENTIONALLY WITH STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION Curran McQuade ’16 works as a research assistant for CRA Inc. in Philadelphia, Pa., a public relations firm that focuses on leadership development, strategic communication, communication research, presentation architecture and talent assessment.

34 SETH PENDERGAST: INSPIRING STUDENTS WITH MUSIC & TECHNOLOGY Seth Pendergast ’08, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Utah, is using technology as a creative tool to help him engage students in music.

54 SEU ALUM NOMINATED FOR DOVE AWARD Four years into medical school, Joivan Jimenez ’15 felt God calling him to do something else. Now, as a worship leader, Joivan has seen God open many doors for him, including a nomination for a 2017 Dove Award for Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year for his song “Generación de Fuego.”

2 SOUTHEASTERN 32 34

12 SOUTHEASTERN EXPERIENCES HURRICANE IRMA More than 300 students remained on campus to brave Hurricane Irma. Following the devastation it left in Lakeland, many of those students, along with other SEU community members, helped others impacted by the hurricane.

14 SEU LAUNCHES FIRST PH.D. PROGRAM This May, two new doctoral programs will be offered at SEU — a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

15 SEU STUDENTS SPEAK AT THE UNITED NATIONS Two Southeastern freshman students, Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu, have recently been given a platform to use their story to speak before world leaders on behalf of human rights. 56 56 THE GROSS FAMILY LEGACY The Gross family shares how God's creativity has been at work in their lives to share His greatest gift.

ARTS & MEDIASOUTHEASTERN ISSUE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE WINTER 2018 ON THE COVER

IN EVERY ISSUE KRISTEN LEDLOW ’10 shares about her experiences as a sports anchor and co- 16 ATHLETICS host for “NBA Inside Stuff” and how God has given her 44 FOCUS ON FACULTY a platform to reach those around her.

46 CLASS NOTES Kristen Ledlow ALSO FEATURING Joivan Jimenez FROM SEU TO THE NBA: Curran McQuade A PLATFORM BEYOND BASKETBALL Seth Pendergast 66 PERSPECTIVE SOUTHEASTERN 1

SOUTHEASTERN 3 SOUTHEASTERN

PRESIDENT Dr. Kent Ingle

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Dana Davis

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF Priscilla (Pennington) Burr ’14 PUBLIC RELATIONS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Austin; Reed Burr ’15; Ed Maner ’96, ’13 MBA; Rodger Roth; Loree Rowland; Christine Tran; Turner Sports; Scott Wheeler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Priscilla (Pennington) Burr ’14; Dr. Craig Collins; Stephanie Curl; Dana Davis; Donnie Edwards ’16; Mack Fowler; Dr. Charles Hulin; Dr. Linda Linzey; Ed Maner ’96, ’13 MBA; Michael Martin; Krista Rogers ’16, ’17 MBA ; Cheryl Roth; Donnie Smith; Devin Yasi

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mabelle Ramírez-Ortíz

OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 863.667.5400 SEU.edu [email protected] Published two times a year by the Office of Alumni Relations for Southeastern University’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Please send comments and contributions to:

SOUTHEASTERN Alumni Relations Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33801

Submissions should be accompanied by the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the sender. Contents of Southeastern may not be reproduced or redistributed in any manner, either whole or in part, without prior permission from Southeastern University. Southeastern reserves the right to edit and/or not publish content provided for submission into the magazine.

Please send address changes or Class Notes updates to: [email protected], the address above, or online at SEU.edu/alumni. Telephone: 863.667.5400

Facebook.com/seuniversityalumni Twitter @seu_alumni

4 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 5 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

our passions, the wisdom and learning This year I want to challenge all of us — we experience during our lives and myself included — to cultivate a right our calling work together to become relationship with God. By developing our our destiny. understanding of God’s grace, by getting into community and by stewarding our However, before we can know what calling, we can cultivate the soil of our God’s destiny is for our life, we have to lives to be ready for God’s plan to grow in cultivate a right relationship with Him. us. And it all starts with our relationship Our ability to live out this journey of our with God. divine destiny is directly linked to our relationship with God. In this issue of Southeastern, you will get to read the stories of several of our I’m reminded of the parable of the sower incredible alumni who are cultivating and how the success of any harvest comes their divine design. Our focus for this from how well the farmer has cultivated magazine will be on our College of Arts the soil. Our lives are the soil that God & Media (CAM), and you will have the wants to plant the gifts, the passions, the chance to read about new developments wisdom and learning, and the calling that within the college, as well as several will grow into our divine designs. But if special events the college has planned for we don’t cultivate our lives to be good soil this spring. Additionally, you will have the — if we don’t take the time to develop a chance to read about many of our fall Every summer I try to take some time right relationship with God — then we semester highlights, including athletics, to pray and seek God’s word for the might find our divine design being picked campus life and our faculty. upcoming year. Over the years, these away by the birds, or burned out by the words have served as a guide for our sun or choked out by weeds. As always, our hope is that you will be community, showing us what God inspired by the incredible stories that come would want us to focus on for the next So how do we cultivate the soil of our from a community that is committed to year. I feel that for this year specifically, lives? How do we develop our relationship following God’s call and in turn continue the word that God is calling us to with God? I think it comes from focusing to seek the opportunities He has in store is Cultivate. on and developing three areas of our lives: for you in your own life.

At Southeastern University, our mission 1. Understanding God’s grace May God continue to bless you and open is all about helping people to discover 2. Getting into a community doors as you continue to lead exactly and develop their divine design — to of believers where He has you. know the exact purpose and destiny God 3. Stewarding our calling created for them. We believe we are all on a journey of understanding how our gifts,

6 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 7 LETTER FROM CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

The spirit of giving has never been more visible and more alive at Southeastern University than it is today. And that giving, through personal gifts, corporate gifts or gifts from family foundations, has a lasting impact in the lives of current students by helping them realize the dream of a Christ-centered higher education. With support from donors like you, Southeastern’s Office of University Advancement has been able to facilitate giving which positively impacts student needs.

A recent report from Giving USA shared that overall philanthropic giving (from individuals, foundations and corporate giving) increased by 2.7 percent in 2016, and included an increase in individual giving of 4 percent. Remarkably, this was not solely donations from only wealthy individuals, rather it is mostly an increase of giving from the general population.

EUNICE M. HUTTO ’16 MHS What does this mean? Plainly stated, this means that every single dollar counts! Charitable gifts, no matter how large or small, are making a huge impact in the lives of those receiving the benefits of those donations. The SEU student scholarship program continues to grow year after year, impacting the lives of much of the SEU student body. The needs of all students — including student athletes, international students, ministry majors and those returning for their graduate or doctoral degrees — are greatly impacted by this continued growth in donations.

We sincerely thank you for your past financial support of SEU. Know that through your ongoing generosity, philanthropic efforts will continue to flourish to support our ever- increasing needs.

We invite you to visit with a member of the Advancement team. You can schedule a personal tour of campus by calling 863.667.5455, or learn more about supporting SEU’s scholarship program by visiting our website at SEU.edu/giving.

8 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 9 10 SOUTHEASTERN CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Construction of a new administration building is currently underway, with the project scheduled to be completed by November of this year. A three-story 31,000-square-foot building, the facility will be constructed in the grassy area in between the Addison building and Longfellow Boulevard. This will provide improved customer service to students and their families by having all of the offices they need to visit centrally located in the new administration building, and in Addison and Pansler.

RECORD ENROLLMENT

This fall marked the seventh straight year of record- breaking enrollment at SEU, with a total enrollment of 7,163 students. This is an increase of 1,359 students from last year. Much of the growth is related to university president Dr. Kent Ingle’s emphasis on unrestricted education, providing avenues of affordable and accessible education through extension sites and online learning platforms.

Since Ingle came to Southeastern in 2011, the university has launched 80 extension sites across the nation, with another 30 slated to come on board in 2018. The sites are located in 29 states across the United States, including Florida, which has 19 sites. The degrees offered at the sites include a variety of associate and bachelor’s degrees in general education, church ministries, business and leadership. Some locations offer master’s degrees in ministerial leadership.

SOUTHEASTERN 11 HURRICANE IRMA

Not many people can say that they have been through the “eye of the storm.” For a few students on campus, they did just that when Hurricane Irma made landfall in Lakeland early in the fall semester. With the option to evacuate or stay on campus, approximately 300 students decided to remain on campus to weather the storm. The campus restaurant was boarded up and transformed into a temporary shelter. The safety & security office operated a command center, providing up-to-date information for students and staff throughout the storm.

Fortunately, damage to the campus was minimal — primarily to landscaping and the roofs of several buildings. Once the storm passed, the facilities team was quick to return to campus to help with cleanup efforts. Later in the week, many of the students were eager to help volunteer efforts to distribute supplies to various areas of need in Florida. Student athletes were quick to respond by cleaning up areas of Lakeland and working with the Dream Center to hand out much-needed supplies to those affected.

SOUTHEASTERN PROFESSOR PROVIDES RELIEF TO DEVASTATED FLORIDA

“Compassion is love in action. The church should be involved in word and deed. We always go where there is a need,” said Houlihan.

Crossroads was founded just a year after four hurricanes devastated Florida in 2004. Houlihan founded the nonprofit with Ewing after they realized a need for relief initiatives to help in times of disaster.

In addition to flying supplies to the Keys, in the days immediately

SEU staff helped unload supplies at Lakeland Linder Airport following Irma over 25 flights were loaded with supplies and flown around the state of Florida, as well as 50 semi-truck loads sent to the southern part of the state. Houlihan worked with a group of Within hours after Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida and Southeastern staff and students to unload supplies from the planes brought devastation in its wake, Dr. Robert Houlihan, professor at the Lakeland Linder Airport to then be distributed to the areas of world missions, was busy making sure essential supplies were on hardest hit. Southeastern also held a fundraiser football game where their way to the areas hardest hit. they raised more than $10,000 for victims of Irma, which was donated to Crossroads. Crossroads Alliance & Ministries, founded by Houlihan and Steve Ewing in 2005, coordinated the first plane on the scene in the Crossroads was also quick to help with those impacted by Hurricane Florida Keys, which experienced Irma as a Category 4 hurricane. Maria. They shipped more than 60 containers to Puerto Rico and Crossroads partnered with Aero Bridge, a group of private pilots, flew medicine to the Caribbean. who flew the plane to a private airstrip, where local church members met to unload and distribute the supplies.

12 SOUTHEASTERN “112” DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

In September, Southeastern released its first-ever student-written devotional book. The book, “112,” focuses on the Gospel of John and includes a devotional for the 112 days in each academic semester. All freshman students were given a copy to use in their discipleship groups, which are led by student leaders, staff and faculty. Southeastern’s “112” devotional book can be purchased at the Southeastern University bookstore for $10 or online at SEU.edu/112.

TOMMY BARNETT

Chancellor Tommy Barnett met with students from the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology in November. He challenged the students to dream bigger dreams and to take bigger risks in serving God. He also shared practical advice from his 64 years of ministry.

SOUTHEASTERN 13 NEW DEGREES

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

This fall, Southeastern launched the first evangelical Master of Social Work degree in the state of Florida. The cohort held its initial class in August with an enrollment of 25 students, surpassing the initial projection of 12 students. Graduates of the program can expect to pursue a variety of opportunities including clinical licensure, full- time counseling positions and leadership roles in social work administration.

PH.D. AND DOCTORATE IN STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Two new doctoral programs — a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL) — will be available for students beginning in May. This will bring the total number of doctoral programs at SEU to four; the Ed.D. was started in 2014 and the D.Min. in 2016. The inaugural class will commence in May of 2018, with a five-day residency for students.

“The program was started to provide doctoral-level Christian education in leadership studies,” said Dr. Ric Rohm, the program coordinator. The program is geared toward prospective students who desire the highest levels of leadership education.

