The Patriot - January 23, 2026

Letter From the Editor in Chief

Welcome to a new semester! I hope everyone had a wonderful break full of Christmas joy and celebration, rest, and time spent with the people who matter most. Whether your break was busy or quiet, I hope you’re returning refreshed and ready for the months ahead.

The start of a new semester always brings a sense of renewal. It’s a chance to set new goals, try something different, and approach familiar routines with a fresh perspective. As classes resume and schedules fill up, we’re reminded that each semester is its own story—one shaped by the moments we experience, the challenges we face, and the community we share.

Here at our publication, we’re especially excited for what’s ahead. Our staff has been working hard to prepare content that reflects the voices, interests, and concerns of our school community. This semester, you can expect engaging articles, meaningful features, and creative pieces that highlight student achievements, school events, and important conversations happening around campus. Our goal is not only to inform, but to connect, represent, and inspire.

Journalism plays a powerful role in giving people a voice and telling stories that might otherwise go unheard. That’s something we take seriously. Every article, interview, and photo is an opportunity to capture what makes our school unique. We’re committed to producing work that is thoughtful, accurate, and reflective of the diverse perspectives within our student body.

We also want to remind you that this publication is for you. Your ideas, opinions, and creativity matter. Whether you’re interested in writing, photography, design, or simply sharing a story idea, there’s a place for you here. Don’t hesitate to reach out, submit content, or suggest topics you’d like to see covered. Some of our best stories start with a simple idea from a student just like you.As the semester moves forward, remember to take care of yourself and support one another. Balance your responsibilities, celebrate your successes—big or small—and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. We’re all navigating this journey together, and community is what makes it meaningful.

Thank you for continuing to read, support, and engage with our publication. We’re excited to grow, learn, and create alongside you this semester. Welcome back, and here’s to a successful, positive, and memorable term ahead.

Lots of love,

Filippa Malmström Editor-In-Chief

Staff

Editor- in- Chief Filippa Malmström

Managing Editor

Ally Kennedy

Staff Writers

Katrina Campbell

Jillian Cross

Sydney Dingus

Eli Dunn

Lily Fabela

Ximena Melendez Hernandez

Taylor Moren

Kasey Padgett

Samuel Price

Sydney Taylor

Emily Zecchini

Staff Photographers

Faith Baker

Alex Evans

Kurstyn Ison

Abigail McKamey

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Campus

Cumberlands’ Free Textbooks Save Students Millions

University of the Cumberlands continues to ease the financial burden of higher education through its free textbook program, now in its sixth year, which provides course materials to all enrolled students at no cost. During the 2024–2025 academic year, the initiative saved students an estimated $6.3 million, based on enrollment of more than 22,000 students and the national average annual cost of textbooks. The program ensures students receive required materials automatically after registering for classes, eliminating delays and out-of-pocket expenses and supporting academic readiness from the first day of the semester. Part of the university’s broader One Price Promise affordability initiative, the textbook program has contributed to Cumberlands being named the No. 1 Best Value College in Kentucky for 2026 by Research.com, reinforcing its emphasis on access, convenience and student success.

Palmer Lecture - Kathleen Driskell

2025-26 Kentucky Poet Laureate, Kathleen Driskell is an Award-winning poet, essayist and teacher. Driskell has published six poetry collections including “Goat-footed Gods” and “Next Door to the Dead”. Driskell is a professor of creative writing and Chair of the Naslundmann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding in Louisville. She and her husband live in an old church which was built before the American Civil War. Driskell attributes the majority of her inspiration to the surrounding area where she lives and especially to the old church and its graveyard. She was welcomed by the University on Jan. 20th to speak in UC’s Palmer Lecture series. Driskell also taught a workshop for Professor Jamey Temple’s poetry class who have been studying the Poet’s work, “Next Door to the Dead.” Driskell’s remarkable wit and generous support of the young writers was an inspiration to the students.

Newcomer Bernot Shines for UC Men’s Swimming

UC men’s swimming and diving team has found a new star in Titouan Bernot, who joined the team from France after winter break. In just his second dual meet, Bernot stunned the crowd by winning the 200-yard freestyle in 1:36.66 during UC’s double dual victory over Centre and Transylvania, breaking a school record that had stood since 2009 by nearly two seconds and posting the fastest NAIA time this season by almost a full second. He followed that up with a tactical win in the 500 free, using a late move to capture first place and achieve the NAIA provisional cut. His performances earned him MSC Swimmer of the Week honors.

