In this issue, we celebrate the accomplishments of faculty and staff in accounting, the Counseling Center, institutional advancement, marketing and music.
Strategic Giving Officer for Reunions Tonita Few attended the NC Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) 2026 Development Conference at Gardner-Webb University on January 7. Few served as the session facilitator for Essential Components of Successful Philanthropy, which focused on advancement goals and the donor relationship in both annual and capital campaigns. She also serves on the NCICU Development Conference Planning Committee.
Dr. Nancy Johnson, Assistant Professor – Accounting, was invited to address ProfitSolv’s Women In Leadership on the topic of Financial Literacy. ProfitSolv is a leading cloud-based software, billing and payment organization dedicated to developing female executive leadership within the organization. Her interactive workshop was centered on wealth building, with an emphasis on proactive investment and savings strategies. Participants explored the complexities of compensation structures, retirement planning, and savings, as well as practical illustrations related to IRMA and RMD planning. The session engaged approximately 50 women, equipping them with the tools and confidence to overcome barriers to wealth building and strengthen their financial self-sufficiency.
Assistant Director for the Counseling Center Cassidi Long recently published an article in the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) Newsletter titled Teaching in the Divide: Using Relational Cultural Theory to Address Political Polarization in Counselor Education. Her article appears in the Fall Issue.
Zorah Olivia, Videographer & Multimedia Designer, is a finalist in The Siena International Photo Awards in the “Sports in Action” category.
Dr. Brian Routh, Associate Professor of Accounting, wrote an article for WalletHub on percentage-based budgeting strategies as a practical and faith-aligned approach to personal finance. The piece highlights how these rules offer an easy-to-adopt framework that promotes quick awareness of spending habits and financial discipline without detailed tracking. For faith-oriented individuals, Dr. Routh recommends deducting the traditional 10% tithe from gross income first (as a non-negotiable act of stewardship and often a tax-deductible charitable contribution), then applying adjusted percentages to the remaining after-tax pay. While ideal for beginners, young professionals, middle-income earners, and faith communities because of their low-effort structure and alignment with spiritual values, Dr. Routh notes these methods may need customization in high-cost areas where essentials and taxes exceed standard allocations. Overall, Dr. Routh presents percentage-based budgeting as a strong, tax-aware foundation that fosters consistency and long-term success, with more precise approaches, such as zero-based budgeting, available for those who later need greater detail.
Director of Instrumental Activities Jim Waddelow served as a guest clinician at eight of the largest public school programs in six cities across Oklahoma, from January 14-22, as part of his sabbatical. He also performed a series of seven solo bass improvisation concerts in Tennessee, Virginia, and Oklahoma.
Melyssa Allen – News Director
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