1 Folio Copy Harding University 2022-2023 Volume 99 Petit Jean Enrollment: 4,804 915 East Market Avenue 501-279-4000 www.harding.edu Innovate
To make changes in something that is established; to innovate. Change is good and is needed in a world like ours. When things are shaken and messed up, change brings us out better than before. Ukraine was secure, and in one day that shifted. Everything they knew was unstabilized, innovations are now needed to continue to bring back the countries way of life. The ability for growth and development are brought in through innovations. As the Centennial year of Harding University grows closer, and we welcome a new president to campus, we look forward to the new era that this University will be in. We are introducing a new personality, new ideas and the possibilities of new changes, some of which have already begun. The Ganus Building was demolished, the track has been moved, Public Safety is relocated and buildings are given a new look. Freshmen are innovated into Harding’s atmosphere every fall, leaving high school behind and jumping into the next stage of their lives. When senior year approaches, we return to that place forced to innovate into a new era of life. As Christ innovates into us and our daily lives, we assemble at Harding as a church body. Written by: Kayleigh Tritschler foreword The world is innovating, Harding is innovating, You are innovating.
DONNY LEE DEDICATION RECIPIENT Dr. Raymond “Donny” Lee, Dean of CannonClary College of Education, was the recipient of the 2022-23 Petit Jean yearbook dedication. It was announced during chapel after the student body voted on the recipient through a survey. “It’s really a validation of what I think is so important here, and that is being in the life of students,” Lee said. “I value students, I mean that’s why we are here.” He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1982 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and English. Then he earned his Master’s of Educational Leadership at University of Arkansas. He has also received a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis. “I went to a state school,” Lee said. “I had no Christian professors or teachers that I can recall in high school or college that really were what I am to students.” I am trying to be what I pray for my own adult children in their lives, and I didn’t have that. I didn’t grow up in the church. I didn’t grow up with parents who did that, so I am trying to be what I know I needed and what I know my children need.” Before he came to Harding University in 1998, Lee worked as assistant principal of Pulaski County Special School District in Arkansas and was superintendent of Central Arkansas Christian Schools in North Little Rock. While working as superintendent, he established connections with people at Harding and guest taught a few classes. “I began meeting people from Harding and knew that teaching and working in higher Christian education was a way I believed God was leading me to make a difference in people’s lives,” Lee said. Lee worked at Harding for 25 years as a professor in the College of Education. He also served the Searcy community as an elder at Living Way Church of Christ. Through the church, Lee connected with students outside of classes as a mentor. “I met him whenever I started attending Living Way,” sophomore McKenzie Kilmer said. “Dr. Lee has taught me a lot about spiritual maturity and how to respond to situations with a heavenly perspective. I’ve appreciated his mentorship as I’ve navigated going through college. He’s been a source of so much peace.” As a professor and mentor, Lee strove to have meaningful connections with undergraduate and graduate students. He encouraged students, but they also encouraged him when talking through their strengths, weaknesses and abilities. “Donny loves people from all walks of life, and he loves getting to know students,” Craig Russell, Director of Public Safety, said. “It is not unusual for him to meet with students from school or church for coffee or lunch several times every week. Donny is a natural teacher and storyteller who also loves listening to people, great qualities to have in his line of work.” Even though he believed what he taught was important, he also believed that the interpersonal driven passion in students’ lives was more important. “If I didn’t have this side gig called a job, I would probably just spend all my time encouraging and being with students,” Lee said. “Never give up on the belief that God created you just as he intended you to be for his purposes.” Written by: Kayleigh Tritschler
A FRIEND TO ALL Dr. Raymond (Donny) Lee stands outside of the Thornton Center for Education. Students sought to honor Lee for his service to the Harding and Searcy communities. Photo by: Julianne Baker
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7 Table of Contents student life international social clubs academics people leadership athletics organizations closing 8 36 52 82 110 178 208 246 286
student life Change is a constant in the lives of students. Freshmen move from home, begin life as a student at a new school and create new relationships. Those aspects continue to change for sophomores, juniors and seniors, but additionally they see and experience the changes made to campus. For students, innovation is constantly taking place, whether they themselves are changing or the change is taking place in the people and things around them. In the 2022-23 school year students saw the numerous innovations made to campus and also to themselves, creating a new and wholly unique Harding experience. Grace Hurt student life editor