UC Earns SACSCOC Torch Award for Affordability and Student Access

The University of the Cumberlands has been recognized with the Torch Award for Affordability by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), honoring the university’s commitment to access, academic quality, and student-centered education. The inaugural Torch Awards highlight institutions demonstrating leadership in affordability, student success, and post-college outcomes, with winners recognized across multiple performance indicators rather than ranked. Cumberlands’ recognition reflects its ongoing efforts to reduce financial barriers for students, including the 2019 Cumberlands Commitment tuition reduction, the provision of free textbooks, the One Price Promise eliminating hidden fees, and new scholarships and forgivable zero-interest loans that limit outof-pocket costs to $2,000 per semester for full-time students. The university’s focus on affordability is paired with maintaining a high-quality academic experience, a combination that contributes to access for students from all backgrounds.

Local

Downtown Williamsburg Fire Destroys Block

PHOTO BY JILLIAN CROSS

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — A fire broke out Tuesday night in downtown Williamsburg, damaging an entire city block and prompting a massive emergency response. The blaze, which started around 10 p.m., involved more than 100 firefighters from 10 local departments. Two people were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation. Many off-campus apartments housing University of the Cumberlands students are located in the area, though officials have not confirmed how many were affected. Fire crews battled the flames through the night into Wednesday morning, forcing downtown businesses to close for an undetermined period.

Winter Storm Threatens UC Patriots Weekend Games

A major winter storm expected to hit East Tennessee and central Kentucky this weekend could disrupt University of the Cumberlands’ sports schedule. Snow is forecast for Jan. 23–24 across Knoxville, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas, raising concerns that visiting teams may be unable to reach the campus. The UC swimming and diving team is set to host its senior day meet Saturday against rival Milligan, recognizing six seniors—Marcos del Vado Sanz, Will Gilbert, Leon Irmer, Filippa Malmström, Megan Robinson, and Ruthiik Satti—who have been looking forward to their senior day for four seasons. The women’s and men’s basketball teams are also scheduled to play Cambisville the same day. The UC Athletic Department said it is still unclear whether the visiting teams will be able to travel to Williamsburg.

Cumberlands Launches 24/ 7 Virtual Mental Health Platform

For the first time, graduate and undergraduate online students will have access to free, secure virtual mental health care through the University of the Cumberlands. Main campus students, faculty, and staff have had free counseling through the campus counseling center, Now all will receive this benefit through TimelyCare. This service offers a range of support options including 24/7 access to mental health professionals, up to 12 scheduled virtual mental health therapy sessions per school year, Psychiatry consultations, health coaching, self care content, and community support groups

Copper Thefts Cause WideSpread Outages

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. — Recently, a series of copper thefts in eastern Kentucky has led to widespread internet and utilities outages. This has especially affected Whitley County, and on Jan. 21, 2026, the University of the Cumberlands experienced a power outage due to these thefts. This not only affects internet service but also fries the computer and connections, as they can’t handle the shock of the blackout. Classes, recordings, and lessons are being affected because of the crimes. It is also creating a safety hazard for people. If you have any information or see any suspicious activity, police encourage you to call the nonemergency line and report the crime.

Features Understanding the Second-Semester Slump How Students Are Coping This Semester

BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER

The start of a new semester often brings hopes of fresh routines and renewed focus. For many students, however, optimism fades quickly as coursework and responsibilities begin to pile up. Instead, students face a bigger problem: secondsemester burnout.

Burnout, commonly described as prolonged physical emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by stress, affects students across all class years. Counselors say it often peaks midway through the academic year, when motivation drops and academic pressure increases.

According to MyLife Counselling, a mental health practice based in Canada, burnout among students can result in chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating and a lack of motivation toward schoolwork. The organization notes that burnout tends to build gradually and is often made worse when students do not give themselves enough time to rest or recover.

