16Introduction Ladies Garden, the Rhodes-Reaves Field House was opened and dedicated in 2016. The Field House brought more space and newer facilities for the athletes. The football facilities also got an upgrade with the dedication of the Huckeba Field House in 2019. This indoor field was named the biggest in Division II and one of the largest in the nation. The improvement of the athletic facilities continued as the Ganus Activity Center was remodeled in 2016, making space for athletic training and the kinesiology department. With the changing of times and the popularity of apps, McLarty oversaw the development and release of the official Harding University app in 2017. The app was made to connect the Harding community through regularly updated information and access to schedules, events and tickets for both students and alumni alike. With advancements in technology, the university also brought recognition of the past. The Linda Byrd Smith Archeology Museum was opened and dedicated on April 13, 2017. The museum contained over 100 artifacts from biblical times and was set up in the Jim Bill McInteer Bible and World Mission Center. As 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, Harding University had to learn how to navigate with the new normal. Masks, safety precautions, quarantine and virtual classes became the expectation. During the pandemic, McLarty shifted out of his role as president as he retired, and Burks returned as interim president until a new one was found. Today Today, Dr. Michael Williams serves as the current president and was inaugurated in 2022. Williams arrived on campus in 2021 and began transitioning into the role. During this time of transition, Harding underwent new developments, including a new memorial dedicated to alumnus Botham Shem Jean after his death in 2018. The Hatcher Indoor Soccer Complex opened in 2021, and the Administration Building was dedicated to Elijah Anthony and Dr. Howard Wright, the first two African American graduates of Harding University. Williams officially became the president of Harding in June 2022 with innauguration in the fall. The Holland-Waller Center was constructed in 2023 in place of the former Ganus Student Center, which was demolished earlier that year. Williams continued to lead Harding through the Centennial year. The University had grown exponentially since its opening in 1924. Six presidents later, Harding still stands tall, beloved by all who cross through those iconic arch’s. Harding University’s history continued to be deeply rooted in Christ, and as the Centennial comes to a close, a new century of Harding history may begin. to Harding’s campus, bringing in thousands of students from Latin America. Ganus stepped down from the presidency in 1987, welcoming Dr. David B. Burks as his replacement. The Burks Years Dr. David B. Burks was inaugurated Sept. 18, 1987. Burks graduated from Harding College in 1965 and eventually returned to be a professor of accounting in 1967. In 1974, Burks helped establish various business majors in the College of Business. After becoming dean of the College of Business, he was approached about applying for the new presidential position after Ganus retired. Burks’ 30 years as president saw a wealth of student and academic program growth. Beginning in 1987, Burks established new study abroad programs ranging from Greece, Latin American and Zambia. Harding also grew in on-campus programs. The development of the Bible department and Center for World Missions was a large success during Burks’ presidency. The Honors College was established in 1989, and master’s programs in business, counseling and physician’s assistants are a few of the largest graduate programs to have been established. Burks was dedicated to showing Harding as an institution dedicated to the Christian mission. Establishing camaraderie was vital to Harding’s story during Burks’ time. The campus was built on fellowship and relationship between brothers and sisters in Christ. By the end of Burks’ presidency in 2013, student enrollment increased by more than 2,000 undergraduate students. Burks was determined for Harding to be accessible to any student who wanted to call it home. Through the implementation of scholarships and federal aid, Harding provided more students with tuition assistance, which played a large factor in the increased enrollment. In 2013, Burks announced his retirement from being president. After over 30 years of serving Harding, Dr. Bruce McLarty was appointed to be Burks’ successor. The McLarty Years Dr. Bruce McLarty took over in 2013. During his presidency, McLarty focused on relationships with students and encouraged relationships with alums. McLarty oversaw the dedication of many buildings on campus and helped lead the establishment of the First Ladies Garden in 2015. The garden was dedicated to all past, present and future women of Harding. In addition to the Three generations of presidents. David B. Burks, Clifton L. Ganus Jr., George S. Benson Dr. Burks during his time as a Business professor. Dr. McLarty with Dr. Ganus at the announcement of his presidency. President Michael D. Williams
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