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Author: Amanda Blake

Amanda Blake

Amanda Blake

Amanda Blake is editor-in-chief of the Southern Accent. She is a senior journalism major who has been published in the student newspaper over 60 times, a record she began as a reporter her freshman year. She has also served as news editor and managing editor. Passionate about storytelling and in-depth reporting, Amanda strives to use her writing talents to help others. Writing and publishing a book is a pinned ambition on her bucket list.

Ruth Williams, former professor in the School of Education and Psychology (SEP) at Southern Adventist University, passed away on Dec. 6, according to an email sent to faculty from the President’s Office on Dec. 9. The email stated that Williams passed following a courageous battle with cancer and described her as a legendary teacher, friend …

Due to high inflation, Southern Adventist University will increase tuition, the general education fee, residence hall rent and meal plans — called the “Big Four” by administrators — for the 2023-2024 academic year by nearly 6%, according to Doug Frood, vice president for Financial Administration. For the academic year, tuition will equal $24,350, the general …

On the first day of the Fourth Expedition to Lachish’s 2016 excavation season, Katherine Hesler, a Southern Adventist University student at the time, held a curious item. The object, which had just been discovered, was fully encrusted in dirt and resembled a bone. Yet Hesler could tell there was something special about it. “We were …

I never used to consider myself an art person. I don’t draw; I don’t paint. I’m not even that good at graphic design. But, after spending five transformative months studying in Europe, I came to appreciate art — the detail, the story, the emotion behind every brush stroke and chiseled crevice.  I cried when I …

More than 300 first-generation students currently attend Southern Adventist University, and over 1,000 have graduated since 2005, wrote Ellen Hostetler, vice president for Advancement, in an email to the Accent. A recent plan to specifically benefit these students was developed by President Ken Shaw and the Advancement team as they prepared for the university’s first …

Southern Adventist University dispatched two disaster relief teams to Fort Myers, Florida, after Hurricane Ian struck the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The teams, consisting of students and staff, were sent in two trips: the first taking place Oct. 9 to 12 and the second Oct. 12 to 16. According to an NBC News …

A group of 14 senior social work students enrolled in the Social Welfare Issues and Policy (SWIP) course at Southern Adventist University visited Washington D.C. from Sept. 25 to 29 to discuss bills with legislators and learn about the nation’s capital.  On the morning of Oct. 6, the group met in Daniells Hall and excitedly …

During a commission meeting Monday night, the Collegedale Board of Commissioners voted to rezone parts of Edgmon Road and approve Empire Communities’ proposed unit development (PUD) overlay for certain properties on the road, including the land currently housing Hidden Hills Farm and Saddle Club. Commissioners voted unanimously for both ordinances despite numerous Collegedale residents who …

The land housing Hidden Hills Farm and Saddle Club, location of Southern Adventist University’s horsemanship class, could be developed into a subdivision with more than 500 single-family homes by EAH Acquisitions, LLC, an Atlanta affiliate of Empire Communities.  Numerous Collegedale residents oppose the plan, including some Southern employees. However, the Collegedale Board of Commissioners voted …

In an interview with the Accent, David Feguson, senior pastor of Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists, said church-hopping is a harmful trend among university students. He further explained that attendance is not enough; students must actively engage in a faith community if they wish to experience profound worship. “Take a couple of weeks [or] a …

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Photo of volunteer chaplains doing a bonding activity with each other. September 6, 2026. (Photo by Aidan Sammons.)

Southern Adventist University’s Talge Hall has introduced a volunteer chaplain program designed to strengthen community and provide students with spiritual support. The program brings together 11 student volunteers who build relationships with residents, check in with students, work alongside resident assistants and assist with spiritual programming. Directed by Aidan Sammons through the Office of Ministry …

The Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient monument for Corporal Desmond T. Doss at the Veteran's Memorial Park of Collegedale. Monday, October 26, 2026. (Photo by Melea Hwang).

Collegedale’s annual Veterans Day celebration will include the unveiling of a star-shaped monument honoring the U.S. Space Force at Collegedale Veterans Memorial Park. Hosted by American Legion Desmond T. Doss Post 257, the Nov. 11 ceremony will feature the Collegedale Academy band and is expected to draw local and state officials. In addition to the …

Valeishka Cruz, who is a junior majoring in Liberal Arts Education, shares her experience going on a vision trip. October 30, 2026 (Photo Taken by Christine Lee)

After 25 years of Southern Adventist University students sharing their testimonies through local and global mission work, ERC Missions is turning those experiences into a book. Directed by Alex Castillejos, the project organizes student stories around themes such as forgiveness, miracles and personal transformation. Featuring experiences from students like Johnny Rojas, Celeste Mandujano and Jacob …

Students in Professor Christie Wilder's policy class pose for a picture with Congressmen Chuck Fleischmann. Tuesday, October 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of source).

Southern Adventist University social work students traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for continued funding for the Federal TRIO Programs, which support low-income, first-generation and disabled students pursuing higher education. Through meetings with congressional staffers and a follow-up classroom visit from Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, students helped secure his commitment to join the nonpartisan TRIO Caucus. …

Headshot of Dennis Negrón. (Photo sourced from Southern Adventist University Website)

Dennis Negrón, Southern Adventist University’s vice president of Student Development and Title IX coordinator, will leave the university on Nov. 18 after 33 years of service. His resignation follows concerns about an inappropriate social media repost on his personal Instagram account. University administration stated that an investigation found no wrongdoing and that Negrón made the …

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