Different title, but same duty to 'share God,' this missionary's work is never finished He is in charge of fundraising, the legal staff and the Heritage Inn. He also oversees Harding Academy, Camp Tahkodah and accounting. Add the responsibilities ofwatching over the payroll, human resources department and the bookstore. This sounds like work for a team ofpeople, but it is actually the job description for Lott Tucker, Harding's new senior vice president and chief financial officer. Despite the new title, his job has remained the same. "It is a title that shows more clearly what I have been doing for many years," Tucker said. But his job is about more than duties, and his payment more than a title -Tucker's real job is sharing, and compensation, knowing that he changes lives. "I have an opportunity to share my love for God and to help students come here," he said concerning his chance to "carry out the Great Commission." "I am convinced that the work done at Harding is just as effective as the work done on any other mission field," Tucker said. It is this conviction that has driven his work for 45 years. 134 Vice Presidents Tucker beganworking in the business office in 1951, the same year he graduated from Harding. In1957, hewasnamed business manager; 14 years later, that title changed to vice president for finance. He held that title until this year, when the new position was announced. Although this "new position" is nothing truly new, Tucker's job has adjusted over the years to keep pace with a changing college. When he first came to the school, enrollment was 650. "Now, the enrollment is 4100," he said. "That makes a tremendous difference in how the school is run. "I've done it all!" he said, with a wide smile. "I don't know any aspect of the school that I haven't been a part of - except I've never been a teacher. Management and administration have always been exciting to me. I love the university." This love and leadership talent radiates into the community. Besides being a veteranofthe U.S. Army, Tucker has served as president and chairman of many organizations, including the Searcy Chamber ofCommerce, Kiwanis Dr. James Carr requests Scott O'Grady's signature on his copy of Return With Honor. O'Grady spoke on campus as part of the American Studies Institute lecture series. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Club and Searcy Municipal Planning Commission. In 1971, Searcy Civitan club elected him Searcian of the Year, and he is also an elder of the College Church of Christ. But it was on his family that Tucker's workmade perhaps the greatest impact. He and his wife, Mae Anne, have two sons, Dr. Stephen Tucker and Dr. David Tucker. Stephen, a Little Rock physician, honored his parents at the announcement ofthe new position. In a tribute to them, he wrote, "Thankyou also for giving me your work ethic. Many nights I remember Dad bringing work home after a long day. When supper and family time were over, I know you worked late into the night. "Momwas always first up in the morning, preparing meals, working in the bookstore, and volunteering... Yourwords still remind me to always finish the job you start and never start a job unless you can finish it, giving your best." Finish what you start, work hard at what you do - life mottos for a man who keeps the goal of God always before him: "I was sold on the mission of Harding when I first came." - Sara VanRheenan
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