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Harding University
Harding University
Harding University
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Harding University is a private Christian university in Searcy, Arkansas, United States. Established in 1924, Harding is associated with the Churches of Christ.

Key Information

History

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Foundation

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James A. Harding

Harding College was founded in Morrilton, Arkansas, in April 1924 after the merging of two separate colleges: Arkansas Christian College of Morrilton, Arkansas, and Harper College of Harper, Kansas. It was named after James A. Harding, a minister and educator associated with Churches of Christ.[4]

After Galloway Female College merged with Hendrix College in 1933, Harding College purchased Galloway's Searcy, Arkansas campus for a fraction of its estimated value and moved there in 1934.[5]

Cold War

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Harding University first advocated pacifism and political disengagement, in line with its own founding influences like James A. Harding and David Lipscomb as well as with wider trends in many other evangelical Christian movements during late 19th- and early 20th-century America. This trajectory shifted during the Cold War, however. Harding became involved in the production of a series of animated cartoons extolling the virtues of free-market capitalism. This series, including "Make Mine Freedom" (1948) as well as "Meet King Joe" (1949), were all produced by John Sutherland Productions as part of a concerted campaign to fight against the threats of communism at the beginning of the Cold War using popular media. Funding came from Alfred P. Sloan, the major figure at General Motors Corporation. The animations contrast mainstream American values with the values of Soviet communism.[6] The initiative represented a central concern of Harding president George S. Benson, who believed that fighting socialism was a moral imperative.

National Education Program

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Dr George S Benson, president of Harding College, in 1962

Early in his career, President Benson established the National Education Program to advocate the principles of belief in God, the constitution, and free enterprise, within an "Americanism" program. The NEP coordinated speaking engagements and produced and distributed reprints of Benson's speeches and newspaper columns, short films by a former Walt Disney employee, and other media. This program attracted many donations to Harding, including from Boeing and Gulf Oil. The NEP was initially part of the school's education department, and later the history department, where it was intertwined with the American Studies Program. Clifton Ganus Jr. and James D. Bales were also heavily involved.

NEP materials were used nationwide by groups such as the U.S. armed forces, public schools, colleges and universities, chapters of the American Legion, and local chambers of commerce. Some uses became controversial: Some companies required their employees to attend NEP-sponsored seminars and enclosed copies of Benson's lectures with their paychecks in hopes of addressing perceived restlessness. The Fulbright Memorandum of June 1961 raised concerns about use of NEP materials in the military. The NEP was charged with being a "Radical Right" organization in the 1964 book Danger on the Right by Arnold Forster and Benjamin R. Epstein of the Anti-Defamation League, which Bales responded to in his 1965 book Americanism under Fire. The close relationship between Harding and the NEP delayed the college's accreditation until 1954 when the school incorporated it as a separate entity, although Benson, Ganus, and Bales continued their involvement and the NEP board was nearly identical to the college's. In the 1970s, the program dwindled in notoriety and moved to Oklahoma Christian College.[7] The American Studies Institute continues as a legacy of this program.[4]

Race relations

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Segregation

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During the era of segregation in the United States, the school remained racially segregated for most of the tenure of president George S. Benson, who defended Harding's delay in integrating. Benson believed Black people were inferior because they fell under the Curse of Ham.[8]: 85 

In 1957, student body president Bill Floyd circulated a "statement of attitude" that Harding was ready to integrate, and it was signed by over 75% of the students, faculty, and staff of the college. In response Benson made an address entitled "Harding College and the Colored Problem", in which he characterized the idea of integration as youthful idealism, and insisted that students should defer to the judgment of older people with more experience, such as the Harding board of trustees.

He went further, stating that Black people were far better off in the US than in other countries, and that integration would result in destruction of property, the spread of venereal diseases, and increased pregnancies. He also stated that mixed marriages would lead to broken homes and a rise in crime.[9] Benson maintained that mixing of the races was against the divine order.

In 1953, Norman Adamson became the first black person accepted to Harding. However, when administrators learned he was black he was denied admission.[8]: 71 

In 1963, three black students were admitted to the Searcy campus, making Harding the second private institution in Arkansas to admit black people.[9] In a 2012 article, it was suggested that this decision was motivated by expectation that the coming Civil Rights Act would require "Harding to desegregate to continue receiving federal funds",[9] but contemporary sources make no mention of this as a consideration: The Arkansas Gazette applauded Harding's "voluntary action" as an "example" for other Arkansas church-related colleges and deserving an "ovation...for the grace with which they have undertaken this social change".[10] The Bison proclaimed "Benson's leadership in the movement for equal opportunity makes us proud, even boastful; it makes us happy, even ecstatic", though at least one scholar viewed that statement "dubiously".[8]: 93 

By 1969 Harding had only 20 black students out of a student body of over 2,000. While president Clifton L. Ganus, Jr, stated that he did not "see any Biblical injunction against it", he discouraged interracial relationships. Under his leadership, the Harding administration allowed students to enter into interracial relationships, but made it policy to caution them against it and informed their parents in writing. The policy of allowing such relationships was the focus of much anger from the families of some white students. In 1969, three black students who protested racism at the university were expelled.[11][12] In 1969, Ganus attempted to placate students by promising to hire 'Negro' teachers, but this never happened.[13][14]

Since the Civil Rights Era

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Harding alumnus Clifton L. Ganus Jr.

In 1980, Richard King became the first African-American faculty member.[14] In the fall of 2019, white students constituted 81 percent of the student body, 4.7% were black students, and 3.8% were Hispanic/Latino.[15]

Botham Jean and the Benson Auditorium

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In 2020, a former graduate organized a petition drive to rename the Benson auditorium because of Benson's racist views. The petition also asked that the auditorium carry the name of Botham Jean instead, a recent Black alumnus who had been murdered in his own apartment by a white Dallas police officer who alleged she had confused their apartments and mistaken the 26-year-old for a burglar.

Upon review, but against the wishes of the Black Student Association, the university, under the leadership of Bruce McLarty, defended Benson and chose to retain the name.[16] However, President McLarty recognized the university had no buildings or landmarks on campus that recognized Black Alumni and promised some sort of memorial to Botham Jean within a year.[16][17]

Facing this controversy and a 23% decline in enrollment over 5 years, the board dismissed McLarty, with former president David Burks resuming control.[18][19] Michael D. Williams became president June 2022.[3]

Campus

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The Original Harding College Arch.
Pattie Cobb Hall
The Administration Building of Harding University.
The David B. Burks American Heritage Building on the Harding University campus.

Searcy

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The Searcy campus comprises 48 buildings located on 350 acres (140 ha) near the center of Searcy.[20] The campus lies roughly between Race Avenue and Beebe-Capps Expressway and includes several other minor thoroughfares, the campus of Harding Academy, Harding Place (a retirement community), and portions of surrounding neighborhoods.

The campus includes the George S. Benson Auditorium, which sits facing the McInteer Bible and World Missions Center. Brackett Library, the American Studies Building (Education and English departments), the David B. Burks American Heritage Building (hotel and offices), Pattie Cobb Hall, and the Administration Building frame a grassy central commons area upon which can be found several paths, a fountain, and a bell tower made out of bricks from the institution that once stood there: Galloway Female College.

