SEARCY, Ark. — More than 350 students will graduate at Harding
University’s commencement exercises Saturday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. in
Benson Auditorium.
Students will receive degrees awarded from the colleges of Arts and
Humanities, Bible and Religion, Business Administration,
Communication, Education, Nursing and Sciences. The number also
includes those receiving graduate degrees in business, education and
ministry, as well as those receiving educational specialist and
educational doctorate degrees.
Featured commencement speaker is Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice
Jim Hannah.
An Arkansas native, Hannah graduated from Harrison High School and
went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of
Arkansas. He received a juris doctorate degree from University of
Arkansas School of Law.
He is a member of a variety of organizations, including the Arkansas
and American Bar Associations, and has served as president and board
member for the Arkansas Judicial Council.
Hannah worked as a city attorney in several communities across the
state, including the city of Searcy from 1969-1978. His judicial
experience includes serving as city judge for Kensett and Rosebud and
also as a judge for White County Juvenile Court. Prior to joining the
Arkansas Supreme Court in 2001, he served as chancery and probate
judge for the 17th Judicial District for 20 years. He was elected to
his current position in 2005 and will serve until 2016.
Hannah and his wife, Pat Johnson Hannah, reside in Searcy and have
five children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,600 students
from all 50 states and 49 foreign countries. It is the largest private
university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than
any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains
campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece,
Italy and Zambia.