10 In spring 2022, women’s social clubs Phi Kappa Delta (PKD) and Delta Gamma Rho (DGR) teamed up with men’s social club Omega Phi to create “Haunted Harding,” a touching story about Harding’s community of inclusivity. Each year, students across campus gathered together to put on Spring Sing, an elaborately choreographed variety show for an audience with members across generations. Harding University’s 2022 Spring Sing show, “Moments”, was especially important because it was the first show in two years without COVID-19 regulations. “Moments” was also special to “Haunted Harding” members because it was the first time that PKD, DGR and Omega Phi teamed up to create a show. Previously, PKD had been part of other shows unofficially. “[The previous directors] were trying to set the future generations up for success,” PKD Spring Sing director junior Anna Grace Haley said. “We had never really experienced the full Spring Sing thing.” What made “Haunted Harding” stand out the most was the story of monsters that come out after curfew to find a place in the Harding community. “While I don’t necessarily find myself in any clique of any sort, I can definitely relate to experiencing what it’s like to be around those things and feeling on the outside like the monsters did,” junior Omega Phi dance captain Eli Smith said. “One of my favorite things about Harding is the community … just to have that exemplified in a show blatantly was so perfect for how I see Harding.” The story of “Haunted Harding” touched not only the audience but the judges as well. In the awards ceremony at the end of Spring Sing, the show won the music award and the entertainment award, although these awards were overshadowed by the overall win of the John H. Ryan Sweepstakes Award. “There was a lot of shock and disbelief but also so much pride in the team of people that worked so hard Late For Curfew? Spring Sing 2022 winners show inclusivity on campus with the heartfelt story of “Haunted Harding.” on our show,” senior DGR Spring Sing director Ann Marie Diamond said. “The most memorable aspect for me was seeing our cast come together in celebration of the thing we had accomplished together. A Spring Sing show is nothing if it doesn’t have an amazing cast of people making the show their own and we definitely had that.” Written by: Bailey Ridenour
11 STUDENT LIFE SPOOKY, SCARY FAMILY The “Haunted Harding” cast lines up for a silly picture. Each monster group depicted their character for the camera. Photo courtesy of: Bailey Hudelson MONSTERS ON THE LOOSE Dance captains for each monster group of “Haunted Harding” pose in character. Then sophomore Eli Smith, then junior Allison Renner and then senior Kole Croffoot were dance captains for the show. Photo courtesy of: Bailey Hudelson “MOMENTS” WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR Members of the skeleton monster group hug each other on stage during the award ceremony. It was all smiles and hugs for each member of the group when it was announced that they won. Photo by: Julianne Baker
12 Being a Spring Sing host or hostess was an opportunity only four students received each year. Spring 2022 saw then juniors Keller Montgomery and Asher Patten and seniors Lydia Black and Camille Overman as the hosts and hostesses. Overman was in a unique position as the only non-theatre major out of the four. This could have disconnected Overman from the rest, but she quickly stepped into a leadership role. Dottie Frye, associate professor of theatre, was delighted at Overman’s sharp performance. “I never thought of her as an outlier,” Frye said. Overman was in the University’s “Elf the Musical” as a member of the ensemble where she performed alongside many of the same people she would in Spring Sing. She also was a member of Chorus with Montgomery and Patten. Overman said she felt impostor syndrome during rehearsals, not fully comprehending the fact that she was a Spring Sing hostess. She loved the trust her directors put in her to lead. The responsibility of a host or hostess was immense, but Overman was ready to step into that leadership role. “It was everything I had ever imagined,” Overman said. “It was cool to know that I achieved that.” Overman and the other performers put months of effort into the numbers, and they became a team. From their first retreat in the fall semester to the final performance Saturday night, the four hosts and hostesses worked together as a unit. They blended together seamlessly, but were able to show their individuality in their personal musical numbers. Each host and hostess had a solo number, and sometimes the ensemble backed them up. Overman took the stage for her solo, and her moment in the spotlight was well-received. “She owned it in a way that only a natural performer could,” Montgomery said. Written by: Elizabeth Dillard FRONT AND CENTER Senior Camille Overman sings and dances the final Spring Sing number. Overman was the only hostess in the 2022 show who was not a theatre major. Photo by: Julianne Baker Camille Overman stands as the only non-theatre major hostess during Spring Sing 2022.
13 Folio Copy IN THE SPOTLIGHT Senior Camille Overman performs her solo “At Long Last.” Overman hosted for the first time in the 2022 Spring Sing production. Photo by: Julianne Baker A Host of Moments
14 Leaning Tower of Pisa Panathenaic Stadium in Athens summer shenanigans During the summer of 2022 students participated in a multitude of summer activities. Bison Athletes in Training (BAT) started their summer abroad in Greece then spent time in Greece, Italy and Germany. Other students spent their summer at various summer camps around the country. From Camp Hunt in Hubbardsville, New York to Camp Tahkodah in Floral, Arkansas. Mount Olympus BAT Summer 2022
15 STUDENT LIFE Camp Tahkodah Counselors Spark Counselors Camp Hunt Camp Wyldewood Camp Wyldewood
16 A DIFFERENT TUNE As a part of the daily lives of students, chapel received multiple changes at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester. President Mike Williams kept the opinions of the students in mind when considering the future of chapel. Change was brought to the daily order of chapel, aesthetic aspects were added, and plans were made for further changes to be added in the spring semester. “The motivation for change in chapel comes from an intentionality to communicate with, and for, our students,” Logan Light, dean of student life and chapel services, said. “We’re still wanting to gather together to worship every day and to be together. That shared experience is still paramount to, I think, the Harding experience, but [we’re] being very intentional about making sure that it’s for students.” A think tank was created to brainstorm and implement the changes to chapel. The group was made of student representatives from different backgrounds in order to accurately represent campus thought. “The one change that I love the most is the fact that Dr. Williams and Dean Light, and just the university as a whole, are actually wanting to listen to students,” senior