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Harding University
Scholar Works at Harding
Harding Magazines Archives and Special Collections
Spring 2021
Harding Magazine Spring 2021 (vol. 29, no. 1)
Harding University
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.harding.edu/humagazines
Recommended Citation
Harding University. (2021). Harding Magazine Spring 2021 (vol. 29, no. 1). Retrieved from
https://scholarworks.harding.edu/humagazines/86
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by
the Archives and Special Collections at Scholar Works at
Harding. It has been accepted for inclusion in Harding
Magazines by an authorized administrator of Scholar
Works at Harding. For more information, please contact
scholarworks@harding.edu.
HARDING S P R I N G 2021 THE CHANGING PRACTICE OF PHARMACY
What’s Inside S P R I N G 2021 | V O LU M E 29 | N U M B E R 1
Features
16
BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN
Dr. David Burks responds to a Q&A on his
experiences becoming president the
second time around.
18
PURSUING A SHORTENED
PATHWAY TO PHARMACY
The College of Pharmacy continues to
14 22
innovate as it prepares to graduate its Departments
10th class in May.
22
A MAN OF MISSION
In his and your words, the magazine pays 2 VIEWPOINT 14 SPORTS
O P P O S I T E PA G E A N D FA R R I G H T P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y, TO P P H OTO AT H L E T I C S A R C H I V E S
tribute to our fifth president who retired A time of transition Former athletes working at the University
at the end of November 2020.
3 HU VIEW
Masking up calls for creativity.
28 4 ONE MOMENT
Students enjoy the abundance of snow
ON THE COVER
Pharmacy student Kent
RHODES FINALIST 30 CONNECTIONS Nguyen participates in
during February.
Social services policy provides the career 31 | PROFILE a Community Advanced
Pharmacy Experience at
trajectory for 2019 alumnus and Rhodes Jessica Pell Tate, 1995
Walmart Pharmacy.
scholar finalist Taylor Brown. 32 | PROFILE
Ryan Walters, 2010 P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
6 AROUND CAMPUS
Administration building to be named for
Elijah Anthony and Dr. Howard Wright,
the passing of Dr. Jerome Barnes, and
36 END NOTE
18
other happenings around the University
Shannon Overcash shares her life
managing the COVID-19 residence hall.
Viewpoint HU View
A time of transition HARDING
S P R I N G 2021 | V O LU M E 29 | N U M B E R 1
All masked up P H OTO G R A P H E R J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y C ATC H E S A W I D E VA R I E T Y O F M A S K S A R O U N D C A M P U S
By DAVID B. BURKS, president
S
INCE BEING ASKED by the board of E D I TO R / D E S I G N E R
trustees to assume the responsibil- Tom Buterbaugh, ’78
ity of president in November, I have CO P Y E D I TO R / W R I T E R
been overwhelmed by your emails, Jantzen Haley, ’17
phone calls and texts. Thank you for your sup-
port, your prayers and your love for Harding. WRITERS
Katie Clement, ’16
I would like to express thanks to Dr. Bruce Josie Parker, ’18
McLarty for his many years of service to the Megan Stroud, ’19
Harding family. He has a great love and pas-
sion for this work, and I am confident he will SPORTS WRITER
Scott Goode, ’97
continue to be a blessing to many in the fu-
ture. I wish him well in the years to come. P H OTO G R A P H E R
For the first time in almost a year, because Jeff Montgomery, ’91
of COVID-19, in-person chapel was initiated
CO N T R I B U TO R S
on a two-day a week basis in both Benson Emma Aly, ’20
Auditorium and Rhodes-Reaves Field House. Joanna Crisco, ’97
As you might expect, I used “camaraderie” Michael Justus, ’74
as the opening line for all of these chapel Jeff Mercer
Shannon Overcash, ’12
experiences. Harding is about high-spirited
fellowship, which requires meaningful con- forward to their leadership and to the estab- PRESIDENT
nections, meaningful relationships — the lishment of new initiatives in their respec- David B. Burks, ’65
cornerstone of the Harding experience — tive areas. A S S I S TA N T V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R
that go beyond the time it takes a student to As we speak to the future, I am very U N I V E R S I T Y CO M M U N I C AT I O N S
AND MARKETING
earn a degree. pleased that the board of trustees has an- Candice Moore, ’01
It was my pleasure to announce recently nounced a presidential search committee.
our plans to honor seven African American They have selected an executive search firm, Harding is published three times
a year by the Office of University
individuals who played a distinctive role in CarterBaldwin of Atlanta, to advise them Communications and Marketing
Harding’s history — Elijah Anthony, Howard through this process. for alumni, faculty, staff, parents
Wright, Lewis Brown, Walter Cunningham, This is indeed a time of transition for and friends of the University.
Editorial offices are located on the
David Johnson, Thelma Smith and Curtis Harding, but I am confident we have a very second floor of the David B. Burks
Sykes. These individuals will be honored at bright future. I have never been more excited American Heritage Building at
915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, Arkansas;
Homecoming this October (page 6). about the opportunities for us to attract new
501-279-4316.
We also will pay tribute to Botham Jean, students, maintain the mission of Harding,
whose tragic death on Sept. 6, 2018, shook and share the good news of Jesus Christ with POSTMASTER
Send address changes to
the entire campus and world. We really miss an even wider audience. Please continue to Harding University
Botham, and his life and story are going to pray for us during this time of transition for 915 E. Market Ave., Box 12234
be remembered and honored on our campus God’s continued guidance. Searcy, AR 72149-5615.
in September, on the occasion of his 30th EMAIL
birthday (page 6).
P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
hardingmag@harding.edu
I am also pleased to announce several
WEBSITE
new leadership appointments you can read harding.edu/mag
about on pages 8 and 9. I am really looking
© 2021 Harding University
TOP ROW: Kylie Coffey, Milyn Ross, Michael Keene MIDDLE ROW: Peydon Harlow, Matthew Fortkamp, Andrea Martinez BOTTOM ROW: Victoria Lowery, Mallory Prior,
Dalton Koch
2 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 3
ONE MOMENT
During a lull in the abundant snowfall on campus
Feb. 15, Jillian Jarvis and Morgan Marcum make
snow angels. Extreme cold and two snowstorms the
week of Feb. 14 caused classes to transition online
all week.
P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
4 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 5
Around Campus For the very latest campus news, visit harding.edu/news.
