227 Leaving a Legacy A university is made up of bits and pieces of its people. Dr. Ross Cochran spent 38 years investing in the Harding community, and he left a great legacy of kind and gentle fellowship in his retirement. Cochran began as an instructor in the College of Bible and Ministry in 1986, and over time, he became a professor, director of the Vocational Ministry program, and director of Harding’s Camp Tahkodah in Floral, Arkansas. Through these various roles, he was a faithful servant of God and taught countless students how to care for their neighbor and love in a way that is consistent with the life of Jesus. When asked to reflect on his relationship with the University, Cochran spoke highly of his colleagues and the entire Harding staff, accrediting each of them with contributing to a rich culture of mutual encouragement and mission. There are many characteristics about the community that Cochran believed the world would benefit from, and he contributed to equipping and sending students out to reflect these values in the world. It was evident that Cochran was not one to separate mission from work, and he spent his days at Harding fully invested in the student body and mission of Jesus Christ. His students felt that commitment, as many of them noted his genuine interest in their lives and dreams, his selfless nature, and his wisdom. Not surprisingly, he named his students as being the best part of the job. Discovering their interests, backgrounds, aspirations, and how they planned to contribute to the repair of the world was a passion of his. He believed the student body to be an integral piece of the community, saying that “The culture needs the students … who want to live righteously, who want to live out the way of Jesus in their treatment of each other.” It is this relationship with his students that made him such a renowned teacher and friend, and it is the students’ admiration of such a teacher that led to Cochran being the 2017 Petit Jean Yearbook Dedication Recipient. Cochran impacted students not only on the campus, but on the campgrounds as well. As director of Camp Tahkodah (2004-2011) with his late wife, Nita, who passed away in 2016, the Cochrans had a unique opportunity to serve alongside many university students who worked as camp counselors. Again, he credits the young adults he worked with as being a “real transformative aspect of camp.” Cochran understood the importance of young adulthood as one of the most formative times of life, and he committed almost four decades of his life to mentoring and inspiring young minds. His mentorship was certainly not limited to college students, as Tahkodah was also where he mentored and invested in Travis and Meleah McNeal, his and Nita’s successors as Camp Directors. “It would be difficult to overestimate the positive impact Dr. Cochran has had on me and so many others during his time at Harding,” Travis McNeal said. “For me personally, he has been a wise and trusted mentor since I began working with him at Camp Tahkodah in 2010. What a privilege that has been. I deeply admire how intentional he is about reaching out to share words of kindness and encouragement. He is exceptional at making others feel seen and appreciated. He truly embodies what it means to live like Jesus. Harding is losing a great mentor, teacher, and friend in Dr. Cochran’s retirement.” This was a sentiment that echoed by many of the faculty and staff members as well as students who have been fortunate enough to work alongside such a thoughtful colleague and professor. Senior Lillie Kate Thornton reflected on the impact Dr. Cochran had on her as a student. “Having Dr. Cochran as a professor is similar to a 50-minute lunch break with a friend,” Thornton said. “An abundantly wise, kind and hilarious friend. His genuine care for both his students and teaching the Gospels makes class with him a pretty special experience I’m grateful to have had.” Looking back at 38 years of teaching and investing in people here on this campus, it was indisputable that Cochran was one of those people whose life makes others’ lives better. Cochran was invited to participate in a writing project centered around the archives of Landon Saunders, a minister and theologian. He and his wife, Stephanie, celebrated two years of marriage in January 2024 and were excited to get to be together and travel more with this transition. “I’ve loved this,” Cochran said. “It’s been, I think, a really good fit. I love it now, I could love it more. I could love it still. But life has chapters, and I’m really excited about what’s coming.” LEAVING A A reflection on the lasting impact of Dr. Ross Cochran as he concludes his final year at Harding. Inspiring Generations | Dr. Cochran takes advantage of the weather, holding class outside the McInteer Bible building. He began his Harding career as an instructor and eventually became Director of Theological Studies. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Montgomery Written by Molly Speight
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