Potential careers for Ph.D. students include college/ university professor, researcher or think tank consultant, while DSL student careers include organizational consultant, executive coach or executive leadership.

The program is currently pending SACSCOC accreditation. Admission requirements include a master’s degree, a resume or curriculum vitae, two professional letters of recommendation, an admission essay and a doctoral writing sample.

14 SOUTHEASTERN Left to right: Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu

SOUTHEASTERN STUDENTS GIVEN INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM

Two Southeastern freshman students, Shortly after the attack they were Argentina to discuss support for the Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu, have brought to the U.S. to continue their Safe Schools Declaration, which is recently been given a platform to high school studies and in August began aimed to protect children and their use their story to speak before world their studies at SEU. Over the last few right to education during times of leaders on behalf of human rights. months, they have been featured in armed conflict. The following day, Joy several national headlines and have had shared her story at the United Nations Joy and Lydia were among the 276 numerous opportunities to share their Security Council Arria Meeting before girls kidnapped in 2014 from their story with national and international all 15 members of the council, as well high school in the northeastern political leaders. The summer before as other government organizations Nigerian town of Chibok by the Boko starting at Southeastern, they had the and NGOs. The Security Council Haram, a militant Islamist group. The opportunity to meet with the President is the most powerful branch of the kidnapping sparked a global outrage of the United States. United Nations. and a social media campaign using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. Joy In October, they were asked by the and Lydia were able to escape early Human Rights Watch to share their on, jumping from a truck driven by story at the Institute of International the Boko Haram that was transporting Education, where they were joined them away from their school. by ambassadors from Norway and

SOUTHEASTERN 15 ATHLETICS UPDATE

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Southeastern was a single point away from a third-place finish at The Sun Conference championship. Senior Trae Miller concluded his SEU career with a sixth-place finish at the championship, and was selected as the sport’s Champion of Character Award recipient for his work as a member of the Army National Guard. Freshman Jordan Gonzalez also showed promise, being named Sun Conference Runner of the Week for his performance at the Holloway Park XC festival, finishing the 5K course in 17:12. Gonzalez posted a PR (personal record) 8K of 28:25 at the Disney XC Invitational, and was the 15th-place finisher at the conference meet. Trae Miller navigates the course at the Sand Shark Invitational.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Fire put together a special season, winning The Sun Conference championship for the first time in program history. The victory gave the team an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship, held at Fort Vancouver in Washington. As a team, Southeastern finished 20th in the field. Leading the way was freshman Kelsi Ogilvie, who was named The Sun Conference Runner of the Year, winning the individual title at the conference meet in a time of 18:45. At the Sand Shark Invitational, she broke the school record with a time of 18:15. For his efforts, coach Paul Kurtz was selected as the conference Kelsi Ogilvie and Julia Kaster head for the coach of the year. finish line at the Sand Shark Invitational. FOOTBALL For the third consecutive year, the Fire were named conference champions. The 2017 banner will look a little different, as SEU completed its first season as part of the Mid-South Conference Sun Division. The Fire also received an invitation to the NAIA Football Championship Series for the second year in a row with a chance to avenge its lone regular season loss at Lindsey Wilson. Unfortunately, SEU came up short, ending its fourth season of competition with an 8-2 record. Redshirt senior Jarrell Reynolds was named Conference Player of the Year for the third time in his career, and was a finalist for NAIA National Player of the Year consideration. Coach Keith Barefield was Jonathan Pearce avoids a defender during named the division’s coach of the year, marking the second SEU’s home opener against Bethel (Tenn.). consecutive honor for Barefield.

16 SOUTHEASTERN MEN’S SOCCER Despite a 1-4-1 start to the season, and numerous key injuries, the Fire fought back and won seven of their final 10 matches, and finished fourth in The Sun Conference. Seniors Caue Salgado and Gustavo Rodrigues were selected to the all-conference teams, with sophomore Joey Dotson named honorable mention. Rodrigues led the conference in assists with 10. Tyler Gay was named the Champion of Character Award winner for his work in leading mission trips and serving as a youth pastor in addition to his graduate studies in ministerial leadership.

WOMEN’S SOCCER Gustavo Rodrigues weaves through the midfield against Bluefield College. The Fire reached new heights this season, winning The Sun Conference Tournament for the first time in program history, winning at Keiser for the first time ever. The team hosted the first NAIA postseason event on the Southeastern campus and came away with a shutout victory over Georgia Gwinnett to advance to the Round of 16. There, the Fire defeated No. 5 Vanguard by the score of 1-0 to advance to the national quarterfinal, becoming just the third program in SEU history to advance that far. A 2-0 loss to No. 4 William Carey concluded the season at 19-2. Sophomore Uchenna Kanu set the school record for goals, netting 45, which ranked second in the NAIA. She, along with Konya Plummer and Heidi Ruth were named NAIA Second-Team All-Americans, becoming the first in program history. Randy Belli was voted as the conference coach of the year in leading the Fire to a record-breaking season. Uchenna Kanu surveys the defense during a game at USCB. VOLLEYBALL Early struggles didn’t phase the Fire, as it posted a 23-8 season, finishing third in The Sun Conference a season after failing to make the conference postseason tournament. SEU was the top team at the Bryan Bash, going 4-0. In Sun Conference play, all four of SEU’s losses came to the top two teams in the league, all going five sets. The Fire beat Florida Memorial 3-0 in the first round of the conference tournament, then lost 3-0 to Webber International in the semifinal round. Seniors Kaitlin Boyd and Kelsey Morton, along with freshmen Kaity Reed and Kiana Sawtelle, were named all- conference. Boyd recorded a .423 attacking percentage in conference play to lead all players. Reed was named the league’s freshman of the Kaitlin Boyd looks to push an attack over the St. Thomas block. year, recording 10 conference matches with 10 or more kills, and seven matches in conference play with 10 or more digs.

SOUTHEASTERN 17 Trae Miller (left) Mariah Higgins (center) FIRE ATHLETES SWEEP FALL CONFERENCE CHARACTER AWARDS

Tyler Gay Sydni Brookhouser

18 SOUTHEASTERN Collin Thomas #23 Kelsey Morton he Southeastern University In men’s soccer, graduate student Tyler Kelsey demonstrates the characteristics athletic teams have soared Gay was selected for his work as the full- of integrity, respect, responsibility, to new heights during the time youth pastor at Edgewood Baptist sportsmanship and servant leadership. first half of the 2017-18 Church, in addition to 100-plus hours Tacademic year. of volunteer coaching with Parker Street “She has a heart for others, including the Ministries and Lakeland Futbol Club. He people in the community of Lakeland On the fields and courts, Fire teams won currently holds a 4.0 GPA as a graduate and those around the world. She desires three conference titles in the fall and have student in Ministerial Leadership and has to make an impact on their lives and leave seen six teams ranked in their respective led multiple mission trips. them feeling valuable and loved. Kelsey is NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Polls. willing to sacrifice any free time she may “Tyler’s passion to serve people have to be able to give back to others and The success has not just been in and represent the gospel of Jesus is help those in need.” competition, but also off the field. In all contagious,” said coach Clay Roberts. six fall sports, the conference Champions “He represents everything the NAIA Fifth-year strong safety Collin Thomas of Character Award was given to an Champions of Character Award is about.” was named the Mid-South Sun Division SEU athlete. Champion of Character for football. On the women’s side, senior Sydni Thomas graduated with a degree in The Champions of Character Award was Brookhouser was selected for International Business, becoming the first designed to recognize the student-athlete volunteering at a hurricane shelter in person in school history to complete this in each sport that best represents the September. With the dangerous storm program with a 4.0 GPA. He serves as a Five Core Values of the NAIA, which are approaching her hometown of Cape graduate assistant in the Department of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant Coral, Brookhouser assisted the 3,700 Spiritual Formation and is part of the leadership and sportsmanship. residents and 400 pets that were seeking street evangelism team One Nation One refuge. She worked from 7 a.m. on Day trip to the Dominican Republic. In cross country, senior Trae Miller was September 9th until 5 p.m. on September He is also involved with CHARGE the men’s winner and senior Mariah 11th, bringing meals to people and giving Lakeland and was a captain this season for Higgins was the co-winner on the general guidance and direction at Island the football team. women’s side. Miller was honored for his Coast High School. work as a member of the Army Reserve, “Collin’s future considerations are three- and is a member of ROTC, where he “I feel like one of the biggest ways fold,” said coach Keith Barefield. “He sees organized and trained the first-place I helped was just being there and talking himself involved in the corporate world, ROTC team in the country at the annual to people and showing them love,” for which he is perfectly qualified. Or, he Army Ten Miler in Washington, D.C. said Brookhouser. may remain with the Spiritual Formation Department. Regardless, he desires to Higgins is a Multidisciplinary Studies Senior Kelsey Morton became a three- give back to the sport he loves and that major that has volunteered with Porch time Sun Conference Champions of has given him so much. He plans to get Light, an organization that works with Character Award recipient this fall for involved in coaching football at the high victims of sex trafficking. She served volleyball, once again, honored for school level in some capacity. as the team chaplain and coordinated her work with CHARGE Lakeland. service projects for the team as well as This outreach serves a community of “I would not be surprised to see Collin Bible studies. Additionally, she has been a disparity, serving its children each Sunday combine all three and be an overwhelming part of mission trips to Ecuador and the morning. Additionally, Morton has run success in all three areas,” said Barefield. Dominican Republic. two mission trips to Austria to help refugees and will be leading another to This marks the most Champions “Mariah is a young woman who puts Bolivia this summer. of Character Award winners in a others’ needs before her own,” said single season at Southeastern and has coach Paul Kurtz. “Giving to others is “Kelsey has become the foundation of already matched the total number of second nature to her. You see the joy she defining what it means to uphold the winners from the 2016-17 school year. receives by doing things for other people five core values of the NAIA,” said coach every day.” Audrey Goldsberry. “On a daily basis

SOUTHEASTERN 19 20 SOUTHEASTERN “In the beginning God created…”

here is a creative spark within us

all. Students in the College of Arts

& Media reflect the image of their

Creator as they, too, develop and

Trefine their creative selves. Since our founding, more

than 1,500 students have discovered how their passion

for creativity intersects with God’s divine plan for their

lives. Alumni use their gifts and talents to stand out

in their careers in music, journalism, film, art, writing

and much more. The following pages will take a look

at recent developments in the college and highlight

several of our alumni. You will also learn about several

special programs planned by the college for the spring.