Administration building to be JEROME BARNES | 1934-2020
named for Anthony, Wright Humble servant
PRESIDENT DAVID BURKS ANNOUNCED Feb. 1 in 1946 and enrolled at Harding in 1966. Wright
By MICHAEL JUSTUS, Student Association president 1973-74
that the University will honor and celebrate Bro. was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1945 and
Elijah Anthony and Dr. Howard Wright, the first enrolled at Harding in 1965. In May of 1968 both
N A WORLD THAT LIVES FOR A STANDING OVATION, In 1984, the year before our family returned to Searcy, a book
I
African American undergraduate students to graduated from Harding with a Bachelor of Arts
humble servants are a rare breed. arrived in our mailbox. I remember little of what was written on the
earn bachelor’s degrees from Harding, by nam- in English. Anthony and Wright have both been
They do their finest work in the shadows, making pages, but I will never forget the title: Tough Times Never Last, But
ing the Administration building in their honor. named distinguished alumni recipients.
sure others remain in the spotlight. Their concern Tough People Do. The return address on the package belonged to
During the years Anthony and Wright at- “When we stepped onto the Harding campus,
is for the greater good, deflecting appreciation that Jerome Barnes. It was his subtle vote of confidence, an unsolicited
tended Harding, the Administration building we stepped into history,” said Wright. “When we
rightfully belongs to them. affirmation, which came at a moment when I needed it most.
was the center of campus activity, holding vari- graduated from Harding, we stepped into his-
Dr. Jerome Barnes belongs in that elite company. Had he been an It is impossible to think of Dr. Barnes without his wife, Barbara.
ous school events, presentations and chapel. tory. We didn’t come to Harding to make history.
artist, his paintings would have no signature. Had he been a writer, They have been known affectionately as Pa and Ma Barnes, and to-
Today, the building remains a prominent fix- Claudine and I had more faith in God than fear
his publications would have no byline. gether they have demonstrated the heart and
ture on the campus quad housing several ad- of uncertainty, hatred or racism. Since walking
He was a quiet man, yet his life spoke hands of hospitality. Our children will tell
ministrative offices and a 973-seat auditorium. across that administration auditorium stage, God
volumes about his concern for the well- you the Barnes’ house was their favorite stop
“Elijah Anthony and Howard Wright are has blessed me for 5 1/2 decades to walk in the ABOVE: Standing in front of the Administration
building at their commencement ceremony, Howard being of others. after school for soft drinks in miniature bot-
deserving of this honor,” said President Burks. “I footsteps of Jesus. It’s all about a life of service.”
Wright and Elijah Anthony become the University’s He delighted in helping children experi- tles, and we remain grateful for the year they
know both men and am grateful for their faithful On Feb. 8 President Burks announced that first African American undergraduates in 1968. ence the thrill of Independence Day. As if shared their Christmas Eve dinner with us
leadership. I’m so glad future students will al- the University also will remember and honor BELOW: Botham Jean leads singing in chapel in 2014.
by magic, he could transform 50 cents in a when we were displaced in temporary hous-
ways be able to refer to this iconic building as the the life of Botham Jean by placing a bronze
child’s hand into $5 of bottle rockets from ing. Their front door has always been open,
Anthony and Wright Administration Building.” monument bearing his image in front of the
his fireworks stand. and the sofa in front of Ma Barnes’ fireplace
In front of the Administration building, a American Heritage Building. Jean, a 2016 alum-
He understood emotion hidden in remains a welcome seat for conversation.
bronze three-dimensional plaque will bear the nus from St. Lucia, was murdered Sept. 6, 2018,
photographs set to music. During the final Jerome Barnes was convinced that the
images of Anthony and Wright and tell their at his home in Dallas. Further, the Botham Jean
chapel assembly each spring semester, his most effective teachers are perpetual stu-
inspiring story. Nearby, additional plaques will Inspiration Award has been created to be given
audiovisual genius was on display. It took dents themselves. My guess is that in his
stand — one honoring the first three African each year at Homecoming to a member of the
days for him to sift and sort hundreds of personal Bible study, he and the apostle
American students who enrolled as undergradu- Harding community for demonstrating excep-
slides, ensuring that as many faces as pos- Paul talked often about how best to “do
ates at the University: Lewis Brown, Walter tional faith and perseverance and serving as a
sible were included in his visual montage. nothing out of selfish ambition or vain con-
Cunningham and David Johnson. The other will role model for all.
For 20 minutes we watched ourselves ceit, but in humility consider others better
honor the first two African American students to “Botham was a unique and influential leader
relive the year and left chapel humming than yourselves.”
be awarded graduate degrees from the Univer- on our campus,” said President Burks. “I loved
“friends are friends forever.” Pa Barnes was a mentor, counselor and
sity: Thelma Smith (’65) and Curtis Sykes (’65). his smile, the way he led singing in chapel and Force on Recognizing African American
Dr. Barnes was a dedicated teacher in trusted advisor. Surely, he will hear the
A dedication ceremony that honors these at church, and his enthusiasm for life. We are Achievement at the University and approved
the classroom. He expected from us no less words that best describe the lifeblood of
esteemed alumni and celebrates all African looking forward to a dedication ceremony hon- by the board of trustees. The task force, chaired
than what he demanded from himself, and we learned from him the his character: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
American members of the Harding family will oring his life that will be held on or around his by women’s soccer coach Dr. Greg Harris, was
value of an exemplary work ethic.
take place during Homecoming weekend in Oc- 30th birthday in September 2021.” formed in June 2020 and is made up of Black
TO P P H OTO S U B M I T T E D, B OT TO M P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
He was convinced that we needed an education beyond our Jerome Medwick Barnes (’56), 86, of Searcy died Oct. 3, 2020. He
tober. Brown, Johnson and Cunningham, who In addition to the Inspiration Award, two and white members of the board of trustees,
textbooks, and in Student Association meetings, he gave us permis- received a master’s in education from Harding and a doctorate in edu-
did not graduate from the University, will be scholarships were established in 2019 and are faculty, administration, students and alumni.
