The winter storm projected for January 2026 hit Lipscomb’s campus in a far different manner than expected. Though the forecast had called for up to 15 inches of snow, the campus saw only two to three inches. The ice that followed, however, would cause a problem. Clinging to all of the trees and power lines both on campus and around Nashville, the ice wreaked havoc. Tree limbs came crashing down all across campus with crashing thuds and rending cracks. Some smaller trees were even fully uprooted by the weight of the ice. Students were advised to avoid walking underneath trees whenever possible and to stay alert when crossing beneath one. Several of the trees exploded, with booms akin to a cannon being fired. The weight of the ice also yanked down power lines across the city. Lipscomb’s power went out around 11 a.m. Sunday, plunging every building on campus into darkness. Students gathered in the Bennett Campus Center – “the Stu,” to students – as soft alarms rang out through the dark building. The Stu’s permanent generator kicked on within the hour, garnering cheers from the students packed into the cafeteria upstairs and studying area downstairs. The cafeteria and Stu remained packed the entire rest of the day, students filling every chair and sofa in the building. Every power outlet was taken advantage of, many with power strips plugged in, as students charged their electronics. Personal televisions were also brought into the Stu and students put on the AFC football championship game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, cheers – and groans – filling the area known as Zebbie’s Lounge. Some students also brought their own PCs and played video games. Toward the evening, students received word that power would not be returned to campus; therefore, heat would not be working in their dorms. They were encouraged to shelter and sleep in other buildings: women from Fanning, Johnson and Elam in Bennett; women from The Bison and The Village in the nursing building; and men from High Rise and The Village in either Shamblin Theater or Sewell Hall. Sewell, Bennett and the nursing building were the only available options on campus with generators running. Students made the most of their powerless day, playing cards in circles on the floor of the Stu, or tackle football in the Quad beside Beaman Library. Groups of students sat together crocheting, weaving friendship bracelets, knitting and painting. Some started a spontaneous worship night in Shamblin, over a hundred students gathering and sitting on the stage to sing together. Some students chose to remain in their dorms for the night, despite the lack of heat, others chose to camp out in the buildings with generators. One girl even set up a tent in the middle of the Stu, and many of the athletes brought air mattresses and set up camp in Allen. The ice is expected to remain in the area for several days, as temperatures continue to hover below freezing. As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Lipscomb University is still without power. Featured image taken by Micah Barkley.
The winter storm projected for January 2026 hit Lipscomb’s campus in a far different manner than expected. Though the forecast had called for up to 15 inches of snow, the campus saw only two to three inches. The ice that followed, however, would cause a problem. Clinging to all of the trees and power lines both on campus and around Nashville, the ice wreaked havoc. Tree limbs came crashing down all across campus with crashing thuds and rending cracks. Some smaller trees were even fully uprooted by the weight of the ice. Students were advised to avoid walking underneath trees whenever possible and to stay alert when crossing beneath one. Several of the trees exploded, with booms akin to a cannon being fired. The weight of the ice also yanked down power lines across the city. Lipscomb’s power went out around 11 a.m. Sunday, plunging every building on campus into darkness. Students gathered in the Bennett Campus Center – “the Stu,” to students – as soft alarms rang out through the dark building. The Stu’s permanent generator kicked on within the hour, garnering cheers from the students packed into the cafeteria upstairs and studying area downstairs. The cafeteria and Stu remained packed the entire rest of the day, students filling every chair and sofa in the building. Every power outlet was taken advantage of, many with power strips plugged in, as students charged their electronics. Personal televisions were also brought into the Stu and students put on the AFC football championship game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, cheers – and groans – filling the area known as Zebbie’s Lounge. Some students also brought their own PCs and played video games. Toward the evening, students received word that power would not be returned to campus; therefore, heat would not be working in their dorms. They were encouraged to shelter and sleep in other buildings: women from Fanning, Johnson and Elam in Bennett; women from The Bison and The Village in the nursing building; and men from High Rise and The Village in either Shamblin Theater or Sewell Hall. Sewell, Bennett and the nursing building were the only available options on campus with generators running. Students made the most of their powerless day, playing cards in circles on the floor of the Stu, or tackle football in the Quad beside Beaman Library. Groups of students sat together crocheting, weaving friendship bracelets, knitting and painting. Some started a spontaneous worship night in Shamblin, over a hundred students gathering and sitting on the stage to sing together. Some students chose to remain in their dorms for the night, despite the lack of heat, others chose to camp out in the buildings with generators. One girl even set up a tent in the middle of the Stu, and many of the athletes brought air mattresses and set up camp in Allen. The ice is expected to remain in the area for several days, as temperatures continue to hover below freezing. As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Lipscomb University is still without power. Featured image taken by Micah Barkley.
