Newsmakers

ADMISSIONS

Sydney Bryant joined the team Oct. 10 as a counselor for the South Arkansas region. She previously served as Harding Fund coordinator for the Office of University Advancement.

ADVANCEMENT

Lance Bowman was named business and research analyst in May. He also serves in this role for IS&T.

Sheryl Ragland was appointed Harding Fund director on Aug. 15. She previously served as graduate marketing manager for University Communications and Marketing.

ALUMNI and PARENT RELATIONS

Rachel Luallen was named events and digital director Sept. 1. She previously served as an early education coordinator with the Association of Christian Schools International.

CAREER SERVICES

Brian Harrington was appointed executive director of the Center for Professional Excellence, effective Sept. 1. Housed in the College of Business Administration, the center has been expanded to serve the entire University.

COLLEGE OF BIBLE AND MINISTRY

Dr. Andrew Baker , assistant professor of Bible and director of the Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry, was named president of National Christian School Association on Aug. 3.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Malik Young , Allen Watson , Trisha Magadu and Rollansky Darote were announced as the 2022-23 recipients of the Botham Jean Business Scholarship. All four students are studying accounting.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCES

Dr. Will Waldron , instructor of engineering and physics, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in August. The title of his dissertation is “A Pipeline to Study the Hubble Space Telescope ACS/WFC3 Data and Examples of its Applications.”

Dr. Taylor Williams , instructor of engineering and physics, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at Purdue University in August. The title of his dissertation is, “1,500 Students and Only a Single Cluster? A Multimethod Clustering Analysis of Assessment Data From a Large, Structured Engineering Course.”

Dr. James Huff , associate professor of engineering, received a National Science Foundation award, along with Oregon State University Professor Shane Brown, for their research titled “Understanding and Improving Design Activity Engagement in the Engineering Capstone Experience.” Harding will receive a $111,448 grant for the collaborative project.

OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE

Zach Neal was appointed vice president for student life and dean of students in August. He previously served as assistant vice president.

PROVOST

Dr. Landry Kamdem ,associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, was named chair of the University's Institutional Review Board in August.

Dr. Andrea Morris was appointed assistant to the provost for strategic initiatives Aug. 1. She previously was director of Washington Semester Leadership through Policy and Governance.

UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Jennifer Hannigan was named graduate marketing manager Aug. 15. She previously served as marketing manager at Crescent.

Kendal Escue joined the team as a graphic designer Aug. 3. She previously served as a graphic designer for Quest Design Fabrication.