For junior Gavin Keeton, the transition from the fall semester to winter break plays a significant role in second-semester fatigue. “Being really committed to the first semester and then hitting Christmas break is devastating,” Keeton said. “It just does not feel right coming back. Keeton said the sudden shift from a relaxed holiday schedule back to structured academic life can be overwhelming. “Christmas is a high-spirited holiday,” he said. “Going from that back to school, where you have due dates and responsibility, is hard to come back to.”

He added that rebuilding routines after several weeks away can be especially challenging. “Waking up at whatever time and doing normal things, then making yourself snap back quickly to something you have not been doing for three weeks - it is hard,” he said.

Experts say this experience is common among college students. The Vermont Student

Assistance Corporation, a nonprofit organization focused on college access and student success, refers to this time of year as the “midyear slump.” According to VSAC, factors such as reduced daylight, colder weather and the fading excitement of a new academic year can significantly affect students’ energy and focus during the second semester.

Junior Rory Blevins described her experience so far this semester in one word: “drained. Blevins said changes to her schedule have made it harder to maintain consistent study habits. “This semester I have my first 8 a.m. class,” she said. “Having an 8 a.m. is part of the reason I stay exhausted.”

In addition to early classes, Blevins also began a work-study position this semester. “This took away a lot of study time for me,” she said. Balancing work and academics, she explained, has required her to adjust her routine more than she expected.

Mental health professionals say burnout often worsens when students juggle multiple responsibilities without enough time to rest. MyLife Counselling emphasizes that lack of sleep and ongoing stress can intensify burnout symptoms, making it more difficult for students to stay focused and engaged in their classes. While burnout is widespread, experts say there are practical ways to manage it. VSAC recommends breaking larger academic goals into smaller, more manageable tasks and using planners or digital tools to stay organized. Setting short-term goals can help students feel a sense of progress instead of becoming overwhelmed.

VSAC also encourages students to change their routines when motivation starts to fade. Studying in different locations, working with classmates, or adjusting study schedules can help break up monotony and improve focus. Self-care is another important part of preventing burnout. MyLife Counselling stresses the importance of adequate sleep, rest and making time for activities outside of academics. Counselors note that rest is not a distraction from productivity

but an essential part of maintaining mental and emotional health.

Students struggling with burnout are also encouraged to take advantage of on-campus resources. University of the Cumberlands offers free counseling services to students through the Counseling Center. Students can contact the center by email at counselingcenter@ucumberlands.edu or by phone at 606-539-3566. For 24/7 mental health support, students can access TimelyCare, which is available through a link on the UC website. Beyond counseling services, students are reminded to watch for events happening around campus throughout the semester. Campus activities can offer students a chance to step away from academic stress, connect with others and take a mental break from coursework.

For Keeton, patience is key, especially for students experiencing burnout for the first time. His advice to first-year students is simple: Do not panic. “College is new and also a challenge, not just to our knowledge but to our ability to depend on ourselves,” he said. “We are figuring it out and going along together.”

As students move deeper into the semester, acknowledging burnout rather than ignoring it may help lessen its impact. With realistic expectations, structured routines, attention to personal wellbeing, and by utilizing school resources, students can work through the second-semester slump and finish the academic year on a stronger note.

Attitudes on AI Features

UC Students, Faculty and Staff in Discussion on Artificial Intellegence

BY: SYDNEY DINGUS STAFF WRITER

Artificial intelligence research was founded at a workshop held at Dartmouth College in 1956, but it wasn’t until the early 2001s that AI became more than science fiction. Soon after this, “deep learning” or stacking artificial neurons into layers and “training” them to process data proved to be a breakthrough technology in 2017. Generative AI applications began booming in the 2020s. However, concerns about potential ethical risks have risen as its widespread use has become increasingly popular.

Chloe Schwenke, a Cumberlands accounting major, encourages those who refuse to use AI “to get with the program.” Schwenke states that since AI is a big part of our world today, “you gotta figure out how to use it. otherwise, you’re just gonna be behind.”

One of Schwenke’s professors used AI to create a podcast from a lecture. “It was actually really helpful for me to retain information,” she said. Schwenke said that AI has made art more accessible for her as well. She has used AI creatively to generate pictures of what she and her fiancé’s family might look like one day and to create watercolor-style art of their wedding venue for invitations. “I don’t always have time to do art like that, and it looks cool,” she said. Schwenke added that while she values supporting small businesses and artists, “I don’t have the money to support those places right now.”

