206 LEADERSHIP ONE HAPPY KEMPER Heather Kemper appointed vice president for alumni and parent relations. In spring 2020, Vice President for Alumni and Parent Relations Liz Howell retired after working at Harding for 25 years. The position focused on connecting the University family, which included alumni, parents, students and friends. In her final email, Howell expressed her gratitude. “As I reflect on my time at Harding, I am beyond grateful for many opportunities and for connections with students, alumni, parents, women and colleagues who have touched my life,” Howell said. “After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to take the early retirement incentive on the final day, February 14 at 4:30 p.m.” In her place, the University offered the position to alumna Heather Kemper. Kemper grew up in Georgia and attended Harding from 1995 to 1999, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She earned her master’s degree at the University of Little Rock, and then began a career in social work. Kemper returned to Harding as an adjunct professor in 2012, teaching general psychology and anthropology. The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations provided resources such as the Harding Network, supported parents during the students’ transition to Harding, planned special events and gave back to the community through Women for Harding. For Kemper, handling events was no new task. “I am an accidental event planner,” Kemper said. “It started with hosting my first Thanksgiving at my house when I was a newlywed. This love of events and parties grew as I had children and planned their birthday parties, which grew into baby showers, small events, church events and, eventually, large events like weddings.” Kemper gained more experience when she became the venue director at Robbins Sanford Grand Hall in Searcy. While in this position, Kemper, with a small committee, helped form Searcy Beats & Eats. “Mrs. Kemper is so important to the University,” junior Hannah Kellum said. “I always look forward to Harding events, and I appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes.” In 2017, Kemper became the full-time event and project director for alumni and parent relations. Kemper and Howell worked together on large university events like Family Weekend and Homecoming. “Being the director of alumni and parent relations is a job where every day is a unique opportunity,” Kemper said. “I am grateful to work with many departments on campus and connect with alumni, parents and students from all around the world to hear how the relationships they made at Harding have had an impact on their lives, just as it has mine.” story by Holland Chupek
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