April marks the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Month, the country’s largest literary celebration. Alongside the celebration of the art form, one of the main goals of the month is to further integrate poetry into the classroom. Today we spoke with Dr. Jan Harris, an associate professor of English at Lipscomb University. Harris’ collection of poetry, Isolating One’s Time in a Time of Crisis, is set to release in October. During our conversation, we spoke about her new book, the importance of integrating poetry into the classroom, why it’s important for students to hear about the publishing process, and some of her biggest influences as a writer.

April is Financial Literacy Month, which means organizations across the country are highlighting the importance of financial literacy, especially among the nation’s youth, and teaching people how to maintain healthy financial habits. But what exactly does it mean to be financially literate, and is that something that a college student should worry about? On this episode of Bison Talk we spoke with Dr. Jeff Mankin, an assistant professor of accounting at Lipscomb University. Mankin has been recognized for his research in the fields of accounting, business, and financial analysis by the Institute for Global Business Research. We spoke about the importance of financial literacy, how college students can get a jumpstart on maintaining healthy financial habits, and a few simple steps anyone can practice.

Whether you’re studying for finals, doing research for a paper, or just looking for a quiet place to get work done, libraries are one of the most useful buildings for students on a college campus. But there’s often much more available within those libraries than even the most studious undergrads realize when they first arrive as a freshman. Lipscomb’s Beaman Library, which houses a top notch group of Archives and Special Collections, is no exception. So you may find yourself asking, what exactly makes up those archives and how can I access them? On this episode of Bison Talk, we spoke with Elizabeth Rivera, the special collections librarian at Lipscomb, to talk about Beaman Library’s Archives and Special Collections, the importance of primary sources, and the new Marie Potter Byers Endowment. Elizabeth, thanks for joining me today. Episode Transcript linked here.

The concept of leadership has many applications. Opportunities to learn from or be a leader exist in both our personal and professional lives. In fact, most of us can be both a leader and a follower, depending on the situation. What does a good leader look like and how can we foster leadership development within ourselves? On this episode of Bison Talk, Dr. Matt Paden, an expert in leadership development as a speaker, consultant and professor of both undergraduate and graduate courses on the subject. His expertise covers leadership as it pertains to an organization, change, culture and development. Paden is also senior vice president of enrollment and student engagement at Lipscomb University, which covers student life, enrollment and university athletics. Click here for an episode transcript.

We all know how important nutrition is to our general health and well-being, but it seems like the rules and guidelines are always changing. With fad diets, exercise trends, and a market saturated with processed and convenience-based food, it can be difficult to really understand what a healthy lifestyle looks like. In the midst of a pandemic, our health is even more important. How can we maintain a healthy lifestyle without being overwhelmed? Featured guests: Autumn Marshall, chair of Lipscomb’s Nutrition and Kinesiology department; and Grace White, graduate assistant for the sports nutrition program. Episode Transcript.

With a new school year well underway, many high school juniors and seniors are thinking about what they want to do after graduation. Making the decision about what to do next can be tough. For those who want to continue their education, finding a college or university that is a good fit for them can be stressful at times. This episode sheds light on what can often be an overwhelming process for high school students and their parents. Featured guest: Reggie Blair, senior director of admissions at Lipscomb University. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, many of us are beginning to realize what really matters. This increase of time spent at home, without the distractions of our usually busy lives, can be a time of real reflection. It can also be a time of stress, anxiety or loneliness, and this influx of emotion has taught us that we need connection with others. So how can we foster relationships with our family, friends, roommates and significant others in this time of isolation? And why is this network so important?  Katie Spirko, assistant professor of psychology, and Hunter Stanfield, assistant professor of family science, are the featured guests to talk about relationships, particularly in a time of isolation. Episode transript.

With the onset of the global pandemic, COVID-19, many aspects of our everyday lives have been restricted, including the ways in which we socialize and exercise. The Center for Disease Control says the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. So how can we comply with this simple request and still meet our basic needs, particularly in health and fitness? Guest Blaine Donoho, Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, discusses how we can stay physically active while still complying with CDC guidelines. Episode 1 transcript.