184 Inspired: Anchored in our historic Christian mission, we recognize the very source of our strength: the Spirit of the Lord. A dove to remind us of the One who saves. A fire to impassion us. A wind to refresh and guide us. Purpose: The essence of the Harding experience extends far beyond career preparation. It is a quest for meaning and vision. It is a crucible to discover our values, convictions and direction. Inspired purpose: It marinates the Harding ethos. It aspires to create the world God intended in the beginning. At our first meeting with the inauguration committee to plan the event, I insisted this ceremony not be about myself. This is a celebration of Harding, not the new president. I think we accomplished that goal. However, I must confess that some of my cherished memories of the event were deeply personal. I will always remember my son, Cade, leading one of the prayers at the prayer breakfast. It was moving to have my freshman adviser, Dr. Phil Brown, participate in the program. It was thoughtprovoking to have two of my heroes, Mike Cope and Landon Saunders, make significant contributions to the events. Finally, the highlight of the event was being introduced by my wife and soulmate, Lisa. The positive feedback from the entire University community, our guests and alumni around the globe who watched the live stream was overwhelming. Their consistent assessment of the event was “inspiring”. As I begin my tenure as the sixth president of Harding University, may we be led, motivated and molded by inspired purpose. Alma mater hail! Written by: Mike Williams It was just before dawn when we stepped onto the original campus of Harding College in Morrilton, Arkansas. We lit a torch which illuminated the historic Anthony and Wright Administration Building in the background. As I looked into the eyes of the students, I could barely say the words, “The journey began here.” The Legacy Run from Morrilton to Searcy launched a myriad of events in the inauguration celebration. It was an emotional and symbolic reflection on the unwavering faith, heroic sacrifice and the resolve of our founders. As the students carried the torch, they ran for J.N. Armstrong, L.C. Sears, S.A. Bell, B.F. Rhodes, Florence Cathcart and A.S. Croom. For me, it was a moving experience to see our students living out the vision of those founders. As I reflected on the inauguration, I saw the entire event as a historical summit in the life of Harding University. Climbing to this pinnacle moment, we gratefully looked back at Harding’s rich legacy. This poignant moment also gave us a tremendous opportunity to dream about Harding’s future. The inauguration ceremony was an epic production. Dr. Britt Lynn produced and directed the program. It was a brilliant tapestry of rich narrative, compelling videos and spectacular music. The entire program engaged the audience in a celebration of our past and anticipated future. The talent of the student body and faculty were showcased throughout the program. The event gave a forum to announce my presidential motto, “Inspired purpose”. The motto is simple and elegant, yet the simplicity of the phrase is quickly transcended under the gravity and magnitude of these two words. PRESIDENT WILLIAM’S Dr. Mike Williams reflects on his inauguration as sixth Harding president. INAUGURATION DAY
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