Levi Huddleston said. “They actually want to engage students, and they want to make chapel a place for students.” Based on student feedback, an emphasis was placed on praise and worship. With the addition of a worship team, praise and worship chapels were scheduled to occur twice a week. LED screens were used to contribute to the praise and worship chapels and offer opportunities for multimedia programs. Announcements were limited to twice a week, giving more time for songs and devotionals. Additionally, breakout chapels were created. “I love just the singing days,” sophomore Ann-Clayton Beason said. “I think that gets everyone more involved, and my friends and I have really been enjoying it.” Beyond the more visible changes implemented, the length of chapel also received some attention. Williams discussed how getting out even five minutes earlier could make a difference. “People are sitting around talking a lot and I just think that builds a sense of culture and family here too,” The University provides students with a new chapel experience. KEY CHANGE Senior Dawson Teague leads singing during the first week of school. Though the look of chapel changed throughout the history of Harding, worshipping together through song was consistent. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery Williams said. “Some days we’ll have a speaker, and we’ll want them to take the whole time, but we’re gonna try as best we can to end on time if not a few minutes early.” Whether through leading a chapel service, submitting a video or singing from one’s seat, both Light and Williams wanted chapel to be for and about the students, offering them an opportunity to participate and interact, rather than simply be spoken at. “When a lady who’s worked in the balcony for 25 years comes down with tears in her eyes and says, ‘You know, I’ve never seen the students in the balcony sing like they’re singing right now,’ that’s exciting.” Williams said. Written by: Grace Hurt singing
17 STUDENT LIFE SING IT AGAIN! Junior Allie Nesbitt and sophomore Aubrey Jones sing during chapel. A worship team was created to help lead singing during chapel each week. Photo by: Julianne Baker PLEASE STAND Junior Gauge Shaw stands to sing during chapel. The university focused on changes that would encourage students to be more engaged in daily worship. Photo by: Julianne Baker
18 BUILDING A LEGACY Rodney Waller, Lynsay Waller Brautnick, Derek Brautnick and their daughter pose in front of the building’s design. The Waller family traveled to Harding to take part in the celebration. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery LEAVING A MARK Rodney Waller signs one of the beams with a Bible verse. The Board of Trustees wanted the new building to be supported by scripture. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery
19 STUDENT LIFE There was noticeable construction that took place on campus during the 2022-23 school year. What some students may not have realized was that the metal beams for the new Holland-Waller Center underwent a special ceremony during the fall semester. “There will be an opportunity where we ask the students, faculty and alumni to come back to campus once we have the bones of the building up so that we can write scriptures on the steel beams,” Board of Trustees member Rodney Waller said before this ceremony. “[We will] be able to bathe this building with scripture as we go forward knowing that you were able to contribute to this academic building.” Nov. 12, 2022, was a historic day for the Waller, Holland and Swaid families as well as the Harding community, since the building honored Sue Holland, Joelle Waller and the Swaid family. The ceremony included reading of scripture, prayer for the building and its future use, as well as speeches given by Dr. Swaid Swaid and others. Each attendee also received a special gift, coordinated by University Communications & Marketing (UCM), which was a small BUILDING The construction of the Holland-Waller Center starts with a special ceremony. piece of the steel beams that were used with Romans 12:1–2 engraved on them. Luke Humphrey, a UCM employee and recent Harding graduate, aided in the coordination of these gifts and the general set up of the event itself. “There’s so much history that Harding has that I’m only a small part of,” Humphrey said. “It’s really beautiful and humbling to see this huge, big picture. I’ve only just become an alumnus myself, but it’s really neat to see.” All three families honored by the building attended the event along with any faculty, staff, students or alumni that wanted to write a scripture. One of the students present was freshman Christian Swaid. “My family is just very involved in the Harding community just because of what it stands for and its Christian mission as well as very good academics,” Christian Swaid said.“We want to keep that alive, and that’s what my parents try to do.” Written by: Bailey Ridenour WISE WORDS Rodney Waller writes 1 John 4:19 on a beam. Guests were invited to sign the beams of the new building with scriptures. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery on blessings
20 Harding’s campus underwent many changes leading up to the fall 2022 semester, including renovations to Brackett Library, Armstrong Hall and George S. Benson Auditorium. The Brackett Library, last renovated in 1990, had changes made to the second floor. With mauve and turquoise as the color scheme for 32 years and old carpet that began to ripple, renovations were in demand. In only four weeks new carpet was placed, walls were repainted, new endcaps were added, the stairs were redone, chairs were replaced with more comfortable options, and four study rooms were added to the northeast corner. “We listen to the students and what they want,” Jean Waldrop, director of Brackett Library, said. “Hopefully we’ve made it kind of a homey feel up there.” The interior architecture for the Armstrong and Benson projects was completed by some of Harding’s own. Alumni Toria Welkner and Kaela Stitt planned and designed the projects, adding a personal touch to the renovations. “I’m thankful that Armstrong was remodeled,” Emily Myers, residence life coordinator for Armstrong, said. “I think it’s important for the incoming freshmen to have a good space to move into and to be welcomed to campus.” Armstrong received