From the President
Significant Step

By David B. Burks

July 9 served as a monumental day in the expansion of health sciences, not only at the University, but throughout Arkansas, the nation and the world.

Although ground clearly had been previously broken - as evidenced by construction proceeding in the background that rainy morning - the ceremony cemented our dedication to constructing the Center for Health Sciences, which will, upon its completion next summer, house the Physician Assistant Program and College of Pharmacy.

These programs will supplement our already strong premedicine program and nationally accredited nursing program. Also joining the health sciences lineup next fall is a master's in speech pathology.

As Dr. Mike Murphy, director of the Physician Assistant Program, said in his remarks, "This act of groundbreaking is a declaration of belief in our future. … We are able to break ground because people within the Harding community care and commit their time, hearts and resources."

Perhaps board chairman Harry Risinger summed up the role of this facility best in his closing comments when he talked about the earthly life of our Lord, Jesus. Matthew 9:35 reads, "Jesus went through all the towns and villages … preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness." Risinger went on to say that Jesus was not only "concerned about their spiritual state; he was also concerned about their physical life while here on earth."

This twofold purpose is right at the heart of the University's mission. This $7.7 million facility is being built to the glory of God because our aim is to honor God in everything we do.

We are excited about what the future holds for graduates of these programs. We ask for your prayers as we, with God's help, carry out the task set before us.