SOUTHEASTERN 21 22 SOUTHEASTERN HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA

he history of the College become the College of Natural & Health foreign languages. With the addition of Arts & Media (CAM) Sciences. That year, the department of a program that was neither entirely reflects the transformation of behavioral and social sciences also English nor languages, the department that has resulted in the became the College of Behavioral & collaboratively chose a new name that Tcurrent depth and breadth of the college’s Social Sciences. With those departures, would encompass its diversity. Thus, programs. To put that transformation the college took on the name of the in January of 2016, the department of into perspective, an overview of the College of Communications, Languages humanities was introduced. The merger college’s past illuminates the present, and & the Arts, reflecting the three remaining has been a success, and students are prepares us for the future. departments of communication, music, reaping the benefits of multiple programs and English and foreign languages. working together to provide outstanding In 2005, Southeastern University, performances for students of all majors. formerly known as Southeastern Growth and expansion in one area of an College, took on a new identity, and the institution often positively affects other Growth in the university and CAM existing College of Arts and Sciences, areas as well. Southeastern University continues as we experience the with six widely diverse departments, saw this phenomenon specifically in inaugural year of academic programs, began changing its organization to 2013 with not only the creation of the as well as our first new department in reflect its role in the new university. For nursing program, but also the growth the college’s history. The department five academic years, from 2006-2011, of the Honors Program, led by Dr. of humanities has begun offering the the college contained five departments: Gordon Miller. To focus on directing Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative behavioral and social sciences, the burgeoning Honors Program, Miller Writing, making Southeastern the communication, English and foreign stepped down as dean of the college. only regionally accredited university languages, music, and natural sciences in the state of Florida offering a BFA. and mathematics. The makeup of the These changes at the end of the 2012- In addition, the department of visual college reflected the traditional pattern 2013 academic year heralded a new arts is officially offering classes and followed by most universities at that era for the college. As its new dean, Dr. welcoming majors in graphic design and time — a cross section of the humanities Craig Collins brought his expertise in in visual arts, a program that has been that has been the foundation of a liberal arts education to aid in the direction and widely anticipated. With state-of-the arts education for centuries. expansion of the reorganized college. art equipment and facilities, students One of his first goals was to interact are now creating in ways that were When President Kent Ingle began his with the faculty of the college to create a impossible a brief time ago. first full year at SEU in 2012, he brought name that would capture the present and a vision for the future that included new future direction of its programs. In the The college continues to dream and plan programs in athletics and academics. fall of 2015, the newly branded College for the future, exploring programs and One of these academic programs of Arts & Media (CAM) was introduced events that will meet the needs of our was an outstanding nursing program. to the community. students and our community. CAM is With the addition of so many nursing poised for continued growth, looking students in the fall of 2013, it was time Last year, the college grew as the history forward to using the creative gifts God for the department of natural sciences program, which had been housed in has given the faculty and students in and mathematics to transition out of a different college, joined CAM as a ways that honor Him. the College of Arts and Sciences and part of the department of English &

SOUTHEASTERN 23 In Pursuit of EXCELLENCE

An advocate for the arts, Collins is a past to honor God in the spirit of the president of the Arts Schools’ Network, scriptures, specifically Colossians 4:23- an international consortium of arts 24. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, schools. Starting in the summer of as to the Lord and not to men, knowing 2018, Collins will begin serving as that from the Lord you will receive the president of the Florida School Music reward of the inheritance; for you serve Association (FSMA). the Lord Christ” (NKJV).

“Art, in all of its forms, should be the In addition to promoting a unified fabric of our society,” said Collins. “We culture within the college, Collins has have an inherent responsibility to teach prioritized the expansion of facilities our students to think critically. This and programming for the departments isn’t done without offering opposing of communication, humanities and viewpoints. Art is a powerful tool for music. Last year, under his leadership, fostering critical thinking and for the college established the department challenging us to try and understand of visual arts, which added a state-of- other worldviews and perspectives. the-art studio and gallery space in It’s vital for the development and CAM’s new facilities. maintenance of a healthy community.” Alongside his faculty, Collins is f you can know a man by the fruit Community is foundational to Collins’ continuing to develop new programs of his labors, then one can know vision. It is hope for a healthy, Christ- for existing departments in addition Dr. Craig Collins, dean of the like community that drives Collins in to conducting research for the first College of Arts & Media (CAM), his professional accomplishments. graduate degree for the college. Iby his excellence and consistency. “There exists an art to building As for the future, Collins is hopeful. Since starting as the dean in 2013, community of which human and social “It is our desire and our active goal Collins has worked to expand CAM capital are inextricably linked. The to become the premier destination for through prioritizing the addition of creative arts, touching the hearts and faith-based liberal arts education in new academic programs, while striving souls of us all, are the conduit connecting terms of the programming and student to create a unified organizational the two capitals in promoting unity experience within our college,” he said. culture and growing student experience among people and continue to be at the “We also believe that this education for those who call CAM home. core of all I endeavor,” said Collins. should not only impact those within the walls of our institution, but should serve Prior to Southeastern, Collins served Collins firmly believes in creating a to better our community both prior to as the principal at Lakeland’s Harrison unified organizational culture for the and after graduation. None of our School for the Arts for 12 years, in faculty and staff of CAM. It’s not simply progress would be possible without addition to several more years of prior the organizational culture he promotes the support of the leadership of experience in administration at other for his faculty and staff but also the Southeastern University.” educational institutions. by-product of a lifetime of seeking

24 SOUTHEASTERN THE ADVISORY BOARD TO THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA

Advisory board member Meri Mass with SEU students

elationships weave the story Devore added, “The college takes our of a community. The CAM ADVISORY BOARD 2017-18 input seriously, which makes board College of Arts & Media Danny Adams members willing to serve and enjoy R (CAM) at Southeastern Reverend Tim Blackburn attending meetings. As representatives University forms lasting bonds between Andrea Oliver-Clarke of the arts and media community, we students and faculty, and in turn Dr. Craig S. Collins are committed to providing a candid the community. CAM facilitates its Lenore Devore perspective from outside the college.” community outreach by asking local Donnie Edwards persons to be sounding boards for Joni M. Fisher Next spring there is a remarkable its programs. Sheila Skipper Guzmán symphony, “Sinfonia,” planned with David Hallock, Jr. Victory Church as the venue. CAM The advisory board to CAM provides Dr. Charles Hulin board member and Victory Church feedback on the effectiveness and relevance Martha Linder Connections Pastor Tim Blackburn of its programs and events to enrich the Dr. Paul Linzey said, “The opportunity to serve on student and faculty experience. The Michael D. Martin the College of Arts & Media Advisory board advises on methods for achieving Meri Mass Board has been a rewarding experience. the CAM vision of being the premier Brandt Merritt The important work of this college destination for faith-based arts education, Claire Orologas allows students to discover the ways since art and faith often mingle and better Holly Parrish in which they are ‘fearfully and one another. Thomas Weil wonderfully made.’”

A meeting may consist of discussing the CAM board meetings for the importance of history to the present, writing and communication, produce community participants provide video production to spark vision, musical events and much more.” an oasis of thought away from literature to create depth of thought, the tedium of work that is uplifting. music to inspire, or theater as an outlet The CAM advisory board is comprised for creativity — imagination as a driver of diverse community leaders and “It is a pleasure and responsibility to for improving one’s quality of life. college personnel who are passionate discuss a variety of issues with the about the arts. Meetings inject diversity ultimate purpose being to ensure Lenore Devore, former editor of of thought, education and background a rich and impactful student life so The Ledger and present CAM advisory into lively discussion, which is purposed they may face their futures with board chair, said, “It’s an honor to serve to enrich the student experience and confidence,” said advisory board member on the advisory board. CAM is magnify the relevancy of SEU to Michael Martin. generating new ways to connect the community. arts to the community, teach the art of

SOUTHEASTERN 25 A SPACE TO CREATE BUILDING ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

26 SOUTHEASTERN ntil 2015, the depart- “Socialism or Limited Government: experience by providing more excellent ments of music and Options Within a Christian Worldview,” co-curricular opportunities for an humanities called Spence and “Religion and Politics: Why Must even more effective application-based Hall “home.” Firm We Talk About Them?” with Florida education. “The answer lies in increasing Ufoundations of academic excellence Speaker of the House of Representatives, the quality and capability of our current were laid through the years of instruction Richard Corcoran. programming,” he said, “to make a more that were prayed over and worshipfully rigorous experience for the preparation fulfilled in those facilities. Obedience to The department of music, having of the student for graduation into an God and the pursuit of excellence in the served a brief stint in modular units as increasingly fluid job-market.” spiritual practice of learning brought temporary housing between Spence growth and the demand for expanded Hall and its new home in BVE, In addition to having excellent programing. has benefited greatly from the new instruction for students, Collins facilities due to the state-of-the-art emphasized the importance of having The Buena Vida facilities now provide acoustically-designed practice spaces, facilities to optimize the learning 19,000 square feet of collaborative, band room and percussion room. The experience. Collins said, “Quality arts creative space for all of the departments band room also doubles as a recording facilities are vital for the development within the College of Arts & Media studio, with a recording control room of critical logical and problem-solving (CAM) — communication, humanities, positioned immediately next door. BVE skills that businesses are in need of today music and visual arts. also houses a music business classroom and will continue to need in tomorrow’s with industry-standard digital audio professional world.” While the department of commu- workshops, such as Logic X and Pro nication still remains centered in Tools, and a piano lab for the instruction While the new facilities are excellent for Bolin Hall, CAM continues to invest of music theory and introductory-level teaching and learning, most of CAM’s in the quality of the instruction and piano courses. performances and many co-curricular opportunities given to its students. In activities are held at off-campus venues. 2017, three new digital editing suites The BVE facility gives the newly were added to the first floor of Buena founded department of visual arts “In order to truly have these supporting Vida East (BVE) and part of Bolin Hall a running start in establishing an facilities for the instructional experience was renovated to create a production excellent instructional experience for we provide, the future, for the College room, providing dedicated space students enrolled in its programs. From of Arts & Media, looks like an on- for students to develop content for a dedicated 2-D and 3-D studio space campus performing arts theater which broadcasting and film products. for painting, drawing and sculpting supports all of Southeastern University’s to the CAM gallery, purposed for the ensembles, while serving the greater Located on the mezzanine level of BVE, exhibition of student and professional community as well,” said Collins. the department of humanities offices works, the growth in CAM’s ability provide a space for the humanities to provide high-caliber visual arts Foundational to all arts programming faculty to work together. It encourages instruction is another step toward is having a place to call home. BVE an environment of communication and making SEU the premier destination has become that home in which SEU collaboration, which has resulted in for faith-based liberal arts education. students learn and grow, together, events that encourage students to think with the mission of forging a better critically and apply lessons from current As we look to the future, Dr. Craig tomorrow through the arts and the and past events into their lives. Some of Collins, CAM dean, explains his desire creativity inherent in us as created ones these recent discussion forums include to continue to improve the educational fashioned in the image of God.

SOUTHEASTERN 27 he College of Arts & to be on fiction writers, novelists and This year’s lineup of guest speakers Media (CAM) offers an short story writers who bring a different includes: annual two-day seminar, flavor to the writing process,” said Dr. • Tony D’Souza — novelist, “Expressions Storytelling Paul Linzey, chair of the department journalist, essayist, reviewer, TInstitute & Writers Conference,” for of humanities. short story writer writers of all interests and experience • Joni Fisher — novelist, levels. This year’s conference is scheduled This conference will show “a real journalist, pilot for March 9-10, 2018. Designed to bring insider’s view of what the fiction writer’s • Bridget Foster — journalist, together both student and professional life really is,” with its guest speakers producer, news director, blogger, communicators, this unique conference including professional communicators nonfiction book author combines inspiration and technique, in all fields with decades of combined • Tiffany Chacon — novelist, demonstrating to attendees what it takes writing and publishing experience. teacher, essayist to excel in all fields of writing. • Anna Cotton — poet, “Expressions” builds a creative envi- writing teacher Through a combination of experiential ronment that brings writers from • SEU’s Department of workshops and dynamic guest speakers, SEU and throughout Central Florida Humanities faculty members attendees are given opportunities to together to learn, grow and network. refine their craft, while learning from “Expressions” will be held on world-renowned and local professionals. “The more we can connect with the SEU’s main campus in Lakeland, “Expressions” will leave attendees with a writing community of Florida, the Fla. An advanced registration of $50 better understanding of how to improve more it gives our students a head start,” is required to participate in the and advance their writing, whether it is said Linzey. conference. Tickets can be purchased at a hobby or full-time career. SEU.edu/arts/events. Guest speakers represent various This year’s event will focus on developing aspects of the writing industry, fiction writers, novelists and essayists. including local and regional The sessions will explore the realms of professionals as well as the experienced imagination and creative fiction. faculty of writers and educators, comprising SEU’s Department of “Last year, our emphasis was on Humanities. journalism. This time, our focus is going