a number of changes and was under construction for eight months. Tiles that once lined the walls were removed, bathrooms were gutted and redone, a community kitchen and study rooms were added, an allergy NAILED IT Multiple buildings on campus receive renovations. wing was created, and new heating and air conditioning units were installed. Myers appreciated the expanded lobby the most of all the renovations, as she thought it would be good for building community in the dorm. A surprise to many students as they returned to campus were the changes made in Benson Auditorium. The most obvious changes were done to the bathrooms. Built in the 1970s, the Benson was created with seven stalls in the women’s bathrooms and twice as many in the men’s. With the 2022 renovations, the women’s restroom had 23 stalls, and the men’s had 15. Additionally, the Benson received new carpeting, new heating and air conditioning units, upgraded electrical, and all new lighting. Each of these buildings’ renovations were completed with the needs of the students in mind. Each project was in the works for multiple years, waiting on other projects to be completed and to determine how to best complete each task. “What I would like people to know is I witnessed the commitment of the University to make it better,” Mike Steelman, director of architecture, said. “The commitment of the University to follow through and put the resources towards the projects needed to fix the problems is encouraging.” Written by: Grace Hurt HITTING THE STACKS Students study on the second floor of The Brackett Library. The library was one of many buildings to be renovated during the summer of 2022. Photo by: Grace Hurt
21 STUDENT LIFE CARE TO SIT? The newly renovated Armstrong lobby is open for all students. In fall 2022 the men of Armstrong were asked to move out in preparation of the renovations starting in the spring. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery DRAINING THE OLD AWAY The Benson Auditorium bathrooms sparkle and shine with the addition of more stalls and sinks. Renovations lasted the entire summer to be finished for students’ arrival in August. Photo by: Julianne Baker
22 THE GREAT DIVIDE One half of the tree leans away from the other. The tree split in two due to disease, but both halves remained alive. Photo by: Grace Hurt
23 STUDENT LIFE During summer 2022, the tree next to the Hammond Student Center split in two and collapsed. It was not uprooted and removed; instead, multiple metal supports were installed underneath the major branches to keep it upright. The cause of the collapse was disease. The connecting part of the tree rotted, but the two halves remained alive and intact. Joy Tittle, the associate director for the office of community connections, was one of the first people to discover the fallen tree. On May 19, 2022, she was walking with her husband and two daughters when she saw the downed tree. She called Public Safety to inform them. “We continued on our walk, and by the time we came back, Public Safety was there and was putting the yellow tape around it,” Tittle said. Senior Josie Holman was devastated when she saw on social media that the tree had fallen. “That was such a beautiful thing that has now been destroyed, and that just hurts my soul,” Holman said. Holman stayed in Searcy over the summer and went to the tree after she found out it collapsed in order to see it before it was removed. The tree was not removed, and she continued visiting it with friends. When Holman saw the drop lines for the metal posts, she immediately knew what they were for. “[We are] theatre people,” Holman said. “We’ve taken tech theatre, so I knew what that was for. I think they’re going to reinforce the tree and keep it here.” Holman was grateful that the tree would remain. Sophomore Natalie West discovered the fate of the tree on Aug. 15, 2022, when she arrived on campus. West was sad to see it had broken in half, but was grateful that it still looked alive. “I just love trees so much, and I was really glad they were like, ‘Okay, the tree is this way now,’” West said. Written by: Elizabeth Dillard The tree between the Student Center and Benson Auditorium splits in two during summer 2022. Don’t Leaf! STILL STANDING Senior Ashlyn Nutt passes under the tree. Joy Tittle was the first to report the fallen tree on May 19, 2022, while on a walk with her family. Photo by: Grace Hurt
24 Homecoming 2022 took place Oct. 28-29. It encompassed the entire campus with many alumni and families. Over 100 events took place including the home football game, the tailgate and the Heritage Circle induction. The class of 1972 was inducted into the Heritage Circle and had a banquet in the Charles White Dining Hall. Many additional alumni were recognized at the dinner. Multiple awards were distributed including the Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, Botham Jean award and awards from every college. Landmark years were also recognized with alumni having graduated 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 years ago. Heather Kemper, director of parent and alumni relations, said one of her favorite memories from Homecoming was the Heritage Circle banquet. “While I love everything about Homecoming, that night is so special as people come back and reminisce and tell stories and reconnect,” Kemper said. Kemper and her team organized the weekend in collaboration with the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) team. UCM designed all the pamphlets and other printed material related to Homecoming. “It is an opportunity for us to provide a service to people that come back to campus,” Kemper said. A popular Homecoming activity was the football tailgate. Due to weather conditions, the tailgate could not take place outside the Ganus Activities Complex, so the festivities took place in the Huckelbea Fieldhouse. Most social clubs set up tents, the Thundering Herd Marching Band performed with the cheerleaders and the football team walked through the fieldhouse with alumni players. Sophomore Casey Robison was the foreign affairs and tailgating officer for women’s social club Chi Omega Pi and teamed up with men’s club Omega Phi for the tailgate. Because Homecoming’s theme was fairytales, Robison chose “Sweet Dreams” as the two clubs’ tailgate theme, providing desserts and candy. “With the