February 28, 2024
A note from the Dean
Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

The last few days have been filled with celebration for our Early Decision admitted students. Last week we hosted some 200 students and family members. They learned about life at Oxford, attended a faculty panel, took campus tours, and met their future classmates. Some students formed such strong connections during their visit that they decided to become roommates in the fall. Last night I was able to meet more students, parents, and even a few alumni, at the ED1 and ED2 event held in Washington, D.C. I had a great time learning about their goals, ambitions, and to see how excited they are to come to Oxford. The Early Decision students will comprise about 50% of our incoming class. I look forward to sharing more information about the incoming class later this semester. 

Thanks to those of you who attended the Community Hour earlier today—a fourth birthday party for the Oxford Student Center. I heard it was a great time, with student performances, a bounce house, and several fun giveaways.

This Thursday, February 29, ODEI, the Black Student Association, and the African Caribbean Student Union will host The Cookout in the Student Center from 6:00–8:00 p.m. There will be music, food, games, and plenty of fun. You can also see OxTheatre’s spring semester play—Polaroid Stories—this Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Tarbutton Theater. There are also shows on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You can reserve your tickets here. Faculty and staff are welcome at both events.

Warmly,
Badia
Submitting to Campus Update
To submit items for Campus Update, please email Julia Kim. The newsletter is distributed weekly on Wednesday. Please submit items by Monday afternoon.
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A reminder to all faculty and staff that Campus Update submissions are due no later than Monday at 5:00 p.m. for the Wednesday edition. Items that are received after that time will be included in the following week's newsletter.
Staff Features
Oxford Communications is featuring a staff member each week to help us get to know our colleagues. To nominate a staff colleague to answer our five-question profile for publication in future issues, please contact [email protected]. You can also nominate yourself!

NAME: Krystal Gathright
TITLE/DEPT: Event Manager — Events and Conferences
How long have you been at Oxford?
February of this year made 10 years at Oxford, but only 10 months in my current position. In my current role as the Event Manager, I assist with internal and external events that occur on campus, whether it's reserving a space or organizing the logistics of an event.
What do you like best about your job and about Oxford?
I enjoy the flexibility at Oxford, the opportunities for professional development, and the ability to be able to work individually and within a team.
What is your favorite song/tv show/movie/restaurant/podcast?
My favorite show is Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (the original one), and my favorite podcast is EYL: Earn Your Leisure
What makes you happy or brings you joy?
I enjoy celebrating friends and family, and I enjoy sporting activities and fashion shows.
Please complete this sentence: It might surprise people to know that I...
...am a twin and I play on a bowling league!
Oxford In The News
Salmon Shomade, Associate Professor of Political Science, conducted a workshop on "Engaging Voters and Candidates in this Election Year" for members of the Newton County Voters Education Project. This project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization in Newton County, GA. 
Alumni News
Susan Gregory 77Ox 79C, Oxford BOC member, hosted a delightful Dinner with 12 Strangers at her home over the weekend. The event brought together eight Oxford students, two Oxford Continuees, one Emory GBS student, two of Susan's classmates, and a classmate's spouse. Her daughter Kate Ericksen 09C, her son-in-law Matt Ericksen 9L, and AAE staff members were also present. These dinners, held in both fall and spring, provide students with an opportunity to enjoy an off-campus meal and forge connections with alumni. A student expressed gratitude at the event, saying, "It was so nice to have a meal in a home and feel so welcomed."
Oxford Dining Hall News
Upcoming Events for Week of 2/28 - 3/3

Friday, March 1 at 12 p.m.: Get ready to dive into a symphony of fruity goodness! Join Oxford Dining Hall in celebrating National Fruit Compote Day, where every spoonful tells a delicious tale. Don't miss out on this extraordinary burst of sweetness. Come visit our Pop-Up Station at the Farm to Fork Table to grab a bowl.
Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m.: Get ready for a flavor-packed Friday Night Bites at Oxford's Student Center! Join us from 4-8 p.m. for a culinary journey featuring delectable bites and treats. Whether you're craving savory or sweet, our diverse offerings will satisfy your taste buds. Save the date and embark on a delicious evening of foodie delights.
Sunday, March 3 at 10 a.m.: Gear up for a sizzling showdown at our upcoming Food Fight from 10 a.m.—2 p.m.! Teams are prepping for an epic food fight where brunch themed dishes will compete to be food fight champion. Faculty, staff, and students, brace yourselves for a taste bud explosion. Get set for a gastronomic battle like never before—only the boldest flavors will triumph.
Wednesday, March 6 at 12 p.m.: Oreo lovers, this pop-up is for you! Brace yourselves for a sweet surprise at our National Oreo Cookie Day pop-up. We'll start at 12 p.m. and go until we're out. Join us as we indulge in delightful twists on the classic treat. Faculty, staff, and students, prepare for a delectable journey into the world of Oreos.
Friday, March 8 at 4 p.m.: Indulge in culinary delights at Oxford's Student Center with Friday Night Bites! Join us from 4-8 p.m. for a flavorful evening filled with delicious snacks, drinks, and good vibes. Whether you're unwinding after a long week or catching up with friends, this event promises to be a tasty start to your weekend.