28 SOUTHEASTERN his spring, the College of well as a yet-to-be-named piece, funded will each conduct segments written Arts & Media (CAM), with by CAM. DeBeasi shares that the specifically for them. After the the Imperial Symphony composition is “geared toward military performance of their uniquely arranged Orchestra, will present who have come home and acclimated pieces, the guest conductors will share T“Sinfonia: Connecting the Arts & themselves back into civilian life.” This their experience with the audience, Community,” a musical tribute to composition will focus on the sometimes giving their personal testimonies. servicemen and servicewomen in the tumultuous journey of adjustment back U.S. armed forces. This performance to civilian life military men and women Additional guest conductors will include aims to honor veterans, as well as undertake upon returning home from Scott Franklin, CEO of Lanier Upshaw those actively serving in the armed active deployment. and a former naval aviator retired from forces through music arranged by Los active duty in 2000 after serving for 14 Angeles film composer, Joseph DeBeasi. DeBeasi had the opportunity to years, who will conduct Camp Kirkland’s The performance will take place on visit Southeastern and the Lakeland “Salute to the Armed Forces.” March 20, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at Victory community in October. During his Church in Lakeland, Fla. visit, he met with community leaders Eddie Hawks, minister of music from and veterans including those among Victory Church, will conduct the “Star- “Several special events are planned Southeastern’s own faculty, hearing the Spangled Banner.” to honor our veterans and active stories of those who served in Vietnam, military personnel at ‘Sinfonia,’” said the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and William Lake Jr., Southeastern Uni- Dr. Craig Collins, dean of CAM. other locations. versity’s director of bands, will conduct “This performance will capture the Richard Rodgers and Robert Russell importance and value of the arts in “It is my pleasure and delight to be Bennett’s “Victory at Sea.” building community.” part of bringing community and art together in honoring our military The program will also include the The college commissioned DeBeasi, men and women with ‘Sinfonia,’” said Presentation of Colors by Southeastern the composer of the score for Clint DeBeasi. The Imperial Symphony University, Florida Southern College, Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated “American Orchestra, comprising many faculty and Polk State College ROTC units and Sniper,” to create a customized orchestral and students from the department of a dialogue regarding the significance of arrangement from the hit movie’s music at Southeastern, will perform the music education by Miss Florida 2017, electronic soundtrack. DeBeasi has customized pieces at the event. Sara Zeng. composed original scores for over 60 feature films, including “The Revenant,” “Sinfonia” will also feature several other For more information regarding event “Prisoners,” “The Book of Eli,” “Because notable pieces, honoring each branch of details and to purchase tickets, visit of Winn-Dixie,” “Dirty Dancing” and the military with guest conductors from SEU.edu/arts/events or call the College “Maid in Manhattan.” all over the Central Florida community, of Arts & Media at 863.667.5657 or including Representative Colleen email [email protected]. DeBeasi will compose his initial piece, Burton and Drew Watson, Southeastern adapted from “American Sniper,” as University’s athletic director. They

SOUTHEASTERN 29 KRISTEN LEDLOW WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

ne of the most exciting Southeastern, what was once a dream campus. It not only offered classes that “ aspects of my job is that has become reality. would help me prepare for my career, I get paid money to go the equipment was second to none to to basketball games. That Kristen graduated from Southeastern work with at SEU.” Owas my dream my entire life. To think after transferring from Florida State that there’s an actual job that exists to University and quickly transitioned Following an impressive collegiate watch the best of the best play the game I into the college’s communication athletic career in which she earned All- love is mind-blowing,” said KRISTEN department, while also playing basketball American honors in volleyball and set LEDLOW ’10, sports anchor and co- her freshman year for the university. school scoring records in basketball at host for “NBA Inside Stuff,” which airs Southeastern, Kristen was fully prepared each Saturday on NBA TV. “SEU broadcast was one of the reasons to transition into a sports broadcast I chose to transfer to SEU to get my position upon graduation. It was during For Kristen, an alumna of the degree,” said Kristen. “The department her time at a radio station in Atlanta, department of communication at was the most impressive part of the Ga., that she auditioned for a position

30 SOUTHEASTERN with “NBA Inside Stuff” and was could look up to who were doing later hired. it,” said Kristen. “Now it’s a realistic possibility for a little girl to become an “I asked for an audition to meet Grant NBA coach or call an NBA game. It’s a Hill for a day,” said Kristen. “A few days cool moment to be a woman in sports.” later I got a phone call that they were still looking at a few women for the Kristen also encourages other role and within two weeks I had gotten Southeastern alumni interested in a the job and was working there within similar career to not be afraid of the the month.” hard work that is required to achieve a dream. In her role, Kristen is responsible for setting up show segments, interviewing “My best advice would be to intern. athletes and creating engaging energy Understand that you may have to work with her fellow co-host, Grant Hill. for free while you prove your worth,” said Kristen. “Be willing to move, be After achieving her lifelong dream, leads an ongoing effort — to millions willing to give up your nights and Kristen is grateful for the opportunities watching,” said Kristen. weekends.” she has in her position with the NBA. Although given the ability to speak It is not all work and no play, however, “The platform afforded to me is second to such a wide audience, Kristen Kristen enjoys working alongside to none — the ability to speak to acknowledges God for the platform she professional NBA athletes and reliving hundreds of thousands. People listen has been given, and intends to continue her own athletic career. to what I say, which is a great weight, to speak for His purpose. but such a privilege,” said Kristen. “It’s a “My favorite NBA all-star to play very special thing to be able to speak up “I am supremely aware of the platform against is Grant Hill, because I can beat for those who can’t.” I have been given — and I intend to him, and I have,” said Kristen. use it for a purpose beyond basketball,” Kristen’s passion and her awareness said Kristen. “I have found that one of With all her success, however, Kristen of the platform God has given her is our most basic needs as human beings continues to be grateful for the classes, what has allowed her to reach out and is to be heard and I want to use it to professors and friends who challenged serve those around her, including those speak up for those who believe they are and shaped her during her time at recently affected by natural disasters not heard.” Southeastern. She also credits her in Puerto Rico and Houston, Texas. success to God and all that He has In addition to being humbled by such done in her life to place her where she “As a specific example, the people of opportunities, Kristen is passionate is today. Puerto Rico are one of the many groups about how her position is changing the of people in need following recent landscape of sports broadcasting. “I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. natural disasters. Because of our reach It has been given to me, and the moment on both NBA TV and TNT, I have been “It’s the most exciting time to be a I forget that or stray from that or look able to tell stories of men like J.J. Barea woman in sports and sports broadcasting. elsewhere, is where I feel the platform — who responded immediately and When I was a kid, there were few I underneath me become shakier,” said Kristen.

SOUTHEASTERN 31 CURRAN MCQUADE LIVING INTENTIONALLY WITH STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

lthough he works for a client list includes Fortune 500 and As a research assistant, Curran advises top firm in Philadelphia, Fortune 100 companies. clients on leadership and organizational CURRAN MCQUADE communication, such as in the areas ’16 does not have a regular While researching internal commu- of crisis communication and internal/ Adesk job. The sounds of automobile tires nication theory in his undergraduate external changes, including mergers and pressing against the pavement and the studies, Curran stumbled upon the acquisitions. In doing so, he produces hustle and bustle of people moving about company. His research took him to a project-specific materials catered to each can be heard in the background, as Curran white paper the firm had written a few client’s needs. Some of these materials walks over 30 minutes in the bustling city decades prior. He decided to give them a might include a cohesive written crisis or to meet with one of his clients. call, sharing how he would like to work internal communication plan. Although for them. Following the phone call, the he has created communication templates, Curran works as a research assistant for firm took interest in him and he flew Curran prefers to start each of his CRA Inc. in Philadelphia, Pa., a public up to Philadelphia for a few rounds of meetings with his clients using a blank relations firm that focuses on leadership interviews and was hired. Curran has sheet of paper. He shares the significance development, strategic communication, worked for CRA for over a year and a of beginning with fresh ideas of how they communication research, presentation half now. can work together to develop a strong architecture and talent assessment. Their communication plan.

32 SOUTHEASTERN “I help strategize with them on their are really committed to their classes,” game plan and draft a response. We focus said Curran. more on internal communication and how their plans align with their vision and The commitment he saw in his professors their values. It is a lot of communication is similar to the commitment he sees in theory and strategic communication,” the team of 35 employees he works with said Curran. on a daily basis.

He credits his ability to be successful in “Everyone is really committed to what his career to the skills he developed while we do. We have a saying, ‘We don’t date; on the debate team at Southeastern. we marry.’ It shows the passion employees have is who they are all the time. They “Debate was really helpful and is the use strategic communication at home number one reason why I enjoy what and in their church community. They I am doing and why I was hired,” live a more intentional life and are more said Curran. consistent. It’s a mind shift from how other people might think,” Curran added. During his freshman year of college, Curran helped develop the first debate Although he realizes the importance of team on campus. In high school, he had living intentionally, he said that his job been offered scholarships for debate entails a lot of hard work. A highlight of from different universities, but instead his job is building personal relationships decided to attend Southeastern, leaving “A lot of people from the team are my with clients, who are based all around his passion for debate behind. It was soon lifelong friends that I still keep in touch the world, including in countries such as into his freshman year that he realized with,” he added. Although he lives more Israel and Germany. he couldn’t neglect his passion and than 1,000 miles away, Curran takes looked for ways to start a debate team the time to invest in the current debate “It’s rewarding. It’s a lot of work, but on campus. He met with CHRISTINA team, sending them articles he is reading you help people through real problems. GARD ’14 MAML, assistant professor and being there for any questions they It’s satisfying to play a background role,” of human services, to discuss different might have. he added. opportunities, and soon after, they started the team on campus. In his undergraduate work, Curran Outside of work, Curran is heavily majored in History, with a minor in involved with his church, City Life “She was a huge factor in the team’s English, and was a part of the Honors Church, in south Philadelphia. He is success because of how well she led Program. His senior year, he had the a part of the worship team and he also everything. She was a great partner to opportunity to work closely with Dr. hosts a Life Group with his roommate. In work with. She is really brilliant and gave Cameron McNabb, associate professor of addition to church, he has started boxing. us a lot of creative freedom,” said Curran. English, on writing a publication on John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” As a part of their “Philly has a lot of really good boxing,” The team went on to win numerous research, they flew to New York to the he said. awards in the individual and the team Morgan Museum and Library to study categories. The year Curran graduated, the original manuscripts of the book. Curran encourages others hoping to the team had won the Florida State They are in the process of completing pursue a similar career saying, “Get good Championship for the second year in a the article and then will be submitting it at whatever you do. Let it be who you row, and earned invitations from both for publication. are and integrate your work into Harvard and Princeton. He served as your life.” the president for all four years and won “The history and English departments two national titles in the American have world-class professors. They Parliamentary Debate. really care about their students and

SOUTHEASTERN 33 SETH PENDERGAST INSPIRING STUDENTS with MUSIC & TECHNOLOGY

n an ever-evolving technologically At the University of Utah Seth teaches school, Seth took a tour of campus with driven world, some might feel and assists with general music education his parents. The first thing that stood hesitant to embrace the change courses to undergraduate students while out to Seth was the accessibility and that comes with it. In many cases, he pursues his Ph.D. in music education. friendliness of the faculty members. Iwe can learn to use those advances to One activity he incorporates in his benefit our educational systems. For classes is showing college music education “When I came down, the faculty were SETH PENDERGAST ’08, a Ph.D. students how to use tools like Logic very inviting and willing to give me candidate at the University of Utah, using Pro or Soundtrap to make music with the attention and training that I knew I technology as a creative tool has helped their students. would need to be successful. As soon as him engage students on a larger scale. I got to SEU, the faculty were there for “I believe in music making through me,” he said. “My big philosophy is that technology is technology. You need to know something for music making. It is a creative tool,” about music if you are going to create it,” Two professors made a lasting impact said Seth. “Sometimes, as teachers, we can he added. on Seth — Dr. Dan Gordon and Dr. view technology more as a tool for us. John Seybert. But, technology in the hands of students He also conducts choirs and assists is really powerful.” with music education classes like Intro “The music education professors taught to Music Education and Theoretical me to love teaching and to love students. As a teacher for nearly a decade, Seth has Foundations in Music Education. They don’t graduate you and leave you seen the benefits of technology mixed — they continue to support you,” he with music. He shares that technology “I really love singing and conducting. added. “Whatever success I have had as helps students with little musical Now, at the university level, I enjoy an educator is in large part due to the experience to make music quickly teaching others how to do those things,” patient and attentive mentorship of the through online interactive tools and adds he said. SEU music education faculty. Dr. Gordon that it can help integrate students into and Dr. Belfast really do tremendous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Seth’s love for teaching developed while work preparing music education students and Mathematics) programs. he was a student at Southeastern. In high to engage and serve children of all ages.”

