The Student Development Committee received detailed updates about new athletic initiatives and reflected on the adjustments made by the spiritual formation program during the COVID-19 pandemic during its semiannual meeting on Thursday.
The committee is one of five who met that afternoon, with the Milligan Board of Trustees concluding the meetings together on Friday morning.
Dean of Students Tony Jones officiated the meeting, along with Athletic Director Christian Pope, Campus Minister Rich Aubrey and Campus Activities Director Brealle Davis.
After a brief rundown of recent student accolades, Christian Pope gave a detailed account on his vision for Milligan’s athletic department.
One of the initiatives at the forefront is continuing partnerships with regional practitioners. With approximately five hundred athletes at Milligan split between only two athletic trainers, Pope wants to assure a consistent level of care across all athletic teams. One way to do this is by establishing connections with local chiropractors, family doctors, orthopedic specialists, etc.
Also a top priority for Pope is for all leaders within the athletic department to receive mental health first-aid training.
“It is not a weakness to say, ‘I need help,” he said. “We saw on the Olympic stage with Simone Biles that all athletes can struggle with mental health, we want to provide care for athletes in the realm of mental health.”
Last Spring, Milligan became one of thirteen schools to participate in the NAIA Women’s Flag Football inaugural season.
“One day I would like to bring back regular football to Milligan too,” he said.
Rich Aubrey concluded the meeting by reflecting on accommodations made by Milligan’s SFP program, in order to comply with CDC guidelines while still encouraging spiritual growth.
“We delayed the regular chapel schedule this semester,” he said. “It reduced the risk, and we also have not opened convocation or chapel to the public in order to protect our students.”
Aubrey’s goal is to get back to normal, but do so responsibly.
“We will be having a Christmas chapel this December,” he said. “It gives our fine arts programs a chance to perform and show off their hard work.”
Headline Photo: Student Development Committee begins meeting with a word of prayer.