214PEOPLE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BORED WITH THE BOARDBob Diles and Becky Tubb retire from the board of trustees. OVER THE COURSE OF THE 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, longtime board of trustees members Bob Diles and Becky Tubb retired from their respective positions. The role of the board of trustees was to set general structures and support the University both financially and through the members’ unique connections and perspectives. “Only knowing we can tap God’s wisdom and power keeps this from being too overwhelming,” board member Craig Cheatham said. “Trustees always are working to ensure we are not leaning completely on our own understanding, but relying on him and listening to him.” Diles’ interest in Christian education began in 1961 when he began working at Harding Academy of Memphis. After being there 15 years, he worked at Central Arkansas Christian Schools as superintendent and president until 2002. During his time there, Diles was asked to join the Harding University board of trustees. He served the board from 1998 until his retirement in 2020. “I considered it a real privilege to be able to know some of the greatest Christian people of character that have served on the board at Harding,” Diles said. Diles belonged to six different committees within the board: Harding Academy, budget and finance investment, building and grounds, advancement, School of Theology and executive. He was involved in the creation of the physician’s assistant and physical therapy programs, as well as the Legacy Park apartments and other numerous contributions. “When he spoke, everyone listened with rapt attention, as his wisdom was perhaps unmatched,” Cheatham said. “Bob may be remembered most because of his firsthand experience and great success in leadership in Christian education. His insights came from decades on the front lines, as well as a commitment to the concept.” Tubb joined the board in 2003 when her oldest son became a student at Harding University. Before becoming a board member, she was a women’s counselor for College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas and a school board member in Sparta, Tennessee. She was one of two women on Harding University’s board. “I am certain her perspective as a woman was one of her key contributions,” Cheatham said. “I saw her speak powerfully for this huge segment of the Harding family myself.” Tubb served on the spiritual life and student life committees for her entire tenure on the board, as well as the Harding Academy committee. She was also involved in selecting Bruce McLarty as the fifth University president. “The most wonderful thing about being on the board is getting to work on a common purpose with so many wonderful Christian people and really getting to know them,” Tubb said. “We’re bonded by wanting the best for Harding.” After retiring from the board, both Diles and Tubb remained involved in the Harding community and its mission. Diles served on the President’s Council and the Council of the Center for World Missions, and had many family ties to the University through faculty and students. Tubb maintained ongoing support for Harding and for Christian education overall. Diles and Tubb were significant members of the board of trustees, and their impact would not be soon forgotten. “When I was asked to serve on the board, the chairman of the board was James H. Cone,” Diles said. “He told me this is not a place of honor, it’s a place of service. I’ve always tried to remember that.” WRITTEN BY CAROLINE SLATER
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