34 SOUTHEASTERN Seth majored in music education with a engaging students who are not involved In teaching, he suggests the best attribute focus on voice. in music. is consistency. “Teaching can be a bit of a grind — it is hard. But, working through “Southeastern prepared me with “Music instruction is great for kids, and the slow process of honing your craft pedagogical tools to motivate, engage we want as many as possible to be involved and giving your best to students each and develop students. I was taught how in it. There is some evidence that suggests day is what makes great teachers. Just be to teach, to work hard and how to be a enrollment in music programs has leveled consistent in your planning, your learning professional educator,” said Seth. in the past several decades. I am always and your care for students. It becomes looking for ways to increase accessibility very rewarding to have connections with From there, Seth went on to teach and interest in music education programs your students,” he said. for seven years at McLaughlin Middle so that more students have positive school School and Fine Arts Academy in Lake music experiences,” he added. But despite the difficulties of teaching, Wales, Fla. It was while he was teaching Seth encourages future teachers, “Work at McLaughlin that his passion for Although Seth is eager to start his research, ethic, curiosity, care for others and the technology and music developed. he understands there won’t be one single character you develop will continue to answer to increasing enrollment. Yet, he serve you well.” He completed his master’s degree at is determined to support current music Florida State and then began pursuing programs and find where a new segment Outside of being a music teacher, Seth his Ph.D. in music education at the of students’ interest lies. has also been involved as a music director University of Utah. Seth is in his third year at churches. He previously served as of the Ph.D. program. Having finished One reason Seth thinks music is essential the music director at Cypress Ridge his coursework and qualifying exam, he for students is its ability to have them Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, looks ahead to continuing research for his interact with one another. Fla., and currently leads worship services dissertation. He plans to focus his research at New Song Presbyterian Church in Salt on what drives students’ involvement “It pushes you outside of that box — you Lake City. in music. have to interact, you have to look at each other. I think performing and composing In his spare time, Seth enjoys hiking, “We know adolescents are very musical music is empowering for all students — biking, reading, writing/recording music and regularly listen to and make music. we love to communicate and to be artists. and spending time with his family. Kids really still love making music in the We always have,” he continued. He met his wife, Monica, who is a talented ways that we always have. That isn’t going music teacher in her own right, in Polk anywhere,” he said. After he earns his Ph.D., Seth plans to County, Fla. They recently added to their someday teach full time and conduct family when they welcomed their son As a new researcher, Seth is looking research at the university level. “At the in September. forward to discovering new ways of end of the day, I love teaching,” said Seth.

SOUTHEASTERN 35 PROGRAMS & CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Southeastern University’s College of Arts & Media (CAM) launched two new academic programs this academic year — a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing is the first degree of its kind in SEU history. Students within this major take part in unique annual writing conferences and guest author series, which allow them to engage in one-on-one conversations and educational opportunities with novelists, journalists, story consultants, poets and publishers.

The program includes classes in advanced writing in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Students who pursue a degree in creative writing will develop exceptional written and oral communication skills in addition to cultivating a valuable proficiency in research. They can pursue careers as a novelist, journalist, editor and poet.

Students within the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts major are introduced to both traditional and contemporary methods of drawing, painting, composition, design, color, space, sculpture and multi-disciplined art forms. Through study of respected techniques and a complementary emphasis on innovative design principles, students are equipped to conceptualize, create and problem solve in a professional manner.

These artists further participate in application-based study through the compilation of a cumulative fine art portfolio and the exhibition of their own original works on rotating display in the CAM gallery, while refining their skills in the expansive studio space and kiln room. Career paths for this degree include animators, interior designers, marketers and fashion designers.

Degree programs continuing to be offered within CAM include:

Broadcasting Media Ministry Church Music Music Communication Music Business Creative Writing (BFA) Music Education Digital Journalism Music Performance (Instrumental) English Music Performance (Piano) English & Intercultural Studies Music Performance (Voice) Film Production Public Relations Graphic Design Visual Arts History

36 SOUTHEASTERN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES skits while also building key experience STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE

in communication, project planning FLORIDA PUBLIC RELATIONS In addition to receiving instruction and teamwork. ASSOCIATION (SEU FPRA) within their programs of study, students in CAM are offered relevant experience Students who plan to work in the field WSEU RADIO in their chosen fields through an array of of public relations are able to further well-established and widely-recognized The student-produced radio station, prepare themselves for a career in public co-curricular activities. WSEU 93.7 FM, is broadcast Lakeland- relations (PR) through networking wide and provides communication and participating in professional development events through the local RAW TV students with hands-on broadcasting

experience. Student hosts are tasked chapter of FPRA. SEU FPRA also RAW TV is a student-led and produced with leading relevant discussion while meets to discuss past and present PR talk show in which panelists explore also experiencing practical engagement concepts and develops portfolio pieces their faith with tough questions and in the field of contemporary Christian through official club projects and real- authentic answers, combining musical music. world experience. guests, comedy and interviews. RAW

TV, which stands for “Real and Willing,” SEU PEP BAND SEU TIMES is broadcast via multiple networks nationwide and has been going strong Assembling for the first time in SEU Journalism students participate in the for 21 seasons. history, this spirited group of musicians development of portfolio-ready work performs at Fire athletics events, such as through the faculty-sponsored, student- produced newspaper, SEU Times. UNPLAND IMPROV football and basketball. As the conduits

of tradition and the official performers From covering athletics to providing Unpland Improv is an improvisational of the SEU fight song, this ensemble is editorials on topics of importance in stand-up comedy show that airs on responsible for capturing and spreading the SEU community, SEU Times is a multiple networks. Talented students the spirit of SEU through the powerful unique opportunity to gain journalistic use their keen wit to entertain the language of music. experience through telling the story audience through clean and humorous of SEU.

SOUTHEASTERN 37 Southeastern University Students WORK WITH RARE MANUSCRIPTS

38 SOUTHEASTERN n Dr. Cameron McNabb’s, associate The manuscripts are part of McNabb’s who is also known for his illustrations of professor of English, seminar class private collection of rare medieval works, the Bible. on John Milton, students not amassed from her travels to New York, only read Milton’s works in the London and Paris. In addition to analyzing the epic poem, Ifall semester, they also had the unique which details the biblical account of privilege of working, hands-on, with rare “This is the first time students are getting the Fall of Man, students also examined texts from as early as the 1730s as a part such a hands-on experience with my illustrations and engravings found of the course. books,” said McNabb. “In previous classes, throughout the manuscripts and observed I’ve brought some items in and used how the various illustrators have depicted “As a student at Southeastern, it is an them as examples of printing conventions Satan and other characters from Milton’s incredible opportunity to handle texts or book history, and students have always work over time. that are older than the documents been really drawn to looking at authentic that founded our nation. It gives me examples.” “I find that what they’re learning is much perspective to work with some of more meaningful to them when they the texts that influenced our forefathers The class worked with multiple editions can see real examples,” said McNabb. in the development of this country,” of Milton’s most famous work, “Paradise “Students this semester are very excited said Emma Schlake, a student in the Lost,” including one volume illustrated to get to work with so many items from English class. by the famous engraver, Gustave Doré, my collection. In some of our classes so

SOUTHEASTERN 39 far, I’ve handed out copies of engravings by Gustave Doré for us to discuss, but I remind them that they will be working with an actual edition of Doré’s ‘Paradise Lost’ as well!”

As an English major at the University of Maryland, McNabb explained that Milton was her first love. When she later had the opportunity to study abroad for the summer semester of her master’s program at Cambridge, she came across a rare copy of Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and had to have it. The only issue was McNabb didn’t have the funds to purchase the book. So, taking the money she had brought with her for transportation and lunches, she bought the book. Since then, she has added to her collection a volume at a time, but her 1738 purchase from Cambridge remains her favorite edition.

In addition to the literary aspects of the class, students also learned techniques of how to handle antiquarian manuscripts. Contrary to popular belief, the wearing of gloves is discouraged and can harm the delicate manuscripts. Gloves often carry more dirt than clean, dry hands and can result in the lifting of ink off of the text or tearing of pages. Students were encouraged to wash Dr. Cameron McNabb and thoroughly dry their hands before handling rare or valuable literary works.

Special supports are also used to cradle the books and protect the often-fragile spines of the manuscripts.

But the ultimate goal of the course was not just to examine the texts, students also examined visual and musical adaptations of Milton’s famous work. In addition to this, the young scholars worked toward a final paper that combines all aspects of their studies and strives to create an original argument about the poem.

“Milton’s texts are relevant today because they helped to shape the framework of our society. The questions Milton was asking hundreds of years ago are still questions that we should be asking. Focusing on the origin of sin, gender roles, pride and control helps us to evaluate the way we are functioning in society today in relation to our history,” said Schlake.

For McNabb, the hope is that these students will fill a void in Milton studies.

“There hasn’t been much scholarly interest in the 18th-century editions of Milton, which my collection contains and which are part of the poem’s tradition that extends to the visual and musical artists discussed. I hope my students’ analyses will begin to fill in a gap in the scholarship,” said McNabb.

40 SOUTHEASTERN March 20 | 7:30 PM In engagement with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Victory Church, Lakeland Southeastern University’s College of Arts & Media is proud to

Admission: General $15 present Sinfonia: Connecting the Arts & Community, a night Students $10 of music that serves as a tribute to the military members Military and Veterans $5 in our local and national communities. Join us in honoring Visit SEU.edu/arts/events past and present military members through the unifying

power of music, arranged by special guest conductor,

Joseph DeBeasi. For this event, DeBeasi has arranged a

customized score from American Sniper as well as a specially

commissioned piece, funded by SEU’s College of Arts &

Media, that focuses on the journey of adjustment our military

members undertake upon returning home from deployment.

American Sniper (2014), Original Motion Picture Score and Suite by Joseph S. DeBeasi, courtesy of Warner Bros. and Malpaso Productions.

