On Thursday, March 6th, 2025, the Reynolds Rotunda at Southern Arkansas University was filled with energy, creativity, and heartfelt performances, all thanks to VISTA Fellow Bailey Cole and Dean Dr. Carey Baker’s Healthy U initiative. The event, named Unplugged Coffeehouse, sought to bring together students, faculty, and staff for an evening of connection without the distractions of our ever-present phones.
The main goal of the Unplugged Coffeehouse event was simple but impactful: encourage the SAU community to step away from their devices and engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions. In today’s digital age, it’s all too easy to get lost in the screens of our phones and forget the joy of spending quality time with one another. This event provided the perfect opportunity to reconnect with one another, share stories, and enjoy a night of entertainment in a more mindful, unplugged environment.
The event took place in front of SAU’s Mulerider Café, home to the popular Starbucks, providing a welcoming atmosphere where guests could chat, sip on coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy a selection of finger foods. The large crowd was treated to performances by a talented lineup of SAU’s own staff, faculty, and students, who graced the stage with their vocal talents and poetry readings.
The event was expertly MC’d by SAU’s Band Director, JP Wilson, who helped set the tone for the evening and kept the audience engaged throughout the night. His energy and enthusiasm played a big role in making the event feel welcoming and enjoyable for all who attended.
The Unplugged theme carried through in every detail of the event. T-shirts with the event’s logo were handed out to attendees, along with thought-provoking books like The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, helping to raise awareness about the importance of mindfulness in the digital age.
We are incredibly proud of VISTA Fellow Bailey Cole for organizing such a successful and meaningful event. Her hard work and dedication to promoting mindfulness, self-care, and connection have left a lasting impact on the SAU community. The Unplugged Coffeehouse event was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to connect is to put our phones down and be present with one another.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support Unplugged Coffeehouse, and congratulations again to SAU+VISTA Healthy U Fellow, Bailey Cole for bringing this fantastic event to life!
