Board prayerfully selects two new members whose Christian character will yield wise policy A keen understanding of Harding's mission is imperative for the school's policy makers, according to Dr. David Burks. So the addition of two new members to the Board of Trustees was one of the weightier decisions made by the board in May. Jim Bob Humphrey from Russellville, Ark., and Jerry Morgan from Amarillo, Texas, were chosen for their "spiritual maturity, strong faith and commitment to Harding's mission," Burks said. Humphrey recognized the importance ofthis task when he was asked to serve. At the age of 40, he became the youngest member of the board. "I was very shocked. It was an incredible honor and I realized that it was an enormous responsibility," Humphrey said. The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting policy and making decisions about funding. Twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, all the members of the board meet on campus to evaluate the progress of university programs. 130 Board/ President's Council This responsibility is a direct reflection of a member's character, Humphrey said. "All the members of the board are members of the church. The policies that they set flow from their values," Humphrey said. "We assist the president in keeping focused on the mission of the university." Each of the 22 members of the board was nominated by the serving president, following a thorough search process, and approved to serve by vote of existing members. Nominees had to be members of churches of Christ who have an affinity for the mission of Harding and the wisdom to make decisions consistent with the overall mission of the university. According to their charter, the board can consist of up to 28 members. Each member is elected to serve a six-year term. At the end of this initial term, the board often re-elects a member, with no limit placed on the number of terms a member can serve. Many serve until their deaths, but some choose to retire New Board member Jim Bob Humphrey (le ft) eats lunch on Dr. David Burks' front lawn during Family Weekend. Humphrey said he was honored at the invitation to join the board last spring. Photo by Jeff Montgomery. and new members are selected to replace them. "The board are great supporters of Harding. They have the responsibility to guide us," Burks said. "I feel good about where we're headed, and we have two new outstanding members in Jerry Morgan and Jim Bob Humphrey." During its two annual meetings, the board broke into smaller groups and interviewed students about various aspects of life at Harding. These encounters with students enabled board members to gain perspectives that contribute to their ability to make decisions that will benefit the work of the university. The board also approved final plans on the Reynolds Center for Music and Communication and reviewed the academic and spiritual programs at Harding. "Christian education is so important, " Humphrey said. "Young people form the backbone of the church and are the future of the church." - Darcia Woodard '
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