sion to ask questions and to debate decisions. He was quick to hoist cation from University of North Texas. He was principal at Truman,
awarded honorary degrees during the ceremo- given annually in memory of Jean. The Botham The goal of the task force was to identify the
us up onto his shoulders for a better view of all our options before Arkansas. He worked 48 years at Harding, first serving as elementary
ny, Johnson’s and Cunningham’s posthumously. Jean Memorial, created by Jean’s parents Ber- most meaningful and appropriate ways in
we made a hasty decision. But once our choice was made, he did not principal at Harding Academy of Memphis, Tennessee, and then as
“The fact that my time spent at Harding trum and Allison Jean, is given to students who which the University can memorialize and
shield us from the consequences. vice president of student services, professor of education, and director
gave no indication that I would ever be hon- have lived in the Caribbean. A second scholar- celebrate the history and presence of African
When we mismanaged our responsibilities, he walked us through of the educational media center at the University. He was sponsor of
ored in this way is a testimony to the growth ship established by the Paul R. Carter College American students and alumni at Harding.
the moment. He was the one who nudged me to apologize in per- the Student Association and the student activities committee. After
and progress of Harding University,” said An- of Business Administration, in cooperation “This announcement is a result of many hours
son to the faculty for the language and behavior of a musical group retirement from the University, he worked at Health Talents Inter-
thony. “I am humbled beyond expression that with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Jean’s employ- of conversation, collaboration and hard work by
whose performance fell short of Harding’s expectations. The apol- national for 15 years. He was a member of College Church of Christ.
God has chosen my experiences at Harding and er, is given to historically underrepresented our task force members as well as other Harding
ogy was necessary, but more importantly, he taught me that when He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Green (’64); three chil-
beyond to influence the lives of untold numbers populations as they pursue degrees within the stakeholders,” said Harris. “It is also the outcome
U C M F I L E P H OTO
outcomes are disappointing, true leaders accept blame, and when dren, Roy (’82), Jerome (’89), and Jennifer Moffett (’95); sister, Clara
of young people for generations to come. To Harding College of Business. of the University’s willingness and intentional vi-
projects are successful, servants are quick to share the credit. Haskill; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
God be the glory!” These announcements were made following sion to move forward along this path of celebrat-
Anthony was born in Birmingham, Alabama, a proposal in October by the University Task ing the entire heritage of our Harding family.”
6 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 7
Around Campus Around Campus
Ganus memoir tells of BY THE
an extraordinary life SEEN on SO CIAL MEDIA NUMBERS
THE FAMILY OF CLIFTON L. GANUS JR. has re-
Benjamin Watson made it look so easy although I know it SIZING UP
leased I’d Do It All Again, a memoir written by the
former president and chancellor of Harding re- Great to visit the state of Arkansas and wasn’t. You trusted God’s process and now CHARTWELLS
counting adventures and experiences from his life. Harding University. When it comes to con- you’re a graduate of Harding University. FOR THE FALL
fronting the legacy of racism in our society, Thank you HU family, thank you so much.
715
Ganus was known by many as a leader, support-
er and representative of the University. His life also we must address the sacred and the secu- NOVEMBER 22, 2020
involved travels to 117 countries, four 700-mile Mis- lar; the spiritual depravity of man as well as
sissippi River trips in a small boat, conversations the systems he erects. I’m hopeful because HU Black Student Association hardingbsa Transactions on the Boost
with world leaders, annual fishing trips to Alaska, of how far we have come and the openness Thank you to all of you who came and sup- mobile ordering app
lecturing in universities internationally, represent- of the many to challenge themselves, their ported us yesterday, at our Martin Luther
ing the church of Christ to foreign governments,
climbing the Great Pyramid, establishing a Chris-
tian school in Uganda,
colleagues and their communities.
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
King Jr. celebration and ‘Worship Walk.’
J A N UA R Y 1 9 6,000+
Meals delivered to students
Steve Lake and Candice Moore and much more. T Derrick Beckom @DVDMIAMSOCCER Caper Media caper_media
in quarantine and isolation
“He was devoted to A 4 ½ hour drive to sit outside and watch Harding University has had a huge im-
10,000+
his faith, to his wife and you graduate from my iPad, you have no pact in my life. While I never attended
Lake, Moore named to new positions family, and to Harding
University, the school
idea the emotions going through me. You myself, both my parents went to Harding
and a large number of my friends did. I’m
so thankful for this wonderful school and Meal swipes used per week
STEVE LAKE WAS APPOINTED vice presi- portfolio of donors. that helped to shape
the work they’re doing to make the world in the dining hall
dent of enrollment services over admis- Candice Moore (’01) came to the Uni- him and that he in turn
400
sions and financial aid, and Candice Moore versity in 2016 as the events and project helped to shape as its a better place!
was named assistant vice president of specialist in the office of alumni and parent president,” said Cliff J A N UA R Y 2 6
University communications and marketing, relations. In 2017 she moved to the office of Ganus III. “His life was
both effective Dec. 2, 2020. University communications and marketing transformed when he Frank McCown @fmccown Number of students allowed
Lake (’86) came to the University in as the director of marketing, and in 2020 came to Harding as a All joking aside… I really appreciate @ in the dining hall at a time to
2008 as a gift officer in the office of ad- she was appointed as campaign and project student in 1939 and then pfizer, @moderna_tx and others for all maintain social distancing
vancement where he was appointed assis- director in advancement. Moore brings 15 again when he came in 1946 as a teacher. He dis- their hard work in getting this #COVID19
tant vice president in 2012. In addition to years of experience in sales and marketing covered a passion that he didn’t know he was going vaccine out so quickly. And I appreciate
fundraising, he has been heavily involved prior to her time at Harding. to have and was influenced by many who convicted @HardingU for making it available to
in recruiting efforts. He previously served President Burks noted, “She and the him of what it meant to be a Christian.” the faculty!
as vice president of sales for an industrial team helped build branding and marketing In 2016, at the age of 94 and at the request of his J A N UA R Y 2 8
manufacturing company in Dallas. campaigns with many programs and events family and friends, Ganus began drafting his book,
“His love for Harding and his focus on
the significance of personal relationships
across the University. Her familiarity with
our team and efforts will serve her well in
using notes he had collected throughout his life.
He continued to compile, write, travel and main-
HU Online In April 2020 a task force was visions across the University while
will be extremely valuable in this new
role,” said President David Burks.
this new leadership role of UCM.”
UCM now reports to Dr. Bryan Burks,
tain a full schedule until May of 2019, when he established created to explore possibilities of
online education. Members of the
simultaneously working to grow
the University’s online presence
developed a serious illness. He died Sept. 9, 2019.