bad weather coming I wasn’t sure who all was going to show up, but it turned out to be a great crowd,” Robison said. “I’m still a bit new to all the club and tailgating stuff, but my favorite thing is seeing the community that Harding creates through tailgating.” Despite the rain throughout the weekend, the Homecoming Court was presented during halftime, and the Homecoming queen was crowned. Junior Britney Njeri was chosen as the Homecoming representative by the Black Student Association and crowned on Oct. 29. She said it was a day she will never forget. “I am still stunned by the fact that I am the Homecoming queen,” Njeri said. “I have never felt the presence of God in my life like I have this week.” Written by: Elizabeth Dillard Once Upon A Homecoming Homecoming 2022 events are spread throughout campus for all to enjoy. SHARING CULTURE A student wears a mask from the Latin Fest that international students hosted during Homecoming week. International students put on Latin Fest in order to raise money for schools in Central America. Photo by: Julianne Baker
25 STUDENT LIFE THROWBACK Harding Football alumni join the 2022 team in taking the field before the Homecoming game. Many alumni visited Harding the weekend of Oct. 29 to enjoy the festivities. Photo by: Julianne Baker STAGING A MOMENT Senior Asher Patten and junior Emma Myhan perform as Prince Topher and Cinderella. “Cinderella” was the 2022 Homecoming musical. Photo by: Grace Hurt
26 SQUEEZE Senior Asher Patten tries to put Cinderella’s shoe on sophomore Aubrey Jones. Aubrey Jones, her sister, freshman Stella Jones, and father Ben Jones, assistant professor of theatre, were all a part of the Homecoming musical, “Cinderella.” Photo courtesy of: Madison Meyer LEAVING A LEGACY Stella, Ben and Aubrey Jones stand together on the set of “Cinderella.” Ben Jones directed the Homecoming musical, and his daughters, freshman Stella Jones and sophomore Aubrey Jones, performed roles in the ensemble. Photo by: Julianne Baker
27 STUDENT LIFE Harding’s 2022 homecoming musical, “Cinderella,” brought magic to people of all ages, and it was especially memorable for the Jones family. Assistant professor of theatre Ben Jones had directed Homecoming musicals before, but this time, both of his daughters joined his cast. “It was wonderful,” Jones said. “It’s the first time we’ve really had the opportunity to work together on such a big production. They are both so talented and easy to work with. I enjoyed seeing them really thrive throughout the process.” Jones’ daughters, sophomore Aubrey Jones and freshman Stella Jones, said it was a special experience to get to work with each other on a college musical and to have their father as their director. “It’s really awesome to be able to respect him as a professor and a professional in this field and to experience him in that environment,” Aubrey Jones said. “As soon as rehearsal is over, before I leave I give him a hug and he kisses me on the head, and then I go back to my dorm.” Stella Jones agreed. “We’ve kind of gotten to see him work over the years, but we were a part of it this time,” she said. “It was kind of like bring-your-daughters-to-work day, but we were also working with him.” Aubrey Jones also said that because all three of them were at rehearsal every night, their mother, Ellen Jones, would occasionally come to rehearsal too. “I’ve seen them more this semester than I did probably just naturally during all of last year during actual school time,” Aubrey Jones said. If the shoe fits Aubrey and Stella Jones perform roles in the Homecoming musical “Cinderella,” directed by their father Ben Jones. Ben Jones added that it was special to have the family working on a project that they were all passionate about. “I love that we share a passion for theatre and can share time creating something we can all be proud of,” Ben Jones said. Both women said auditioning for their father was a unique experience. “It was a little weird because I don’t really like to sing in front of my parents, but I had to if I wanted to be in the show,” Stella Jones said. “And he’s also seen every performance I’ve ever been in, so he wasn’t seeing anything new.” Aubrey Jones added that she knew all along that the casting process was fair, and that they were auditioning just like everyone else. “That was something that was talked about at the first rehearsal,” Aubrey Jones said. “My dad was completely transparent about the fact that both of his daughters were in the show, but we did audition, and we did the whole process.” Ben Jones said the “Cinderella” cast as a whole was enjoyable to work with. “More than their talent and hard work, they are genuinely wonderful people. They were kind and encouraging to everyone in the process,” Ben Jones said. “There were so many times that cast members would come to me to check if I was okay and offer to help with anything if I needed it. I’m thankful to have worked with each one of them.” Written by: Morgan Wrigley
28 Archives and special collections librarian Hannah Wood, with the help of a video production committee, released a self-guided tour of the University’s history in significant locations around campus for the 2022 presidential inauguration. These 12 stops featured QR codes where students and visitors scanned to see videos of current and retired professors, timelines of significant accomplishments and quotes from alumni about Harding’s history. Editor and writer for University Communications and Marketing Hailey Pruitt worked on the video production committee to piece the stories together and write scripts for the narrators. She found the experience enriching as the team made content that educated the Harding body about its deep roots. “There is something special about working with people who all love Harding and are experts in their respective fields,” Pruitt said. “Each of us brought our unique talents to the table, and all of those contributions created a special experience for the Harding community.” Wood worked alongside the video production team to provide access to the historical information preserved in the archives. Wood said the idea was pitched by University President Mike Williams because he wanted to incorporate Harding’s history in the inaugural ceremony. “Since some of us had already discussed a virtual history tour of campus to be part of