Recent[when?] additions have included several dormitories; expansions of the cafeteria, student center, art department, and the David B. Burks American Heritage Building. The McInteer Bible and World Missions Center, was built in a project that included closing a road and creating a pedestrian mall.

After competing in the Ganus Athletic Center from 1976 until 2006, Harding's volleyball and basketball teams moved back to the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. The field house is a round-topped airplane hangar built for France in WWII, and purchased as war surplus by George S. Benson. It was reconstructed on campus in 1947. In 2007, it was retrofitted to accentuate the acoustics of the facility, working to the advantage of the home teams.[21] The campus also has intramural sports facilities, including an indoor facility built for the Harding Bison football team in 2019.[22]

Noteworthy buildings

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The Dean L.C. Sears House, named for the first dean of Harding University, was a historic house registered in the National Register of Historic Places. Also on the registry is Pattie Cobb Hall.

The Reynolds Center was created through and named for philanthropist Donald W. Reynolds.

Satellite campuses and campuses abroad

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The university maintains satellite campuses in Arkansas, one in North Little Rock and a second in Rogers.[23]

Harding maintains permanent campuses in Florence and Athens. Study abroad semester programs are also provided in Brisbane, London, Paris, Arequipa (Peru), and Kalomo (Zambia).[4]

Academics

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Organization

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Structurally, the university comprises nine separate colleges: the College of Allied Health, the College of Arts & Humanities, the College of Bible & Ministry, the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, the Cannon-Clary College of Education, the Carr College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Sciences, and the Honors College. Each college then has its own subdivisions of departments or other sections.[24] The university also has a School of Theology in Memphis. Between these nine colleges, the university provides ninety-seven majors, ten undergraduate degrees, fourteen pre-professional programs, and twenty-one graduate and professional degrees.[25]

American Studies Institute

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In 1953, Harding established the School of American Studies as an extension of President Benson's National Education Program in order to teach and train students in the founding principles of the United States Constitution. Rebranded the American Studies Institute (ASI), the center supplements students' academic training and promotes "a complete understanding of the institutions, values, and ideas of liberty and democracy."[26] In doing so, the ASI exhibits a generally conservative political stance, focused on going "back to the fundamental values that made this country great."[4]

Distinctions and rankings

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Harding supports a chapter of Kappa Omicron Nu, a national honor society for colleges and universities with a strong humanities program. The university was distinguished through the National Historic Chemical Landmarks program of the American Chemical Society for its contribution to the history of chemistry, which came for its William-Miles History of Chemistry Collection, established in 1992.

Harding University was listed among the Top Twenty Schools nationwide by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education under two different categories in 2017: student engagement and student inspiration.[27] Harding consistently ranks in the Top 50 for Best Regional Universities in the South according to the U.S. News & World Report.[28] In 2020, it ranked #349 among national universities overall.[29] It was also rated at B by the American rankings and review company Niche.[30]

Harding is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Specific colleges and programs have received further accreditation by specialized agencies as well.[31]

Student life

[edit]

Athletics

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Main article: Harding Bisons
Bison cheerleader cheering on the crowd

Harding has competed in the NCAA at the Division II level since 1997, beginning in the Lone Star Conference moving in 2000 to the Gulf South Conference and then moving to the newly formed Great American Conference (GAC) in 2011. Men's sports include Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Tennis, and Track and Field. Women's sports include Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.

The facilities for the sporting events are: First Security Stadium, Ganus Activities Complex,[32] Stevens Soccer Complex,[33] Jerry Moore Field (baseball),[34] Berry Family Grandstand (softball),[35] Harding Tennis Complex,[36] and the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.[37] On October 19, 2019, the new indoor football facility was dedicated in honor of longtime football head coach Ronnie Huckeba. The Huckeba Field House is the largest indoor practice facility in NCAA Division II and one of the largest in the country for any level.[38] Harding won the Division II national championship in football in 2023.

Spring Sing

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Spring Sing is an annual musical production held during Easter Weekend, featuring performances by the social clubs. It is widely attended by current and prospective students, alumni, and Searcy residents. An estimated 12,000 people attended the show each year.[39]

Each year, an overall theme is selected, and each club develops music and choreographed routines for the show. Rehearsals begin as early as January.

Spring Sing also typically features two hosts, two hostesses, and a general song and choreography ensemble, with these roles chosen by audition. The ensemble performs to music played by the University Jazz Band. Each club act is judged and, according to their performance, awarded a sum of money. The clubs then donate this money to charities of their choice.

Student-run media

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The Department of Communications runs the state radio station KVHU.

Alongside publications of the university itself, such as the alumni newsletter Harding Magazine and the yearbook The Petit Jean, students produce their own periodical during the academic year called The Bison. This student-run publication is printed in nine issues per semester and made available through its multimedia website The Link.

LGBTQ media

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In 2011 a group of LGBTQ students at Harding, known as "HU Queer Press", produced a zine called State of the Gay whose website was blocked by the university.[40] A statement from university officials at the time said that "university administrators felt that having this website available on campus goes against [our] mission and policies". President David Burks called the publication "offensive and degrading".[41][42][43] As a result of this decision by the administration, the controversy received attention from national media such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Huffington Post, and online platforms like Jezebel.[44][45][46][47]

In 2018, HU Queer Press 2.0 was launched, with members producing a zine titled Hear Queer Voices aiming to "foster a relationship between Harding University and the queer community".[48][49] In April 2022, HU Queer Press 3.0 was announced, with members releasing a zine titled Look Around, requesting "that Harding University fully acknowledge, affirm, and protect its LGBT students".[50][51]

Social clubs

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The university sponsors student-led "social clubs" that serve a similar social networking function to the Greek system, as Harding prohibits formation of local chapters of national social fraternities and sororities. (One exception is Delta Phi, a chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon). Currently there are 14 women's social clubs and 14 men's social clubs at Harding.

Most of these organizations have adopted Greek letter names that are similar to national fraternity and sorority names. Social clubs are open to all academically eligible students and serve as some of the university's most visible student-led organizations. The clubs are a prominent part of student life with slightly more than half of all undergraduate students participating as social club members.

The social club induction process begins when clubs host "receptions" in the fall to recruit new members. The membership process culminates in Club Week, when each prospective member bonds with the other members of the club through a series of scheduled activities throughout the week. Once a student is accepted into the club, they attend biweekly meetings and can participate in club-sponsored sports, service projects, and Spring Sing.