Lipscomb University commuters are bracing for a mix of in-person, remote and canceled classes as a Severe Winter Storm Warning takes effect for Davidson County from midnight Friday through 6 p.m. Sunday. While the university typically remains open during inclement weather, the National Weather Service is warning that “travel could be impossible” as a mix of snow and ice moves through Middle Tennessee. Forecasters predict up to 6 inches of snow alongside ice accumulations that could reach three-quarters of an inch. In an email sent to the campus community, university officials stated that Lipscomb “typically does not fully close but instead adjusts operations as needed.” However, leadership will monitor conditions throughout the weekend to determine if a shift to remote operations is necessary. An update regarding Monday, Jan. 26 operations is expected by 7 p.m. Sunday. For those driving from outside the “Lipscomb bubble,” the decision to attend class is more complicated than just checking an inbox. “If there’s more than two inches of snow, and I know it’ll be dangerous for me to go out, then there’s where I simply say I can’t go,” said Ramon Nuñez, a junior business management and marketing major. Nuñez, who lives on a hill, said the terrain makes commuting hazardous. “Many cars slip up trying to get in or out of the hill,” he said. Other students say the decision comes down to the mechanics of their vehicle. Nestor Sarmiento, a junior mechanical engineering major, said his routine begins the moment he wakes up. “My first response is to look outside my window,” Sarmiento said. “If I see heavy snow, it’s already an indicator of staying home regardless of the university’s decision. I drive a front-wheel-drive car; I know better than to take my car out and end up in a ditch.” Sarmiento noted that while moving to Zoom provides “peace of mind,” it is not a perfect solution. “It allows me to not worry about the dangers of driving,” he said. “However, it also comes with its own problems; connectivity issues can cause disruption in class materials.” The shift to digital learning also allows for more flexible scheduling. Lin Zhang, a senior computer science major, said she views a snow day as an opportunity for balance. “I would enjoy myself during a snow day for self-care and rewatch the Zoom later when I’m in study zone,” Zhang said. If the snow does keep students home, many plan to stay productive. Pablo Ramos Sanchez, a junior finance major, said he plans to use a potential snow day to apply for internships and complete assignments. But for many, the ultimate goal is to trade the stress of the interstate for the comfort of home. For Sarmiento, a day away from the roads means a rare chance to reset. “My perfect snow day is waking up to a warm breakfast with a hot beverage, getting to enjoy myself by watching movies and then layering up to go walk through the snow outside for a bit,” Sarmiento said. From the hills of Nashville to the interstates of Middle Tennessee, Lipscomb’s commuters are proving that a winter storm doesn’t mean a lost day. Whether they are preparing for the stress of icy roads, finding a moment to relax with self-care, or using the time to apply for internships, these students are finding ways to adapt. While the university’s official status remains a “waiting game” until Sunday night, the student body has already shifted gears. Between the decisions of the morning commute and the simple joy of a walk in the snow, commuters are finding their own balance – proving that even when the roads are frozen, their productivity and spirit are not.
The winter storm projected for January 2026 hit Lipscomb’s campus in a far different manner than expected. Though the forecast had called for up to 15 inches of snow, the campus saw only two to three inches. The ice that followed, however, would cause a problem. Clinging to all of the trees and power lines both on campus and around Nashville, the ice wreaked havoc. Tree limbs came crashing down all across campus with crashing thuds and rending cracks. Some smaller trees were even fully uprooted by the weight of the ice. Students were advised to avoid walking underneath trees whenever possible and to stay alert when crossing beneath one. Several of the trees exploded, with booms akin to a cannon being fired. The weight of the ice also yanked down power lines across the city. Lipscomb’s power went out around 11 a.m. Sunday, plunging every building on campus into darkness. Students gathered in the Bennett Campus Center – “the Stu,” to students – as soft alarms rang out through the dark building. The Stu’s permanent generator kicked on within the hour, garnering cheers from the students packed into the cafeteria upstairs and studying area downstairs. The cafeteria and Stu remained packed the entire rest of the day, students filling every chair and sofa in the building. Every power outlet was taken advantage of, many with power strips plugged in, as students charged their electronics. Personal televisions were also brought into the Stu and students put on the AFC football championship game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, cheers – and groans – filling the area known as Zebbie’s Lounge. Some students also brought their own PCs and played video games. Toward the evening, students received word that power would not be returned to campus; therefore, heat would not be working in their dorms. They were encouraged to shelter and sleep in other buildings: women from Fanning, Johnson and Elam in Bennett; women from The Bison and The Village in the nursing building; and men from High Rise and The Village in either Shamblin Theater or Sewell Hall. Sewell, Bennett and the nursing building were the only available options on campus with generators running. Students made the most of their powerless day, playing cards in circles on the floor of the Stu, or tackle football in the Quad beside Beaman Library. Groups of students sat together crocheting, weaving friendship bracelets, knitting and painting. Some started a spontaneous worship night in Shamblin, over a hundred students gathering and sitting on the stage to sing together. Some students chose to remain in their dorms for the night, despite the lack of heat, others chose to camp out in the buildings with generators. One girl even set up a tent in the middle of the Stu, and many of the athletes brought air mattresses and set up camp in Allen. The ice is expected to remain in the area for several days, as temperatures continue to hover below freezing. As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Lipscomb University is still without power. Featured image taken by Micah Barkley.
