country and basketball. He then received his Masters in Education Administration and began his Doctorate in Education Leadership in 2002. Collins spent seven years at Harding Academy until the assistant dean of students position opened up at Harding University in 2003. He held the position for two years and was then promoted to Dean of Students, a title he held for the next five years. According to Collins, the best part of his job was the development of relationships with the students. In the summer of 2010 Collins traveled to Harding University in Florence. At HUF, students were able to get to know Collins personally, as more than just "Dean." "I could tell that he really took time to get to know the students over the summer," sophomore Kelsey Boone said. "He would ask us about our interests and joke about the silly things we would say." According to senior Lance Ferguson, Collins took time to get to know the students. He played in 3-on-3 basketball tournaments the students put together and around the world ping pong. It was evident his involvement made an impact. "Dean Collins knows how to have fun," junior Heath Boyd said. "When I heard that Dean Collins was coming with us I didn't know what to think because he is a dean. But I don't think we could have asked for anyone better to come overseas with us. Dean Collins is a great guy and a Christian model to college students like us." Whether it was based on shared positive experiences or helping students through difficult times, making those lasting connections with the students was undoubtedly his favorite part of the job. Collins said he also enjoyed the relationships he built with his colleagues, whom he described as outstanding people who could work together but also truly "enjoy their time together." Perhaps it was his ability to balance work and play and tirelessly serving others that made Collins so well-liked. His optimism never failed, no matter the situation. "Every day is a new adventure," Collins said. Gabrielle Pruitt/Sarah Eason Senior Ricky Harrington spends time with Collins outside the Office of Student Life on Sept. 17. Collins stopped almost every morning after chapel to talk to Harrington. Ashe/ Parsons Dean Collins spends time with his wife, Beth, and children, Maggie and Charlie while in Italy during the summer of 2010. Collins was one of the faculty who went overseas to Harding University in Florence. Ashe/ Parsons Deans Bryan Burks, D.BA, Dean/College of Business Administration Monte Cox. Ph.D., Dean/College of Bible and Religion Tony Finley, Ed.D., Dean/College of Education julie Hixon-Wallace, Phorm.D., Dean of Pharmacy Everett Hufford, Ph.D., VP!Deon!Prof Missiology jeffrey HopP.{~ ~h.D., Deorv'Honors College & International Programs; _. Dennis Orgoh·i''hD., Dean/College of Arts and Humanities Bob Reely, OO.D., Dean/Life-Long Learning Cathie Shultz, PhD, Dean/College of Nursing Travis Thompson, PhD, Dean/College of Science Beckie Weaver, PhD, Dean/College of Communication Cheri Yecke, PhD, Dean/Graduate Programs deans 147
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