I™ HERALD
March 26, 2014
2014 Faculty Distinguished Lecture: Dr. Fountain Brings
New Insight to Common Conceptions of American Siavery
Bri Crumbley, contributing writer
Faculty, staff and students alike gathered in
Jones Auditorium to hear Meredith College’s 2014
Faculty Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, March
19. This year, the honor was given to Associate Profes
sor of History, Dr. Dan Fountain. The presentation,
entitled “Slavery, Civil War, & Salvation,” focused on
the religiosity of pre-Civil War African Americans.
Sponsored by Meredith’s Convocation Committee,
the Faculty Distinguished Lecture is always free and
open to the public. Starting in 1964 with a lecture
by then Professor of English Norma Rose, the Fac
ulty Distinguished Lecture is held at least once each
academic year to give recognition to research and
achievement by a current faculty member.
The audience was greeted by a slideshow of
images reflecting the topic with accompanying music.
The crowd was then welcomed by Meredith’s Senior
Vice President and Provost, Dr. Matthew Poslusny
who gave a brief history of the Faculty Distinguished
Lecture. The welcome was followed by former Mer
edith Professor of History Dr. William S. Price Sr., of
the North Carolina Division of Archives and History,
who gave the formal introduction of Dr. Fountain.
Opening with thanks, and welcoming the au
dience into his thought process with a bit of stand-
up style humor. Fountain’s focus was dispelling the
commonly held notion that the majori^ty of-glwes
during America’s antebellum period practiced Chris
tianity. Fountain’s research, published in a book of
the same title as the lecture, looks into the ideas that
the nature of the institution of slavery made it more
difficult for slaves to embrace the Christian message
preached, but not necessarily lived, by their owners.
Christianity, and the ability to understand and em
brace it, was used among the slaves as a way of creat
ing identity, and by the slave owners as a bargaining
tool. He also discussed how the concept of Church
was held completely other, as nothing more than a
social gathering for some slaves, and an excuse to
escape the dreariness of slave-life for others. Foun
tain’s research concludes that a majority of the con
versions that happened among African Americans
took place during and after the Civil War in the wave
of hope brought about by the idea of freedom.
After a rousing round of applause many tran-
via meredith.edu
sitioned to the Johnson Hall Rotunda to celebrate
Dr. Fountain’s research and successful presentation
in a reception, organized by Meredith Professor of
History Dr. Carolyn Happer, complete with ham bis
cuits, sugar cane sodas, sweet tea, and cakes sporting
typical southern phrases such as “Bless Your Heart”
and “Wall Come Back.” The evening ended on a high
note amongst the delightful chatter of congratula
tions and cheerful discussion.
“Prepare to Get Involved”: Ann Michelle Roberts is Ready
for a Strong Start as SGA President
Alla Akiyeva, staff writer
Ann Michelle Roberts, Class of
2015, was elected as the Student Gov
ernment Association (SGA)’s president
last February. During her three years
at Meredith, Ann Michelle has been in
volved with a variety of organizations,
including the White Iris Circle and
Spectrum, and has served as a Resi
dent Assistant (RA), earning herself
the nickname “Ms. Meredith.”
Roberts shared with the Her
ald facts about herself and her ambi
tions to make a difference and cele
brate student successes for next year.
On Her Plans for Next Year: Rob
erts emphasizes the importance of cel
ebrating student achievement not only
on CSA Day in April, but throughout
the whole year. She plans to set up a
“Student of the Week” Award that
would celebrate successes of differ
ent students every week. The Student
of the Week Committee would make
decisions regarding who receives the
award. Celebrating achievement will
inspire students to work even harder,
believes Roberts.
Another goal is to have more
on-campus events during weekends
that would attract both commuters and
resident students. An example of such
an event will be a carnival week taking
place in August at the beginning of the
academic year. Roberts’ priority is to
make sure that students’ voices are be
ing heard, and that all events and ini
tiatives are supported by students.
Besides campus-wide events,
expanding parking lots and improv
ing lighting in the parking areas are on
Roberts’ agenda as well. Another bullet
point on her list is to increase the vari
ety of food choices in the dining hall.
“I’ve spoken to the [Belk Dining Hall
staff] several times and they are eager
to know [students’ opinion],” says Rob
erts. To be able to do everything that is
planned, Roberts expects a lot of input
from fellow students. “Even as an RA, I
do not make decisions based on what I
like, because I am not the only person.
We are a team. Everyone is a member
of SGA.” So, expect more surveys and
prepare to share your opinion.
On Support: Roberts gives a lot of
credit to the support she has received
from Meredith faculty and staff, and
admits that hearing fellow students
saying “you can do it” makes her feel
even more special. “When you have
so many people saying positive things,
you believe in it... And I am ready to
prove them right.”
On Herself: “I am personable, ap
proachable, and confident in what I
have to say... The real ‘me’ is goofy,”
laughs Roberts, “and I am obsessed
with Meredith.”
On What We Should Prepare for:
“You need to prepare for greatness,”
shares Roberts. “If you want to have
your voice heard you’ve got to get in
volved... I am pumped to make a dif
ference.”
STAFF
Editors: Jessica Feltner, Editor in Chief. Julia Dent, Managing Editor. Cody Jeffery, Assistant Editor. Lucia Rynka-Estevez, Layout Editor.
Marlena Brown, News Editor. Maitlyn Healy, A&E and Sports Editor. Rachel Pratl, Editorial Editor. Caitlin Davis, Copy Editor.
Staff Writers; Katy Koop, Alyssa Mathewson, Isabel Benson, Jenny Gerardo, Anita Holliday, Fantasia Evans, Kelly Wallace, Beth Langley
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