Alumnus Grace Johnson Farrar receives a Distinguished Alumni Award on Nov. 11 for her work as a medical missionary in Nigeria The Block and Gold Banquet honored many alumni making a difference in the nursing field. Ashe/ Parsons On Nov. 11, alumnus Dr. Howard Wright emcees the Alumni's Block and Gold Banquet. In 1968, Wright was one of the first two African American graduates from Harding. Ashe/ Parsons While thousands of peoplevisitedHarding's campus every year and admired its Christian integrity and high standards of excellence, most of them did not realize how many people and how much effort went into maintaining such a high reputation for the university. In order to shed some light on the Board ofTrustees, the behind-the-scenes group who kept Harding running smoothly, Petit Jean staff member Maegan Paxton recently delved into the role of the board, and in particular, the role of Chairman John Simmons. M: What is the purpose of the board? J: The board of trustees is the governing board of Harding University and is ultimately responsible for what happens at Harding. The board chooses the president to head the university, and he is responsible and accountable to the board and serves at the board's pleasure. Working closely with the president and the administration, the board is responsible for determining the policies that direct the work of the university and for holding the administration accountable for implementing and enforcing these policies. In addition to this oversight function, the board members work individually to promote the interests of Harding in the areas where they live and circles of influence of which they are a part. Members support the work of the university with financial gifts as well as gifts of time and expertise and wisdom. M: As chairman what do you do? J: The chairman leads the board, coordinates the board's activities and presides over board meetings. The chairman acts as the liaison between the board and the president and speaks for the board as the president speaks for the university. The chairman appoints and coordinates the committees of the board. The chairman represents the board at school functions with faculty and staff. An added bonus is the privilege of assisting with presenting diplomas to those who earn degrees from Harding. M: How are the officers elected? J: The chairman appoints a nominating committee to present officer candidates for consideration. The committee makes its recommendation to the board at the fall meeting every other year as officers serve two-year terms. Then, the board has opportunity to discuss and amend the recommendation, then vote for its officers. M: What does being the chairman mean to you? J:lt is an honor to be chosen by the board to be its leader. Being board chairman is a position of service that carries a mantle of responsibility to make the board and the university better as we continue the work of the giants who have come before and worked and sacrificed to build what we all enjoy today. To be part of that long Iine of servant leaders is most humbling. Of the work that I do as a physician, as an elder, as a president and CEO of my company and serving on other boards, I believe the work that I do for Harding helping to influence and equip thousands of students who will have a truly global impact is the most gratifying and important way I can use the time and abilities God has granted me. I live in Columbia, Tennessee, but my heart's home is at Harding. Harding has had such a profound impact for good in my Iife - words cannot describe it. Serving in this role is a way I hope I can give back so others can have the same opportunity to be so influenced and impacted for good. M: Does the board have any specific goals they hope to accomplish this year? If so, what? .. J: I was humbled by the l"i-Qqor of being selected to this office by my fellow Board members. After serving on the Board for 21 years now and have worked under several cfwi,lJien and many other outstanding men and women who have set ave9ihigh bar. I have learned much and have tried to prepare for th1s pos1t1on 1f 1t was ever conferred on me and it has now come to pass. It is a great challenge but a great opportunity to help a great school become even better. M: How are the officers elected? J: [In the coming year], the board will focus on improving its own internal working processes of communication and decision-making. The board plans to add two to four new board members over the next couple of years as part of the ongoing board building process. board president's council, UBC 13 9 ~
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==