FROM PEER TO PROFESSOR HARDING ALUMNI BECOME PROFESSORS KINESIOLOGY WORDS Braden Bowman/ I PHOTOS Kazu FuFigismva This year two kinesiology professors were hired as full-time faculty: Luke Cullins, instructor in the College of Sciences, and Dr. Britney Finley, assistant professor . of kinesiology. Both attended Harding and also participated in sports. While at Harding, Cullins was involved in many campus activities, such as playing 9uarterback on the Harding Bisons football team. "I had an incredible experience playing football here at Harding," Cullins said. "It was a truly life-changing period of my life." Coach Scott Ragsdale, associate professor of computer science, was one of Cullin's coaches during his time as a student at Harding and had a tremendous influence on his life. "I am proud of Luke and the contribution he made to the Bisons as a coach and now as a teacher," Ragsdale said. Since coming back to Harding, Cullins worked alongside some of his own peers, from the football team, who are now serving as faculty. "The relationships I developed as a player have lasted for 20 years now," Cullins said. ''When we get back together these days it's as if we pick up right where we left off." Cullins felt the environment was just as welcoming as when he came to Harding as a student. "It's a great atmosphere," Cullins said. "Some of us go way back even to my time as a student here back in the '90s. I have several co-workers who were either former teachers, coaches, teammates or classmates of mine during my time here." Finley competed on Harding's track team and graduated in 2002. ow back on campus, she worked alongside her undergraduate professors. "I am still in shock," Finley said. "[I] love it. I fully believe that my work will only improve after finding my role and how I fit into Harding." Above all the great aspects of his new position on faculty, Cullins valued the relationships made in the classroom setting among his students. "The absolute best aspect of my job is getting to know the students," Cullins said. 'We have students from all over the country, and world, and this is what makes Harding such a special place." Britney Finley, associate professor of kinesiology, addresses her wellness class in the Ganus Athletic Center on Oct. 24, 2017. Finley began her career at the University of Arkansas Little Rock and began teaching at Harding during fall 201 7. I I Photo by Kazu Fujisawa Luke Cullins poses for his yearbook photo during his sophomore year at Harding in 1998. Cullins was a star football player during his time at Harding and was named National Player of the Week by UISA Football twice during his time as a student. // Photo courtesy of Petit Jean Yearbook Britney Finley, formerly Copeland, smiles during her sophomore year at Harding in 2000. Finley was a member of the women's track team during her time as a student at Harding.// Photo courtesy of Petit Jean Yearbook Luke Cullins, Health professor and assistant football coach, addresses his health and wellness class in the Ganus Athletic Center on Oct. 24, 2017. Cullins joined Harding as a faculty member in 2010 and has been a part of the football coaching staff. // Photo by Kazu Fujisawa ;,;:: z m (J) m 0 r 0 G) -< )> z 0 71 0 (J) ::::::: ..... 0 U1
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