Gardner-Webb University
THE PILOT
September 12, 1997
Issue #2
The Official Campus Newspaper
Boiling Springs, NC
Christian singer Michael English performs on campus
by Jenny Rogers
staff writer
People from as far away as West
Virginia and Mississippi crowded into
the LYCC on Sept. 6 to iiear contempo
rary Christian music artist Michael
English.
English, who was preceded by
Southern gospel group Jeff and Sheri
Easter, performed for over 2,000 fans of
all ages.
"It was awesome," said Jon Fields.
"My favorite part was when he came into
the crowd and took requests."
Although the concert was not a SEA-
sponsored event, the organization
purchased tickets to help reduce cost by
over half for Gardner-Webb students.
"It's not very often that someone as
well-known as Michael English performs
on our campus, so SEA felt it was
important to help offset the cost for
students interested in attending," said
chairman Matt Elliott.
English is known for his vocal
performances, especially the hit, "In
Christ Alone."
As a boy, English performed at a small
church in Wallace, N.C., with his father
and brother in a family group called the
Singing Samaritans.
He toured professionally with the
Singing Americans after high school.
English later joined famous gospel
groups The Goodmans and The Gaither
Vocal Band as a background singer.
After being persuaded by fans and
record executives, English decided to try
singing solo.
His first solo albums, "Michael
English" in 1992 and "Hope" in 1993,
sent him to the top of the charts.
In 1994, English returned six Dove
Awards. His success then plummeted
with a public confession to an
extramarital affair, which shocked
couriesy of JOE HARDWICK
Michael English, contemporary Christian
music singer, performed at Gardner-Webb on
Sept. 6. In 1994 English received six Gospel
Music Association Dove Awards, and in 1996
his song "Your Love Amazes Me" topped the
adult contemporary charts.
Residence life improves patrol response
by Angela Flanagan
staff writer
This year students have returned to
many new and apparent changes here on
campus: new food service, advances in
the University's technology and an
upgraded library.
However, one advance has been made
that isn't quite as noticeable-the division
of the campus by Residence Life.
At the beginning of this semester.
Director of Residence Life Doug Searcy,
introduced an improved system of RA
duty response. Unlike last year, the
campus has been divided into two
mm.
KAREN BROWER/slalT
Brad Huss, RA on Memorial Drive, picks up his radios for patrol Monday night. RAs patrol the
campus each night between 8 p.m. and midnight..
divisions, north and south.
The north division contains University
Commons, Campus House, Memorial
Drive, H.A.RY, Royster, Stroup and
Nanney. South sector consists of Lutz-
Yelton, Mauney, Decker, Spangler and
Myers.
"By dividing the campus, there is more
staff to respond to student issues," Searcy
said.
Each night from 9:00 to midnight, two
RAs are assigned to each division.
However, the job doesn't end there.
"They are on call from 12 to 8 a.m,
complimenting the University police.
They walk through every area in each
residence hall between 9 p.m. and 12
a.m. to see if there are any student needs
or issues," Searcy said.
"A resident advisor is not someone
who is always documenting campus
policy violations, but rather an individual
who is there for the students as support...
as well as (to) hold one another account
able for the community environment,"
Searcy said.
"The goal is to build a community and
allow RAs to present themselves as a
helper to the students and be an
individual who furthers the mission and
goals of the University community," he
said.
audiences everywhere.
English felt that he could no longer
serve as a witness of God's grace and
love through his music.
He stepped out of gospel music until
1997. During those three years (1994-
1997), English toyed with opportunities
in pop music and sang backup in various
Christian bands.
In September of 1996, English released
"Freedom," his first pop album.
It was not until May 1997 that he
agreed to perform for Trinity Broad
casting Network's "Praise the Lord"
program, jHis performance produced a
torrent of letters offering testimony,
encouragement, and words of prayer.
Today English continues to sing about
a message of hope.
"I think the Christian community was
wrong in judging and taking his music
off the shelf," said Lisa Dobbins. "He
messed up, but he deserves to be
forgiven just like everyone else."
Dover Library
modernizes
by Shannon Spencer
staff writer
With all the other improvements on
campus over the summer, it may be easy
to overlook the John R. Dover Library.
But, rest assured, it was not forgotten.
The upgrade included new carpet, a paint
job, a computerized card catalog system,
and many other improvements.
"We are taking a good library and
making it more accessible," said Parry.
"We are pleased with our results and the
enthusiasm of the students, professors,
and administration. "
MAX is the new computer system. The
official installation date of the computer
programs was May 16, approximately
two years from the date that planning
started. "It was a very long procedure,"
said Library Director Valerie Parry.
There are 12 new computer work
stations, and the options for the computer
workstations include Proquest, a com
puterized card catalog, Internet access
and CD-ROM programs. The computers
See "Library" on page 3
T if f • A history book Gardner-Webb Arts and
In this issue...
page 3 pag^**4^5 Entertainment
. pagej pages 4-5 page 8