Quicknotes | January 2023

For decades, the School of Business at Southern Adventist University has equipped students with the tools needed to succeed professionally while inspiring them with the eternal purpose of sharing Christ in their chosen field. Recently, the university launched a $20 million campaign aimed at empowering the next generation of business leaders through a new state-of-the-art facility and an endowment. President Ken Shaw, ’80, EdD, also announced the first named space in the facility, the Ron C. Smith Executive Board Room.

The named space was provided by AdventHealth and was selected to honor Smith’s service on the organizations’ boards. Smith, PhD, (attended) serves as chairman of the AdventHealth Board of Directors and also serves as chairman of Southern’s Board of Trustees, helping to guide the direction of the university and impacting the lives of thousands of students. During the Southern Union constituency meetings, the presidents of the two organizations presented Smith with a plaque expressing appreciation for his service.

“For more than 40 years, Dr. Ron Smith has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church with integrity, character, and a deep love for people,” said Terry Shaw, ’84, president and CEO of AdventHealth. “These core Christian leadership traits work together to inspire a new generation of emerging leaders, energized to create positive change wherever they serve. I want to congratulate Ron for this honor and extend my deep appreciation for his service and steady leadership as board chair at AdventHealth.”

To learn more about Southern’s School of Business campaign, visit southern.edu/gobusiness.

-Staff Report

A riveting new exhibition, “Peace and War: The Assyrian Conquest of Lachish,” opened on January 30 in the Lynn H. Wood Archaeology Museum on Southern Adventist University’s campus. The museum is free and open to the public, allowing visitors of all ages to explore one of the most important tipping points in Near East history. Members of Southern’s campus excavated several of the artifacts from Lachish, the most important city in ancient Israel after Jerusalem.

Come view significant seal impressions from King Hezekiah, the prophet Isaiah, and biblical nobles; stroll by a house overlooking Lachish; and study an artistic display commissioned by the Assyrian king Sennacherib celebrating his victory over the royal city. The diverse collection of relics of peace and implements of war will immerse guests in the Assyrian conquest and miraculous deliverance of Judah, a story of hope that is vividly described in the Bible. 

Almost all of the objects on display were uncovered during the Fourth Expedition to Lachish, a multi-disciplinary field project that occurred from 2013 to 2017 that was sponsored by Southern’s Institute of Archaeology and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. More than 200 Southern students and employees helped excavate the city and investigate its Iron Age history.

“This exhibit is the culmination of a decade of excavation and analysis,” said Michael G. Hasel, PhD, director of Southern’s Institute of Archaeology. “I am so pleased for the diligent work of my students and other staff to be recognized and seen in public for the first time.”

The exhibition, in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority, will remain at the museum, located in Hackman Hall, until May 31, 2025. For further directions, parking, hours, and other information visit southern.edu/archaeology or call 423.236.2030. 

-by Amanda Blake, junior journalism major

The School of Visual Art and Design at Southern Adventist University is currently hosting a photography showcase by associate professor Mindy Trott, ’06, MFA. Her art will be on display in the John C. Williams Art Gallery in Brock Hall through February 16.

Trott, who studied English here at Southern, pulled from her literary background to title the gallery “… but only so an hour,” after the line in Robert Frost’s poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” This contemplative series challenges viewers to accept both the beauty and the bitter that come with transforming moments, rather than worrying about the past or wishing for the future.

Previously, Trott worked as a graphic designer, art director, and senior marketing manager before developing a passion for teaching and preparing young designers and communicators for careers in fast-paced fields. She loves seeing students experience “ah-ha” moments when overcoming roadblocks and realizing God-given potential. Her photography was recently featured at Gallery 625 in San Francisco. 

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit southern.edu/artgallery or call the School of Visual Art and Design at 423.236.2732.

-Staff Report

Through the years, volunteers have made a huge impact on Southern Adventist University’s campus, serving in numerous ways, such as assisting at events, acting as patients for the nursing program, making tiny swords in the blacksmith shop for the SonRise Resurrection Pageant, and much more. When the pandemic began, Southern made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the Lights Volunteers program, which had more than 200 participants at the time.

These volunteers have been greatly missed, so Southern is pleased to announce the official relaunch of the program. Now overseen by Alumni Relations, the program will begin listing volunteer opportunities soon and inviting local alumni and community members to apply to help throughout campus.

For more information, visit southern.edu/volunteer.

-Staff Report