Hazing controversy

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Harding's social clubs have been involved in hazing controversies over the years. As a result, some have been forced to disband, including the Seminoles (2010), Kappa Sigma Kappa (2005),[52] Mohicans (1981),[53][54] and most recently Pi Kappa Epsilon (2015).[55]

Religious conduct and policies

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Students at Harding University are expected to maintain the highest standards of Christian morality, integrity, orderliness and personal honor. Harding reserves the right to refuse admittance or dismiss any student whose lifestyle is not consistent with the Christian principles that Harding represents.[56]

Employment

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The Faculty Handbook, with narrow exceptions, requires Churches of Christ membership of all faculty members. All faculty members must affirm as part of an annual evaluation that he or she is a member in good standing of a Church of Christ and attends services weekly.[57][58]

Chapel and Bible classes

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The university specifies that daily chapel service be held with attendance mandatory for undergraduate students. Chapel programs are "designed to stimulate intellectual, religious, social or aesthetic development," in accordance with the university's mission of combining " faith, learning and living." Excessive absences from daily chapel service may result in disciplinary action.[56]

Harding requires each student enrolled in nine or more hours to regularly attend one Bible class that meets at least three hours a week each semester. Attendance is mandatory, and nonattendance may result in suspension from the university. The university requires students and faculty to dress professionally when attending class, chapel, lyceum, and American Studies programs.[56]

Alcohol and substance use

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The consumption, possession or storage of alcoholic beverages of any kind is prohibited at Harding University. This prohibition includes on-campus or off-campus locations. Violation of this policy will result in suspension from the university.[59] White County, Arkansas, where Harding is located, is a dry county. The use of nicotine in any form is not permitted at any time, including use of electronic cigarettes or vaporizers. Harding also forbids the use, possession, distribution, or sale of drugs or drug-related paraphernalia.[56]

Student living

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Single undergraduate students, under the age of 22, are required to live on campus, with limited exceptions. Visiting in the residence of a single member of the opposite sex, even though others are present, without permission from a student life dean, is prohibited. Staying overnight in a residence, motel, hotel, or any such arrangement with a member of the opposite sex, without permission from a student life dean, will result in suspension, although explicit sexual immorality may not have been observed.

Students are not to visit "inappropriate" places of entertainment such as dance clubs or bars. Students are not allowed to participate in suggestive or social dancing.

All-campus curfew is from 12:00 a.m. until 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1:00 a.m. until 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday.[56]

Sex and gender

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Harding explicitly regulates sexual relationships among students and staff. The university explicitly prohibits premarital, extramarital, and homosexual sex.[60]

According to the university's student handbook:

Harding University holds to the biblical principle that God instituted marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman and that gender identity is given by God and revealed in one's birth sex. Students are prohibited from being married to or dating a person of the same sex. Neither may students engage in behavior suggesting a romantic relationship with a person of the same sex. The University further holds to the biblical principle that sexual relationships outside the context of marriage are unacceptable to God and immoral. Sexual immorality in any form will result in suspension from the University.[61][62]

Harding also forbids the "unwelcome or inappropriate emphasizing of sexual identity."[63][56]

In 2017, it was granted an exception to Title IX, which allows for legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ students on religious grounds.[64][57] Harding has been listed among the "Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth" in the US by Campus Pride.[64]

People

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Notable alumni

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Main article: List of Harding University alumni

Notable faculty, current and former

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Presidents

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Harding University

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from Grokipedia
Harding University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in , affiliated with the and dedicated to integrating faith with academic and professional preparation. Founded in 1924 through the merger of Arkansas Christian College and , the institution enrolls approximately 4,800 students from across the and numerous countries, offering more than 110 undergraduate majors, over 40 graduate and professional programs, and specialized accreditations in fields such as , , and . Its mission emphasizes Christ-centered transformation for global impact, with distinctive features including mandatory chapel attendance, a code of conduct prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, and dancing, and one of the largest study-abroad programs among Christian universities. The university has received recognition for its regional performance and Christian focus, ranking among the top regional colleges in the and as a leading faith-based institution. Harding's campus spans 350 acres with over 57 buildings and maintains a heritage of conservative biblical education rooted in the , producing alumni noted for public service, missions, and professional achievements while upholding doctrinal standards such as opposition to instrumental music in worship. The university's athletic teams, the Bisons, compete in the Great American Conference of , contributing to its emphasis on holistic development. Despite its insular religious environment, which has occasionally drawn scrutiny for social restrictions, Harding sustains high retention and graduation rates through rigorous academics and community accountability.

History

Founding and Early Development

Harding College was founded in April 1924 through the merger of two junior colleges, Arkansas Christian College in , and in Harper, , which combined their facilities and assets to create a four-year senior institution. The new college was named in honor of James A. Harding, a pioneering and educator in the who had co-founded the Nashville Bible School (now ) but did not directly establish the college himself. The institution officially opened on September 23, 1924, on Christian's 40-acre campus north of Morrilton, under the leadership of president John N. Armstrong and vice president Adlai S. Croom. It began operations with 26 faculty members and 284 students drawn from 17 states, charging $25 tuition per 12-week term and keeping total annual costs below $300. Lacking dedicated dormitories, male students boarded in town while female students resided in a converted building. During its initial decade in Morrilton, the college experienced steady growth amid economic pressures, expanding enrollment to 430 students by 1933 despite the onset of the . This period emphasized a rooted in Christian values and liberal arts, aligning with the affiliation, though financial strains foreshadowed the need for relocation and restructuring.

Relocation and Mid-Century Growth

In 1934, Harding College relocated from , to Searcy, acquiring the campus of the defunct Galloway Women's College for a fraction of its value. The move allowed consolidation of operations amid financial pressures during the , utilizing existing facilities including dormitories and classrooms previously dedicated to women's education. The college reopened in Searcy that fall with 461 students enrolled across elementary, high school, and college levels. By 1936, the institution faced severe financial distress, entering under a $68,000 held by a local . George S. Benson assumed the presidency that year following the resignation of J.N. Armstrong, implementing aggressive cost-cutting measures, enhanced fundraising campaigns, and operational efficiencies to stabilize finances. These efforts succeeded in clearing the by 1939, marking a pivotal recovery amid ongoing economic challenges. Enrollment declined to 338 students during due to military drafts and national priorities, but post-war expansion via the drove rapid growth, reaching 728 students by 1947. Under Benson's leadership, which extended until 1965, the campus saw the construction of 15 new buildings, including dormitories, a gymnasium, and a , to accommodate increasing numbers and enhance facilities. The college achieved accreditation from the North Central Association in 1954, affirming its academic standards and supporting further mid-century development.

Cold War Era and Anti-Communist Initiatives

During the era, Harding College, under the leadership of President George S. Benson from 1936 to 1965, emerged as a prominent center for anti-communist education and advocacy. Benson, who had served as a in and witnessed the rise of communist forces firsthand, returned to the with a deepened commitment to opposing Marxist ideology. This experience shaped his presidency, leading Harding to integrate anti-communist themes into its curriculum and public outreach efforts. In 1943, Benson established the National Education Program (NEP) as an extension of Harding College to promote American free enterprise principles and counter propaganda through educational materials. The NEP produced pamphlets, films, and radio broadcasts distributed to schools, churches, and civic groups across the country, reaching an estimated audience of millions. Benson personally delivered over 2,200 speeches on and Americanism, emphasizing the threats posed by socialist policies and the importance of individual rooted in . Harding hosted annual Freedom Forums starting in the late , featuring speakers who critiqued communist tactics and advocated for patriotic . These events, combined with NEP initiatives, positioned the college as a key player in the broader anti-communist movement, earning recognition such as the 1949 Freedoms Foundation award presented by General . By the 1950s, the NEP had separated from direct college affiliation but continued to leverage Harding's resources, amplifying the institution's role in fostering public awareness of ideological battles.

