Deans Peggy Huckeba, james Anderson and Butch Gardner participate in chapel activities. The three succeeded in making themselves available to students by being where the students were. Photo by Kristi Burns. Jamesfindersonfulfills dean's role with ministeringattitude The atmosphere of the Student Center's second floor is quite different from the bustle of tables full of students, the food court and the mailbox area. It is occupied by quiet offices and classrooms fill ed with people working to make Ha rding what it is, including the deans who work every day to help the students. James Anderson, assistant dean of students, taught and coached at Friendship Chr istian School in Lebanon,Tenn., after graduating from Harding in 1977. He returned to his alma mater in 1985 to assume the role of teacher and coach at Harding Academy. Seven years ago, Anderson was appointed dean. "Working as dean has been a challenging role," Anderson said. "It is interesting to see the changes that students go through during their time at school - they start out dependent but leave independent. \Y/e want to help every student build character. At Harding, our goal is to define the mission of the UniverSity." Outside of the office, Anderson is a family-oriented man. He and his Wife , D iane, have two teen-age children, Luke and Lara. "Our family enjoys all sorts of activities together," he said. "I like to hunt and fish with my son and bike with my daughter. We like camping and hiking as a family. "My wife is truly my better half," Anderson said . "She is very dedicated to her family and her work. I respect t&! 48 Academics her because she isa woman who can play so many roles well. " Anderson and his fami ly are also active members of Westside Church of Christ, where he serves as a deacon and his wife helps with the Cradle Roll class. Anderson said that a large part of the deans ' role is to enforce discipline. "Discipline is not always fun , but what comes out of it is positive," Anderson said. "If we didn 't care about the students , we would let the rules go. But we do care, and it's a responsibil ity we have. "Sometimes, the best talks about values and what is best for li fe come at disciplinary times," Anderson said. "I've been lucky to have the opportunity to pray with students, then see how their lives changed. " Consistency isa standa rd in which the deans believe strongly. "We've tried to be consistent with all of the rules and students ," Anderson said. "\V/e are very committed to being fair. After observing the disappointment in the eyes of students who have been dismissed, it's important to us to be steady and consistent with every student." Anderson finds that discipline on a larger campus is quite different from the rules he enforced as an athletic coach. "As a coach, discipline is easier. It was easier to administer and receive as a coach, due to the closeness of the team and their expectations. Here, everyone isgoing DeanAnderson instructs students at an ICCmeeting. Anderson worked at being consistent and fair as he dealt with student disCipline. Photo by Kristi Burns. in so many directions that it's hard to achieve the uni ty we 'd like ," he said. Some of Anderson's favorite experiences at Harding have included observing students as they reach out to help others. "I really enjoyed going on the disaster relief project last year to Hickory Ridge ," Anderson said. "After their church building was destroyed in the tornado, it was inspirational to see the volunteer work the students did. It creates a camaraderie among us. " Anderson sees hisministry as dean as one of helping. "My job is to help redirect students or help them focus on life," he said. "I'm not here to teach them in their chosen field, but a Christian life is only worthwhile if the character is there to go with it. " - Kath ryn George James Anderson stops to talk to Madelyn Elliott, secretary to the deans. Anderson was appointed dean seven years ago and said that the job has been a challenging one. Photo by Kristi Burns.
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