Southern Accent (newspaper)

The Southern Accent
"The student voice since 1926"
TypeWeekly student newspaper
FormatTabloid
OwnerSouthern Adventist University
Founded1926 (as The Southland Scroll); renamed 1945
Headquarters4880 Taylor Circle, Collegedale, Tennessee, United States
CirculationApproximately 2,000 weekly
Websitesouthern-accent.org

The Southern Accent is the official student newspaper of Southern Adventist University (SAU) in Collegedale, Tennessee. Founded in 1926 as The Southland Scroll, it was renamed The Southern Accent in 1945. The paper is produced weekly in tabloid format and operates both in print and online, with coverage extending from campus life to the surrounding Collegedale community.

History

Origins: The Southland Scroll (1926–1945)

The publication began in 1926 under the title The Southland Scroll. It served as the first organized student journalistic outlet for what would later become Southern Adventist University. From 1929 until 1945 the paper functioned as the primary student voice, chronicling campus events and student life.

Transition to The Southern Accent (1945)

In 1945, the newspaper adopted its present name, The Southern Accent. The change reflected a desire to modernize the publication’s identity and more accurately represent its mission as the expressive voice of the student body. Over subsequent decades, the paper solidified its status as a consistent weekly publication under university ownership.

Evolution and role

Throughout the 20th century and into the digital era, The Southern Accent has evolved from a traditional student newsletter into a professional-style newspaper covering campus, local, and national stories of relevance to students. The publication’s categories now include News, Collegedale News, Mental Health, Sports, Religion, Opinion, and Lifestyle.[1]

Mission and editorial scope

The Southern Accent serves as the voice of the student body, providing campus-focused journalism while addressing social, academic, religious, and cultural issues. Its editorial scope includes:

  • Campus news and announcements
  • Collegedale and regional community reporting
  • Mental health and wellness features
  • Sports and athletic coverage
  • Faith and religious reflection
  • Student opinion and editorial commentary
  • Lifestyle, arts, and culture

The publication operates within the context of the university’s Seventh-day Adventist values while maintaining a student-driven editorial process.

Organization and operations

Staff and governance

The newspaper is run by students under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Key positions such as Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and Section Editors are typically filled by undergraduate students majoring in journalism, communication, or related fields. Staff members gain professional experience in writing, editing, design, and web publication.

Funding and distribution

Funding is derived from the university, student media fees, and advertising revenue. The print edition is distributed weekly throughout campus and nearby community venues, while the online version serves as a continuously updated news source. The Southern Accent also collaborates with the Center for Community News to strengthen local reporting partnerships.[1]

Relationship with administration

Although part of the SAU student media network, The Southern Accent maintains a degree of editorial independence. It frequently covers issues involving campus policy, student government, and community developments, serving as a bridge between the student body, administration, and the wider Collegedale community.

Sections and content

The Southern Accent organizes its reporting into several categories:

  • News – campus updates, administrative announcements, academic programs
  • Collegedale News – coverage of city council meetings, community events, and civic issues
  • Mental Health – articles on student wellness and personal growth
  • Sports – SAU athletics, tournaments, and student recreation
  • Religion – faith reflections, devotionals, and campus ministry news
  • Opinion – student commentary on social, political, and technological issues
  • Lifestyle – features on culture, food, identity, and local venues

Notable coverage

While a student newspaper, The Southern Accent frequently reports on matters of regional and civic significance. Examples include:

  • Coverage of the SAU Math and School of Computing department’s relocation to a former Collegedale elementary school building.[1]
  • Reporting on the “You Matter” initiative by the Student Association Senate to promote campus engagement.[1]
  • Local reporting on Collegedale’s municipal website redesign and fire department volunteer recruitment.[1]

Such stories demonstrate the publication’s role in connecting the university community with broader civic issues.

Digital presence

The newspaper maintains an active online presence through its website and social media. Articles are published digitally alongside the print edition, with photo galleries, multimedia features, and student profiles. The website functions as an archive of past editions and a hub for current campus reporting.

Awards and alumni

Although specific awards are not listed publicly, SAU journalism students involved in The Southern Accent have historically participated in regional college media associations. Alumni of the newspaper have gone on to careers in journalism, media production, education, and communication fields. Future expansions of this article may include notable alumni and awards once verified through university archives.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "The Southern Accent – Home". Retrieved November 10, 2025.


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