Lake also will continue to manage a vice president of University advancement. “For those who knew him the book is a remind- PRESIDENT DAVID BURKS an- task force included Burks, Cronk, worldwide. Currently, it offers one
er of the joy and commitment that characterized nounced the expansion of the Kehl, Dr. Marty Spears, Dr. Reet undergraduate distance program,
600+
him,” said Ganus III. “For those who did not know University’s educational offerings Cronk, Dr. Tim Westbrook and nursing, while a second graduate
him, this is an introduction to a man who was com- with the creation of Harding Uni- Becky Tubb (board representative). distance program, organizational
Have you HEARD? mitted to God, family and service, told with a dash versity Online, led by Senior Vice “The task force concluded that
we have reached a point where
leadership, is under development.
New programs and offerings will
Meal exchanges used per day
of adventure and humor in his own words — an President of IS&T and CIO Keith
HU16 IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN APP on Roku in the student center
ordinary accounting of an extraordinary life.” Cronk. Dr. Susan Kehl, dean and there is little doubt that online be launched later this year through
devices. The app allows users on any Roku system to food court options
I’d Do It All Again can be purchased for the associate professor of nursing, was learning will be a major part of 2022. HU Online also will work
130
watch live programming or a wide variety of past appointed to serve as dean. higher education in the future,” with the University’s existing on-
discounted price of $24.95 in the Harding Univer-
productions available through HU16’s Video on “The mission of online educa- said Burks. “They also concluded line programs, but they will remain
P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
sity Bookstore and online at hubookstore.harding.
Demand service, including chapel presentations, Spring tion will be to provide a Christ- that online learning can broaden housed in their respective colleges.
edu. All proceeds from the sale of the book, after
Sing performances, commencement ceremonies, campus centered, transformative Harding the reach of Harding and enable us “The distance/online degree Students served in the
expenses, will go to the Clifton L. and Louise
speakers and more. To add the app to your list of Roku channels, education through a framework to take our mission and programs program format allows students dining hall after on-campus
Ganus Endowed Scholarship fund. For more
search ‘Harding’ or ‘HU16’ and look for the logo, download the app, and begin watch- encapsulating online and a variety to all the world.” the flexibility to work and care classes ended Nov. 20
information or to purchase, visit library.harding.
ing your favorite Harding programs. of other nontraditional method- HU Online will collaborate for their families while furthering
edu/ganusbook.
ologies,” said President Burks. with colleges, departments and di- their education,” Kehl said.
8 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 9
Around Campus Around Campus
SPOTLIGHT
TIM HAMILTON is an assistant professor of communication and multimedia producer for
the University. After graduating with a B.A. in mass communication in 1980, Hamilton be- MY VIEW J U L I E H I X S O N - WA L L AC E N E WS M AKE R S
gan working with KATV in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he spent 32 years as a videographer
for news and sports, before returning to the University.
Vaccinating for COVID-19 ADMISSIONS
David Hall, manager of the Bookstore, also was
named executive director of enrollment services
WHY DID YOU RETURN TO HARDING? Because of her extensive background in pharmacy, Harding magazine asked Dr. Julie Hixson-Wallace, Dec. 2, 2020.
What I realized was that as much as I enjoyed my job at KATV, what I really loved was the founding dean of the College of Pharmacy who now serves as vice president for accreditation and
working with Paul Eels, the sports director at the time and the “Voice of the Arkansas ADVANCEMENT
institutional effectiveness and associate provost,to provide her perspective on COVID-19 vaccines.
Razorbacks.” He was the kindest man I ever knew. In 26 years of working with him, I Ronnie Huckeba was appointed director of
AS SOLOMON TELLS US through inspiration While being vaccinated for COVID-19 and senior advancement officers in January.
never saw him lose his temper, get rattled or raise his voice at anyone. We were in some
in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “That which has been is that the viruses that cause influenza can never
really tight moments and windows in the commercial breaks before he was about to be ATHLETICS
which will be, and that which has been done achieve nearly complete disease eradication
live, and he just kept me calm in a very chaotic environment. After 26 years of working Michael Gragg was named head strength and
is that which will be done. So there is nothing like that experienced for infections such as
together, he was killed in a car wreck and from that moment on, it was not the same. conditioning coach in December 2020. He previ-
new under the sun.” (NASB 1995) polio, smallpox and measles, I believe taking
I started thinking about what else I could do. I still enjoyed the job, just not like I did ously served as the assistant strength and condi-
The year 2021 marks 30 years since I gradu- care of the bodily temple God gives each of us tioning coach at Northern Arizona University.
before. I loved my time at Harding as a student, and I’d get back to campus occasionally
ated from Mercer University Southern School through preventative healthcare is prudent.
to cover a story. I guess I always thought in the back of my mind it might be fun to come COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
of Pharmacy with my Doctor of Pharmacy His provision to humankind, the brains and
back and try to pass on a little bit of something that I learned in this profession. Lisa Bryant, assistant professor of education,
degree. Thus, it comes as no surprise that natural resources to develop vaccines, gives successfully completed her doctoral work in
while many things have changed in medicine, us the responsibility of being good stewards special education at the University of Memphis
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?
many things have stayed the same. In 1991 of that creation. Like the old story of the in October 2020. The title of her dissertation is
When I started it was as the multimedia producer for sports, but they asked me if I
there were 9,643 measles cases reported in man stranded on his roof during a flood who “Collegiate Experiences of Individuals with
would be willing to teach a class as an adjunct, if needed. During my second semester I
the United States, a 65.3% decrease from the passed up the boat and helicopter that came Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: Our
taught the TV production project class, and since then I have had at least one class every Success Stories.”
27,786 cases reported in 1990. The large de- to save him and then asked God when he ar-
semester. After we started a major for students interested in multimedia journalism, I
crease in measles cases was due to a renewed rived in heaven why He didn’t save him, I hope COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
began teaching sports broadcasting, sports writing and reporting, and also an advanced
effort to provide routine vaccination against we will not turn up our noses to COVID-19 Sarah Steely and Natalie Stirrup represented
video production class in the spring. Outside of teaching, most of my time is at games
measles following seven large outbreaks in vaccines. They are our helicopter to safety and HUCOP in the ASHP National Clinical Skills Com-
supervising students who work the cameras, direct, produce, and report on camera
1989-90 due to unvaccinated preschool-age normalcy – don’t miss out! petition in December during the 2020 Midyear
interviewing players and coaches after the games. Clinical virtual meeting. Steely and Stirrup made
children. The CDC’s Morbidity
the top 10 finalists out of 126 colleges of phar-
and Mortality Weekly Report
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH STUDENTS? macy across the nation.
declared, “… only a sustained
My favorite part is when you have a student in class, and then they graduate and get that
effort to provide age-appro- COLLEGE OF SCIENCES
first job, and you get a call that said you were exactly right about something you said in
priate vaccination will prevent Dr. Frank McCown, associate professor of com-
class. That might be number one because I do try to be extremely honest about the pro- puter science, recently co-authored an interac-
another resurgence of measles.”
fession. I try to really tell it like it is as far as what it’s like out there, and I want them to tive, online textbook Database Systems with SQL.