Cumberlands Chemistry major Kaitlyn Green said that she believes “AI is the absolute worst.” She cited concerns about the environmental resources required to house and cool their data centers.

Green’s biggest argument against Artificial Intelligence is that “it’s taking away from the beauty that humans create. It’s just ruining literally everything all the time. It’s ruining art and

it’s ruining music with all the AI covers.”

Kaden Mathey is an information technology and computer science major at UC. In academic settings, Matheney uses AI to help him translate code he doesn’t understand and as a research assistant. “If your goal is just to summarize data or learn something that’s general information, anything like that, you can use it to research stuff for you way faster than you ever could on your own,” he said.

Matheney also expressed concerns about the misuse of AI. “Many people are using it to replace their critical thinking and kind of lobotomizing themselves,” he said. Matheney spoke with the IT department chair, Mr. Kenneth Sims, about AI’s potential to replace human jobs in IT. Matheny said that Sims assured him that “There are always gonna be people who learn the stuff and those who aren’t and AI is making the gap between the two much clearer.”

Jamey Temple is a writer and English professor at Cumberlands. Temple said that AI has helped her become a better teacher, but that she is still developing her opinion on the generative tool. Temple recognized a responsibility to understand how AI works so that she can better inform students on how they can use and control it. She said, “As the university was, you know, implementing it... and as students were using it.” Temple added, “As professors, we see a lot of unethical use from people who just want to generate entire papers and turn them in. So, I think that’s why a lot of faculty don’t like [AI], but I also think that if we’re your mentors, we need to look at this too and not pretend it’s not there.” Temple emphasized that being an artist involves expressing the human experience. She said, “AI is not a human, and it doesn’t have those capabilities of feeling or those sense details that only humans can bring.” Temple said she teaches students to develop their voices in their writing “And some of that,” she said, “you know, is not perfection.”

Dr. Jefferson Calico, is a religion and

cultural studies professor at UC. Dr. Calico acknowledged the environmental concerns connected to AI, but, “The major issue,” he said, is that, “AI doesn’t know how to be human.” He added that “[Technology] can’t really teach us how to be human. And that’s our fundamental project as human beings, it should be figuring out how to be human and how to do that well.” Calico said that while it is a tool that can help in some ways, “we’ve got to be pretty intentional... because corporations are making billions of dollars and not really providing any sort of the moral guidance for how to use it well.”

Cumberlands Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Jamirae Holbrook’s chief concern with AI is also “managing the humanity of it.” She expressed worry over the fact that some students chat with AI bots like they are their friends or counselors. Holbrook said that AI can support UC’s key values of academic integrity and responsibility, help prepare graduates for the real world and serve as a support tool, but not replace human connection. “The key,” Holbrook said, “is teaching our students to take it and use it as a tool, but also to think for themselves and apply their own values and standard of what is ethical and knowing going in that this is not something that I let make decisions for me.”

Campus Life

Reflecting on 2025 at UC Growth, Community and Looking Ahead

BY:KASEY PADGETT STAFF WRITER

As the University of the Cumberlands welcomes the new year, it is a time to reflect on the achievements and community spirit that defined 2025. The year was marked by significant milestones, continued growth, and an expanding network of connections among students and faculty.

Fall 2025 brought an exciting challenge to campus with the largest freshman class in UC history. The influx of new students added energy to campus while creating opportunities for lasting friendships and collaboration. One of the standout events of the year was the 24-hour fundraiser, One Big Give, which generated support from more than 2,600 donors and raised $393,000 to fund scholarships and enhance on-campus clubs. This annual initiative demonstrated the UC community’s commitment to supporting one another and investing in student success.

A highlight of the year was a keynote address by Tray Deadwyler, who inspired students at the opening UC Engage event. His presentation offered fresh perspectives on personal growth and community involvement, leaving many students energized and motivated. Freshman Kyra Wray said attending the event was a significant highlight for her. She said she approached the event with

curiosity and left inspired. “I really enjoyed how dynamic and inspiring he was,” Wray said.

While 2025 brought a variety of exciting experiences, many students, including Wray, faced unique challenges. Adjusting to college life and finding one’s place amidst a bustling campus can be daunting for newcomers. Wray shared her struggles with adapting to small-town culture after coming from a large city. “To help counterbalance this, I got outside of my comfort zone by attending club meetings and participating in club activities as well,” she said.

