fi4tt utiuJ jwm Iw pGJitron aJ Jt.an; ~eJ behinJ 14- iut 4- ~iuhmmtJ Dr. Bill Flatt is endi ng his 34-year career as dean of the Harding Graduate School of Bible and Religion by retiring in June. Flatt began his career in the fall of 1965 as registrar and assistant to the dean. In 1974 he became a professor of counseling. Thi s yea r he taught one course in counseling in addition to his administrative responsi bilities. Flatt served as assistant dean to all of the four deans before him and then as dean and CEO for the past six years. He worked under the di rection of Dr. Lott Tucker, senior vice president of Harding University. Acco'rding to Tucker, Flatt has been very faithful, hardworking and diligent in his job as dean of the graduate school, and he added that he is we ll liked by faculty and students alike. Flatt described the working environment as being one of unity. He attr ibuted this unity and camaraderi e to the fire that occurred shortly afte r he became dean and CEO. The fire, which destroyed the mansion in 1993, brought the facul ty, students and area congregations together in a unique way and served as an opportunity for greater support for the school. Flatt said the experience proved that "we can grow through all difficulties." Besides rebuilding the Old Mansion after the fire, Flatt accompl ished many other goals during his time as dean. Enrollment increased, as did support. The school was involved in building new apartments, marking the continued growth of the school. Also among the goals Flatt accomplished was the accreditation of the school by the Association of Theological Schools. This placed the Graduate School of Bible and Religion in the same professional accreditation as other theological schools. The accomplishment that Flatt said he was most proud of was the recruitment of outstanding individual s. He said the students have been strong forces for the Lord and he "delights in seeing them make a difference in the world when they leave the school. " Two of his former students are ministers in congregations where hi s grandsons attend. 'Some of Flatt's favori te memories came out of turbulent times .After the fire and during the death of a student's spouse, Flatt saw the campus unite and grow together. He said one thing hewill always remember about the school is that he could "see Jesus on the campus." Besides continu ing to teach some classes for the graduate school, Flatt shared many plans for his retirement. He said he wanted to do almost nothing for the first few months, then possibly pick up hi s practice as a psychologist. He has also considered conducting workshops on healthy families and growing through grief, as well as writing a book. During these activities, he planned to take time for golf, traveland leisure.Above all, Flatt said hewanted to spend more t ime with his family, especially his wife of 43 years. Flatt's advice to students was to get as much educat ion as possible while they are young. He urged students to be serious about ministry preparation and to study under people who wou ld hel p them grow. "The struggle may be difficult but it is worth it," he said. As for hi s overall outlook toward retirement, Flatt said he will "bask in the joy that follows hard work." - Annie Graham Dean Bill Flatt poses beside Ihe ruins ofKendall Hall allhegraduale school campus in Memphis, Tenn., afler Ihe razing ofIhe building. The demolilion was jusl one of many changes Flatt saw during his years as dean. Campus visitors tour the new Benson Apartments at the unveiling event. The new aparlmenls provided addilionalliving space allhe graduale school. • 154 ACADEM ICS
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