Mental Health | 5
Opinion | 6
How to improve mental health through your food
Adventist boarding academies are too strict
March 29. 2023 Collegedale, Tennessee
Religion | 6 "The Lord is not my shepherd, and I want: The anti-psalm as a spiritual exercise
Lifestyle | 7
Going out of your way for others: How important is your own convenience?
Southern Accent
Vol. 78 Issue 20
The student voice since 1926
Senior Pastor David Ferguson leaving Southern university church, starting new chapter at Crosswalk Chattanooga Land for new School of Business building dedicated, planned completion set for fall 2025 Lindsay Beckwith Staff Writer
that question, ‘What would it look like?’ I have long valued simplicity. … We can so easily make things that aren't important, very important.” According to Ferguson, he was inspired by the story of a man who decided to pastor an area in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Instead of following the usual protocols for establishing a church, the man explored the area, introducing himself to people and familiarizing himself with the needs of
Faculty, administrators and students gathered together last month to pray and dedicate the plot of land chosen for the construction of Southern Adventist University’s new School of Business building. According to Ken Shaw, SAU president, the facility is planned for a fall 2025 completion date. At 42,000 square-feet, the building will be nearly five times larger than the school’s current location on the third floor of Brock Hall and will be located along University Drive between Harmony Lane and Hickman Drive close to Mable Wood Hall. The building – the land for which was dedicated on Feb.
See PASTOR FERGUSON on page 2
See LAND DEDICATION on page 3
David Ferguson speaking at the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists during SonRise. (Photo by: Xander Ordinola)
Alana Crosby Editor-in-Chief After six and a half years serving as senior pastor at the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists, David Ferguson is leaving the position and starting a new chapter at Crosswalk, Chattanooga. Ferguson will be pastoring there, as well as serving on Crosswalk Global’s executive leadership team. His last Sabbath at the university church will be May 13. In an interview with the Accent, Ferguson said the decision was a difficult one,
as both opportunities – to go to Crosswalk or stay at the university church – are good ones. He said he struggled to make a decision as he felt called to serve in both places. “God has so blessed my wife and [me],” Ferguson said. “We were surprised to be called to this role, surprised that God led us to say ‘yes’ to Collegedale as a senior pastor. But we have been so gratified and fulfilled in ministry. I love what I do and what I'm doing.” Ferguson explained that
serving at Crosswalk comes close to fulfilling a dream he’s had since he was an undergraduate in college. He dreamed of starting from scratch and founding a ministry that helps people where they are. Ferguson described this ministry as one of simplicity, modeling the early church of the New Testament. “How do we love this community? And what would that look like?” Ferguson said concerning his move to Crosswalk. “There are wide open frontiers to explore with
The prevalence of senioritis: An issue worth mentioning Cindy Hernandez Contributor For many college students, the challenge of staying motivated and focused can be a daily struggle. The constant battle against procrastination, trying to stay focused during long lectures and dealing with the effects of burnout can make it difficult to stay on track. But for seniors, the pressure is especially high. With graduation approaching, the fear
of being hit by senioritis and failing to finish strong can be overwhelming. Senioritis is a term used to describe the lack of motivation and focus that some seniors experience during their final year of college. This condition can cause students to lose interest in school, skip classes and ignore assignments. According to a recent study conducted by the Department of Education, 78% of seniors
admitted to experiencing senioritis at some point during their final year of college. Xander Ordinola, a senior currently in his final year of college, knows exactly how senioritis can affect a student. "It's difficult to stay focused on assignments and projects when all I can think about is what the workforce will look like and how it will be drastically different," said Ordinola. While senioritis can be a sig-
nificant challenge, it is important for seniors to push through and finish strong. "It's essential to continue putting in effort during your final year of college, even if it is difficult. Employers want to see that you can finish what you started," said Kevin Hernandez, a senior at Walla Walla University. It's worth mentioning that senioritis is not a unique experience to seniors alone and can affect students of all ages. It's
"While senioritis can be a significant challenge, it is important for seniors to push through and finish strong." (Photo sourced from: Unsplash)
important to stay motivated and focused throughout your college career, regardless of what year you may be in, according to experts. By setting achievable goals, seeking support when needed and staying focused in classes, students can overcome senioritis and other challenges that may arise during their time in college. Ultimately, the key is to keep pushing forward and finish your college career strong.