Racial Policies and Integration

Harding College, as it was known prior to 1979, maintained a policy of consistent with prevailing practices in Southern higher education institutions affiliated with the , admitting only white students from its founding in until 1963. This exclusionary approach reflected the broader social and legal norms under in , where public and private schools alike enforced separation by race until federal civil rights advancements compelled change. In 1957, amid national debates following (1954), a group of 946 students and faculty members signed "The 946," a voluntary statement expressing support for eventual at the college, signaling internal sentiment favoring desegregation despite opposition from President George S. Benson. Benson, who led the institution from 1932 to 1965, publicly defended segregation, arguing in chapel addresses and writings that premature integration could harm the college's Christian mission and lead to social unrest, though he did not alter the official policy in response to the petition. Harding University later acknowledged Benson's resistance to integration during this period as contrary to its current values. Integration occurred in the fall of 1963, shortly before Benson's retirement, following sustained pressure from students, faculty, and external civil rights developments, including the of 1964's looming requirements for federal funding eligibility. The first African American undergraduates admitted were Lewis E. Brown, , and David Johnson, though none completed their degrees at the institution. Under subsequent president Clifton L. Ganus Jr. (1965–1986), the policy shift was upheld without reversal, but enrollment of Black students remained minimal; by the late 1960s, only about 20 African American students attended out of nearly 2,000 total enrollees, indicating limited recruitment and retention amid a predominantly white, conservative campus culture. Subsequent university statements have recognized these historical patterns as areas of regret, with efforts in the focused on increasing diversity through targeted initiatives.

Post-1960s Expansion and University Status

Under the leadership of Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr., who assumed the presidency in , Harding College underwent substantial physical and academic expansion. Ganus, a 1943 alumnus and former history department chair, directed a comprehensive improvement plan that included the or expansion of over ten buildings to accommodate growing student needs. Enrollment rose significantly during his tenure, reaching more than 2,000 students by the late 1970s, reflecting increased demand for the institution's Christian . The period marked advancements in academic offerings, with new facilities supporting programs in areas such as music, communications, and health sciences, contributing to the institution's diversification beyond undergraduate instruction. This growth aligned with broader post-World War II trends in higher education but was distinctly shaped by Harding's commitment to principles, emphasizing alongside scholarly pursuits. By the mid-1970s, these developments positioned the college for a formal elevation in status. In May 1978, the board of trustees initiated a study evaluating the institution's readiness for advanced designation, culminating in approval for status on , 1979, when Harding officially became . This change recognized the addition of graduate-level programs and the overall maturation of its academic structure, enabling further expansion such as the establishment of an international study site in , , in 1980. The transition underscored Ganus's vision for a comprehensive Christian while maintaining doctrinal fidelity.

Campus and Facilities

Main Campus in Searcy

The main campus of Harding University is located in , approximately 50 miles northeast of and 105 miles west of Memphis, . Situated east of Searcy, the spans 350 acres and includes 57 buildings. This layout positions the university within a few blocks of the city's central area, facilitating integration between campus life and the surrounding community of about 20,000 residents. The campus supports a residential experience central to the university's model, featuring 13 residence halls for undergraduate students and university-owned apartments for eligible upperclassmen, families, or single individuals. On-campus is required for most full-time undergraduates, emphasizing communal living aligned with the institution's . The physical infrastructure includes a mix of academic, administrative, and recreational facilities, with ongoing developments such as projects like Legacy Park Commons for future housing needs. Searcy's suburban setting provides access to local parks, sports complexes, and outdoor activities, complementing campus resources. The university maintains a for , highlighting and building locations to support daily operations. This configuration accommodates nearly 5,000 students across domestic and international programs, primarily on the Searcy site.

Key Buildings and Infrastructure

The main campus of Harding University in , encompasses approximately 350 acres with 57 buildings, including academic, residential, administrative, and athletic facilities valued in excess of $410 million. These structures support a range of educational and operational functions, from specialized laboratories and studios to housing for over 4,000 students, with infrastructure emphasizing practical learning environments integrated into a landscaped setting near downtown .
Key administrative facilities include the Anthony & Wright Administration Building, constructed in 1952 and renamed in 2021 to honor donors, serving as the central hub for operations. The David B. Burks American Heritage Building features a welcome center opened in 2022, alongside exhibits on history. Residential infrastructure highlights Pattie Cobb Hall, built in 1919 as part of the former Galloway Women's College and renamed in 1934 after the wife of founder James A. Harding, functioning as a women's with enduring architectural significance. Academic buildings encompass the Olen Hendrix Building, one of the original campus structures from the , used for classrooms and departmental offices across multiple disciplines. The Holland-Waller Center, completed and dedicated in 2023 to recognize contributions from women supporters, replaced the Ganus Student Center and houses the departments of history, , foreign languages, ROTC programs, and the Swaid Institute for , incorporating modern classrooms, conference rooms, and student commons. Specialized facilities include the Claud Rogers Lee Building for arts and humanities, the Ezell Center and Farrar Center for Health Sciences with clinical training labs, and the Mabee Building for commerce programs. Athletic infrastructure features the Huckeba Field House, dedicated in October 2019 and spanning 77,146 square feet with a 135-yard regulation indoor football field, recognized as the largest such facility in NCAA Division II. Adjacent is First Security Stadium for outdoor competitions, while the Rhodes-Reaves Field House, repurposed from a 1949 World War II hangar and renovated in 1997 and 2016, provides additional practice gyms and team facilities. The iconic Harding College Arch, erected in 1924 to commemorate the merger forming the senior college, marks the primary campus entrance. Recent expansions, such as the third-floor renovation of the Kendall Building in Conway for architecture studios in May 2024, extend specialized infrastructure beyond Searcy.

Extension and International Sites

Harding University maintains a remote extension site in , located in Rogers off amid the Ozark Mountains, primarily serving graduate and professional programs. This facility supports advanced degrees and specialized training, with an estimated enrollment of 760 students across extension graduate programs as of 2016. In March 2023, the university opened a state-of-the-art training facility at the site to prepare students for healthcare professions. Internationally, Harding operates semester-long study abroad programs through dedicated overseas locations, emphasizing cultural immersion, , and interdisciplinary coursework. Harding University in (HUG), based in , integrates modern Greek language instruction with analysis and ancient , including excursions to and . Harding University in (HUF), situated in a 15th-century in Scandicci near , , focuses on art, , and Italian culture with views of the Valley. Harding University in (HUA) provides experiences in and surrounding regions, blending , , and Pacific studies. Additional programs include Harding University in (HULA) in , , emphasizing , Andean culture, and missions; a Europe-wide program for broader continental travel and studies; and an initiative in Kalomo, , centered on African development, theology, and community engagement. These sites function as temporary academic hubs rather than permanent campuses, hosting Harding students for immersive semesters while facilitating partnerships with local institutions.

