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Author: Paola Mora Zepeda

Paola Mora Zepeda

Paola Mora Zepeda

Paola Mora is a broadcast journalism senior from Costa Rica. This is her second year as editor-in-chief of the Southern Accent and she has previously held both the positions of news editor and lead reporter. After graduation, Paola would like to work at a local newspaper or at a church magazine.
News

Letter from the outgoing editor: Words of goodbye

During my first year as editor-in-chief of the Southern Accent, there was a point when I really considered resigning from the position. I was stressed and tired to the point where I would sometimes break down crying. I stuck it out until the end of the year and was happy that I did. But, when …

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FeaturedNews

#MeToo SAU: Students use Instagram as a safe space to share stories of sexual assault

On March 3, 2021, a group of three students launched @metoo_sau, an Instagram account dedicated to sharing the stories of Southern’s students who have experienced sexual assault and misconduct on and off campus. The account, which has 146 followers as of March 30, also provides various resources for victims. The Southern Accent reached out to …

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NewsFeatured

Southern administration adds one mental health day in response to students’ request

On March 15, students and faculty received an email from President David Smith announcing the addition of one mental health day for the semester scheduled to take place on Friday, April 23. All classes will be cancelled that day.  The decision came as a response to the petition initiated by SA President Sheryl Kambuni calling …

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News

Q&A with Ken Shaw, incoming Southern President

On March 2, Southern Adventist University announced that Ken Shaw was selected as the 27th president of the university. Get to know Shaw in this exclusive interview with the Southern Accent where he shares a bit about himself and what he looks forward to as he takes on the position of incoming president.  For those …

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FeaturedNews

Southern administration adds one mental health day in response to students’ request

Last night, students and faculty received an email from President David Smith announcing the addition of one mental health day for the semester. Scheduled to take place on Friday, April 23, all classes will be cancelled that day.  The decision came as a response to the petition initiated by SA President Sheryl Kambuni calling for …

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FeaturedNews

Esten elected as SA President; Bautista, Rodriguez confirmed as VPs

After campaigning for two weeks, junior accounting major Jhosuet Esten won the election securing the position of SA President. Running unopposed, sophomore business management major Kenneth Bautista and junior biology research major Marie Rodriguez have also been confirmed as Executive Vice President and Social Vice President, respectively.  Esten received 56.8% of the votes, beating his …

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NewsFeatured

In-person classes in jeopardy: Smith asks students and employees to follow COVID-19 protocol

During a Jan. 26  emergency Zoom meeting, which quickly reached its 1,000-participant capacity, Southern President David Smith shared administration’s concerns that in-person classes may be threatened if students and employees fail to follow COVID-19 protocols.  “Yesterday morning, it became clear to me that our goal of finishing this semester together in-person is in serious jeopardy,” …

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News

Mission and vision trips planning continues despite COVID-19

The Evangelistic Resource Center (ERC) and Humanitarian Engagement continue to plan for possible mission and vision trips that students can participate in during the summer. However, both ERC Coordinator Raul Rivero and Humanitarian Engagement Director Melissa Moore said this year has presented new obstacles, including the jeopardy of the trips themselves.  As of Jan. 25, …

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News

Southern academic administrators clarify revised attendance policy in letter to students

An article published by the Southern Accent on Tuesday, Dec. 15, regarding revisions to the university’s recent academic attendance policy sparked a backlash on social media among students who disagreed with the changes. Since the publishing of that article, administrators and University Senate representatives have expressed concerns about how the policy was characterized in the …

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FeaturedNews

In-person classes in jeopardy: Smith asks students and employees to follow COVID-19 protocol

During a Tuesday emergency Zoom meeting, which quickly reached its 1,000-participant capacity, Southern President David Smith shared administration’s concerns that in-person classes may be threatened if students and employees fail to follow COVID-19 protocols.  “Yesterday morning, it became clear to me that our goal of finishing this semester together in person is in serious jeopardy,” …

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Men’s intramural flag football semifinal game is illuminated by, not only by the track lights, but by one of the two new scoreboards added to Southern’s campus. Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Photo by Ava-Caroline Schmidt)
Sports

New scoreboards mark an upgrade for campus sports

Southern Adventist University has installed new digital scoreboards near the outdoor track beside the Hulsey Wellness Center, replacing flip chart scoreboards and small digital clocks used for intramural sports. Supplied by Coca-Cola through the university’s campus contract, the displays debuted during flag football playoffs on Oct. 26. Students and staff are adjusting to the new …

November 8, 2026
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Photo of volunteer chaplains doing a bonding activity with each other. September 6, 2026. (Photo by Aidan Sammons.)
Religion

New Talge Hall volunteer chaplains build community

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 …

November 7, 2026
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3 Min
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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 News

Space Force monument to be unveiled at annual Veterans Day celebration

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 …

November 6, 2026
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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)
News

ERC Missions compiles 25 years of student testimonies into a book

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 …

November 6, 2026
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3 Min
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Students in Professor Christie Wilder's policy class pose for a picture with Congressmen Chuck Fleischmann. Tuesday, October 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of source).
News

Social work students win congressional support for the Federal TRIO Programs

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. …

November 6, 2026
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