Botham Jean Inspiration Award 2025 — Dennis (’78) and Terri Pittman (’82) Rine

Dennis Rine holds a bachelor’s degree in academic psychology and a Master of Education in physical education from Harding. He served 41 years at Harding Academy in a variety of roles including teacher, coach and high school counselor. Terri Rine holds an associate degree from Ohio Valley College, a bachelor’s degree in family consumer science and a Master of Education from Harding, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She taught for 19 years in Harding’s department of family and consumer science and has served as an adjunct in the College of Bible and Ministry and department of art and design. She is currently an adjunct professor of Bible at Harding and at Abilene Christian University. In 2009, their daughter, Micah, was tragically murdered. As the Rines have walked through grief and loss together with God, they have dedicated their lives to sharing Micah’s story and helping others facing adversity. They regularly speak at events, lead retreats and mentor couples seeking healthy marriages as well as individuals and families walking through grief and loss. 

Where is your current hometown?

We live in Searcy.

How have you been involved in your community?

Terri: In the past, I was a Zeta Rho sponsor, we hosted weekly Bible studies in our home, and I served on the planning team for the Lectureship events for women and the WINGS (now Bloom) conference. Currently, I volunteer to teach in various schools and community settings including John 3:17, a women's residential rehab ministry, and I speak at ladies' events.

Who in the Harding community has influenced you?

Terri: I have been influenced by Lisa Ritchie, Sharen Crockett, Sherry Pollard and Jenene Alexander.

How are you living your Inspired Purpose?

Terri: I believe that my God-given gift set and formal education align well with the lessons I've learned from life experiences. I am motivated by 2 Cor. 1:4 because I have benefitted greatly in my time of need. I strive to pay it forward by using every opportunity to point others to Jesus, praising God along the way.

What makes your field rewarding?

Terri: I love to see my former students living as God intended and raising their families to do the same. I also love that my former students are some of my sweetest and closest friends.

How do you get to serve God and others through the work that you do?

In this season of life, we are blessed to walk alongside people at pivotal times in their lives. It may be our time with premarital couples anticipating an exciting new adventure together; helping married couples initiate good healthy conversations to enrich their relationships; or pointing the way to healing for grieving individuals and families who are hurting because of loss and heartache.

As a result of our daughter's murder, we have found ourselves walking a much different path than we ever imagined. Though our hearts are broken, our boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. God has blessed this difficult journey and has shown us ways to rally around others who find themselves in tragic circumstances.