the centennial celebrations next year, we convinced Dr. Williams to let us start that project early,” Wood said. “We decided on the 12 sites to be included for the inauguration, but there are definitely plans to include even more Harding history videos all across campus for the centennial.” Jake Ward, videographer for University Communications and Marketing, said it took around five hours to film, edit and produce each video. He enjoyed working within a team where each position catered to everyone’s strengths and allowed them to create a product that everyone could enjoy. “It was an absolute dream to work with these people,” Ward said. “I think this project will help people better see the highlights of our history as well as help students see and understand the things the university was founded upon.” The team continued to work together as the centennial approached in 2023-24 as they created more stops on the tour. They hoped for students to become more interested in the school they chose to attend. “Dr. Mike Williams wanted the inauguration celebration to focus not on himself or past presidents but on Harding’s history as a whole,” Pruitt said. “It was important to us that this be a tour of history, not of buildings. We worked to tell stories of Harding’s struggles and successes, not just give descriptions of facilities … We want to create enthusiasm for learning more about the past while looking forward to the next 100 years.” Written by: Lauren Simmons Signs with QR codes create a virtual history tour throughout campus. HISTORY Scanning
29 STUDENT LIFE SCAN ME A student scans one of the QR codes on campus that tells Harding’s history. University President Mike Williams pitched the idea for the virtual tours because he wanted to make Harding’s history part of the inauguration. Photo by: Lauren Simmons BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE A QR sign that tells the history of Harding sits in the bushes in front of one of the Harding arches. Twelve signs were spread around campus to allow students and visitors to take a virtual history tour of campus. Photo by: Lauren Simmons CATCHING UP ON COBB Sophomore Kennedy Hix scans the QR code outside of Pattie Cobb Hall. The virtual tour showed off important buildings around campus such as the historic residence hall. Photo by: Lauren Simmons
30 HOW TO: have fun Concerts, weekly bingos and trivias, and holiday celebrations were few of the many events Campus Life workers hosted. Part of the office of student life, Campus Life strove to build on the already present community with an emphasis on fun. All students were invited to participate in the events held on campus. Bad Suns concert DOUBLECAMP concert Karaoke in the Student Center CAB Karaoke
31 STUDENT LIFE Late Night Caf Bingo Pumpkin carving Christmas Bingo Spelling Bee W-I-N-N-E-R Campus Life employees
32 What was once a small piece of land near the Honors House became the community garden, a product of teamwork among students and an asset to the Searcy community. The community garden debuted on Harding’s campus in May 2022, and it served as a place where people took walks, tended plants and harvested its crops. Student Association President Megan Sledge said getting the garden started was a group effort.The idea for the garden was inspired by seniors Lily Beth Ayers and Emma Hayes, who were part of Sledge’s physical resources committee on the Student Association in the 2021-22 school year. “At our first brainstorming meeting, that seemed to be the biggest project that we wanted to move forward with,” Sledge said. “We started writing up a proposal to give to the administration for bringing forth a garden, and through a lot of give-and-take and lots of conversations, the garden finally came to be.” Anyone in Searcy could harvest the garden’s crops, but much of the produce was taken to Jacob’s Place Homeless Mission. Sledge said serving the community in this way was the most valuable outcome of the garden. “They’ve been able to use the produce for the families that they help serve, and just the people in our community in general, which has been really cool to watch,” Sledge said. “Just to drive by or walk by the garden and see members of the Harding family either admiring the garden or picking a tomato or taking the time to water has been super special after putting so much work into the project.” When the garden was approved, other students joined Sledge in starting it. Junior Ella Duryea took charge of the project for the 2022-23 school year. She said the garden came a long way from its conception and she shared her plans for other ways to use it in the future, including starting a composting process. Duryea exchanged ideas with assistant professor of English Paulette Bane about potentially teaching a class on food and composting, something that would also benefit the garden. “She’s going to try to help me get a composting process started, and work with the [dining hall] and physical Planting Community The Student Association maintains a garden for the Searcy community. resources to get lawn clippings,” Duryea said. “We’re going to get a compost bin started over there for the garden, and at the same time, that will educate students. It’s hands-on learning for them to be a part of the garden process.” Many students, like junior Shealyn Wade, reaped the benefits of the garden, from its peaceful atmosphere and its produce to the sense of community and teamwork. “You can really see the students step up to take care of the garden,” Wade said. “People have gotten really invested in being on the committee, [by] taking care of the vegetables, watering [the garden] and pruning it.” Sledge and Duryea both said their hope for the garden was that it would be a place of solitude for Harding students and members of the Searcy community. “We’ll have crops produced, but I hope that seeds will be planted much deeper than just the seeds that are planted in the beds,” Sledge said. “Life-changing moments can happen in a place that brings so much stillness and inner peace. It’s been beautiful to watch it grow into more than we could have dreamed.” Written by: Morgan Wrigley