SOUTHEASTERN 41 2017–2018 PERFORMANCE SERIES

MAR 2 Unpland Improv 7 & 9 PM Bolin Studio, SEU

7 RAW TV 7 & 9 PM Bolin Studio, SEU

9-10 Expressions Storytelling Institute & Writers SEU Campus Conference (Registration Required)

12 Choral Concert: Americana 7:30 PM First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland

15 Jazz on the Lawn 7:30 PM Kelly Gardens, SEU

16 Unpland Improv 7 & 9 PM Bolin Studio, SEU

20 Sinfonia: Connecting the Arts & Community 7:30 PM Victory Church, Lakeland

21 RAW TV 7 & 9 PM Bolin Studio, SEU

23 Wind Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM Bush Chapel, SEU

APR 4 RAW TV 7 & 9 PM Bolin Studio, SEU

5 Jazz Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM Bush Chapel, SEU

10 Percussion Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM Bush Chapel, SEU

14 A Night at the Opera . . . Scenes 7:00 PM Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland

17 Art to Art: The Intersection of 6:30 PM Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland Images and Words

18 RAW TV 7 & 9 PM Bolin Studio, SEU

19 Contemporary Band Concert 7:30 PM Bush Chapel, SEU

22 An Afternoon Melody 2:00 PM Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland

26 Graphic Design Exhibit: Choice Designs 6:30 PM CAM Gallery, SEU

26 Orchestra Concert 7:30 PM Bush Chapel, SEU

42 SOUTHEASTERN Purchase tickets at SEU.edu/arts/events or call 863.667.5657 SOUTHEASTERN 43 FOCUS on FACULTY

1 DR. PETER ALTHOUSE, held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, professor of religion and theology, in November. traveled to the University of Birmingham (UK) to finalize the 5 SHUDONG BRAAMSE, pro- launch of the Southeastern University fessor of voice, recorded a French and University of Birmingham split- album in 2016, “Voix Supreme,” site Ph.D. program in Theology that was recently named a top digital 1 2 and Religion with Dr. Kenneth album for the month of May 2017 Archer. Both Althouse and Archer by Parma Recordings. She also will serve as dissertation supervisors performed on national television for the Ph.D. program. In addition, in China in 2017 during the 120th Althouse was awarded third place anniversary of Zhejiang University. in the category of The Professional She toured for three weeks with & Special Interest Magazine by the Canadian Patricia Green, performing Catholic Associated Press for his at concerts and teaching workshops. article in Ecumenical Trends. 3 4 6 DR. LENNY GIAMMATTEO, 2 DR. KENNETH ARCHER,pro- professor of sports management, fessor of hermeneutics and theology, released a book on sports psychology and 3 DR. MELISSA ARCHER, in January. “The Winning Edge” associate professor of biblical studies, serves to help athletes identify spoke at the Worship: Overwhelmed their mental game strengths and by God Conference in Burgdorf, weaknesses to best improve their Switzerland, in the fall of 2017. Ken game. 5 6 was keynote speaker for one plenary session and spoke on the importance 7 DR. TOM GOLLERY, professor of liturgical practices. Melissa was of education, was part of a team keynote speaker for three plenary from Florida Atlantic University sessions and spoke on worship in that was selected to present at the light of Revelation. The Archers also ASHA (American Speech-Language taught at a school of ministry while Hearing Association) Conference in in Switzerland. November. His role involved the analytics and reporting of the study 7 8 4 DR. DAVID BEFUS, associate results. A research article based upon professor of international business, the findings that were presented at was invited to present the closing the conference has been submitted summary of the Polk Goes Global for publication and is currently international exporting conference under review. at Polk State College in November. He also was invited to speak on “10 8 DR. DANIEL GORDON,professor Ways to Create Jobs” at the Christian of choral music education, conducted Entrepreneurship Conference at the Bach Festival of Central Florida Florida Southern College in October, Concert: Music for the Reformation and at the annual Leadership Summit in October. The event was held in of the Transform World Movement Lake Wales, Fla.

44 SOUTHEASTERN

9 DR. CAROLYN HOLTON, Weapons & Their Destruction.” He professor of information systems, also serves on a Citizen Advisory earned MIT’s Big Data and Social Committee for the Pueblo Chemical Analytics certificate, in which she Weapons Depot, which houses all of learned to use Python to analyze the mustard gas that was going to be massive stores of data to understand utilized as weapons of warfare in the and predict behavior in social World Wars. As a chemist, Salvatore networks, gain insights through serves on the committee in regards 9 10 business intelligence and design to safe destruction of these agents. targeted interventions. 14 DR. ERICA SIRRINE, dean of 10 DR. PATTY LEBLANC, professor the College of Behavioral and Social of education, has been selected for Sciences, recently had an article on inclusion in the Academic Keys her dissertation research published Who’s Who in Curriculum & in OMEGA: Journal of Death and Education Higher Education, an Dying. She has also spoken at five 11 12 online source of information on conferences within the past year leading, influential experts and on a variety of subjects pertaining scientists working in the curriculum to handling grief and maintaining and education field. relational bonds.

11 DR. ADRIAN MANLEY, 15 DR. ZACK TACKETT, associate associate professor of counselor professor of history and theology, education, was keynote speaker at presented a paper in November at River of Life’s Forever Marriage the Reformation 500 Conference 13 14 Conference. hosted by the Regent University School of Divinity. His paper is 12 DR. CAMERON MCNABB, entitled “As on the Day of Pentecost: associate professor of English, Pentecostals’ Use of Scripture in published one article in Studies in Relationship to the Gospel in the Medieval and Renaissance Teaching Continuing Reform of the Church,” and has a forthcoming chapter and was previously presented at on staging disability in medieval the Baylor Institute for Faith and 15 16 drama in the Routledge Research Higher Learning. Companion to Medieval Disability Studies. She is also currently the editor 16 DR. ROBBY WADDELL, and a contributor to the Medieval professor of New Testament and Disability Sourcebook, forthcoming early Christian literature, published from Punctum Press. Along with her two co-authored editorials this past academic publications, she recently summer. He delivered a paper at the published an article in Salon on Society for Pentecostal Studies in St. the Public’s performance of Julius Louis, Kan. He chaired a Roundtable Caesar in New York. McNabb also Dialogue at the Society of Biblical won Early Theatre’s Best Interpretive Literature in Boston, Mass., this Essay for her essay “Night of the past fall titled “A Conversation with Living Bread: Unstable Signs in Harvey Cox on Pentecostalism, Chester’s ‘Antichrist.’” Markets, Scripture, and the Future of Faith.” In addition to this, he also 13 DR. RALPH SALVATORE, contributed a chapter to the text associate professor of chemistry, “Teaching the Bible in the Liberal gave a seminar at USF’s Chemistry Arts Classroom.” Lecture Series titled the “Chemistry Behind the Use of Chemical

SOUTHEASTERN 45 DON AND LAUREN (BURRIS) START ❘ ’10/’16 MBA ARIN KURTZ ❘ ’16

IN THE LIVES OF SEU ALUMNI

SABRYA NIXON ❘ ’17

ROBERT and RAQUEL (ILLESCAS) SUAREZ ❘ ’04 DIANE LAWS ❘ ’95

46 SOUTHEASTERN MONICA FORD ❘ ’64 DON HALL ❘ ’93 PRIYA (ARUL) MURPHY ❘ ’07/’10 MBA

______1964 ______1987 ______1993

MONICA FORD is spending her BOBBY and GINA (GOOCH) DON HALL worked with a team to retirement years volunteering for her BASHAM live in Virginia. Bobby create an MTV-style talk show called church in Winter Haven, Fla. serves as the Potomac men’s ministries “The Don Hall Show.” The show director and IT manager for the features popular bands, singers and Potomac Network. Bobby is also celebrities to inspire Czech youth to ______1967 the executive director of the Royal believe in themselves and follow their Rangers, director of Extreme Church dreams. The show was later transformed FRANKLIN and WANDA Makeovers and the lead on the Rural into a new broadcast called “Soul (BARKER) BAZ started New Life Church Initiative. Republic,” while the original show Ministries, Inc., in Raceland, Ky. They became focused on celebrity interviews are ministering at an independent care and musical performances. home, two churches and wherever ______1990 there is a need to be filled. Together, 1995 they have three adult daughters and CONNIE DAYTON served as a ______five grandchildren. children’s pastor at Carpenter’s Home Church for over 20 years in Lakeland, DIANE LAWS has served as an LINDA SPURLOCK and her Fla. She also served as a children’s Assemblies of God world missionary to husband, Jesse, pioneered three evangelist and kids’ camp evangelist islands in the Pacific Ocean, including churches. They are now ministering in the Bahamas, Virginia and Florida. the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and to children on Sunday and Tuesday She has authored pieces in Pentecostal Kosrae (an island in the Federated States evenings. She has two grown children Evangel and in magazines for Royal of Micronesia). and four grandchildren. Rangers and Girls Ministry. In addition to ministering, she worked as a teacher ______2004 in Polk County for over 25 years. 1978 ______ROBERT and RAQUEL EDWARD and COLLEEN (ILLESCAS) SUAREZ are (KELLEY) OLIVER have two PHILIP PRINCIPAL currently serving as Assemblies of God World children they adopted from China attends Glassport Assembly of God in Missionaries to Belgium. They lead (Chloe, 15, and Annika, 4). Pennsylvania and works in landscaping. a church, Central Community, in He is also writing a devotional journal. Antwerp, Belgium. In order to reach their community, the church offers a book club, story time for children

SOUTHEASTERN 47 KATIE (RADCLIFFE) MAKAR ❘ ’09 MALLORY WILLIAMSON ❘ ’10 JEROMIE GRAMMER ❘ ’15

and board gaming nights (which is quite popular in Europe). The church ______2009 ______2012 also partners with a local narcotics anonymous organization. KATIE (RADCLIFFE) MAKAR BETHANY MILLER recently and her spouse, Matthew, currently graduated from Florida State 2007 live in Orlando, Fla. Katie is a second University’s College of Motion Picture ______grade teacher at The First Academy, a Arts with an MFA. She is currently Christ-centered college preparatory freelancing and working the festival circuit BRENT LUTZ ’14 MAML and his school. Matthew serves on staff at the with her master’s thesis film, “Death at family are relocating to Toledo, Ohio, to Orlando House of Prayer (OHOP) as Dinner,” a romantic murder mystery plant Anchor Church. For the past 12 the director of their school of ministry. comedy. She is also in the development years, Brent served as a student pastor. Katie ministers alongside Matthew in stage for her first feature film, in Brent and his wife, Lauren, will serve various capacities at OHOP, including addition to creating film workshops. as the lead pastors at Anchor Church singing on the worship team, preaching and will be partnering with the church and mentoring interns. Katie and planting organization Stadia. Matthew recently celebrated two years ______2015 of marriage, and welcomed their new PRIYA (ARUL) MURPHY ’10 MBA puppy, Tozer, into the family. GABRIELLA (GOLD) BROOM married her husband, Daniel, on March married her high school sweetheart, 17, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. She is working Mitch, in the spring of 2016. She and as the director of strategic partnerships 2010 ______her husband reside in Lakeland, Fla., for New Friends New Life in Dallas, where Gabby works as a high school Texas. The organization works to restore D.J. ’16 MBA and LAUREN (BURRIS) English teacher at Mulberry Christian formerly trafficked girls and sexually START ’16 MBA welcomed their Academy. Mitch is a speech therapist exploited women and children. Daniel son, Easton, on May 20, 2017. in Polk County. The couple also serves works as a marketing specialist at Aviall, together on the worship team at Word a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. MALLORY WILLIAMSON was Up Ministries. Priya and her husband currently live selected as the Teacher of the Year in Dallas. In addition to their day at Wendell Watson Elementary in JEROMIE GRAMMER is the head jobs, they are leading EPIC, a young Lakeland, Fla. coach of the varsity boys basketball adults ministry in partnership with their team for Legacy Christian Academy in local church. Beaumont, Texas. Jeromie and his wife,

48 SOUTHEASTERN Caitlin, also run a youth basketball accepted a full-time position with program, Southeast Texans Hoops, the company in the area of supply which just completed its sixth season chain as a procurement specialist in of operations. The couple serve at seafood and beef. Free City Church in Beaumont. 2017 ______JERRED PEACOCK is currently ______serving as a student ministry pastor at Living Water Church in JACOB and HANNAH (VALLE) Estero, Fla. BEAMER got engaged the day before they drove down to Lakeland, ALYSSA RAMOS ❘ ’16/’17 MBA 2016 Fla., for their spring graduation. They ______were married on December 1, 2017.

CHRISTIAN and GABRIELLA MATTHEW CUMMISKEY is the (SMITH) BORES live in Lakeland, middle school pastor at the main Fla. Gabriella works at Lakeland campus of a multi-site church in Regional Medical Center as a senior Chicago, Ill. social worker. She is also a part of the inaugural class of Southeastern’s JEREMY MOORE accepted a Master of Social Work program. position at Lighthouse Fellowship Christian began his doctorate of in Cape Coral, Fla. He is the physical therapy program at Nova director of the church’s preschool, Southeastern University in May of elementary and youth ministries, 2017. and is responsible for overseeing the church’s social media presence. ARIN KURTZ is working as a social media specialist for Outreach Inc. in SABRYA NIXON accepted a job Colorado Springs, Colo. with Gary Law Group.

