Author Archives: Merilee

“IT’S BEAUTIFUL”

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The following post is contributed by Kelli Joy, our communications intern. Her assignment: interview Eileen Allen, Campus Operations’ quiet administrative assistant with an eye for capturing the beauty around her. Since it’s the people that make Belhaven such a wonderful place, we’ve chosen to highlight Mrs. Allen and a couple of her photos here.


Eileen Allen, Administrative Assistant for Campus Operations

Eileen Allen, Administrative Assistant for Campus Operations

When asked to describe Belhaven University’s campus in three words, Mrs. Eileen Allen explains, “You can describe it in one—Beautiful!” Since 2006, Mrs. Allen has served as the Administrative Assistant in Campus Operations here at Belhaven. She is the beautiful red-haired lady that sits in the glass office upon entering the computer lab.

The beauty of our campus is her motivation for snapping shots of the university grounds. Mrs. Eileen admitted, “I am sure students see me walking around taking pictures, since I do it all the time. I always keep my camera handy; you never know when you will have the opportunity to capture art.”

Belhaven Campus by Eileen Allen

Belhaven Campus by Eileen Allen

Mrs. Eileen was born here in Jackson and has lived in several cities throughout the state. She grew up in a home that valued art: “Since my mother is an artist and an art teacher, I have been exposed to art all my life. I personally love anything dealing with art, from photography to picture framing, and music as well.” Eileen opened an arts and crafts store from 1986-1990 in Brandon, Miss., where she offered “all types of art classes and sold every type of art supply that you could imagine.”

Gillespie Commons by Eileen Allen

Gillespie Commons by Eileen Allen

She plans to dedicate more time and energy to her love of art and photography whenever she retires. When asked to define or explain art in her mind, she referenced her favorite quote: “Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson. It is obvious from Eileen’s campus photographs that she loves capturing beauty and creating art. Thank you for sharing with us, Eileen!

Homecoming Q & A with Michael Dukes

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Michael Dukes, Alumni Director

Michael Dukes, Alumni Director

Michael Dukes, class of ‘98, is Belhaven’s Alumni Director. If any of you alumni are on the fence about coming “Back to Belhaven” this year, read this short Q & A before you make up your mind! Register Online for all of the Homecoming events you plan to attend.

What is your favorite aspect of being Alumni Director? The interaction with alumni (and friends) from varying eras is always satisfying to my soul.  Helping connect alumni passions with something that is currently going on at Belhaven, and see them get involved, is the most enjoyable aspect of my role here.

What is your favorite time of year? Homecoming is the pinnacle for alumni involvement during the school year, so naturally it is my favorite time.  I could put together a Homecoming schedule full of activities and events, but my philosophy is to plan a few meaningful events and reserve the bulk of time available for simple conversation and “re-connection” for alumni.

What are some annual favorites that will be back again for Homecoming 09? Of course, the Alumni Awards Luncheon is a highlight each year.  This event allows us to honor a handful of Belhaven’s alumni who have made significant impact in their churches, careers, and communities since departing Belhaven.  This year’s recipients are certainly a worthy group.

Other staple events are the Sports Hall of Fame Banquet (Friday night), the Fifty Year Club Fall Meeting, and the 5k Run/Walk…AND the Football team will square off with Shorter College on the gridiron this year…GO BLAZERS!

Homecoming Court 2008

Homecoming Court 2008

What are some special events that are new this year? The most significant new event for Homecoming this year will be the “Thirty Years of Excellence” Celebration, honoring Drs. Al Chestnut and Phil Kelly.  It’s a pretty remarkable thing to have faculty stay at one institution thirty years or longer, yet alone in one department.  We wanted to do something to honor these gentlemen and allow those who sat under their teaching the opportunity to express their thankfulness.

Although it’s not a totally new event, this year will see the return of our Blazer Basketball Mini-Camp (Saturday morning).  We want to encourage alumni with children or grandchildren to bring them and let our Belhaven student-athletes interact with them and teach them some basketball skills in the process!

What is the one thing  you hope all alumni experience when they come “Back to Belhaven?” Much of who I am as a person was shaped during my time at Belhaven, so my passions for the College run deep and true.  I know I am not the only one for whom this is the case.  So, my hope is that all alumni who are even remotely tempted to come back for Homecoming will make the choice to do so.  I am persuaded that just simply being back on campus will bring back some powerful memories for us all of what the Lord accomplished in our lives through Belhaven College and the people who were here with us.

Getting to Know Clara Brown, Campus Security

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Clara Brown, Campus Security Officer

Clara Brown, Campus Security Officer

“Belhaven surprised me,” states Clara Brown, who has been a Belhaven campus security officer  for 11 years now. As we continue to talk, I learn that it’s really the students’ openness and warmth that has been surprising. In stark contrast to her previous job on a different campus, Belhaven students were eager to make her part of “the Belhaven family,” as she now calls it. She says, “I like to see how students here volunteer, how they go to church, and how they invite me to pray with them.” In fact, she credits these students with helping her grow spiritually over the years.

