Harding University to recognize graduates during spring commencement May 6

April  20, 2023 | Commencement |

Harding University’s spring commencement ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 6, celebrating the accomplishments of more than 700 students. Three ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the University’s George S. Benson Auditorium.

Members of this semester's graduating class represent 25 different nations and territories and 38 states. Degrees will be conferred from the College of Allied Health, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Bible and Ministry, Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, Cannon-Clary College of Education, Carr College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Sciences and University College.

The commencement addresses will be given by Dr. David B. Burks, University chancellor, who has served Harding for 56 years, including 27 and one-half years as president from 1987-2013 and 2020-22. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business from Harding in 1965, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas in Austin and a doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University. A certified public accountant, he worked for Exxon before returning to Harding in 1967. Burks is the author of three books, The Christian Alternative for Business , Strategic Management Simulation and Camaraderie . He also is general editor of Against the Grain .

Burks serves as an elder at College Church of Christ. He is on the board of directors for First Security Bank and also has served on the board of trustees for the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities,  and the Higher Learning Commission, which he chaired from 2001-02. He and his wife, Leah, have two sons, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Dr. Michael Williams, University president, will recognize the candidates as they are recommended by the faculty for graduation. Doors open approximately one hour prior to each ceremony for guest seating. The ceremony is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required for admittance. To reserve a ticket or learn more about the commencement ceremonies, visit harding.edu/graduation.

Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body represents students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories. The University offers more than 110 undergraduate majors; 14 preprofessional programs; more than 40 graduate and professional programs; as well as numerous study abroad opportunities including locations in Australasia, Peru, England, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visit harding.edu .