On June 1, Associate Provost Dr. Joel Shrock will be shortening his long-held title to “provost.” “[It’s] very exciting,” said Shrock. “In fact, when President Pistole called and offered me the job, I probably sounded like an idiot because I thought he was going to talk more about the process. Instead, he offered me the job—I really was so excited.” As Shrock prepares to step into his new role, he has realized that many are unaware of the duties and responsibilities that come with … [Read more...]
Madison County maintains ‘red’ status as students return to campus
“It’s only been a few days and I have already seen students gathering in large, unmasked groups, as well as complaining about the COVID restrictions,” said senior spanish major Mckala Lindsey. On Jan. 13, AU students filed into their classrooms for the first day of spring semester; despite Madison County maintaining its COVID-19 “red” status, university leadership gave the green light for students to return to campus and resume in-person classes. According to IN.gov, each county in … [Read more...]
AU Cabinet appoints new Chief Diversity Officer
President John Pistole and members of the university’s cabinet recently appointed Mike Thigpen as Chief Diversity Officer. Thigpen serves as the Director of the Cultural Resource Center (CRC) and multicultural and international student services. He will continue there as he steps into this new position. “Mike Thigpen is a well-known, well-respected leader on campus and in the community,” Pistole said regarding why Thigpen was chosen for the position. “He has a long history of service in … [Read more...]
AU hires new esports head coach
“My brother and I used to argue over who got to play Pokemon on the Gameboy so often that our parents ended up buying us a second one,” said Matthew Burnstedt. “Ever since then, I’ve been playing games.” After several weeks of searching for a new esports head coach, AU has hired Burnstedt to fill the position. “I'm originally from a small town of about 200 people in Iowa called Libertyville,” said Burnstedt. Burnstedt said that he has been playing video games for as long as he can … [Read more...]
Willowby set to be dean of SOTCM
Dr. Nathan Willowby, a four-year professor of ethics and theology at AU, is set be the next dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry (SOTCM). He will succeed Dr. MaryAnn Hawkins, a longtime faculty member of the SOTCM who has decided to step down after 14 years of service at AU. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve AU and the Church of God,” said Willowby of his promotion. “I have personally known the past seven deans of the SOTCM and the past two deans who guided the … [Read more...]
Campus to welcome Turning Point USA chapter
In the near future, AU will be home to the newest chapter of Turning Point USA. Turning Point USA, as described by their website, is an organization that “identifies, educates, trains and organizes students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government.” Currently, AU students Rachael Shaver, Joshua Lauer and Sam Kylee are working through the preliminary steps to become an official club on campus. Shaver, who will serve as the president of … [Read more...]
Provost Morris to resign after current school year
At the end of the current school year, Dr. Marie Morris will be resigning from her position as Provost at AU. Morris was named provost in 2011 following a two-year role as dean and vice president of academic affairs on campus, and is currently serving her twelfth year at AU. Morris spoke about her reasons for resigning, stating that she thinks, “there are different leaders at different times for an institution.” “The average tenure for a chief academic officer, based … [Read more...]
Raven Watch receives national recognition
In the annual College Media Association awards, the Andersonian’s sports program, Raven Watch, was a finalist for “Best Video Sportscast.” In this national contest, AU was one of three finalists, standing alongside Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and California State University. In addition to this honor, Raven Watch was selected as a winner in the annual Indiana Collegiate Press Association (ICPA) awards program earlier this year. In the “Best Video” category, the show took first and second … [Read more...]
Classes to be virtual, policies to be implemented following Thanksgiving break
In a video message sent to the student body on Oct. 23, President John Pistole announced the suspension of in-person classes following Thanksgiving break. “We will be residential after Thanksgiving,” said Pistole, “but with some significant modifications.” Gatherings will be limited to five people and will still have social distancing and mask requirements. Pistole explained that “grab-and-go” meals will still be available for students. Although classes and large gatherings will … [Read more...]
2020 graduates attend in-person Commencement
While many campus events were canceled or moved to a virtual platform last semester and this semester due to COVID-19, AU still held an in-person commencement for the 2020 graduating class. Although it looked quite different from previous commencements due to the numerous guidelines and precautions, it allowed graduates a bit of closure in such an unprecedented and confusing time. Commencement was originally scheduled to take place in May. Some colleges and universities like … [Read more...]