33 STUDENT LIFE PICKED A GOOD ONE Junior Lindsay Walton plucks a tomato in the community garden. Students worked together to create a community garden on a piece of land near the Honors House. Photo by: Lauren Simmons GROWING COMMUNITY Senior Matthew Maynard; sophomore Parker McNeal; and juniors Griffin Brown, Lindsay Walton, Ella Duryea and Briana McSpadden pose for a picture by the community garden. The community garden began in May 2022. Photo by: Lauren Simmons HYDRATE OR DIE-DRATE Junior Ella Duryea and sophomore Parker McNeal work together to water the plants in the community garden. Anyone in Searcy could use the crops grown there. Photo by: Lauren Simmons
Midnights Midnight Midnights Midnig Midnights Midnigh Midnights Midnig Midnights Midnight Midnights Midnigh Midnights Midnigh Midnights Midnig Midnights Midnight
ts Midnights Midni ghts Midnights Mid hts Midnights Midn ghts Midnights Mid ts Midnights Midni hts Midnights Midn hts Midnights Midn ghts Midnights Mid ts Midnights Midni IT’S ME, HI I’M THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IT’S ME Taylor Swift broke multiple records with the release of her album “Midnights.” On Oct. 21, 2022, “Midnights” became Spotify’s moststreamed album in a single day, and Swift became the most-streamed artist in a single day in the music platform’s history. On Oct. 31, 2022, the entertainer then broke perhaps the most impressive record yet, claiming all top ten spots on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. Swift was the first artist to accomplish this feat in the 64-year history of the music charting website. At the top of the list was “Anti-Hero,” the lead single from “Midnights,” which is Swift’s tenth studio album. Following the album release, Swift announced “The Eras Tour” that would begin in Spring 2023.
international In the past few years, COVID-19 closed borders and strained relations between countries, yet Harding continued the practice of international programs. We adapted to the times and to the wants of students, changing programs so that students could experience and immerse themselves within other cultures. We innovated and grew, so that, by joining an international program, students could also grow. Grace Hurt international editor
38 The Harding University in Latin America (HULA) program rearranged its plans at the start of the spring semester due to political protests in Peru that made transportation in the country unreliable. HULA students flew into Lima, Peru on Feb. 2 and then went to Buenos Aires, Argentina instead of flying straight into Arequipa, Peru, where the program was headquartered. According to Director of HULA Jeremy Daggett, citizens of Peru were protesting for a new congress and a reformed constitution after a failed coup by former President Pedro Castillo on Dec. 7, 2022. Castillo was elected in 2021, and the indigenous and underrepresented peoples of the Peruvian provinces hoped he would bring change to their government, but it soon became clear he was susceptible to corruption and incompetent to lead, according to Daggett. After the coup, in which Castillo tried to dissolve congress, he was arrested and Vice President Dina Boluarte took over as Peru’s sixth president in five years. “The people of the provinces were disappointed by the president that was supposed to be their champion, and they’re asking for new elections for president and new elections for congress in hopes that something might finally change,” Daggett said. Daggett said though protesting was a normal part of Peruvian culture, altercations with police and military forces had led to some of the protests becoming violent. According to a Jan. 27 article by The New York Times, at least 57 deaths had occurred related to the unrest. Daggett said the concern with HULA staying in Arequipa was not due to the violence, as the protests were organized, and citizens could find out ahead of time where they would be located. Rather, the concern INTERNATIONAL Harding University in Latin America shifts their itinerary due to protests in Peru. was more that travel into the Arequipa airport wouldn’t be possible or that the group would be restricted from traveling outside the country. “We [had planned] on traveling to Argentina on Feb. 9 and now we’re traveling on Feb. 4, so the only big change [was] moving up our trip five days,” Daggett said. “That [gave] us a little bit more time for things to iron out.” Director of International Programs (IP) Audra Pleasant said her office had been monitoring the situation and felt the program could still be headquartered in Arequipa this semester. “The situation in Peru is fluid, and we’ve [monitored] it closely,” Pleasant said. “If we no longer [felt] that we [could] provide an excellent program or reasonable safety for all program participants, we [would] adapt the itinerary as needed.” Freshman Mikayla Jones was one of the students who studied abroad at HULA this semester. She said the program directors and IP office had done a good job at making the group feel safe and informed about the situation in Peru. “Some of my friends who went to HULA in the past said their only regret was that they couldn’t spend more time in Buenos Aires, so with that in mind I [was] excited to explore that city for even more time,” Jones said. HULA spent the first two weeks of the spring semester in Argentina, visiting Buenos Aires and Patagonia, and arrived at their headquarters in Arequipa, Peru, on Feb. 21. “We love HULA, we love Peru, [and] we love hosting HULA in Peru,” Daggett said. Written by: Emma Jones ITINERARIES
39 INTERNATIONAL BRRRRR HULA students pose for a group photo on a glacier in Argentina. Students were given many opportunities throughout the trip to engage with the outdoors. Photo courtesy of: Zoe Hearyman SMOOTH SAILING A group of students take a photo before their rafting trip in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. As a part of this particular trip the group hiked, visited a penguin colony and went out on a rafting excursion. Photo courtesy of: Zoe Hearyman
40 BONJOUR The HUE 2022 group poses for a picture in France. France was one of dozens of places visited by the HUE group during their travels through Europe. Photo courtesy of: Scarlett Davis SEEING RAINBOWS Students admire Skogafoss, a large waterfall on the coastline of Iceland. HUE began their time abroad with a few days in Iceland. Photo courtesy of: Elizabeth Rosenberger