Academics

Organizational Structure

Harding University is governed by a Board of Trustees that exercises ultimate authority over institutional policy, strategic planning, and major financial decisions. The board appoints the university president and monitors executive performance. As of November 2024, Charles Ganus serves as chairman, with recent additions including David Bell, Erin Brogdon, and Brant Bryan appointed in October 2024. The president directs day-to-day operations through an executive team and university cabinet. Michael D. Williams, Ed.D., has held the position since June 1, 2022, succeeding prior focused on growth and mission alignment. Key cabinet members include Jean-Noel Thompson, Ph.D., as executive ; Marty Spears, Ph.D., as provost overseeing academic affairs; and vice presidents for advancement, finance, and spiritual life, among others. Academically, Harding organizes instruction into multiple colleges, each led by a dean responsible for , faculty, and program development. The College of Arts and Sciences houses 15 departments serving over 47% of undergraduates with more than 80 majors and four graduate programs. The College of Sciences comprises departments including behavioral sciences, , chemistry and biochemistry, , and physics, exercise science, , and physical sciences. Additional colleges cover allied health, and ministry, , and education, integrating faith-based perspectives across disciplines. Within colleges, academic departments are managed by chairs who coordinate faculty and courses. The Faculty Leadership Council represents instructional faculty in governance matters, facilitating communication with administration on duties, welfare, and policy.

Specialized Programs and Institutes

Harding University maintains several specialized institutes and programs that integrate its with leadership development, ministerial training, and targeted research. The Institute, founded on September 15, 1952, as the School of American Studies, focuses on cultivating leadership through distinguished lecture series, leadership forums, student scholar initiatives, and community events featuring influential speakers on American culture, history, and principles. In October 2025, the university established the Christian Workers Institute with a $1 million grant from the , directed by the Harding School of Theology to provide non-credit courses emphasizing , , and church leadership skills for members of congregations and beyond. The Harding School of Theology itself, operational since 1952 and offering and degrees, trains ministers primarily for roles, with plans to relocate from Memphis to the Searcy campus following a 2023 announcement. Research-oriented centers include the Center for Cognitive Studies within the Department of Behavioral Sciences, which facilitates undergraduate and faculty investigations into cognitive processes and , and the Gilliam Biological Research Station, a 700-acre facility supporting fieldwork in , , and related disciplines. The Center for Health Sciences coordinates interdisciplinary efforts across allied health, , and programs, promoting collaborative professional training.

Rankings, Accolades, and Student Outcomes

Harding University is ranked #301 out of 436 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report for the 2026 edition, reflecting performance across indicators such as graduation rates, faculty resources, and financial aid. In niche categorizations, it places #8 among 314 Best Christian Colleges in America according to Niche's 2026 rankings, based on factors including student reviews and academic outcomes. Earlier assessments positioned it #6 among Best Regional Universities in the South and #9 among Best Christian Colleges and Universities by U.S. News in 2018. These rankings indicate moderate national standing, with strengths in regional and faith-based metrics but lower overall placement compared to elite institutions. Accolades for the university primarily include internal recognitions such as annual awards honoring graduates for service aligned with its , with recipients like Cliff and Jane Sharp receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2025 for exemplary contributions in and . Program-specific honors feature high pass rates in professional certifications, such as 98% NCLEX pass rate for the BSN program in 2020, and faculty achievement awards like the Harding University Teacher Achievement Award. Athletic accolades include Berryhill Awards for outstanding student-athletes, with player Long receiving the honor in 2025 as the eighth recipient since 1963. Broader institutional awards are limited, with no major national distinctions like Rhodes or Fulbright scholarships prominently documented in recent data. Student outcomes show a six-year graduation rate of 69%, with a four-year rate of 55% and freshman retention rate of 84%, per U.S. Department of Education data via the College Scorecard. University surveys indicate strong post-graduation placement: for undergraduates across 2020-2023, 90.5% were employed or in within months of graduation, with 61.9% directly employed and 28.7% pursuing further studies; employed graduates averaged early-career earnings of $36,000, rising to a median of $43,555 six years post-graduation. Graduate outcomes are higher, with 89.6% employed over the same period. Discipline-specific results, such as 100% employment in communication sciences and disorders and within nine months, underscore program efficacy in professional fields.
Outcome MetricUndergraduate (2020-2023 Aggregate)Graduate (2020-2023 Aggregate)
Employed61.9%89.6%
28.7%1.6%
Unemployed (Seeking/Not Seeking)9.1% / 0.4%Not specified / Not specified
Overall Positive Placement90.5%91.2%
These figures derive from institutional surveys and federal reporting, highlighting reliable employment transitions despite modest salary benchmarks relative to national averages for similar majors.

Student Life

Extracurricular Activities and Traditions

Harding University offers over 100 student organizations encompassing academic, professional, service, and honor societies, excluding social clubs and athletic teams. These groups facilitate involvement in discipline-specific pursuits, such as the Society for business students, Aerospace Club for engineering enthusiasts, and Alpha Chi Honor Society for high-achieving scholars across majors. Service-oriented organizations, including All Missions Fellowship, emphasize community outreach and spiritual engagement, aligning with the university's Christian ethos. Campus events form a core component of extracurricular life, featuring concerts, movies, trivia nights, pep rallies, and celebrations organized through the office. These activities, often held at the Student Center or , promote social interaction and without alcohol or dancing, per institutional policies. Intramural competitions and club sports, distinct from varsity athletics, provide recreational outlets like and leagues, drawing participation from hundreds of students annually. Notable traditions include the annual celebration, held October 30–November 1 in 2025, which features Black & Gold Day parades, musical productions like , alumni reunions, and Bisons football games. Family Weekend in late September allows parents to engage in tours, services, and student-led activities, fostering familial ties to university life. Historical customs, such as festivities documented in university archives, once involved communal gatherings with music and games, though their prominence has waned in recent decades. events and at athletic venues persist as student-favored rituals, emphasizing and community bonding.

Athletics Programs

Harding University's athletic teams, known as the Bisons, compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great American Conference (GAC). The university sponsors 18 intercollegiate sports programs, with nine for men and nine for women, involving over 400 student-athletes. Men's varsity teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field. Women's teams consist of basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Track and field programs encompass both indoor and outdoor seasons. The athletics department emphasizes competitive excellence alongside spiritual development, aligning with the university's Christian mission. Beyond varsity competition, Harding maintains an extensive intramural program offering sports such as flag football, softball, and volleyball, alongside club teams and fitness classes to promote student wellness. Harding has achieved significant success in the GAC, securing both the Commissioner's Cup (for athletic performance) and President's Trophy (for academic-athletic balance) for the fourth consecutive year in the 2024-25 cycle. The football program marked a historic milestone by winning the NCAA Division II national championship in 2023 with a perfect 15-0 record under head coach Paul Simmons. The Bisons have claimed multiple GAC titles across sports, including recent cross country honors in 2025.