When Clara talks about her job, she mentions the things she does (escorting students to and from their cars, unlocking doors, patrolling the campus, etc), but mostly she just talks about the students themselves. Her favorite aspect of her job? “I love helping students.” How has the job changed her perspective? “I am more of an athlete by nature, but hanging around artists at Belhaven has given me an appreciation for all of life.” A first that this job has provided? “It’s my first time working somewhere where I meet people from all over the world.” The most pivotal moment that changed her perspective towards students forever? The day a student athlete came up to her, gave her a hug, and told her she is loved. Today, “Miss Clara,” as she is affectionately known around campus, does her job joyfully–keeping campus safe for “her family.”

6 Degrees of Belhaven…Hold the Bacon

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Mr. Eliud Michura and Dr. Randy Russ

Mr. Eliud Michura and Dr. Randy Russ

How did Mr. Eliud Michura, a Kenyan, end up in Jackson, Miss. to observe how Belhaven College integrates faith and learning in student development? To answer this very complex question, I thought it would be interesting to play a little game of “Six Degrees” which usually includes Kevin Bacon. Not today. Today, we’re talking about how Belhaven connections span the globe and how the Lord has used them to bring a Dean of Students from a Kenyan university all the way to Belhaven College. This tale of “6 Degrees of Belhaven” began over a decade ago…

  1. Jane Lang’at (class of 1998) and her husband Robert moved to Kenya, where Robert is the Provost at Kabarak University and Mr. Michura is the Dean of Students.
  2. Dr. Joe Martin, Chair of the Belhaven Biblical Studies dept., connected Jane and Robert with…
  3. Dr. Randy Russ, Belhaven Business professor who was already planning a trip to Africa, and who often gives seminars on faith integration in the classroom.
  4. Dr. Russ changed his summer plans (2008) to include a stop in Kenya, where he did a seminar for small business owners, one of whom was Anne Michura…
  5. Anne told her husband, Eliud, about Randy’s seminar…
  6. A friendship was born between these two men, and Randy returned to Kenya in Winter 2008 and invited Eliud to come and observe how Belhaven trains students in faith integration.

So, by the time I met Eliud on the Belhaven campus last week, the Lord had already created an intricate path to bring him here, and it was filled with Belhaven connections. His stay at Belhaven will last 3 weeks, and during that time he will observe how Belhaven integrates the biblical worldview into student programs. He plans to take back many ideas to Kabarak University when he returns. Several things that Belhaven has impressed upon him include the heavy investment into students’ lives, the integration of faith and learning, and the general hospitality he has felt on our campus.

Dr. Russ hopes that this relationship continues to such a degree that Belhaven students could study in Kenya next summer, learning AND practicing “Business as Ministry” with students from Kabarak University. The goal of this program is to help communities spiritually AND economically. I hope to have follow-up news to this post in the coming months! Until then, welcome to campus Mr. Michura!

5 Tips for College Freshmen

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Every college freshman that walks onto the Belhaven campus this August 15th will face a temptation to turn and run. Why? College is new and exciting, but it’s also intimidating and scary. As a former BC college freshman myself, here are a few tips on making your transition to college a smooth one:

1. Pack smart. Instead of having a vague notion that you’re not allowed to bring incense or toaster ovens to your residence hall, check with Student Life on what’s allowed/forbidden. The Belhaven Office of Student Life newsletter has this information, so make sure you and your parents read it BEFORE packing the car and driving 8 hours!

2. Let go. College is a great time to start fresh. You don’t have to cling to your high school identity any more than you have to cling to your pet hampster (which is not allowed in the dorm). I’m not saying drop all ties to your family and high school friends, but I am saying that Belhaven is a great place to grow into who you want to be, not stay in the same old high school categories.

3. Be open. With 70% of the freshmen from out of state, chances are you will meet some people who are not like you. On a small campus like BC, people don’t expect diversity, but it is abundant. A true cliche: people really can’t be judged by appearances. You might be surprised at how being open can bring rich friendships with like minded people who just happen to look and talk differently!

4. Jump in. Unpack your car. Take a deep breath. Hug your parents good bye. Jump into meeting people! The first few weeks of school are a window of opportunity for meeting people. Everyone feels just as awkward as you, so stick out your hand and introduce yourself to the person in line behind you, join other people playing frisbee on the Gillespie Commons, and participate with all of the Orientation activities, even if you think they’re corny!

5. Plug in. Get involved in a local church. Keeping your relationship with the Lord a priority from the very beginning of college is the most important “tip” I can give, and this includes a healthy church life. Many churches have “Adopt-a-Student” programs that connect you with a local family, which can be a great way to have a “home away from home.” If you don’t have a car, give the church office a call. Chances are, they will offer you a ride.

Any other tips for freshmen out there?