HU Online launches a new initiative, the Center for Organizational Leadership, which will offer three certificate programs and the Master of Arts in organizational leadership degree beginning this fall

March 18 , 2021 | HU Online | Center for Organizational Leadership |

Harding University announced today the launch of the Harding University Center for Organizational Leadership, the first initiative of the newly formed HU Online. Through HUCOL, Harding will offer a Master of Arts in organizational leadership and three certificate programs in executive and workplace coaching, human resource management, and learning and development beginning this fall. The organizational leadership master's program is a 30 credit-hour degree, and certificates are 12 credit hours. The center’s academic track will be offered in collaboration between HU Online, the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration and Strata Leadership.

“I have dreamed of days like this,” said Keith Cronk, senior vice president of HU Online. “This initiative will further enhance Harding’s ability to provide world-class Christian education to a global audience.”

HUCOL will be staffed by Strata Leadership, a talent development company based in Oklahoma City, and will be the primary marketing and enrollment arm for the program. Strata provides character and competence-based executive coaching, training and resources to companies, nonprofits, governmental agencies and educational institutions throughout the United States and abroad.

In addition to the announcement of HUCOL, several staffing updates were announced:

Dr. Nathan Mellor (B.A., ’95 and MSE, ’97) - executive director

Mellor is CEO of Strata Leadership, which he co-founded in 2009. Since that time, Strata has become one of the most influential leadership companies in the region. Mellor will be leading HUCOL in addition to his ongoing work with Strata from Edmond, Ok.

Dr. Andrea Bishop (B.A., ’97 and M.Ed. ’01) - academic director

Bishop most recently served as the coordinator of virtual learning for UofM Global, the online arm of the University of Memphis.

Todd Miller (B.A. ’96 and MFT ’98) -  director of strategic initiatives

After serving more than 20 years in ministry, Miller most recently worked as clinic and community relations director at OneLife Wellness Center in Searcy, Ark.

Piper Riggs - director of marketing and admissions

Following her time in higher education, Riggs was executive director of a nonprofit prior to launching her own successful company, Caraway Lane Marketing, in Edmond, Ok.