We now are in the midst of a
understand the pressure, stress, deadlines and tempers and all that stuff that can go on. Dr. Mike Plummer, professor emeritus, recently
viral pandemic due to a mem-
It’s also a lot of fun to be at the games and watch students get better each and every time had research published on Researchoutreach.
ber of a family of viruses that
they are out there. When they are directing their first game they may struggle a bit, but org involving the hibernating behavior of small
have caused endemic common
then they get to their second game and you can tell they are already better. After two or softshell turtles.
colds and flu-like symptoms for
three games, they are really doing a good job at that point, and it’s fun to see the progress PUBLIC SAFETY
decades. Twice before, in 2002-
in whatever position they are working. Craig Russell, director of public safety, was
03 and 2012-13, coronavirus
awarded senior regional vice president of the
epidemics occurred. This led to
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS ON THE JOB? year by ASIS International at a virtual Leadership
research in the areas of both
If I was picking a favorite moment while working at KATV it would have to be the Ra- Exchange event in January 2021.
prevention and treatment of
zorbacks winning the national championship in 1994. My favorite memory since I have STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
coronaviruses, but the interest
been back at Harding would be when the Lady Bisons made it to the Final Four a few Mary Darden was appointed director of student
has waxed and waned in con-
years ago. The game that they won at Rhodes that put them into the Final Four was health services in August 2020.
junction with how serious each
probably the most exciting game since I have been here. That was a great evening, the
epidemic has been. Knowing UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
best I have seen at Rhodes during my time here.
that the current COVID vaccines AND MARKETING
were expedited by research Lane Gammel joined the team in February as
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS GOING INTO THIS PROFESSION?
P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y performed over many years can the director of communications and media
There is real value in showing up. What I mean by that is be on time, work hard and relations. He previously served as director of
help ease the minds of those
always have a great attitude. I think you can have less talent, but if you show up on time, communications for the Seattle Seahawks.
who have raised concerns that
work hard and have a great attitude, that makes up for the difference in talent level. It’s Amanda Rice was named marketing manager
the vaccines have been brought
not always the person with the most talent that advances. I have seen people with tre- in January. She previously served the office as
too fast to clinical use.
mendous talent be late, not work hard and have a lousy attitude, and it hurts them in the marketing assistant, a position being filled by
long run. If you show up, then you have an opportunity to stand out. Luke Humphrey who began in February.
10 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 11
Around Campus Around Campus
New system Q U O TA B L E Holiday housing
Be The Match program on improves library
efficiency
AS THE ON-CAMPUS PORTION of
the semester ended Nov. 20, a num-
campus results in donation
ber of students remained on campus
IN DECEMBER BRACKETT LIBRARY offi- through the week of Thanksgiving,
cially made the transition to a new system, and some through Christmas as well.
LUMNUS JULIAN TRUJILLO (’19) from Coppell, Texas, recently made a trip to a process that had been in the works since Ten students stayed the entire break,
A
Washington, D.C., to donate bone marrow after discovering he was a match to a July 2020. As part of the upgrade, the while around 80 were on campus
16-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. system has a new searching interface that for different time frames. Addition-
Trujillo said he became involved with Be The Match, an organization that con- allows users to search across all library ally, more than 125 student-athletes
nects donors with those in need of a transplant, after they came to the University resources at one time providing users the remained for different time periods
his sophomore year. Since then, he has received a couple of calls about potential matches, but it ability to renew books and place holds, all related to practice schedules and
wasn’t until this past summer that he received THE call. In August he was informed he was indeed within one area. games for their sports.
a match and would be flown to the District of Columbia to continue the donation process. In The library had been on the previous Aside from athletics, reasons for
preparation for his donation, Trujillo completed a health checkup to confirm he was able to carry system since 2001. remaining on campus included in-
out the donation. “Our old system was really built for ternational students unable to return
“I was pretty excited just be- print collections, but the new system is home, students in quarantine or
cause you sign up hoping you get designed to work with both print and isolation, those completing student
“
an opportunity to help out, but electronic resources,” said Jean Waldrop, teaching requirements or other work
you don’t really understand the library director. Ultimately the issue is not a skin commitments, as well as some who
process of how people become Users’ library accounts will now work required internet access to complete
matches,” Trujillo said. “Just to have with their interlibrary loan account, al-
problem, it’s a sin problem. God has the semester remotely.
“I stayed because of work, so it
the opportunity to help someone
was pretty cool.”
lowing them to view their requests and provided a solution for sin through his was just me in my apartment for the
renew books online. Additionally, if a user
Trujillo was originally sched- is unable to find a resource in the Brack- son Jesus. I’m encouraged because the break,” Alexis Smith, a senior social
”
uled to go in August but was ett Library collection, they can broaden work major, said. “It can get pretty
delayed until September due to the search to include availability at other Gospel gives mankind hope. lonely being on campus by yourself,
the pandemic. library locations. but honestly the Christmas lights
— Benjamin Watson, ASI Distinguished Lecture Series speaker Nov. 9, 2020
“The morning of I had to show In addition to the new features the on campus kept it feeling a lot more
up around 6 a.m. I was introduced system provides, managing day-to-day homey. You can see the lights from off
to the doctor who proceeded to processes has drastically improved. campus, and it just reminded me of
tell me they do this procedure “The landscape has changed dra- lighting ceremonies and hanging out
upwards of 200 times a year, and matically in the library world since we with friends.”
the facility is number one in the implemented our last library manage- The dining hall was open between
country, so that was comforting.”
