114WINTER STUDENT LIFE ON OCT. 27, DR. MICHAEL WILLIAMS was announced as Harding University’s sixth president. Dr. Robert Walker, president of the board of trustees, made the announcement on behalf of the board at a press conference in Cone Chapel. This announcement concluded a nine-month nationwide search for a president. Williams served as president of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama since 2015. Prior to his presidency at Faulkner, Williams spent 28 years at Harding, most recently as vice president of advancement. He also served as director of admissions and assistant vice president of enrollment services. Williams earned both his bachelor’s and master’s of business administration from Harding. He received a doctorate of higher education from the University of Pennsylvania. According to Walker, Williams perfectly fit the board’s profile established for the University’s next president. “I am pleased today that we have found the right person,” Walker said at the press conference. “He is a mature, spiritually sound and Christ-centered man. He aligns with our mission and understands our culture. He brings vision, strategic thinking and the business acumen of an experienced university president. He received overwhelming support from the board of trustees.” At the press conference, Williams said he admired the hard work and dedication of the heroic men and women who paved the way in 1924 for what Hardin was currently. “At Harding University, we have a remarkable and rich heritage,” Williams said. “But, the board of trustees did not appoint me to be a curator of Harding’s past — they asked me to champion her future. So I aspire to be an architect — a passionate architect — of a contemporary expression of our historical mission.” Despite a challenging landscape, Williams said he believed the University had a greater capacity than its current position. Without compromising theological convictions, the University had to adapt, excel and courageously move forward, he said. “I intend to reach out to our passionate alumni — to listen, to engage and to mend relationships that need to be mended,” Williams said. “We need to come together. This family needs to come together. Because I believe what binds us together — what binds this family together — is so much stronger and so much bigger than what pulls us apart. So we have to come together to craft a bold, ambitious vision for the future of Harding University.” Williams said he wanted to better define the role of Harding University. “At least in my opinion — and I think the board is absolutely with me on this — we are going to let the church be the church,” Williams said. “Harding University is not the church. We are going to stay in our lane. We are going to do what we do best. We are going to let the church be the church, and we can still be a powerful influence in the kingdom of God — while staying in our lane.” Student Association president Ethan Brazell was present at the press conference, and said he was reassured to hear Williams’ optimistic perspective of Harding moving forward as an institution. “His message of unity and mending past relationships was powerful,” Brazell said. “I think this is a special place, and Dr. Williams is the perfect fit to lead this University. I’m looking forward to interacting with him more in the future as we work together to make this school an even better place.” Plans were made for Williams to assume the Harding presidency on June 1, 2022. Burks continued to serve as interim president for the rest of the school year. WRITTEN BY EVERETT KIRKMAN CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP The Board of Trustees names new president, Dr. Michael Williams. MOVING FORWARD New president Dr. Michael Williams smiles with his family at the presidential announcement on Oct. 27. Williams was previously president of Faulkner University. Photo by: Jaxon Nash
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