For any questions, please email [email protected].
Power In Our Names: The Urgency of Art, Activism, and Sisterhood in our Time
Tameka Cage Conley, Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing, will participate in a conversation with renowned activists and artists Patrisse Cullors and vanessa german titled, "Power In Our Names: The Urgency of Art, Activism, and Sisterhood in our Time." 

The event is inspired by new work that german is showing at the Frieze Los Angeles that centers primarily on rose quartz. german has long utilized artifacts, metal, memorabilia, etc for her nationally and globally recognized sculptors, but crystals, especially rose quartz, offer a new pathway into the soul, intellect, and consciousness of this artist, whom I believe will be as important to this generation as Basquiat was to previous generations. As a thinker, leader, and activist, Cullors has invested her life, time, and power in equality and freedom, which was sparked decades ago when multiple Black lives were taken as a result of police brutality and violence.

This event is sponsored by the Humanities Division of Oxford College of Emory University. You can register for the event here.
BE-SPOKEN Performance
On March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Porter Performing Arts Center, the show BE-SPOKEN will be performed by Emorja Roberson, Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies.

The title, BE-SPOKEN, is a nod to the term "bespoke." The work uses sacred texts and music genres to address themes of Black empowerment, justice for police violence within Black and Brown communities, and hope for a more prosperous future. During the worldwide shutdown, violent atrocities committed upon the Black community were unavoidably visible. Our nation, once again, struggles to reconcile its original sin of slavery and its lasting institutionalized legacy, racism. BE-SPOKEN is a cantata that explores the themes of loss and joy and celebrates Blackness.

The work begins with a field song and moves through gospel, funk, and hip-hop. The text and music for the work were written by Emorja Roberson, Anthony T. Walker, and Chavis Gill (aka “King Chav”). You can purchase tickets here.
Polaroid Stories - OxTheater's Spring Production
An OxTheatre Production of Naomi Lizuka's Polaroid Stories will be performed at Tarbutton Performing Arts Center on February 29, March 1, and March 2 at 7:30 p.m. and also on March 2 at 3:00 p.m. You can purchase tickets for the show here.

Step into the gritty and fantastical world of Polaroid Stories by Naomi Lizuka, a raw and enthralling fusion of classical mythology and the harsh realities faced by street kids. This compelling narrative unfolds on the desolate outskirts of a city, where an abandoned pier becomes a haven for dreamers, dealers, and desperadoes.

Inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, Lizuka weaves a tale where myth-making becomes a lifeline for those pushed to society's fringe.
Oxford Scholars and Leaders Celebration
Please join the Advancement and Alumni Engagement Office to honor and celebrate exceptional members of the Oxford community for their service and leadership. We ask that you please register for the event here.
 
Thursday, March 21 | 6:00 p.m.| Oxford Student Center — Greer Forum
 
The William Norton Outstanding Alumna Award:
Dr. Amanda Phillips 92Ox 94C
 
Honorary Alumnus Award:
Mrs. Michelle Bryant Johnson
 
Outstanding Teaching Award:
Dr. Lloyd Parker 74G, Associate Professor of Chemistry
 
Outstanding Staff Award:
Mr. Rod Stubbs, Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach
Faculty Spotlight
Jack Hardy, Associate Professor of Linguistics, was featured this week in the ongoing Faculty Spotlight series on the Oxford website. Read more about his academic career and contributions to Oxford here.
Pathways Internship Funding
Pathways Internship Funding applications are now open. These one-time awards can reduce financial barriers that keep a student from saying "yes" to their dream internship, research, or applied arts opportunity this summer. Pathways funding can cover cost-of-living expenses such as airfare, housing, commuting, and food. Students can receive up to $4,000 for global experiences, $3,000 for domestic experiences. Students must have an offer in hand to apply. Priority deadline is March 24. You can learn more here.
CSCE 2024 Call for Submissions:
The Oxford College Library is now accepting submissions for this year's Celebration of Scholarship & Creative Expression exhibition. Faculty and staff are invited to submit:
  • Professional Works (Peer Reviewed): published work from the past two years including, but not limited to: books, book chapters, articles, essays, fiction, poetry, paper presentations, or poster presentations. 
  • Artistic Works (Previously Exhibited or Juried): artistic work exhibited or juried within the past two years including painting, photography, woodworking, sculpture, or other artistic endeavors.

Please complete the form no later than March 20th to be included in the April 19th exhibition. You can submit your form here.

Thank you for your hard work and willingness to share your contributions with students and colleagues! A reception for all faculty and staff will be held in the library the afternoon of April 19th. Details to follow later in a separate invitation.

Feel free to contact the library with any questions regarding this process:
FEBRUARY
Polaroid Stories — OxTheater's Spring Production
Tarbutton PAC | 7:30 p.m.
Power in Our Names: the Urgency of Art, Activism, and Sisterhood in Our Time 
Online Event | 10:30 p.m.
MARCH
Polaroid Stories — OxTheater's Spring Production
Tarbutton PAC | 7:30 p.m.
Polaroid Stories — OxTheater's Spring Production
Tarbutton PAC | 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Take a Break Tuesday
Advising Support Center
Oxford Student Center Plaza | 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Apu Inka
William's Hall | 7:00 p.m.
To submit a news item for the next Campus Update, please email Julia Kim.
The newsletter is distributed weekly on Wednesday. Please submit items by Monday afternoon.