Social Clubs and Associated Issues

Harding University operates 27 single-sex social clubs for undergraduates, which function as non-residential organizations emphasizing Christian virtues, lifelong friendships, , and multifaceted personal growth including spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and civic dimensions. Approximately 55% of students join a club, participating in structured recruitment via Club Week, , service projects, formal events, and annual performances like Spring Sing. These clubs trace their roots to traditions dating back decades, with some, such as Tri Kappa (active 1947–1955 before merging), documented through preserved scrapbooks that capture historical activities and membership. Club structure involves selective membership processes with multiple invitation rounds, officer elections, and constitutions outlining operations; rankings based on participation and conduct can influence prestige and privileges for upperclassmen in designated club houses. Policies require alignment with university standards, including no alcohol, drugs, or co-ed sleepovers, and promote service-oriented events over partying. Associated issues include regulatory responses to risks; following Arkansas's 2009 anti-hazing law, Harding imposed stricter fall 2011 rules banning inductee traditions like unusual attire or excessive physical demands during Club Week to comply with state penalties of up to one year and $2,500 fines for violations. In 2019, amendments to and policies drew mixed feedback, with leaders citing reduced apathy among but concerns that requirements might deter future involvement. Inconsistencies in club ranking criteria have prompted student discontent, as processes vary by club and lack uniform transparency. Individual clubs have faced dissolution, such as Chi Lambda Chi, which disbanded May 1, 2012, after eight years due to internal challenges including low recruitment. Anecdotal critiques from former affiliates highlight perceived parallels to secular Greek systems, including pressures on and social exclusivity, though university oversight prioritizes anti-hazing and value-aligned conduct.

Campus Media and Publications

Harding University's student media outlets, overseen by the Department of Communication, provide hands-on experience in , , and digital production for communication majors and other participants. These include print publications, a , and , emphasizing coverage of events, athletics, and while aligning with the university's . The serves as the primary student newspaper, originally established in as the Petit Jean Collegian and renamed subsequently. It produces nine issues per semester, distributing over 2,000 free copies on campus, with subscriptions available through [email protected]. The publication has earned recognition as a Gold Medalist from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the 2014 Best of the South College Newspaper award from the Southeast Journalism Conference. The maintains memberships in the College Media Association, Region 12, Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, and Associated Collegiate Press. Its online counterpart, The Link, was ranked the 2015 Best College Website by the Southeast Journalism Conference. The staff comprises approximately 17 members, including editors, photographers, copy editors, multimedia specialists, and graphic designers, with applications opening in spring for the fall semester. The Petit Jean is the official student , with volumes dating to the founding of Harding College in and chronicling campus life, activities, and events. The 2022–2023 edition, titled "Innovate," marked the 99th volume and was printed by Walsworth Publishing in . Digital archives of past yearbooks are maintained through the university's ScholarWorks repository. HU16 operates as the student television station, launching its first broadcast on September 26, 1983, as TV12 on the White County Cable system before rebranding. It streams live 24 hours daily via streaming.harding.edu, offering high-definition content accessible worldwide on platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, iOS, and Android apps. Programming features student-produced shows such as "Live at 5" news, Harding University and Academy coverage, chapel services, lectureships, city council meetings, ASI lectures, and special events like dedications. KVHU, broadcasting at 95.3 FM as "The Voice of Harding University," functions as the student radio station serving with a 24-hour live audio . It features an eclectic playlist exceeding 70,000 songs across genres and eras, alongside live coverage of Harding Academy football and other programming. The station supports student involvement in music selection, hosting, and production.

Religious Foundation and Governance

Affiliation with Churches of Christ

Harding University was established in 1924 through the merger of Arkansas Christian College, founded in 1919, and Harper College, both junior institutions created by members of the . The university was named in honor of James A. Harding (1848–1922), a pioneering preacher and educator in the who advocated for Christian education as a means to equip believers for service. This affiliation reflects the Restoration Movement's emphasis on restoring Christianity through autonomous congregations, with Harding operating as a private institution governed by a Board of Trustees composed primarily of members from fellowships. The university's governance and operations maintain deep ties to the , including a policy of hiring faculty and staff who are committed , with preference given to those aligned with convictions. Official statements reaffirm this connection, stating that despite doctrinal differences within the fellowship, Harding remains determined to uphold its heritage amid contemporary challenges. Financial support derives from donors within the , supplemented by targeted scholarships for children of full-time ministers, missionaries, and church members, as well as tuition discounts for qualifying personnel. Harding supports the through educational programs, such as the Harding School of Theology, which has trained ministers for congregations since 1958, and initiatives like the Christian Workers Institute funded by external grants to bolster church . This affiliation manifests in the university's mission to integrate faith and learning, fostering servant-leaders who contribute to the fellowship's global outreach and doctrinal continuity.

Spiritual Formation Requirements

All undergraduate students under the age of 25 enrolled in nine or more credit hours per semester are required to attend chapel services, which are held Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. in the Benson Auditorium. Attendance is tracked via ID scanning, with a maximum of 15 excused absences permitted per semester for reasons such as illness or university-approved events; additional absences may result in chapel probation, disciplinary action, or suspension for one semester. Non-residential students must also attend if their class schedule overlaps with chapel time, while exemptions for off-campus work or internships require submission of a Permanent Chapel Excuse form within two weeks of starting such arrangements. In addition to chapel, students enrolled in nine or more credit hours are mandated to complete two hours of coursework each fall and spring semester, with attendance in these classes compulsory and non-droppable. Excessive absences from classes trigger , loss of registration priority, or suspension after repeated violations. To graduate, all undergraduates must fulfill eight hours of textual coursework, including at least two hours each in and studies, typically achieved over four semesters of required enrollment. Post-baccalaureate degree-seeking students who have already met this requirement are exempt from further classes. These requirements form the core of Harding's emphasis on spiritual development, integrating daily communal and scriptural study into the academic routine to foster Christian character and biblical literacy. While optional programs such as the annual Lectureship, Missions campaigns, and fellowship groups supplement these mandates, non-compliance with and policies can impact academic standing and eligibility for graduation. Part-time students exceeding eight hours per semester are subject to the same and attendance rules, ensuring broad application across the undergraduate population.

Conduct and Lifestyle Policies

Harding University's requires students to align their behavior with biblical principles and the institution's Christian mission, emphasizing moral discernment, integrity, and servant-leadership. Violations are addressed through disciplinary procedures managed by the Office of Student Life, potentially resulting in sanctions ranging from warnings and probation to suspension or expulsion. The university reserves the right to dismiss students whose conflict with these standards. Prohibited behaviors include the consumption, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, products, or related , both on and off , in line with federal drug-free requirements. Sexual activity outside of heterosexual , homosexual acts, possession or viewing of , and any promotion of changes are explicitly forbidden, with such violations often leading to expulsion. Other infractions encompass dishonesty, profanity or vulgar language, excessive public displays of affection, , , , possession of weapons or , and to university authority. Dress standards mandate modest and professional attire to promote decency and respect. Guidelines specify that shorts and skirts must reach mid-thigh or longer, tops for women require at least two-inch straps with no exposure of cleavage or , and form-fitting clothing necessitates coverage to mid-thigh. Men are restricted from wearing tank tops outside athletic contexts, and visible undergarments, sleepwear as outerwear, or offensive messaging on clothing are not permitted; , including limited piercings to ears, nose, or eyebrows, must remain neat. Residence life policies reinforce these standards, requiring unmarried undergraduates under age 22 to live on campus in single-sex halls with strict opposite-sex visitation rules and overnight stay prohibitions without approval. Curfews are enforced from midnight to 5 a.m. through and 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends. Daily attendance is mandatory for full-time undergraduates under 25, with up to 15 absences permitted per year before disciplinary action, such as probation or suspension, is imposed; discourteous behavior during services may result in immediate removal.

