THE REINHARDT EAGLE

Volume 130, February 23, 2024

Task Force Explores Artificial Intelligence

Pictured: Task Force and Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Christopher Robinson

The endless possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have the potential to impact and enhance higher education’s learning environment. Reinhardt University’s new AI Task Force, launched in the fall of 2023, embraces this technology and explores uses for its applications for both students and faculty.

The team, comprised of faculty and staff, includes Dr. N. Mason Conklin, director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (CITEL) and associate professor of music. He explains, “The AI task force has met on multiple occasions to address AI as a tool in the workforce and as an aid to instruction.” Each member shares their AI interactions, successes, and suggestions regarding academic integrity.

Dr. Conklin finds benefits in using ChatGPT. As the writer of the University’s fifth-year Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) report, he says it allows him to more efficiently draft and complete this important piece for continuing accreditation. Rather than spending several days writing revisions, he submits his first draft to Chat GPT, requests an academic tone, and immediately gets ideas for improvement. He also reported ChatGPT’s tendency to produce plausible but factually incorrect statements, but he explained that students can be transformed by catching these errors, “Knowing that they can't implicitly trust the output of generative AI helps them learn how to use the tool responsibly.”

Read More Here

Alumni Return to Shoot Hoops

Eagle men’s basketball alumni spanning four decades reunited on their home court on February 17th. Fourteen graduates from 1984 to 2023 enjoyed a day filled with a friendly game, camaraderie, and sharing memories.

For many of these athletes, witnessing the evolution of Reinhardt over the years brought a mix of enthusiasm and nostalgia. Participants especially treasured the presence of Reinhardt's inaugural basketball coach, Kyle Smith.

The success of this event brings anticipation for what next year’s game will bring. If you would like to be notified about exciting alumni events, please email the Director of Alumni Relations, Raynah Roberts (RU2021): raynah.roberts@reinhardt.edu.

See the Website Article Here

Art Professor's Sabbatical Draws Inspiration

From Florida to California and across the Atlantic Ocean, Reinhardt’s Art Department Program Coordinator and Associate Professor Jym Davis spent the Fall 2023 semester focusing on his professional development. Renowned for creating masks inspired by nature and mythology, Davis also has a passion for conservation, otherworldly landscapes, and world folk customs. His new art created at California’s Pinnacles National Park and Florida’s Grayton Beach State Park reflects these interests.

During his sabbatical, he visited numerous state and national parks to conduct research and gain inspiration for his work, participated in art exhibitions, conducted workshops, created new artwork, and viewed other artists' outstanding works. In addition to his travels, Davis completed his first book about mythical ancient water world creatures titled “Flood Birds.” Available on Amazon, it includes over 20 original watercolors along with narrative text.

Read More Here

Softball Opens Conference Play with a Sweep

The Reinhardt softball team began conference play this week with an at-home double-header against Kentucky Christian University. The Eagles outscored the Knights in both games, with scores of 5-0 and 10-5.

Pre-conference games bring the Eagles’ overall record to 5-3. The team continues their season with an away double-header at St. Thomas this Saturday, February 24th. Their next home games are on Thursday, March 7th at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Click Here for more Athletics News

Click Here for the Sports Calendar

Upcoming Events

Clue

Friday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 25, 3:00 p.m.

At the University Theater

A theater student performance with a plot based on the popular board game.

Be amused by and intrigued by beloved suspects in this family-friendly and fun murder mystery show.

The University Opera:

Comic Double Bill

Thursday, February 29, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 1, 7:30 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

Free admission!

Enjoy stunning performances by talented students in Reinhardt's opera theatre program in this unforgettable musical journey. Two silly, captivating shows each night will leave you speechless.

"Captain Lovelock" is a tale of a wealthy, elderly widow who wishes to marry a young army officer. Her daughters conspire with a marriage broker to show the old woman the folly of her plan.

"Sweet Betsy from Pike" follows a couple's journey, highlighting the challenges and humorous moments they encounter. The narrator’s storytelling captures the spirit of the American frontier and the determination of those who ventured westward during the Gold Rush era.

The Everly Set

Saturday, March 23

3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

Acclaimed singer-songwriters Sean Altman (Rockapella founder) and Jack Skuller (Disney Recording Artist) present the ultimate concert celebration of the legendary Everly Brothers. Be whisked away to 1957 when teens Phil and Don Everly first supercharged the sound of Rock ’n’ Roll with the sparkling harmonies. The Everly Set’s vocals and keen wit will have your audience singing, laughing, and dancing in the aisles!

North Georgia Youth Wind Symphony with the Atlanta Wind Symphony

Sunday, March 24, 3:00 p.m.

Falany Performing Arts Center

An extraordinary partnership performance of this premiere youth ensemble in its inaugural season. Talented high school students from around the region have joined to create exceptional music. Each symphony will perform separately, as well as together. This concert will be impressive!