Around Campus

Honor: First Truman Scholar
Honorary doctorate goes to Ganus
Foundation commits to challenge grant
Culture of service
English 312: ‘Writing Poetry’
Web site offers something for everyone
Gray releases premarital program
Straight-A students need not apply
Communication head contributes to TV trends
Help collect data for church study
No place like Harding for Homecoming
Graduate student Tutor of the Year
Draw closer to God at Lectureship
Locks of love

Honor: First Truman Scholar

Brett Keller of Searcy changed his focus of study several times in the last three years, but his pursuit of the prestigious Truman Scholarship remained constant.

That persistence paid off in March when Keller, a junior, received word that he was selected as one of 65 Truman Scholars nationwide. Scholars were selected by 18 independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual capability, and likelihood of “making a difference.”

Said Dr. Larry Long, vice president for academic affairs, “I am very proud of Brett both for the recognition he has received as a Truman Scholar and for the hard work that he invested in preparing the application. I don’t know of any student who has worked harder than Brett did for the goal he set three years ago to be recognized by the Truman program. His talents and hard work have brought honor to himself and to the University.”

The 65 scholars were selected from among 585 candidates nominated by 280 colleges and universities. Each selection panel interviewed finalists from a three- to four-state region and generally elected one scholar from each state and one at-large scholar from the region. Each panel typically included a university president, federal judge, distinguished public servant and past Truman Scholarship winner. Keller is the first Truman Scholar from the University and the only 2007 recipient from Arkansas.

A biochemistry and molecular biology and political science major, Keller is a NASA undergraduate research fellow, competes nationally with the Academic Team, and sings in the Chorus. He is the son of Dr. John and Sally Keller.

Moved by the injustice he witnessed in 2004 while helping with rural health clinics in Zambia and volunteering at an orphanage in Ghana and an AIDS hospice in South Africa, Keller initiated a seminar on global issues through the Honors College in 2005.

“I worked among orphans with various stages of HIV infection at Sparrow Ministries AIDS Village in Johannesburg,” he explained. “Conditions for the millions of orphans in South Africa were dire, but I knew little of their plight before I visited. Upon my return to the United States, I engaged in many a passionate conversation about AIDS in Africa. My peers were often shocked at what I described. I made a promise to myself when leaving South Africa: to share stories of what I saw in Johannesburg.”

Keller, who now plans a career focused on international health policy, learned of the Truman Scholarship his freshman year at informational sessions the Honors College hosted on graduate scholarship opportunities.

“As my interests grew from health care in the developing world to a broader fascination with global health policy, I decided I would apply for the Truman Scholarship. Unlike some scholarships for graduate school, the Truman is specifically for students interested in public service, for potential ‘change agents.’”

Dr. Pat Garner, adviser for students applying for nationally recognized fellowships, says that although University students have been past recipients of Fulbright and Jack Kent Cooke scholarships, the Truman award is the largest and most prestigious.

“Brett was an excellent fit for this award because of his proactive personality and his dedication to public service,” Garner said. “Through his diverse interests and singular motivation to serve humanity and the Harding community, Brett has shown his ability to plan, organize and implement activities beneficial on both local and international levels.”

Dr. Jeffrey T. Hopper, dean of the Honors College who worked closely with Keller as he developed the lecture series, agreed. “He has prepared years for this moment, first by developing his God-given talents and interests and then by taking advantage of every opportunity that the University has afforded him,” he said. “In addition, he met every challenge with a keen awareness of how one life can impact many other lives for good.”

Each scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government.

Honorary doctorate goes to Ganus

Dr. Clifton Ganus Jr. has spent his life helping young people receive a Christian education. On April 27, his  efforts were lauded during Oklahoma Christian University’s spring graduation exercises, where he received an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Said Oklahoma Christian President Mike O’Neal (’68), “We are very glad to be recognizing his many years of great service to Christian higher education in this way, as well as his work in the church and international missions.”

Ganus, who entered the University as a student in 1939, returned in 1946 to teach history after earning his Ph.D at Tulane University. He chaired the department and served as vice president before assuming the role of president from 1965 to 1987. Now chancellor, he continues to travel on behalf of the University. He is an elder at College Church of Christ and often speaks at Pan-American Lectures and other international conferences.

Foundation commits to challenge grant

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has pledged a $250,000 challenge grant contingent upon the University’s ability to match the amount in new gifts and pledges by Dec. 31. The foundation’s grant and the new gifts and pledges will go toward the American Heritage Center expansion and renovation project, which was completed in August 2006.

In her letter to President David Burks, Debbie Walker, executive director of the foundation, cited the large number of requests the foundation receives each year. “We consider your organization as one of those that is certainly worthy of our support, and we commend you for the work you have done thus far and will undoubtedly continue to do in the future,” she said.