ALYSSA RAMOS ’17 MBA is PAXTON and KATIE (DICKEY) VICTORIA YOUNG ❘ ’16/’17 MBA working as an assistant basketball SHIRA ’16 got married in the coach at the University of Saint summer of 2017 and moved to Katherine in Carlsbad, Calif. Oregon.

BRETT RUPP was recently hired KELSEY WHALEN is working by MidFlorida Credit Union as an as a math and ESE teacher at associate manager in Lakeland, Fla. Lake Gibson Middle School in Lakeland, Fla. VICTORIA YOUNG ’17 MBA interned at Bloomin’ Brands and

SOUTHEASTERN 49 KELSEY WHALEN ❘ ’17 JEREMY MOORE ❘ ’17 JACOB and HANNAH (VALLE) BEAMER ❘ ’17 IN MEMORIAM

THOMAS BENEFIELD passed away on November 2, 2017, in 1960 Forsyth, Ga. Thomas was a veteran of the United States Air Force ______and served during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Medical Center of Central Georgia as a systems analyst. He is survived by his JOSEPH “JOE” REGISTER wife, Vickie; children, Christy and Sean Wheeler and Michael and passed away on September Kristy Benefield; and his five grandchildren. 1, 2017. Joe met his wife MARGARET “MAGGIE” 1951 (ARNOLD) ’91 while he ______was a student at Southeastern. Joe served for many years in LYLE HADLER passed away on December 24, 2017. After South America in the countries graduating from Southeastern, Lyle and his wife Helen pastored of Chile and Paraguay. During several churches in Tennessee and South Carolina before returning his ministry, he launched STAR to Southeastern to teach. Lyle taught American and World (Spanish Television And Radio) Histories and Sociology from 1965 until 1989, when he retired. Ministries for both children and adults. One of the shows, Secret He was involved in numerous student mission teams and the Place (Lugar Secreto), went on to be one of the most watched Drama Department. Lyle is preceded in death by his wife of 63 children’s programs in Latin America. years, HELEN (HAYMOND) ’69. He is survived by his children SONJA JOHNSON ’76, PAULA ’81 and Gary Mills, and T.L. Joe is survived by his wife, Maggie; their children and spouses, and SHERRIE (NICKELL) ’79 Johnson; grandchildren Tasha and CRYSTAL “CRYSTI” PORTER ’84 and Douglas Porter, Brett Di Piero, Dustin and Lei Johnson, Tara Mills, Robert Mills, and Timothy and Regina Register; three grandchildren, and Nicholas Mills; great grandchildren, Maykailah DuPorte, Zane JENNIFER (PORTER) ’01 and Wesley Morris, Kyndal Chisholm and Abrielle Mills. (Porter) and CALEB MORRIS ’07, and Tessa Register; and 1954 five great-grandchildren, Caden, Benson, Kaybree, Caralynn ______and Cohen.

1963 MILDRED “FAYE” SHELTON ______died peacefully at home on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at the age of NANCY “BECKY” (ROBERTS) WOODS passed away 84. Faye was the beloved wife on August 23, 2017. Becky spent 39 years as a teacher in both of Rev. ROYCE SHELTON Jacksonville and Lakeland, Fla. Her love for education led her ’55, who served as Southeastern’s to become an adjunct professor of English, American literature Director of Admissions from 1967 and education at Southeastern University for 12 years. Becky is to 1999. During their years serving survived by her husband, DON ’72; her daughter and son-in-law, at Southeastern, Faye was known as Rev. RANDY ’92 and ROBIN (WOODS) ’92 KNECHTEL; a warm and generous woman who three grandchildren; and her brother and sister-in-law, Rev. loved the students and poured into TERRY ’72 and Sandra ROBERTS. their lives. Faye received her degree from Southeastern in education and was a public school teacher in Polk County until her retirement. She and Royce were married for 61 years and have two grown children and two grandchildren.

SEND US YOUR CLASS NOTES • All submissions due by May 1, 2018, for the next issue. Email: [email protected] • Submit online at SEU.edu/alumni Mail to: Alumni Relations • Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33801

50 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 51 COMMENCEMENT Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2017!

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2017! A total of 436 The commencement speaker was Rev. M. WAYNE BLACKBURN, students graduated, with 339 participating in the ceremony on lead pastor of Victory Church. During the ceremony, Blackburn December 15, 2017. There were 10 doctoral candidates, 162 was presented with an honorary doctorate. The student commencement master’s candidates, 243 bachelor’s candidates, and 21 associate speaker was ERIC EVERSOLE ’17, a biology and secondary degree candidates. The graduates are from Florida and 36 other education major. states, as well as from eight countries, including Sweden, Peru, India and Paraguay.

52 SOUTHEASTERNRev. M. Wayne Blackburn Eric Eversole Rev. Terry Raburn

SOUTHEASTERN 53 SEU ALUMNUS NOMINATED FOR DOVE AWARD

54 SOUTHEASTERN f you ever get the privilege to talk to children) and to continue his music The words “be the light, share the fire JOIVAN JIMENEZ ’15, whose career at the same time. Going to SEU within you” came to him, and he began song “Generación de Fuego” was also showed his children how important singing, and the kids sang with him. He nominated for a 2017 Dove Award education is; they saw firsthand that it’s brought that experience and those words Ifor Spanish Language Recorded Song always possible to pursue a dream, to get home with him and finished the song. of the Year, you’ll find yourself smiling an education and to follow God’s call. ear to ear, inspired by his love of God, “It’s such a blessing to have been humble demeanor and true desire to The close relationships with his classmates nominated alongside other artists whom lead worship. and professors were Joivan’s most I have admired for years,” Joivan said. cherished parts of his time at SEU. He “It wasn’t a dream come true … I never When Joivan was four years into medical majored in Ministerial Leadership and dared to dream it. Instead, it was proof of school, he felt God calling him to chose the worship track of study, which God’s hand in my path of pursuing music do something else — something truly molded him in the importance for His glory.” completely different. of excellence and authenticity. He now serves Meadowbrook Church as Joivan hopes that his story will encourage “I knew, without a doubt, that the Lord both a worship leader and the Spanish those who are looking for the courage was calling me to be a worship leader,” ministry director. to take their next steps in life to turn Joivan shared. “It really was a leap of faith to prayer, and to fully surrender to to discontinue my medical training and As a regional campus student, Joivan God’s will. pursue music full time.” attended SEU Conference, which inspired him to see how he could “To succeed, I had to take my prayer life Joivan, who lives in Ocala, Fla., traveled incorporate a similar style of worship to a whole new level. Along the way, I extensively with a worship band for into the Spanish-speaking community to met people who weren’t supportive,” said several years before beginning his solo meet those young people where they are. Joivan, “but I knew I had to be obedient career. During this time, he was looking to God’s call.” for a church home and a way to pursue With this desire placed on his heart, his ministerial education. He began to Joivan traveled to Cuba for a summer In addition to this, Joivan encourages pray for opportunities to do both. camp missions trip, as he does each others to seek out individuals who will year. Prior to departing for the trip, he help bring out the best in them. Joivan’s prayers were answered when he had a melody for a new song in mind, ran into a longtime friend who told him but no lyrics yet. One evening in Cuba, “Surround yourself with people who will of Southeastern University’s regional Joivan went for a walk with a few of keep you accountable and will call out campus at Meadowbrook Church the children from the camp, and as the the best in you,” Joivan said. “It would be in Ocala. sun was setting, all the electricity in the a lonely ministry without my family, my surrounding area went out. He began to music team, my mentors and friends and “It was truly the hand of God at worry about how he would find a way to especially my SEU family. They’re the work. I had always been a fan of SEU, get the children back to camp safely. The ones who taught me that our futures are because I loved the strong community kids were prepared for the loss of light; paved through prayer.” feeling that I got whenever I visited the they had lanterns and flashlights and they Lakeland campus,” said Joivan. “Coming led the way for him. Joivan hopes that others will pursue their to Meadowbrook as both church and God-given talents for His purpose and school gave me the chance to get that “Here I was, in a foreign place, fully seek to spread the name of Jesus. experience close to home.” trusting these precious children to show me the way back. This was God’s way of “We all carry a fire in our hearts Joivan found the blend of in-person and showing me that there is a generation of that is meant to be shared. We have a online classes offered at the SEU regional young people who understand that they responsibility to share that light, that fire campus to be ideal for him. This flexible have to be ready to be a light for others,” … to show others that light is Jesus.” schedule allowed him to still be there for said Joivan. his family (he is married and has three

SOUTHEASTERN 55 Jim and Vicky Gross

CREATIVITY AND MINISTRY COME TOGETHER FOR THE GROSS FAMILY

56 SOUTHEASTERN Amanda Gross Matt and Candace Gross

“ od must’ve had a blast. of their “outside the box” ministry that In 1977, when the Gross’s came to Painting the stripes on the God would birth in their hearts. Southeastern, they had been involved zebra, hanging the stars in the in evangelism and ministry for six years, sky, putting the gold in the Both had become Christians through but had not sat in a classroom since high Gsunset. What creativity! And then, as a finale personal evangelism — Vicky in 1970, and school. For Jim, it had been 13 years to a brilliant performance, He made a human, Jim, a “hippie-fied” Vietnam vet, in 1971. and two tours in Vietnam since he had who had the unique honor to bear the stamp, That same year, they met at the World been to school. For Vicky, it had been ‘Created In His Image.’” —Max Lucado Ministry Outreach in Fort Lauderdale, six years. But they were open to a new a ministry that was patterned after Teen learning experience and, after arriving in “Having then gifts differing according to the Challenge. They immediately became part Lakeland, worked several jobs to pay their grace that is given to us, let us use them.” of the World Ministry Singers, a group tuition at Southeastern and rent for their Romans 12:6 that performed original music, drama and small apartment in the Lake Bonny area. street evangelism all across the U.S. and When JIM ’81 and VICKY ’81 GROSS in Canada and other countries. Jim and Jim said that they “fell in love with came to Southeastern College in 1977, Vicky married in 1975 and the following learning” and it was like “light bulbs came they came with $400 to their name and year moved to New York state. They on” for them as they learned from faculty the belief that completing their education began working with the B’nai Yeshua members like J. Bashford Bishop, Robert at a Christian college was the next step ministry in Long Island, N.Y., and joined Elliott and Dr. Bill Richardson. They say in their faith journey that had begun six the music and drama group “The Psalms their Marriage and Family class with years earlier. What they didn’t know then of David,” sharing with both the Jewish Dr. Grant Daniel was eye-opening as well was that their journey would take them, community in NYC, and in Christian — although they had been married for and later their children, into a world churches across the country. two years. where the arts would be an integral part

SOUTHEASTERN 57 Jim (top right) and Vicky (seated) with the World Ministry Singers in the mid-70s. Jim (middle) and Vicky (right)

Vicky was an education major, and she dance and music. The concept of creative their lives growing up. Amanda, who now appreciated the educational component evangelism continued to develop with works in Israel as the senior TV producer of college and felt that Southeastern the family. and director of TV at the International “opened up the learning experience” Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ), for her. She had always felt that learning Jim and Vicky continued to develop their said that she counts it a privilege to have and education should be fun. College “out of the box” ministry through the grown up in a house where the arts were was, as she expected, very structured… arts, and in 1994 moved to Murfreesboro, always celebrated. until she met Dr. Rita Meadows. To N.C., where Jim served as pastor of the Vicky’s delight, Meadows also said that AG church there, and Vicky taught middle “My parents are my biggest support school and learning should be fun! Her school music and drama. In the ten years system. They always encouraged me to classes with Meadows were the highlight they served in Murfreesboro, they created participate in drama, writing, singing, art of Vicky’s SEU experience because a club for teens, programs for kids, a street and photography, and to use whatever Meadows confirmed that Vicky was evangelism ministry, and a music and I was passionate about for the glory of called to be a teacher, and she encouraged drama ministry. Jim and Vicky involved God. Because they were so affirming, the class to use their creativity. Vicky says Amanda and Matt in every aspect of their this helped shape me into the person I that Meadows “set the bar high with church ministry during this time, as the am today,” said Amanda. every assignment, but it ignited the fire of kids entered their teen years. Vicky said creativity in me!” that they intentionally included Amanda Matt also remembers being involved in and Matt in the various ministries because everything as a teenager in the church in After graduating in 1981 with degrees in of a quote she had heard and remembered North Carolina, including “skits, singing, Pastoral Ministry (Jim) and Elementary from Dr. James Dobson. She remembered kids camps, puppets…everything.” He Education (Vicky), they began their Dobson saying, “The teenage years are said it taught him a sincere love for the family with daughter AMANDA like riding over the falls in a canoe and church and serving others. ’05 and son MATT ’09/’14 MBA. we just tried to keep everybody in the The young family moved to Belton, family in the boat.” They decided to keep Amanda remembers that both she and S.C., where Jim served as pastor of an the family together in the same boat by Matt were encouraged to “not only tap Assemblies of God (AG) home mission keeping them involved in the ministry into the gifts that God had given each church. While in Belton, Jim and Vicky and “honing in on their gifts and them of us, but to use them.” Romans 12:6, started a children’s ministry called “Street using their gifts to minister to others.” a foundational scripture for the Gross Church.” During their six years in Belton, family, reinforced the fact that because their children started helping with the Amanda and Matt both remember the everyone has “gifts that differ according children’s ministry and learned puppetry, impact this hands-on ministry had on to the grace given us, let us use them.”

