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Harding University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
915 E. Market Ave.
Box 12255
Searcy, Arkansas 72149
Phone
(800) 477-4407
Email address
admissions@harding.edu
School Information
"Harding began as a senior college in 1924, when two junior colleges, Arkansas Christian College and Harper College, merged their facilities and assets, adopted the new name of Harding College, and located on the campus of Arkansas Christian in Morrilton, Ark. In 1934 Harding was moved to its present site in Searcy, Ark. The board of trustees approved the study's recommended change of Harding to university status, and on Aug. 27, 1979, the name of the institution officially became Harding University. We are, at our core, a Christian university. The character, example, and concerns of Jesus Christ are the standards that shape us and chart the course for our future. Because of this, an all-encompassing love for God and a corresponding love for people are at the heart of who we are. Harding's mission is to provide a quality education that will lead to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals. Explore this section to learn more about our mission, our history and what makes us stand apart as a Christian university" (Source: https://www.harding.edu/about). Harding has a total enrollment of nearly 5,000 and offers over 100 majors and minors. The university's student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1.
General Information
Harding University has made a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university offers a scholarship to diverse students. Additionally, the university is home to numerous organizations that provide resources to diverse students. The university plans to commence "racial and cultural competency training" for employees. At this time, the university does not require Critical Race Training of all students. However, see developments below:

Actions Taken

Admissions Policies
  • Harding's 2018-2023 Strategic Plan states that it would "actively recruit a more racially diverse student body" by "implement[ing] scholarship programs for minority-serving organizations affiliated with churches of Christ, strengthening and expanding awards where possible."
  • The purpose of the African American Alumni Scholarship Fund is to "attract and retain students who are members of under-represented population[s] to attend Harding" and "to be one of the several components of the University to strive for and eventually achieve diversity in the population of the undergraduate students of Harding that is representative of the national average, as defined by the Federal census data."
  • As part of its "admissions criteria," the Occupational Therapy Department states that the applicant must "exhibit the ability and commitment to work collaboratively and professionally with individuals and groups in an intense setting to meet the needs of people of diverse cultures, age groups, socioeconomic groups, and challenges without bias and in a harmonious manner."
Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • Harding plans to "provide ongoing racial and cultural competency training and resources to employees to build an environment of awareness, inclusion and respect."
  • Harding's 2018-2023 Strategic Plan states that it would "conduct professional development sessions that acquaint hiring supervisors with institutional priorities and best practices for attracting a diverse workforce."
  • One of the goals of the Office of Diversity Services at Harding is "to work with the entire campus to create a climate of justice, to encourage access and equity at Harding, and to offer programs that educate the campus about diversity."
  • One of the "mandates" of the Diversity Committee at Harding is "to educate majority students and staff about issues of diversity."
Program and Research Funding
  • Harding University created the Diversity in Education Scholarship in 2011. This built upon the work being done by the Diversity Committee in the College of Education.
  • The Harding University McNair Scholars Program received a grant in the amount of "$274,983 annually" (2022-2027) from the U.S. Department of Education in order to "[p]rovide first-generation/low-income and/or students from groups underrepresented in graduate education with academically enriching experiences and mentoring that facilitate graduate school admission and successful doctoral degree attainment."
Resources
  • As part of Harding's commitment to diversity, the university provides resources such as links to various diverse organizations on campus. These organizations include the Multicultural Student Action Committee, the Black Student Association, and the African American Alumni Association.
  • The Social Work Department lists its program goals which includes the following: "Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice."
Symbolic Actions
  • In 2020, an alumnus petitioned to have the George S. Benson Auditorium renamed after Botham S. Jean, an alumnus who died in 2018. In response, the president stated, "“These current circumstances call for White brothers and sisters in the Harding community to step up and restate the things that our African American family needs to hear us say at such a time as this." The decision was ultimately in favor of keeping the original name.
  • As part of Harding's 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, the university will "form a multicultural consortium made up of administrators and faculty with key appointments related to racial and cultural diversity such as Director of Multicultural Student Services, Director of International Student Services, Director of Diversity, and Admissions Multicultural Adviser."
  • The Social Work Department focuses on "helping our students to be competent professionals who respect and appreciate social and cultural diversity, have concern for the effects of oppression, and recognize the strengths and the role that diversity plays in helping professionals."
Last updated June 21st, 2024
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