41 INTERNATIONAL Harding University England (HUE) experienced major changes in fall 2022. The most notable was the number of countries visited. The group traveled to over a dozen countries, many of which were seen on a cruise. Steven Chandler, the communications and recruiting coordinator for International Programs, said the HUE program changes were a long time coming. They were originally announced in spring 2020, but due to COVID-19 the changes weren’t in full effect until the fall 2022 program. Chandler said that the goal of these programs was to have opportunities that appealed to the student body. In fall 2022, HUE hosted 42 students, which was the largest group to ever attend. Sophomore Kiera Blankinship was one of the students in this group. “I’ve just always wanted to see Europe,” Blankinship said. The changes made to the program offered her the opportunity to do so. Blankinship stated that it felt surreal to spend three months traveling Europe. However, due to the large number of countries visited, the HUE group had less time in each location. “It is amazing that we get to see so much,” Blankinship said. “I do know that it is a lot of packing up and moving, which is going to make the school part a little tricky, but I think that is a fair trade-off.” HUE ARE WE? Harding University in England makes changes to the program in fall 2022. SAY CHEESE Students take a selfie while visiting Diamond Beach in Iceland. HUE traveled to multiple locations throughout Iceland, showing students all the country had to offer. Photo courtesy of: Elizabeth Rosenberger Another change to the program involved merging with the Harding University Florence (HUF) program. Due to low enrollment rates, the two programs combined for the semester. HUE spent three weeks in Italy with a large time at the Florence villa. This allowed all students to experience a portion of what the HUF program normally did. Additionally, Robbie Shackelford, the longtime director for HUF, served as faculty for the HUE program. “I must say, at the end of 33 years as director, it is a strange feeling to be the visiting teacher, but exciting and relaxing,” Shackelford said. He revisited some countries, such as England, Norway, Spain, France and Italy. He also visited new countries on this trip, including Iceland, Sweden and Finland. Shackelford taught 20% of the humanities classes offered, as well as a kinesiology class. He stated that the lighter teaching load gave him more time to get to know the students, and the friendships made with the students were the most exciting part of all. Written by: Camille White
42 Witnessing Her-story
43 INTERNATIONAL Students witnessed the historic aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death firsthand while studying abroad in London. The Harding University in England (HUE) group was finishing up their travels in England when the news broke. “My mom had texted me that morning about the queen being sick,” sophomore Scarlett Davis said. “She thought the queen might die while I was still in London, but that was such a rare thing.” Davis walked into a coffee shop on the afternoon of the queen’s death and immediately realized something was wrong. “Random people were shouting about the queen dying,” Davis said. “Everyone was on their phones waiting for an update.” Once the news spread to all of the HUE students, they mourned the death of the queen with the rest of the world. Some students went to shops and tried to buy flowers for the gates of Buckingham Palace; however, most shops were sold out, and the gates were crowded. The crowds around the palace itself were so large that people were climbing up the Victoria Memorial because there was nowhere else to stand. “I could feel their sadness as they all flocked to see the royal notice on the gate,” sophomore Haydn Corker said. Harding University in England students experience London after Queen Elizabeth II’s death. BIG SMILES UNDER BIG BEN HUE students stand in front of Elizabeth Tower in London, England. The HUE program was studying abroad in London when Queen Elizabeth II died Sept. 8, 2022. Photo courtsey of: Scarlett Davis “I, as an American, could not relate to the British people on a deeper level with the queen’s passing.” With this historic event, many students took advantage of their rare opportunity of location. Davis went live on Instagram, where she explained all the emotions firsthand. In addition, two broadcasting students filmed a package about the tragedy to submit for contests. Three students were asked to be on Arkansas news outlets explaining what they experienced. “I originally thought that it would be HU16,” sophomore Hunter Corker said. “The news communicator told us about 10 minutes before that this would be on KARK, which was a shock since it was a major news channel.” Hunter Corker and two other students joined a Zoom call that night from their hotel and answered some questions for KARK, the Little Rock NBC affiliate. They sent in their own videos and photos on their devices for the station to use. The station released their package the next morning, and the students continued their travels through Europe. “The world had truly paused that day,” Davis said. “No one knew what was to come in the next couple of days.” Written by: Adele Duncan
CONFLICT C O N T I N U E S The international conflict known as the RussoUkrainian War began in February 2014 between Russia, with support from Russian-backed separatists, and Ukraine. The eight years of conflict following the annexation of Crimea included cyber attacks and increasing political tensions along the border. In February 2022, the conflict escalated when Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that is continually developing. Putin criticized the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and demanded Ukraine be barred from joining the international military alliance. He also questioned Ukraine’s right to exist alongside other Russian irredentist views. The invasion was internationally condemned, with the United States and many other countries imposing sanctions against Russia as well as providing humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The ongoing war resulted in the displacement of many Ukrainian citizens, making it Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II. Tens of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian citizens have died due to the war.
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