Bridging a Legacy

by Adele Duncan, student writer 

Harding School of Theology made a significant transition this year, moving from Memphis, Tennessee, to Searcy, Arkansas, and marking a new chapter in its history. The move resonated deeply with David Stevens, a member of the last graduating class at the Memphis campus in 2024. His father, Alvin Otis Stevens, was in the inaugural graduating class of 1959. With a legacy across generations, the shift in location honored a longstanding commitment to theological education.

Al Stevens transferred to Harding University in 1951 where he soon met his future wife, whowas also a transfer student. The couple married in February 1953 and began mission work shortly after. Al returned to military service, having enlisted as a merchant marine when he was only16 years old. While in Germany, the Stevenses welcomed their son, David. The family moved to El Paso, Texas, in 1970 when David was five, and eight years later he faced the devastating loss of his father. When Al died in 1973, he was a chaplain with a rank of major in the U.S. Army.

David was actively involved in various areas of high school and church life in El Paso. He knew he wanted to pursue a college degree and reflected on his father’s experiences.

“The number one thing I wanted from a school was the eternal component,” he said. “I started to look for a Christian education and decided on Harding.”

David met his wife shortly after arriving on campus while working in the Pattie Cobb cafeteria. The couple has been married for 38 years now. He changed majors several times during his studies and ultimately earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and social science in Spring 1989.

As graduation approached, he dealt with a difficult question: “Could I serve God without being a full-time minister?” David contemplated this as he prepared to enter the Army.

He served for 26 years, and when he wasn’t on active duty, David taught high school math and government. Throughout this time, he knew he wanted to attend HSTwhenever the opportunity arose. He began his studies there in Summer 2017, took a three-year break to be more present with his family, and then resumed his coursework in 2022.

“Only God could work out this timing,” David remarked. “I wanted to go back to HST, and all my classes were available both in person and via Zoom.”

Preferring face-to-face classes, David loved every minute of his time at HST — even though his first week got off to a rough start after all his possessions were stolen and he was in  car accident. Nothing could steal the joy David carried throughout his experience. When asked about his favorite part of the program, he mentioned faculty members such as Dr. Lance Hawley and Daphne Logan who supported him throughout his journey.

David now works at the University in the provost office. Despite losing his father at an early age, David has found numerous connections to his father through HST. The teachings, friendships and shared experiences within the program provided a bridge to his father’s legacy. In addition, they share military experiences, meeting their wives at Harding, and connections with faculty and fellow students of HST. David has been able to honor his father’s influence, keeping alive the spiritual and educational foundation they both cherish.

 To learn more about Harding School of Theology, schedule a visit or see our program page.