Gratitude

By David B. Burks, president

Completing the 2020-21 school year with five commencement ceremonies on the main campus instead of our normal three while handling COVID-19 protocols is just one example of the many ways this University came together during a very difficult year and made things happen. The joy was evident, and I am very thankful we were able to celebrate together. This is just one of many things for which I am grateful.

I am grateful for our faculty as I witness the fruits of their labors. The National Science Foundation recently awarded Dr. James Huff , associate professor of engineering and Honors College faculty fellow, a $575,000 grant for his psychological research on shame, identity and well-being in engineering education settings. Dr. Clara Carroll, Dr. Carol Douglass and Dr. Lisa Bryant were honored with a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to launch the Special Education Resource Teacher Academy.

I am grateful for the work of our faculty and staff in sharing the mission of Harding. I especially appreciate the faculty members who taught both in-person and virtually all year. It was a tremendous challenge, and they responded beautifully by truly going the second mile. For the staff and administrative support which allowed this to happen, I am thankful.
I am grateful for our safe environment for instruction and work with our students this year. Our COVID-19 protocols worked out very well, and we have been blessed as a University. Dr. David Collins spearheaded this effort, and I am grateful for him and all those who worked diligently to make this happen.

I am grateful to Dr. Marty Spears and his team for all of the work done to shepherd new and developing programs. I am excited to see new programs in architecture , strength and conditioning, nutrition, and occupational therapy approved and ready to be implemented. I am especially excited about the establishment of Harding Online , led by Keith Cronk, and other new programs that will be implemented soon.

I am grateful for the improvement of conditions so that we could have a President’s Council meeting, Spring Sing and commencement ceremonies this spring. I am excited to see us return to normal operations this fall.

I am grateful for all of you and what you do to make our mission and ministry at Harding possible. God is faithful, and I am excited about the future of our work.