The procedure took an hour
ment system 20 years ago,” said Brenda Nursing master’s first of its kind in Arkansas Thanksgiving break and Christmas
break. The numbers during each
Breezeel, library systems administrator.
and a half, during which the doc- “We are no longer just managing books, CARR COLLEGE OF NURSING launched a Master’s students with a bachelor’s degree or at least 90 break were low enough that each
tor retrieved bone marrow from we are managing electronic resources Entry into Professional Nursing program in fall 2020. undergraduate credit hours and undergraduate student received individual commu-
Trujillo’s lower back. Other than such as e-books, online journals and This is the first prelicensure Master of Science in nursing prerequisites to become advanced entry- nication to ensure they had access
a bandage covering the retrieval databases. The new system allows us to Nursing program in Arkansas and permits graduates level professional nurses. The MEPN program is ideal to food. These students also stayed
site and a sore throat from the manage all of these resources more ef- to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam as well as for individuals seeking an exciting career change in touch daily with a residence life
intubation tube, Trujillo said he ficiently, which in turn allows us to get achieve higher levels of nursing. to professional nursing and healthcare. The degree coordinator over the holiday breaks.
felt great and was allowed to go those resources ready for students and The MEPN program equips registered nurses to allows faster attainment of the advanced practice According to Dean of Students Zach
home a couple of hours later the faculty quicker.” provide excellent patient care while understanding roles in nursing and completion of the Doctor of Neal, a special meal was offered to
same day. Breezeel says the transition and migra- the complexities of the healthcare system. Gradu- Nursing Practice following graduation. those interested at Thanksgiving and
Trujillo is allowed to communicate with the recipient through Be The Match, however, no tion to a new system have been a success. ates will be prepared for direct patient care roles as “This is an exciting opportunity for Carr College at Christmas, and most, if not all,
information can be disclosed until a year after the donation date. Following his trip, Trujillo says it “Overall it has gone smoothly. We spent well as indirect roles in diverse settings. Special top- of Nursing to offer a master’s entry for those who students made other plans.
is definitely something he would consider doing again. a lot of time in the spring and summer pre- ics in the MEPN program include, but are not limited already have a bachelor’s degree but also for “I am very thankful that the
P H OTO B Y J E F F M O N TG O M E R Y
“At most, it is a minor inconvenience for me, but it can be life changing for someone else. It’s paring for the migration, brainstorming to, leadership, management, quality improvement incoming freshmen to move straight through University was able to offer this op-
not really up for debate and completely selfish to think otherwise. You could be providing so project planning and doing data clean up and care coordination. MEPN graduates will be undergraduate classes right into master’s level portunity,” Neal said. “We are in
S U B M I T T E D P H OTO
many more future memories for thousands of people involved in the other person’s life. God sent to help make the transition easier.” prepared to lead and serve in administrative roles as courses,” said Debby Nutt, program director. “The conversations now to create a way
his son to die on a cross to save my eternal life — the least I could do is give some bone marrow Harding School of Theology shares a their careers progress. program will be a benefit to healthcare organiza- for students to have this option when
to try and help save her earthly life.” library system with the University and par- The year-round, five-semester program includes tions across the state of Arkansas, the United States gaining their housing assignments in
ticipated in the migration process as well. 72 credit hours, 1,032 clinical hours and prepares and other countries.” the future.”
12 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 13
Sports For the latest sports information, visit hardingsports.com.
Bisons back in the herd “The influence that coach Dick Johnson and coach Steve Smith had
on me and my teammates is the biggest factor from my experience in
Harding athletics that made me want to come back to work at Harding.”
By SCOTT GOODE, assistant athletic director for sports information
MARTY SPEARS, PROVOST
VERY YEAR, more than 100 ding (tennis) and Meredith Fear (volleyball). and losing, being early and not just on time, hu:apocalypse (Harding’s ultimate Frisbee club know a single student. They said goodbye and Jason Darden says. “Through my experiences
E
new students come to Searcy That number is by far the most of any universi- always working to be better, encouraging your team) were of such high caliber, actively pur- drove 18 hours back home. Over the next few as a student-athlete, I began to realize that
because they have been given ty in the Great American Conference. Arkansas teammates, realizing your role on the team suing loving the Lord in their daily lives,” Dr. weeks and months, my teammates became my college students are in a very formative phase
a chance to participate in in- Tech, by comparison, is next with five. and so much more.” Justin Bland says. “I wanted them to remain in- family. We practiced together in the morn- of their lives. Teaching scriptures and shar-
tercollegiate athletics for one But possibly the most remarkable figure is For many of these student-athletes, work- fluential in my life. At the time, I thought if God ings and afternoons. We traveled together on ing faith with college students can change the
or more of Harding’s 18 teams. Many of those the number of former student-athletes who ing at Harding became a goal while they were were to provide me with a family and children, the weekends. We ate together and at times trajectory of their lives. I learned this while
student-athletes graduate and move away, now work at the University outside of athletics. still in school or soon thereafter. I want my children to look up to these men. So worshipped together. This spirit of family and witnessing a few of my teammates come to
but a surprising number stay or come back to There are more than 30 current employees at “I loved everything about my experience at we established a plan and wrote out a contract belonging has made me feel a part of Harding faith in Christ.”
Harding to work. Harding who participated in athletics. Harding as a student-athlete,” Dr. Clay Beason agreement that we would all come back to ever since, and making the decision to work For Ross Cochran, the example set by his coach
In the athletic department, the University Karie Fouts Fager says that her time as a stu- says. “I loved my professors, my coaches, dorm Searcy and teach at Harding. Life has thrown us here was an easy one.” influenced the way he deals with his students.
has 14 former student-athletes now on its dent-athlete at Harding prepared her for many life, hanging out in the student center, eat- some curves, but 14 years later, three of the four Former student-athletes also saw how Har “Coach David Elliott used to come into Arm-
coaching staffs, including head coaches Dr. other aspects of post-college life. ing with friends in the cafeteria, home Bible of us have succeeded in living in Searcy and the ding improved their lives and wanted to pro- strong Hall and check on another freshman and
Patrick McGaha (baseball), Paul Simmons “Athletics prepares you for so many things — studies, spring break mission trips and more. I fourth is still committed if the Lord wills.” vide that for others. me just to see if we were studying and were not
(football), Dustin Howell (men’s and women’s working as a team, trusting a coach or boss, be- wanted to continue to be associated with that.” Tia Tarole Stone remembers: “When my “I thought everyone who came to Harding homesick. I see the importance of that personal
golf ), Jon Ireland (men’s soccer), David Red- ing able to talk to your coach or boss, winning “The men I was around during my time on parents dropped me off at Harding, I did not grew up in a faithful Christian household,” Dr. touch in my present interactions with students.”
