President David Burks and Dr. Jim Carr, executive vice president, share a laugh in the president's conference room as they prepare to attend an afternoon meeting. Burks met regularly with his vice presidents to discuss administrative matters and keep them informed on the latest developments. Photo by Daniel Dubois Burka Hita Books in Branson President takes sabbatical; appointed chair of accreditation board • • · • • • • • • • • • • • • • by cheryl brand Everyone needs a break sometimes, and • Not only did Burks spend part of his summer President David Burks took a chance to catch : engrossed in books, but he also began a term as up and relax during a sabbatical to Branson, • chairman of the board of trustees for the Higher Mo. this summer. • Learning Commission for North Central Region Before departing for Branson, Burks asked • of Colleges and Universities, which consists of friends and colleagues to recommend the top • 17 member schools. four books in his or her area of Burks has been a member expertise. of HLC, formerly known as Each recommendation in- the North Central Association eluded a short synopsis, en- "9t is important to be of Colleges and Universities, abling Burks to decide if he active in organizations for five years. would be interested in these- outside Harding because The commission gathers in lection. Chicago four times a year, but Initially, Burks said he left of what l::fOU can learn ··· as chairman of the board, with more than 100 books and We can also share things Burks said he will now have the goal to read three books that work at Harding additional meetings to attend. per day. HLC accredits 1,100-1,200 "I do it every summer," he with other people; it is a colleges and universities, insaid. "It is difficult to read giving and taking." eluding Harding, throughout during the other nine months - President a 19 state region of states of the year, so I put together a stretching from Arizona to Arpretty lengthy list of books to David Burks kansas. read during the summer." "It is important to be active One book that Burks said in organizations outside he took much interest in was The Soul of Educa- : Harding University because of what you can tion by Rachel Kessler. • learn and the contacts you can make," Burks He said the book was written in a public • said. school context, but reflects many of Harding's • "We can also share things that work at HarChristian values. • ding with other people; it is a giving and takAccording to Burks, Kessler wrote about in- • ing." tegrating faith and education and about the • With a man like Burks to support Harding lastingeffectsofhavinganemotionalimpacton : University, students, faculty and staff can students. • take pride in his never-ending endeavor to "That is what Harding University is all • learn and achieve, and his desire to be active about," he said. • in leadership positions outside of Harding. 132 academics David Burks President
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