Ashlen Jones
Ashlen is a senior majoring in Journalism and New Media from Chapel Hill, TN. She is an aspiring news reporter and works as a resident assistant in the dorms. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, horseback riding, and photography.
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Students fill the square for Lipscomb Gone Country
Boots, Raising Cane’s and music filled the square at Lipscomb Gone Country, hosted by the Lipscomb Line Dancing Club. Over 100 students gathered to learn dances and spend time together. Kennedy Duncan, vice president of the line dancing club, said her passion for dancing grew after coming to Nashville from New Jersey. “I didn’t realize how I would fall in love with it and how it would become, like, half of my personality,” Duncan said. “I got connected to the club through a friend of mine.” Planning events like Lipscomb Gone Country takes more work than students may realize. “A lot of emails back and forth with administration and jumping…
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The Scenic Route wins all major awards at Singarama
Singarama presented awards across multiple performances this week, with “The Scenic Route” earning recognition in every major category. Thursday night featured student-voted awards. The Coba Craig Award for most Singarama spirit was presented to Annika Denney. The Willard Collins Award, which recognizes student leadership, was awarded to Ellie Moen and Reagan Sanders in a tie. On Friday night, “The Scenic Route” earned awards for both Visual Effects and Choreography. The group continued into Saturday, winning Best Theme during the matinee performance. Saturday evening concluded with the Sweepstakes Awards. Announced by Landon Parrish, “The Scenic Route” was awarded both Entertainment and Vocals. President McQueen then announced the group as the overall…
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Six-ticket limit for graduation leaves some seniors scrambling
Six tickets. That’s all Lipscomb seniors will receive for this year’s commencement ceremony, a number that has left some students choosing which family members get to witness one of the biggest moments of their lives. For Gabriela Barreto, a senior public relations major from São Paulo, Brazil, that meant telling relatives who had already booked flights. “My family all live in Brazil, and they are all booking flights and hotels over here,” Barreto said. “So they spent the money, and now some of them are coming, but they don’t have tickets. That’s the bad thing, I had to literally pick who I’m giving my six tickets.” Barreto said she learned…
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From stray to campus cat, Sewella finds a new home
What started as a stray cat wandering campus has become a friendly face for many students. Sewella is often seen near the front of Elam Hall in a small heated shelter, with food and water provided by students. Her name comes from being spotted between Elam and Sewell Hall. For many, spotting her has become a small but meaningful part of the day. Allison Schumacher, a freshman math major, is one of several students who regularly leave food and water out for Sewella. “I’ve always been nurturing for animals,” Schumacher said. “So I started feeding her and giving her water. Then she eventually decided she was going to get more…
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Federal student loan repayment plans are changing in 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, the federal student loan system will change how borrowers repay their loans. While current borrowers will not see the immediate changes, students planning to borrow in the future could face fewer repayment options. “Most pieces are set, but things are still evolving,” said Assistant Director of Special Programs David Bender. “By July 1, that’s when students should expect to see everything set in stone.” For students taking out new federal loans after the changes, there will be two repayment plans. One option is a standard repayment plan with fixed monthly payments. Unlike the traditional 10-year plan, the length of repayment will depend on the total loan…
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Ellie Holcomb hosts Lipscomb’s 21st annual Lighting of the Green
Lipscomb held its 21st annual Lighting of the Green in Allen Arena, with singer Ellie Holcomb as this year’s host. Before the concert, guests visited the Merry Marketplace, where local vendors donated a portion of their proceeds to Associated Women for Lipscomb scholarships. Jennette Midgett Sockwell, a children’s author and Lipscomb alumna, said the sense of community is what keeps her coming back every year. “It’s about connections. I may not sell that many tonight,” she said. “But I’ll make connections here. Last year, a schoolteacher, who I think taught at Lipscomb Academy, took my card, and the very next day she got online and bought a book for every…
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Lipscomb expands support as student food insecurity rises
As federal SNAP benefits remain limited, the conversation about food insecurity is growing. Dr. Autumn Marshall, chair of Lipscomb’s Department of Nutrition and a registered dietitian, said people underestimate how common food insecurity is on college campuses. “I was really surprised when I did some digging on this, that about 19% of college students experience some level of food insecurity,” Marshall said. “Typically, the ones who live on campus, that’s not a problem because they’re required to have a meal plan. But students who move off campus to save money or who are living at home may be experiencing food insecurity, especially if they’re not able to work as much…
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Freshmen explore social clubs at annual rush fair
The Fall Freshman Rush Fair brought clubs Alpha Delta, Delta Omega, Delta Sigma, Gamma Xi, Phi Nu, Phi Sigma, Pi Delta, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Iota Delta and Theta Psi to Bison Square. Freshmen met members, asked questions and learned about spring rush. Photos by Ashlen Jones.
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Lipscomb Theatre seniors bring emotion to Matilda the Musical
Lipscomb University’s Department of Theatre will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical beginning Nov. 7 in Collins Alumni Auditorium and directed by Beki Baker. Senior musical theatre major Makenzie Cogswell stars as Matilda, a young girl with a powerful imagination, intelligence and psychokinetic abilities. Cogswell said she relates to Matilda’s determination. “I’m a very stubborn person, and I think Matilda can be stubborn at times too,” Cogswell said. “But I think that’s what makes her powerful. She doesn’t want to stay stuck in the situation she’s in. She wants to do something about it.” Playing Miss Honey is one of Cogswell’s closest friends, which she said makes this production even…
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Freshmen win Halloweek dodgeball tournament
Lipscomb University students faced off in the annual Halloweek dodgeball tournament at Fanning Hall, continuing one of the university’s long-standing traditions. This year’s tournament, themed “Thriller Throwdown,” featured teams dressed in creative costumes competing in a bracket-style competition. Students crowded Fanning’s courtyard and balconies, cheering on teams and friends. The game took place inside the tournament’s signature cage setup, giving the event its classic look as dodgeballs flew across the court and bounced off the metal fencing. Teams included Team McQueen, Men of God, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Elixir Addicts, Willie the Pooh, Team P.G.A. and Code Blue, along with several others competing. For the first time, Student Government Association…