F O R M E R AT H L E T E S W O R K I N G O U T S I D E O F AT H L E T I C S B U TC H G A R D N E R N AT H A N M I L L S J A N I S CO P E L A N D R AG S D A L E Best memory: “My husband (John) pro-
Job: Director, career services Job: Professor, department of biology Job: Administrator, posed to me immediately following the
JIM BAIRD JUSTIN BLAND LU K E C U L L I N S L E E E D WA R D S Sports: Basketball, 1973-77; track and Sport: Men’s cross-country and track and International programs national cross-country meet in Pomona,
Job: Manager, client support Job: Associate professor, department of Job: Assistant professor, Job: Associate professor, field, 1974-75; baseball, 1975 field, 1989-93 Sport: Softball, 1982 California, my senior year.”
and consulting exercise and sport sciences College of Sciences College of Bible and Ministry Stats: Bison basketball’s career leader Awards: Two-time All-AIC (1991 and Memories: “My best memories include
Sport: Men’s track, 1984-85 Sport: Club ultimate frisbee, 2003-07 Sport: Football, 1996-99 Sport: Football, 1991-94 with 2,255 points and 983 rebounds 1992), placing fourth both seasons practices at Berryhill Park, workouts at PHILIP THOMPSON
Stat: Ranks eighth on Harding’s all-time Best memory: Harding’s upset victory Stats: Fifth at Harding with 5,027 Stats: 120 tackles and 4.0 sacks in 35 the small red-carpeted weight room in Job: Professor,
outdoor 2-mile list at 9:54.22 over No. 2-ranked Texas State in the passing yards and third with 44 career games RONNIE HUCKEBA JESSICA MOORE the GAC, friendships, and experiencing College of Bible and Ministry
regional tournament passing touchdowns Job: Director of senior advancement Job: Associate professor, positive mentoring by coaches Ted Alt- Sport: Baseball, 1972-74
D AV I D B A N G S K A R I E F O U T S FAG E R officers, Advancement department of kinesiology man and Robbie Shackelford.” Memory: “In one of the first games I
Job: Professor, College of Education/ R YA N C A R T E R JASON DARDEN Job: Residence life coordinator for Sport: Football, 1973-76 Sport: Softball, 1980-81 pitched, a batter on the opposing team
chair of graduate studies Job: Construction manager, Job: Instructor, Allen Hall Coached for 30 seasons at Harding, includ- Comment: “I graduated from Harding in S COT T R AG S D A L E hit a monstrous home run. The ball was
Sport: Football, 1977-79 Physical Resources College of Bible and Ministry Sports: Basketball, 1995-99; track and ing 10 as head coach • started at guard on 1980 but entered the graduate educa- Job: Associate professor, still rising when it cleared the fence of the
Stats: Compiled 1,122 career all-purpose Sport: Men’s track and field, 1995 Sport: Football, 1999-2003 field, 1999 the Bisons’ 1976 Arkansas Intercollegiate tion program in order to play on the first department of computer science ballfield at Berryhill Park. It finally landed
yards and scored five touchdowns Stat: Cleared 6 feet, 6 inches in the Best memory: Slip-n-slide on the third Memories: “I have great memories of Conference co-championship squad softball team. This certainly helped me Sport: Football, 1977-80 in the adjacent Little League field.”
high jump floor of Harbin Hall with freshmen going to nationals in 1996 and 1997, attain my first coaching position.” Harding’s starting quarterback in 1980
K L AY B A R T E E football players of road trips in the minibus, of being a D AV I D K E E L AU R I E WA L K E R
Job: Assistant professor, R O S S CO C H R A N Lady Bison with my sister for two years, Job: Professor, ERIC MYERS MARTY SPEARS Job: Assistant professor,
HU Counseling Center Job: Professor, T E S S A TA R O L E D AV I D S O N of playing in the Rhodes, and playing College of Business Administration Job: Coordinator of sports medicine Job: Provost department of math
Sport: Football, 1977-82 • coached Bison College of Bible and Ministry Job: Associate professor, with such great teammates. I am proud Sport: Club men’s soccer Sport: Football, 1988-90 Sport: Baseball, 1984-88 Sport: Women’s track and field, 1985
football for 24 seasons Sport: Men’s Tennis, 1975-76 department of art and design to have been a Lady Bison!” Memories: “We competed against a va- A member of Harding’s 1989 team that Memories: “I was part of a very special Comment: “I was very excited to be part of
Stats: Played 32 games as a Bison • had a Stats: Won 21 singles matches in 1976, Sport: Women’s cross-country and track riety of schools across Arkansas and the upset University of Central Arkansas to team my freshman year, and we came the first women’s track team at Harding!”
10-yard interception return for a touch- seventh in an HU single season • AIC and field, 2003-07 M A R C FAG E R region. Our team was a rag-tag group earn the AIC co-championship within six outs of going to the NAIA
down in 1980 No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles (with Stats: Had career-best times of 2:24.66 Job: Associate professor, department of of talented players representing more World Series. My senior year was special CARL WILLIAMSON
Charles Ganus) champion in 1976 • 33-8 in the 800 meters and 5:08.84 in the mental health and wellness than a half-dozen countries. We had no FA R A H M AC K E Y P R I C E because I was the only senior, and it Job: Professor,
C L AY B E A S O N career singles record 1,500 meters Sport: Football, 1995-99 scholarships and no money, except from Job: Administrative assistant, was Coach (Dick) Johnson’s last year. We College of Bible and Ministry
Job: Professor, College of Education Honors: 2000 Berryhill Award winner as our sponsor Searcy Steel Co. physical therapy went out together and really enjoyed Sport: Men’s cross-country and track and
Sports: Football, 1992-96; Track and field D AV I D CO L L I N S J.R. DUKE Harding’s top male senior athlete Sport: Women’s tennis, 1990-94 that final season. I was sort of like an field, 1998-2002
Stats: The only Bison football player with Job: Executive vice president Job: Associate professor, K E N D A L L LO W E Comment: “I really loved getting to assistant coach that year and even drove Awards: 2000 Academic All-Lone Star
more than 2,000 career passing yards Sport: Men’s basketball, 1988-92 department of history B R I T N E Y CO P E L A N D F I N L E Y Job: Preventative maintenance service spend time with the Hispanic players the bus to some of the games.” Conference
and 1,000 career receiving yards • 1994 Stats: Played in 89 games • scored Sport: Men’s basketball, 1994-98 Job: Assistant professor, specialist, Physical Resources that Coach (David) Elliott always recruit-
AIC 110-meter hurdles champion and 573 points with 278 rebounds and 75 Stats: Ranks second at Harding in career department of kinesiology Sport: Club ultimate frisbee, 2012-16 ed. We are still friends to this day.” T I A TA R O L E S TO N E JAMIE GARNER WILSON
1995 AIC high jump champion 3-pointers made 3-point field goal percentage (45.3%) Sport: Women’s cross-country and track Best memory: “The best memories I have Job: Preprofessional health sciences Job: Assistant director, postal services
• 1996-97 NAIA All-Region • 1997-98 and field, 1998-2002 of playing for Harding were our numerous administration Sport: Women’s basketball, 1997-98
CoSIDA Academic All-America Honors: 1998 Lone Star Conference wom- road trips to tournaments, particularly our Sport: Women’s cross-country and track Played on Harding’s first NCAA Division
en’s cross-country Freshman of the Year trip to nationals in Minnesota in 2013.” and field, 1998-2001 II team
14 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 15Back in the
saddle again
r. David B. Burks WHAT ARE YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IS THERE A PRESIDENTIAL SECRET TO SUCCESS?
