Michelle Ann Edmonds - Smyrna, TN Stephanie Anne Elchuck - Lebanon , NJ Wendy Lea Ellmore - Gainesville, FL Donna Cheryl England - Searcy, AR ~rry Eugene Eppes - Rockford, IL Shajida Espat - Corozal , Belize Carol Deanne Evans - Yalaha, FL William Armour Everett - Conroe, TX Walter Alex Fagen - Oskaloosa , IA Kelly Denise Fanning - Ft. Worth , TX Shelly Janiece Fanning - Ft. Worth , TX Laura Lee Farmer - St. Louis, MO Samantha A. Farrar - Lebanon , TN Shawn R. Fishbaugh - Bridger, MT Phyllis Lynn Fitzgerald - Higginson, AR Julie Kaye Fleak - Washington , WV Matthew S. Fletcher - San Antonio, TX Richard D. Flood - Milford , CT Jeffery Todd Floyd - Little Rock , AR Tonja Renee Fogle - Marietta , GA Pamela Annette Fore - Houston, TX Christopher B. Fox - Mansfield , OH 2s2Juniors Edmonds - Fox .q • v . • " ;.. l> -... 1 Burks: First-time first lady 0 n September 18, Leah Gentry Burks became the fourth first lady in the history of Harding, as her husband, David, was inaugurated president of the university. ''At the time, I felt I had a lot to learn," she said_ "I was somewhat apprehensive at first about changing to ·a life of more formality." The big changes began last May when Dr. David Burks took over the responsibilities of president. As he became busy running a university, she became busy moving across town into a new residence. The family, which included Bryan, a Harding junior, and Stephen and Marleah, students at Harding Academy, finally arrived at their new home on August 7, Dr. and Mrs. Burks anniversary. "We still don't have all of our curtains up," commented Mrs. Burks. "I'm working on those now." Decorating the house, attending university functions and participating in her children's activities did not leave much free time for the first lady. When she found some, she enjoyed making crafts, reading, gardening and traveling. Trips this year took her to Washington D.C. for the Christian college president's meeting and to various alumni gatherings in Arkansas and surrounding states. In April, she and Dr. Burks planned a journey to Florence, Italy, to visit Harding 's school located there. Other plans for the future included son Bryan's wedding in May. This proved to be a hectic time for the Burks' due to the Harding Board of Trustee's meeting which fell on the same date. With all these activities, Mrs. Burks said that it was sometimes difficult to balance school and family responsibilities. When a choice had to be made, though, she stated, "My family comes first; that's my number one priority." Through everything, the latest first lady kept her head and her values in a year of many changes. - Mike Allen The first lady. During a luncheon held for the Petit Jean and Bison staffs, Mrs. Leah Burks prepares food in the kitchen of her new home. The Burks often opened up their home to both students and faculty_ Their home was endearingly nicknamed "Burkingham Palace." - photo by Bill Tripp.
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