Olen Hendrix receives much-needed renovation; students target criminals with new justice degree Family and Consumer Sciences The new elevator was just the first in a string of longawaited changes for the Family and Consumer Science CFCS) Department. "The 0 len Hendrix building was in dire need ofremodeling," Deanna Oliver, an FCS major, said. "The curtains in the sewing lab had that unmistakable 70s look, and so did some of the furniture." Oliver dated the look accurately. Built in 1926, what is now the Olen Hendrix building is among the oldest structures on campus. It was one ofthe two buildings already standing when Harding bought the campus from Galloway College. In 1967, it came to house the natural sciences department. The Olen Hendrix building, named after Senator Hendrix, a member ofHarding's Board ofTrustees, had not been renovated since it became the home of the home economics (now FCS) and the nursing departments in 1975. But all that changed this year. Renovations included repainting, refurnishing and recarpeting offices and classrooms , and adding some new rooms. According to Beth Wilson , chair of the FCS department, "we tried to capitalize on space wasted by the previous architecture to turn some hall space into a computer lab and more storage space." Ofcourse, the most welcome addition was the installation of an elevator, making the entire building handicap-accessible. Also, the Child Development Center, which had occupied one room, was re-located to a larger three-room facility at the Harding Academy campus. Students who had classes in the Olen Hendrix building appreciated the work. "Although the moved walls were confusing at first, the changes have really livened up the rooms to provide a nicer learning atmosphere," Jean Tilson, a FCS major, said. "I think they've added a touch of professionalism to the whole department." - Karin Springer Behavioral Sciences With crime in America rising, it seems appropriate that Harding began offering a new criminal justice degree this spring under the joint supervision of the departments of Behavioral Science and Political Science. Dr . Ken Hobby instructs his psychological statistics class . Students were trained in testing methods. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Ridding the streets ofdrugs is a concern for sophomore Casey Rudesill. "I've been interested in it [criminaljustice] since high school," Rudesill said, explaining that his brother, a Searcy policeman, influenced his career decision. He was one of several students whose interest prompted faculty to add seven classes to the previous applied sociology major. "We decided to concentrate on more specific coursework that would attract students," sociology professor Dr. Kathy Howard said of the new curriculum, which offers core classes like criminal law, the judicial process, and a six-hour internship. Howard expressed hope that the course will meet the needs of students who are interested in pre-law, law enforcement and probation or parole work. It can also be used as a stepping stone for those seeking a master's degree in criminal law. "I'd like to work with the FBI or the ATF," Rudesill said of his plans for the major. By applying to a wide variety of service-oriented career paths, "the program should have 30 or 40 majors within a few years," Howard said. - Christina Weber Family and Consumer Sciences 159
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