58 SOUTHEASTERN At age 15, Amanda told her parents these streets, and I use it as an opportunity Matt, who serves as the director of that she wanted to be an international to say a prayer for the people as my media productions at Free Life Chapel in field reporter for a Christian news eyes meet theirs. Just living here is a Lakeland, also co-founded YelloWhistle, organization, and she remembers how beautiful gift.” an advertising and marketing firm, with they encouraged her to go for it! This Candace last year. Matt said, “Everything was one of the motivators for Amanda Growing up in a home where he was really started for us when Candace and coming to SEU — to learn television encouraged to use his gifts, Matt also had a I started the MBA together. Through production. She said that it was in her passion for seeing the lost come to Christ mentorship and training at SEU, we Introduction to Television Production through whatever means and gifts God learned the principles of business and class with Dr. Wade Mumm that she used. Matt had already discovered his love marketing, setting the foundation for discovered her love for producing and for video production while working with what God knew was coming through seeing other team members excelling in his parents in Murfreesboro, and decided the plans He birthed in our hearts.” their gifts. At that time, Amanda decided to pursue Broadcasting at Southeastern, Candace said that getting her MBA is she would rather use her gifts behind the just as his sister had. “While I was at SEU, I what “sparked a passion” to run her own camera instead of in front of it. She said, had the opportunity to learn and enhance business. She added, “I feel like I’m living “SEU gave me the practical skills and the gifts I had, whether through media, my dream every day, and I’m so thankful opportunities I needed to really know music, or later through business,” said for all that SEU poured into me — not if the career I thought I was passionate Matt. He chose to attend SEU, though, only academically, but spiritually as well.” about was really what I thought it not because his parents went there, or his was. My broadcast communications sister, but because of an SEU music tour And what of Jim and Vicky, who taught teachers gave me the freedom to try a team that ministered at a summer camp their children to use their gifts and allow variety of production roles where I had he attended. Later, during his first year at God to use their creativity and passion to access to the tools I needed to create and Southeastern, Matt led one of these tour reach others for Christ? In 2005, God grow — all while in an affirming, creative teams and said it was great to see how placed on their hearts to leave their jobs learning environment.” God had brought this back “full circle.” as pastor and teacher and go to pursue and develop a ministry of creative Following her graduation in 2005, The tour team was also where Matt met evangelism with Teen Challenge. They Amanda worked behind the camera his wife CANDACE (SHOEMAKER) felt a calling to unlock potential in Teen and in video production for six years at ’12/’14 MBA. Candace auditioned Challenge students by teaching them Victory Church in Lakeland, followed for one of the tour teams that Matt was how to use their gifts — whether it be by four-and-a-half years in Dallas, Texas, leading. Both say that their time traveling through music, drama, art, dance, writing working with Daystar TV. It was through with the tour teams is one of their best or some other gifting that expressed how a television special in Israel that Amanda memories of their time at SEU. God changed their lives. Today, they are became acquainted with the International nationally appointed AGUS Missionaries Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ). Matt and Candace both received their B.A. to Teen Challenge who travel to centers In 2014, when the door opened up for in Broadcasting, and then both earned across the country. They work with her to become a producer of television their MBA in 2014. While studying residents and students over a one- to programs and specials created by ICEJ, broadcasting, they both agreed that SEU two-week period to create stories of how Amanda moved to Israel and fulfilled gave them the hands-on experience to God changed their lives. her dream as a 15-year-old to work in grow their skills in media production, the international Christian television. use of cameras and directing. Candace Vicky says that they have looked at their said, “Southeastern not only helped lives over the past 40-plus years and they “One lesson I am really thankful my me academically but experientially, by see a thread of God’s creativity at work parents taught me is to listen to the offering me my first job as a student in their lives to share His greatest gift, voice of the Holy Spirit,” said Amanda. worker in the marketing department.” and that thread continues today in the “Jerusalem is a walking city, and I pray in Likewise, Matt said Southeastern gifts that Amanda, Matt and Candace the Spirit and listen for encouragement as “challenged me spiritually by allowing also share. I walk the streets of the city where God me to have the educational experience to placed His name. Sometimes you can chase my passion for worship and leading feel the pain of the people as you walk teams in ministry.”

SOUTHEASTERN 59 O2 PROGRAM HELP FUEL THE FIRE

Use this card to take advantage of numerous benefits, including an online discount program, discounts at Portico Coffeehouse, the bookstore and Fire Football games, including use of the library, weight room and pool.

Your annual gift of $25 will help provide scholarship dollars for our students.

For more information, visit: alumni.seu.edu/O2benefits

ALUMNI & FRIENDS TRIP

Have you ever wanted to visit the places you have read about in the Bible? If so, make sure to check out this opportunity to travel with fellow SEU alumni. The trip will be led by Dr. Joe Davis, professor of religion.

Visit the birthplace of Jesus See the Garden Tomb Walk the Palm Sunday Path See the remains of King David’s Palace Be baptized in the Jordan River

MAY 15 - 24, 2018

For more information, please visit TheIsraelAdventure.com or contact Dr. Joe Davis at [email protected].

60 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 61 Homecoming

During Homecoming weekend, more than 200 alumni2017 enjoyed a Hawaiian luau — complete with an erupting volcano and roasted pig — as they returned to campus to reunite with former classmates and professors. We celebrated the 50th anniversary of the class of 1967 and the 25th anniversary of the class of 1992. The weekend concluded with alumni cheering on the Fire football team, as they defeated Webber International University 56-7, and fireworks following the game.

62 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 63 SAVE THE DATE HOMECOMING 2018 OCTOBER 26-27, 2018

64 SOUTHEASTERN GENERAL COUNCIL 2017

Over 350 alumni and friends gathered together for the Southeastern alumni reception at the Assemblies of God General Council in Anaheim, Calif. The night was filled with conversations, giveaways and a performance by BRYAN DUNCAN ’71.

SOUTHEASTERN 65 PERSPECTIVE

lived in response to the mysterious urge of the power of God in the saints (my to make music. That is faith integration own “Pilgrimage of Practice”), and at the departmental level and an musical love stories of the homeless endeavor for called persons. I have come (Paul and Valinda Harlan’s “Bounce to understand it as a vibrant expression Back”). New faculty study and minister of Pentecostal worship. to bring forth fresh interpretations — such as Mr. William Lake Jr., our new We move to a rhythm that is broader director of bands. And we will all be than our own individual expressions. It deeply attentive to the prophetic voices pulses in the practice-room prayers of of the sage reviewers who will shepherd students facing demons of self-image us through the National Association of

CHARLES J. HULIN IV, D.M.A. and motivation. It finds form in the Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation Chair, Department of Music studio community of mentors bringing process in coming semesters. perspective and order to the development of students’ gifts. It resonates in the Often following footsteps of alumni, we uring my first faculty reflectiveness of rehearsals through are led out to other communities where orientation eight years which graces of musical perception are the mission of music can reveal truths ago, I was profoundly imparted. And it permeates us all in the greater than the powers and principalities stirred by the fact that so synergy of performances when comfort, that rule this world. Dr. Mark Belfast Jr. Dmany Southeastern colleagues thought of revelation and transformation are and Southeastern’s Jazz Ensemble keep their employment here as a calling. That released in moments of transcendence. the music of liberation very alive as they reality grounds me whenever I consider travel our local roads. The Gardiners it. During that same orientation, I was We engage our whole selves in this work. (Ron and Annabelle) and Dr. Young-Ah also blessed to learn that Southeastern We know it is not enough to pass on Tak praise through their pure playing on emphasizes the integration of one’s professional standards without sharing world-class stages from Orlando to New faith with one’s academic discipline, an the struggles of life or delving into the York. Dr. Shudong Braamse and Mr. emphasis that made me feel especially soulful fulfillment of creativity. Our Ed Bryant will sing and teach in China at home as faith integration has been meeting with students is an improvised this coming summer, and Dr. Dan my career-long passion. I interpret liturgy processing the interplay of course Gordon will prepare an ensemble for a the widespread sense of calling on schedules and hurricanes, aspirations and performing and learning tour of Ireland our campus and the emphasis on faith limitations. We call and respond with the following year. integration as signs of the Spirit in words we know while the Spirit guides our midst. in discernment. We wash feet by hearing A rich polyphony rises from our days the testimonies of where each other have spent in this worship while the Spirit In the department of music, we discover been, and we become a body together keeps guiding us to newness: new the Spirit’s presence as something more by recognizing where we are now. facilities to sanctify; new friends to thoroughgoing than faculty modeling companion; new styles to study; new artistic excellence or students imagining We learn to listen in a heightened courses to teach; new degrees to offer; tomorrow’s careers. Through and beyond fashion. Our composers hear their way new ensembles to spread good news; those good things, we find ourselves in to jubilant celebrations of young life new actions to change the world. a dynamic unfolding of Christian lives (Brian Blume’s “Songs of Eden”), studies

66 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 67 March 15-16, 2018

Experience actionable training to raise the leadership bar for yourself, your organization and your community.

ALL-ACCESS ADMISSION $299 | GENERAL ADMISSION $149

Daymond John Brian Kilmeade Caitlin Crosby Kristen Ledlow CEO, The Shark Group Co-host of Fox & Friends Singer/Songwriter NBA TV Sports Broadcaster Appears on Shark Tank NYT bestselling author Founder of The Giving Keys SEU Alum

Other speakers include: Charles Duhigg SCHOLARSHIP GALA Author, The Power of Habit (Gala admission requires a separate ticket) Scott Harrison Founder, charity:water Tim Tebow and Jeff Foxworthy will be the featured speakers at the Scholarship Gala fundraising dinner on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. For more information about sponsoring a table Danielle Weisberg at the Gala, contact Eunice Hutto at 863.667.5901 or email [email protected]. & Carly Zakin Founders, theSkimm Julissa Arce Immigrant Rights Advocate Bill Rancic Entrepreneur/Winner of The Apprentice Alex Sheen Founder, because I said I would Ed Bastian CEO, Delta Airlines Mark Sanborn Tim Tebow Jeff Foxworthy Sanborn & Associates, Inc. Two-time national champion, Largest selling comedy-recording artist first round NFL draft pick in history, a multiple Grammy Award REGISTER AT: SEUforum.com and Heisman Trophy winner nominee and bestselling author

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