The winter storm projected for January 2026 hit Lipscomb’s campus in a far different manner than expected. Though the forecast had called for up to 15 inches of snow, the campus saw only two to three inches. The ice that followed, however, would cause a problem. Clinging to all of the trees and power lines both on campus and around Nashville, the ice wreaked havoc. Tree limbs came crashing down all across campus with crashing thuds and rending cracks. Some smaller trees were even fully uprooted by the weight of the ice. Students were advised to avoid walking underneath trees whenever possible and to stay alert when crossing beneath one. Several of the trees exploded, with booms akin to a cannon being fired. The weight of the ice also yanked down power lines across the city. Lipscomb’s power went out around 11 a.m. Sunday, plunging every building on campus into darkness. Students gathered in the Bennett Campus Center – “the Stu,” to students – as soft alarms rang out through the dark building. The Stu’s permanent generator kicked on within the hour, garnering cheers from the students packed into the cafeteria upstairs and studying area downstairs. The cafeteria and Stu remained packed the entire rest of the day, students filling every chair and sofa in the building. Every power outlet was taken advantage of, many with power strips plugged in, as students charged their electronics. Personal televisions were also brought into the Stu and students put on the AFC football championship game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, cheers – and groans – filling the area known as Zebbie’s Lounge. Some students also brought their own PCs and played video games. Toward the evening, students received word that power would not be returned to campus; therefore, heat would not be working in their dorms. They were encouraged to shelter and sleep in other buildings: women from Fanning, Johnson and Elam in Bennett; women from The Bison and The Village in the nursing building; and men from High Rise and The Village in either Shamblin Theater or Sewell Hall. Sewell, Bennett and the nursing building were the only available options on campus with generators running. Students made the most of their powerless day, playing cards in circles on the floor of the Stu, or tackle football in the Quad beside Beaman Library. Groups of students sat together crocheting, weaving friendship bracelets, knitting and painting. Some started a spontaneous worship night in Shamblin, over a hundred students gathering and sitting on the stage to sing together. Some students chose to remain in their dorms for the night, despite the lack of heat, others chose to camp out in the buildings with generators. One girl even set up a tent in the middle of the Stu, and many of the athletes brought air mattresses and set up camp in Allen. The ice is expected to remain in the area for several days, as temperatures continue to hover below freezing. As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Lipscomb University is still without power. Featured image taken by Micah Barkley.
Lipscomb University commuters are bracing for a mix of in-person, remote and canceled classes as a Severe Winter Storm Warning takes effect for Davidson County from midnight Friday through 6 p.m. Sunday. While the university typically remains open during inclement weather, the National Weather Service is warning that “travel could be impossible” as a mix of snow and ice moves through Middle Tennessee. Forecasters predict up to 6 inches of snow alongside ice accumulations that could reach three-quarters of an inch. In an email sent to the campus community, university officials stated that Lipscomb “typically does not fully close but instead adjusts operations as needed.” However, leadership will monitor conditions throughout the weekend to determine if a shift to remote operations is necessary. An update regarding Monday, Jan. 26 operations is expected by 7 p.m. Sunday. For those driving from outside the “Lipscomb bubble,” the decision to attend class is more complicated than just checking an inbox. “If there’s more than two inches of snow, and I know it’ll be dangerous for me to go out, then there’s where I simply say I can’t go,” said Ramon Nuñez, a junior business management and marketing major. Nuñez, who lives on a hill, said the terrain makes commuting hazardous. “Many cars slip up trying to get in or out of the hill,” he said. Other students say the decision comes down to the mechanics of their vehicle. Nestor Sarmiento, a junior mechanical engineering major, said his routine begins the moment he wakes up. “My first response is to look outside my window,” Sarmiento said. “If I see heavy snow, it’s already an indicator of staying home regardless of the university’s decision. I drive a front-wheel-drive car; I know better than to take my car out and end up in a ditch.” Sarmiento noted that while moving to Zoom provides “peace of mind,” it is not a perfect solution. “It allows me to not worry about the dangers of driving,” he said. “However, it also comes with its own problems; connectivity issues can cause disruption in class materials.” The shift to digital learning also allows for more flexible scheduling. Lin Zhang, a senior computer science major, said she views a snow day as an opportunity for balance. “I would enjoy myself during a snow day for self-care and rewatch the Zoom later when I’m in study zone,” Zhang said. If the snow does keep students home, many plan to stay productive. Pablo Ramos Sanchez, a junior finance major, said he plans to use a potential snow day to apply for internships and complete assignments. But for many, the ultimate goal is to trade the stress of the interstate for the comfort of home. For Sarmiento, a day away from the roads means a rare chance to reset. “My perfect snow day is waking up to a warm breakfast with a hot beverage, getting to enjoy myself by watching movies and then layering up to go walk through the snow outside for a bit,” Sarmiento said. From the hills of Nashville to the interstates of Middle Tennessee, Lipscomb’s commuters are proving that a winter storm doesn’t mean a lost day. Whether they are preparing for the stress of icy roads, finding a moment to relax with self-care, or using the time to apply for internships, these students are finding ways to adapt. While the university’s official status remains a “waiting game” until Sunday night, the student body has already shifted gears. Between the decisions of the morning commute and the simple joy of a walk in the snow, commuters are finding their own balance – proving that even when the roads are frozen, their productivity and spirit are not.