University
Dr. Emerson contributes program development expertise to support university’s mission
SEARCY, Ark. (Dec. 1, 2023) — Harding University has announced the appointment of
esteemed pediatrician Dr. Amy Emerson to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Emerson brings more
than two decades of leadership expertise in pediatric care, family advocacy and community
engagement to support Harding’s Board as it propels the university’s faith-centered and
student-focused mission forward.
"Harding's Board of Trustees is proud to welcome Dr. Amy Emerson to join in this important
work," said Charles Ganus, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "Amy knows Harding, the
importance of our mission and has the characteristics we seek in a board member."
Dr. Emerson leverages significant leadership experience and strategic vision to this new role
through leadership positions, local and statewide. Most notably, she has served as the director of the Hope-Driven Parenting program at Hope Rising Oklahoma, received a gubernatorial appointment to the board of Juvenile Affairs and held positions on the board of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness.
“The Harding community eagerly anticipates the contributions Dr. Emerson will bring to our
Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Mike Williams, president of Harding University. “I am confident
that her rich skillset, tenacity and faith will help our institution continue building an inspired
future for the university and its students.”
After completing her undergraduate degree at Harding University, she went on to complete her residency at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Dr. Emerson obtained a
specialty in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Over her career, Dr. Emerson has dedicated
her time and skills consulting for nonprofits, spearheading various initiatives aimed at
supporting families and enhancing child welfare, including reactivating Tulsa’s Reach Out and
Read early literacy program and the Tulsa Educare Talking is Teaching campaign. She also
serves as president of Lilyfield, a Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families for at-risk children and youth.
“With each passing year, the value of having attended a Christ-centered university, namely
Harding, becomes more apparent to me,” said Dr. Emerson. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to join a deep-rooted legacy of men and women who, for over a century, have been committed to the development of great leaders for our world. I look forward to leveraging any talent I've been entrusted with for the support of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Aligned with the university’s commitment to its Christian values, Dr. Emerson serves as an
active member of The Park Church of Christ in Tulsa, Okla. Alongside her husband Clint and
their four children, she remains dedicated to missions through local and global faith-based
outreach.
Click here to view her headshot
About Harding University
Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and celebrating its centennial year, 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, Europe, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visit Harding.edu.
