Where Beauty Meets Purpose

In my time in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, I had the opportunity to lead hundreds of families on campus tours. I have walked over every inch of these grounds, and guests regularly comment on its unmistakable beauty. Our front lawn holds a special place in the hearts of so many alumni, and we want the entire campus to reflect the beauty of that green space.

To help us consider a strategy for comprehensive improvements, we engaged a nationally acclaimed partner, Credo Design Architects, to orchestrate a new campus master plan. We also assembled a project leadership team including faculty and staff representatives from a variety of areas to solicit broad input from our University community. The Credo team was on campus in September 2023 to begin an institutional audit of facilities and property. They returned in November to host interactive sessions where members of our community shared their impressions and perceptions of what we’re doing well and ways we can improve. This collaborative process has already begun to yield great potential for the future.

We want to continue stewarding well our resources and enhance the Harding experience by creating beautiful spaces. However, when I think about introducing guests to Harding, my memories of the tours are not the towering, magnificent oaks and blooming azaleas or the state-of-the-art facilities. I remember faculty and staff members who shepherded my life as an undergraduate student and young staff member. This is why we encourage future Bisons to visit on days when campus is full of life. The beautiful environment is only enhanced by the people who are the essence of our community and culture.

On bright spring days, you’ll find students and faculty outside enjoying the sunshine, creating art and building relationships that will last a lifetime. The beauty of God’s people walking alongside each other as we all discover our inspired purpose is unmatched. We look forward to another century of Harding where students will continue to be challenged, think deeply, love well and live lives of purpose.