Employment and Admissions Standards

Harding University's undergraduate admissions process evaluates applicants on academic readiness and moral character, granting unconditional admission to high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an ACT composite score of 19 (or SAT equivalent of 900 in critical reading and math combined). Applicants must complete at least 15 units of academic coursework, including four in English, three in mathematics (covering algebra through advanced topics), three in social studies, and two in natural sciences, with two units of foreign language recommended. Required materials include an online application with a $50 fee, official transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, or CLT for freshmen), one academic reference, and one character reference—typically from a minister—to assess compatibility with the university's Christian ethos. Due to its heritage as a Churches of Christ-affiliated institution, Harding seeks students committed to the Christian faith and prepared to uphold campus conduct standards, though it admits applicants capable of academic success regardless of prior religious affiliation, provided they demonstrate willingness to engage in the community's spiritual expectations. Transfer students require a 2.0 college GPA for unconditional admission (or committee review if lower), while home-schooled and non-traditional applicants undergo similar scrutiny, including GED for those without high school diplomas. International applicants must meet TOEFL (79 iBT) or IELTS (6.0) thresholds, with provisions for support. These standards ensure alignment with Harding's mission of integrating and learning, prioritizing empirical indicators of potential success over quotas or diversity mandates unrelated to merit. For employment, Harding prioritizes hiring active members of the , particularly for faculty and staff roles integral to its religious mission, with candidates required to affirm alignment with the university's Statement of Faith and demonstrate support for its Christian objectives. Faculty applications necessitate a , letter of interest, two spiritual references, and two professional references, reflecting doctrinal expectations within the 's framework. The Faculty Handbook mandates membership for instructors, permitting narrow exceptions only as outlined in the university's articles of incorporation, to maintain consistency in and governance. Staff positions extend similar preferences, considering non- applicants only if they exhibit robust Christian commitment and no qualified denominational matches are available. This approach preserves Harding's identity as a , subordinating broader hiring diversity to fidelity with its founding convictions.

Leadership and Personnel

University Presidents

Harding University has had six presidents since its founding in 1924 via the merger of and Arkansas Christian College, with leadership focused on Christian education within the tradition. Each president oversaw key developments, including relocation, financial stabilization, enrollment growth, and international expansion, amid challenges like the and accreditation efforts. The presidents and their tenures are listed below, along with notable achievements drawn from institutional records:
PresidentTenureKey Contributions
John N. Armstrong1924–1936Oversaw the merger establishing Harding College in ; relocated the campus to Searcy in 1934 due to financial pressures from the ; emphasized vocational and biblical training.
George S. Benson1936–1965Cleared a $68,000 by 1939; founded the National Education Program in 1943 to promote free enterprise and ; constructed 15 buildings, secured regional in 1954, and integrated the student body in 1963.
Clifton L. Ganus Jr.1965–1987Raised $10 million for facilities; grew enrollment from 1,500 to over 2,400 by 1975; established the nursing school in 1975, achieved university status in 1979, and launched study programs in Florence, , in 1980.
David B. Burks1987–2013Expanded enrollment to over 4,000 by the 1990s; developed overseas campuses in , , and ; secured $96 million in fundraising for infrastructure and programs; served as interim president again in 2020–2022.
Bruce D. McLarty2013–2021Advanced for programs like in 2014; navigated enrollment declines and financial strains leading to early retirement in 2020 amid impacts.
Michael D. Williams2022–presentAssumed role on June 1, 2022, following prior presidency at ; focused on stabilizing operations and student recruitment post-pandemic.

Notable Faculty Contributions

James Huff, an associate professor of and faculty fellow in the Honors College, received the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development () Program award in April 2021, the agency's most prestigious grant for early-career faculty integrating research and education. The five-year, $575,000 grant supports Huff's ongoing at the intersection of and applied , focusing on professional shame, , and among engineering students and practitioners. This work builds on Huff's prior publications examining emotional experiences in technical fields, aiming to develop interventions that enhance persistence and in . In 2022, Huff secured an additional NSF grant of approximately $456,000 to extend this research on shame's role in professional development. In the sciences, associate professor of chemistry Jaime Murphy received a $15,000 grant from the Space Grant Consortium in 2024-2025 to support undergraduate research projects, contributing to STEM capacity-building at Harding. Faculty in the College of Arts and Humanities, such as retired professor William "Doc" Hollaway, have advanced through over 40 years of teaching and , mentoring numerous students and sponsoring performance ensembles, leading to an endowed chair in his name. The university's Faculty Gallery documents 275 research outputs across disciplines as of recent records, with contributions emphasizing applied scholarship in fields like , , and , though external funding and publications remain modest compared to research-intensive institutions. Annual internal recognitions, including Teacher Achievement Awards—nine awarded in 2019 for exceptional —underscore faculty impact on undergraduate formation, particularly in integrating faith and learning. In the College of Bible and Ministry, professors contribute through practical ministry training and global missions oversight, drawing on decades of fieldwork rather than peer-reviewed outputs.

Influential Alumni

Harding University alumni have distinguished themselves in military leadership, public service, and media entrepreneurship. George Andrew Davis Jr., who completed his degree at Harding College (the institution's former name) before entering military service, amassed 21 confirmed aerial victories as a U.S. Army Air Forces fighter pilot during , ranking among the top aces; he received the posthumously on June 24, 1952, for destroying multiple enemy aircraft in a single engagement over Korea on February 10, 1952, despite sustaining fatal wounds. In and energy regulation, David J. Porter earned a in (magna cum laude) from Harding in 1977 and later served as Texas Railroad Commissioner from January 2017 to January 2023, overseeing the state's oil and gas industry as the elected regulator of pipelines and production. , a 1995 Harding graduate, rose to prominence as an executive at —managing operations for the family business that grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise—and as a cast member of the A&E reality series (2012–2017), which averaged 8–12 million viewers per episode; she has also authored books such as Strong and Kind (2016), emphasizing Christian , and supported charitable initiatives including advocacy.