Wray’s reflections highlight the essence of the UC community, an environment that encourages students to step outside their comfort zones. This shared experience of navigating the challenges of college life fosters resilience and unity among students, providing a strong support system that supports personal development. “2025 shaped the college community by creating a culture that pushed people out of their comfort zones and encouraged us to grow,” Wray said.

UC has long been known for its active campus life, and 2025 was no exception. Freshmen were introduced to a variety of engaging events, including bingo nights and the Homecoming Hoedown. Wray described her surprise at how these seemingly casual events turned out to be some of the most popular on campus. With over 150 students attending each bingo night, competition was intense as students played for prizes such as Apple Watches and LEGO sets. “You could

literally hear the excitement in the room, especially when more than one person shouted ‘Bingo!’ at the same time,” Wray said.

The Homecoming Hoedown brought students together for an unforgettable night, despite the brisk weather. With s’mores, free T-shirts, hot chocolate, and hats, students embraced the cold to enjoy the festivities. Many students took to the dance floor, moving to the DJ’s lively tunes and reveling in the camaraderie of the evening. Wray noted the success of these events in strengthening ties within the UC community.

As 2025 comes to a close, Wray and her fellow students are looking ahead to 2026 with a continued focus on community. She said she hopes for more pop-up events that encourage students to connect. “My goal for 2026 is to keep doing new things around campus, like intramurals or joining clubs, so I can get to know even more people,” Wray said.

Looking forward, the campus community is excited about what 2026 may bring. With a continued commitment to building connections, fostering personal growth and creating meaningful experiences, students are eager to carry the spirit of 2025 into the year ahead.

Entering a new year often signifies a fresh start, and for UC students, it is an opportunity to expand horizons, embrace challenges, and cult

A7 . Friday, January 23, 2026

Best of 2025 Around Campus

Entertainment

Spotlight Auditions Showcase UC Talent Singers

Compete in Beloved Annual Event

BY: ELI DUNN STAFF WRITER

On Jan. 13, the Campus Activity Board hosted the Spotlight auditions, a singing competition aimed at letting students showcase their creative abilities. The show has been a campus tradition for many years. With many performers hoping to make the cut, students packed the McGraw Building in hopes of advancing to what is considered the biggest singing competition on this side of Whitley County. Featuring a variety of artists, some solo performers and others accompanied by guitars, this year’s Spotlight competition looks to be especially exciting, with many anticipating a close contest.

From brief interviews, it is clear that those auditioning share a deep appreciation for one another and respect each other’s artistry. Cumberlands student, Estelle Hottel said, “I’m really excited to practice songs with others and to be around people.” The community of performers appears close-knit and eager to perform for an audience.

That sense of community extended beyond the stage. The atmosphere in the waiting room was supportive and warm, with students simply wanting to be heard. When asked what CAB hopes to bring to campus throughout

Spotlight, Aidan McGinnis said, “This is one of the biggest times of the year for CAB, and for many of the students, they look forward to seeing these people sing. It is arguably the biggest event we host on campus, and we hope to achieve the same result this year.”

Spotlight is clearly a significant presence on campus, though its structure shares similarities with other performance-based competitions. The show features a cash prize and live voting, making each night especially engaging. Audience members experience the excitement of seeing their favorite performer advance or, at times, be eliminated. Despite the competitive nature, the event remains lighthearted, with contestants supporting and cheering for one another regardless of the outcome. Previous contestant and current auditionee Aaron Barnes said, “I am most excited about the prize and what that all holds,” when asked about why he wanted to audition. “I can use that prize for things that I really need right now. It would really help.”

UC student, Sarah Jane Crissman shared a different motivation when asked why she auditioned, saying,, “I’m just really excited to be able to perform!”

Being the biggest event of the year is no easy task, but Spotlight, with what it has to offer

yearly, seems to fit that mold quite well. Spotlight steals the show from all the other events happening around this time of year and keeps viewers, judges and contestants on their seats the entire time. This first moment of the Spotlight season is already filling up rooms with excitement and anticipation as we await what this new season has to offer. From country to folk, rock or R&B, all these genres will come together to create a series of competitions that should rock the campus and generate more anticipation, viewership and student-led unity.