Approximately 750 graduates will receive diplomas at Harding University commencement exercises Saturday, May 11. Two separate ceremonies will be held in Benson Auditorium at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Graduates in the 9 a.m. ceremony include students from the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Bible and Ministry, Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, Cannon-Clary College of Education and the Honors College. The 1 p.m. ceremony will be for students graduating from the College of Allied Health, Carr College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and College of Sciences.
Dr. David Burks, president of Harding University, will be the speaker for both ceremonies. Burks became president in May 1987. He is concluding his 26th year as president, set to retire June 1, and will transition into the role of the University’s second-ever chancellor. Prior to becoming president, he served as dean of the College of Business Administration and director of the American Studies Program.
He is the author of two books, “The Christian Alternative for Business” and “Strategic Management Simulation.” He is a general editor of the book “Against the Grain,” which was published in 1998 and covers the purpose of Harding. He is the recipient of the Harding University Distinguished Teacher’s Award in 1975 and again in 1986. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Harding University along with his wife, Leah, in 1999.
Since 1987, Harding’s enrollment has increased from 2,997 to 7,155; assets have grown from $132 million to $325 million; the operating budget has increased from $24 million to $124 million annually; and endowment has grown to $113 million.
Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas with 6,815 students and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia.