Recent Developments and Impact

Harding University's total enrollment peaked above 6,000 students in the early 2010s before declining steadily, reaching 5,122 in fall 2018 amid broader national and state trends in higher education demographics, though some comparable institutions experienced growth during the same period. By fall 2020, undergraduate enrollment stood at 3,579 with 1,042 graduate students, reflecting continued contraction influenced by factors such as shifting high school graduate rates and regional . Undergraduate enrollment averaged 3,898 students annually over the prior decade, with recent figures at 3,496 undergraduates and 1,112 graduates for a total of 4,608 in fall 2023. Recent years have shown signs of stabilization and modest recovery, driven by targeted recruitment efforts. Fall 2021 marked a 7.6% increase to 4,970 total students, followed by a 6.2% rise in new undergraduate enrollment to 920 in fall 2022. The fall 2023 freshman class grew 7.08% to over 1,000 students, with an average high school GPA of 3.83, contributing to the 4,608 total from 48 U.S. states and 58 countries. Preliminary fall 2025 figures indicate further growth, with official reports citing 4,802 students including 1,111 new enrollees from 46 states and 64 countries, though some local estimates suggested up to 5,032, reflecting ongoing variability in counting methodologies. Campus expansion has paralleled these enrollment shifts, with infrastructure investments supporting controlled growth since the mid-1980s, when total numbers were roughly 40% lower. Key projects include the 2023 relocation of the Harding School of Theology from Memphis to Searcy, reducing tuition to $100 per credit hour to spur enrollment, which subsequently rose 30%. In 2022, construction began on the Holland-Waller Center to replace the aging Ganus Building, enhancing academic facilities. Recent developments encompass a $8.5 million, 18,000-square-foot library addition for the School of Theology, with in February 2025 and completion slated for later that year; a $1.5 million grant-funded expansion of the lab in December 2024; and ongoing residential phases for housing growth. These initiatives, informed by September 2024 campus master planning, aim to accommodate projected increases while preserving a "homey" aesthetic blending historic and modern elements.

Innovations in Curriculum and Research

Harding University introduced a in in fall 2025, comprising 125 credit hours that integrate 30 hours of , 18 hours of , liberal arts requirements, and 24 hours dedicated to AI-specific . This program emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary training from a , featuring newly developed courses in generative AI, , , , and AI ethics to equip students for roles like machine learning engineers. In July 2025, the university received a $1 million gift from a private donor to advance technology programs, particularly in and technologies such as , enabling curriculum enhancements and new initiatives in these areas. The Interdisciplinary Studies major further exemplifies curricular flexibility, permitting students to customize degrees by selecting two or three concentrations aligned with personal interests and career objectives, with options for both Honors College participants (requiring a 3.25 GPA) and non-Honors students. On the research front, Harding supports faculty and student scholarship through the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs, which assists in securing external funding, alongside the federally funded McNair Scholars Program providing undergraduate mentoring for graduate preparation. The oversees ethical proposals, while ScholarWorks and the Faculty Gallery repositories host publications and projects across disciplines. Innovations include AI-focused bridging academic and practical applications in healthcare and beyond, as well as space-related studies through collaborations developing generators for advanced systems. The Center for Cognitive Studies facilitates investigations into cognitive processes and behaviors, promoting collaborative, innovative inquiry.

Broader Societal and Cultural Influence

Harding University has shaped the denomination by training a substantial portion of its and evangelists, with its of and Ministry emphasizing , preaching, and disciple-making skills that prepare graduates for domestic and international service. The institution maintains a database to track involvement and supports annual global outreach initiatives, including trips and internships that expose students to cross-cultural . Nearly one-third of deployed by congregations have direct ties to Harding through status or program participation, underscoring the university's role in sustaining the denomination's emphasis on restorationist and personal . Beyond ecclesiastical circles, Harding alumni have influenced American politics and law, exemplified by Ken Starr's tenure as U.S. from 1989 to 1993 and his role as independent counsel leading the investigation, which culminated in the 1998 impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton. In media and popular culture, siblings and , graduates who built into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, leveraged the television series (2012–2017) to broadcast conservative Christian perspectives on family, faith, and rural self-reliance to millions of viewers. These figures reflect Harding's cultivation of principled leadership aligned with traditional values, often countering prevailing secular trends. Historically, during George S. Benson's presidency (1936–1968), Harding advanced conservative economic and political ideals through the National Education Program (established 1943), which disseminated materials on free enterprise to combat perceived socialist influences, and the American Studies Program (1952), which emphasized constitutional and individual via seminars attended by thousands. These efforts positioned the university as a hub for anti-communist activism within Christian higher education, fostering a legacy of causal emphasis on in discourse. Harding's global study programs in locations such as and further extend this influence, producing graduates who integrate faith-based service into professional fields like and .

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  57. https://www.harding.edu/give/asi
  58. https://talkbusiness.net/2025/10/harding-university-receives-1-million-to-establish-christian-workers-institute/
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  60. https://www.harding.edu/hst/
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  62. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/behavioral/cognitive-studies
  63. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/biology/facilities/
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  67. https://news.harding.edu/2024/09/alumni-awards-2024.html
  68. https://www.harding.edu/nursing/graduate-programs/program-outcomes
  69. https://hardingsports.com/news/2025/4/30/general-long-hawley-receive-2025-berryhill-awards.aspx
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  81. https://hardinghistoryexhibits.com/225-2/
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  86. https://hardingsports.com/news/2025/10/25/mens-cross-country-harding-men-maintain-top-three-streak-at-gac-championships.aspx
  87. https://www.harding.edu/life-at-harding/social-clubs/
  88. https://www.harding.edu/life-at-harding/assets/docs/socialclub_handbook.pdf
  89. https://www.instagram.com/hu_socialclubs/
  90. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMBu3Q6MI20/
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  92. https://thelink.harding.edu/the-bison/2018/10/25/club-rankings-processes-lack-consistency-across-the-board/
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  98. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/communication/student-media/
  99. https://thelink.harding.edu/the-bison/about/
  100. https://scholarworks.harding.edu/petit-jean/
  101. https://issuu.com/thehulink/docs/22-23_pj
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  104. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/communication/streaming/
  105. https://thelink.harding.edu/harding-radio/
  106. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=561806846212446&id=100071494055024&set=a.189035153489619
  107. https://db.ministrywatch.com/ministry.php?ein=710236896
  108. https://catalog.harding.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=35
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  110. https://www.harding.edu/about/ministries/services/
  111. https://nwaonline.com/news/2025/oct/24/harding-university-gets-1-million-from-lilly/
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  113. https://catalog128.harding.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=2055
  114. https://catalog128.harding.edu/content.php?catoid=19&navoid=1329
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  123. https://news.harding.edu/2021/04/national-science-foundation-awards-university-faculty-james-huff-575k-grant-to-launch-career-long-research
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  125. https://www.jameshuff-bpi.com/about-us
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  151. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/computer-science/hu-artificial-intelligence-bs
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  153. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/interdisciplinary-studies/hu-interdisciplinary-studies
  154. https://catalog128.harding.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=49&poid=9013&returnto=4859
  155. https://www.harding.edu/about/offices-departments/provost/research/
  156. https://news.harding.edu/2024/11/how-ai-is-shaping-the-future.html
  157. https://www.harding.edu/arts-sciences/space-research
  158. https://www.harding.edu/bible-ministry/
  159. https://www.harding.edu/bible-ministry/ministry/missionary-database/
  160. https://edurank.org/uni/harding-university/alumni/
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