FROM YOUR TIME AS CHANCELLOR? I really don’t know of any secret to success other than being com-
returned to the role of I spent a considerable amount of my time as chancellor designing mitted to God and trying to do the best you can to follow his prin-
president Dec. 1, 2020, and developing Legacy Park residential, which includes some 38 ciples. I do believe in strategic planning although it is tough to do in
homes, three townhouses and 12 condominiums. I also worked on an interim period of time. However, we can still set goals and try to
after serving as chancel economic development projects for Harding and the city of Searcy. achieve those that fit into our existing plan.
lor since 2013. His Har In addition, I worked on special projects for Harding, for example,
chairing the Task Force on Online Education. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON HARDING’S CAMPUS, AND WHY?
ding career spans more That is hard to say because I love the entire campus, but my favorite
than five decades since WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ACCEPT THIS INTERIM ROLE? place would be Cone Chapel with its view of the quad.
I love Harding and I love her mission, and I simply felt that I should
joining the faculty in 1967.
answer yes when I was asked to fill this role again by the board of WHAT PERSONALITY TRAIT HAS GOTTEN YOU IN THE MOST
In addition to teaching trustees. I do believe we have a bright future, and I want to do all TROUBLE? HOW SO?
accounting in the Paul R. that I can in this interim period of time to help advance our mission I am always in a hurry and want to get things done as quickly as pos-
and ministry at Harding. sible and as efficiently as possible. This is not always the best way to
Carter College of Busi go, and sometimes it gets me in trouble. Sometimes I have not been
ness Administration, he WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS TO FULFILL AS PRESIDENT? able to enjoy the journey as much as I would like.
The top goal is simply to make sure we continue with the implemen-
served as dean of the tation, in the most successful way possible, our mission of integrat- WHAT ONE ITEM COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR OFFICE?
college for 13 years and ing faith, learning and living. I would like to see as many students as Hard to say, but I would not want to be without the family book of
possible receive what we refer to as “the Harding experience.” It is a pictures, which is given to Leah and me every year by our children,
as director of American transformational, life-changing experience. including all the major events of the preceding year. I have 20 of
Studies for five years. these books in my office, and these books are precious to me.
Focused on the integration of DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC AND UNREST IN OUR COUNTRY
HAS CHALLENGED THE UNIVERSITY. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR
faith, learning and living, Burks
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE UNIVERSITY TODAY, AND OFFICE EACH MORNING? WHAT’S THE LAST THING YOU DO
led the University to record HOW DO THEY AFFECT YOUR ROLE? BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR OFFICE EACH EVENING?
Interview by JANTZEN HALEY
growth in enrollment and giv Our country is facing unprecedented times as we deal with the The first thing I do when I get to the office each morning is not very
Photography by JEFF MONTGOMERY ing during his first administra pandemic and unrest in our nation. This will challenge Harding and original. I turn on the computer and check emails if I did not do it
tion. He has held leadership other institutions of higher education in ways we have never seen at home. The last thing I do as I leave the office is the same, turn off
before. We will continue to be challenged in terms of enrollment the computer.
positions on the Higher Learn
and the cost of attending a private Christian university. However, I
ing Commission, on the North believe that this is a wonderful investment for people to continue to WHAT’S THE MOST UNIQUE THING YOU’VE BEEN ASKED TO DO
Central Association of Colleges make, and I believe our students will continue to make a meaningful BY A STUDENT OR GROUP OF STUDENTS?
and Universities, First Security difference in our world. I remember being asked by the SA president at the time, James Huff,
Bank, the Founding Council of who is now on our faculty, to sing a song with him in an SA Talent
THE TERM ‘CAMARADERIE’ IS ATTACHED TO YOU AND YOUR Show. I am not a singer but fortunately, James carried the day. We
Presidents of the Great Ameri PRESIDENCY. IN WHAT WAYS DOES IT ENCAPSULATE THE were both dressed in dark clothing and wore sunglasses and the
can Conference, and the HARDING EXPERIENCE? lights were dim in the auditorium. This was before the time when
Searcy Regional Economic Camaraderie is just my favorite way of talking about fellowship and everyone had a camera with them so I don’t think it was recorded.
Development Corporation. the closeness that students feel to one another, to their faculty mem- It was funny! There were a lot of these incidents over the years.
bers and to God, as a result of their experience at Harding.
An elder at College Church
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR HARDING IN 2021 AND BEYOND?
of Christ, Burks and his wife, STEPPING BACK INTO THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT, WHAT HAS CHANGED I just want Harding to be true to her mission statement in every-
Leah, have two sons, Bryan and THE MOST IN YOUR LIFE? AT HARDING? IN THE SEARCY COMMUNITY? thing that we do. I am hopeful that we can continue to attract won-
Stephen, and six grandchil The change that is most obvious is the role of social media in every derful young people who want to be a part of what we have to offer
dren. Here’s what he had to say aspect of life, but other than this transparency, much of what is at Harding. I am hopeful that this can be done, not only in Searcy
involved in being president of the University is very much the same but in other locations and even on the internet by way of online
about his time as chancellor, as it was when I was in this position eight years ago. We are still all education. This would allow students to benefit from the Harding
his plans for the future, and his about working with students and trying to teach and demonstrate experience worldwide.
secret to success. how to integrate faith, learning and living.
16 H A R D I N G | S PRING 2021 S PRI NG 2021 | H A R D I N G 17You can also read