The challenge grant is the organization’s fourth donation. Previously more than $568,000 had been given to scholarship programs and toward construction of the Wilma Stephens Thornton Education Center.

The American Heritage Center project was a major capital component of the University’s five-year Eagle’s Wings Campaign to raise $135 million for scholarships, capital projects and endowment. The campaign began in 2003, and more than $60 million has been raised.

The Walker Foundation, located in Springdale, Ark., is well known for its support of health and higher education causes in Arkansas.

Culture of service

The University has been named to the first-ever President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The Corporation for National and Community Service made the announcement at the end of February.

“This distinction recognizes your students, faculty and staff for helping to build a culture of service and civic engagement in our nation,” said David Eisner, chief executive officer for the corporation.

Only 492 schools out of more than 3,500 in the nation were recognized.

Said President David Burks, “A commitment to a servant-leadership lifestyle is part of our mission. From the beginning of this institution, our students, faculty and staff have sponsored, supported and encouraged countless  service projects.”

During the 2005-06 academic year, an estimated 2,385 students, faculty and staff contributed 40,619 hours of service. Projects included Hurricane Katrina relief assistance, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring, mentoring disadvantaged youth and beautification efforts.

More than 300 students and faculty took their acts of service on the road during spring break March 12-16. From Honduras to Hawaii, Mississippi to Massachusetts, and Canada to North Carolina, service-minded young adults catered to others’ needs.

Projects included ongoing post-Hurricane Katrina cleanup in New Orleans and Mississippi, building and repairing houses in rural Central America, orchestrating  activities at Denver Children’s Home, volunteering at local soup kitchens, and visiting retirement home residents.

“A faithful judge does not have to be a faithless judge. ... You wouldn’t want someone on the bench who has no opinion on anything ... The job of a judge is to do justice according to law.”

- Judge Janice Rogers Brown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit speaking Feb. 27 on “Faith & Freedom: A Framework for Toleration in the 21st Century” as part of the American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.

English 312: ‘Writing Poetry’
Instructor: Sherry Organ, M.Ed.
Assistant Professor of English

Focus    
Throughout the semester, students will be encouraged to draft as many new poems as possible and then revise those they truly care about; use a variety of poetic forms and subjects; experiment with their writing; understand core elements of the craft and the importance of revision; and explore the relevance of poetry in today’s world.

Overview
This course includes the study of poetry in its various forms, works of contemporary poets and “master” poets, and extensive writing exercises for the student-poet. Students must be open to constructive criticism, able to both give and take it maturely. Participation and feedback are essential for success. Students will examine the purposes of writing poetry — not just for one’s self — and its role as an art and communication form. In this class everyone teaches, and everyone learns.

Methods and Expectations
Writing Poetry combines classroom lecture with creative exercises, workshops and presentations. The semester begins with several weeks of lecture, primarily to explore vocabulary of poetry as well as forms. Primary text for this portion: The Portable Poetry Workshop by Jack Myers. Exercises, as in any other art form, are used to spur creativity. Whether describing oranges or making paper airplanes, these activities encourage students to think beyond what they have defined as “poetry.”

Students first practice writing poems of specific forms before choosing their own. Much of the in-class time is devoted to critiquing workshops in which students offer constructive criticism of each other’s work. Student evaluation is derived from the following: completion of a journal, in-class and workshop participation, a portfolio of started poems, chapbook of completed poems, and an oral presentation.

Outcomes
The teacher hopes that through this course, students will continue writing poetry, especially that of a religious nature; pursue publishing; learn how to work successfully in a writing community; produce a chapbook of their favorite completed poems; enhance their ability to talk about poetry and read it aloud; understand their strengths and weaknesses as a poet; and become more acquainted with poems of peers, contemporaries and “masters.”

Web site offers something for everyone

The new University Web site launched Feb. 5. A redesigned home page and entry pages geared toward specific audiences — prospective students, alumni and parents — are among the features.

The goal of the redesign was to make the Web site more user friendly, particularly to audiences not on campus and unfamiliar with the University’s organizational structure.

“It had been about three and a half years since we had done a redesign, so it was definitely time,” said Shawn Spearman, Web design specialist, who served as the primary designer. “We really wanted to approach the site as our face to the world. That meant looking at the University from the outside in.  Another big consideration was to try and improve the visitor’s understanding of the University.”

A Web site redesign committee representing various University perspectives met throughout the summer to offer suggestions. Feedback from focus groups with Honors Symposium student participants and questionaire information from parents on campus during Summer Experience was also taken into account.

Said Keith Cronk, vice president for information  systems & technology, “The project to develop a new Web site represents an enormous effort, and I think when you see the new design, you will be proud of Harding’s ‘other front door.’”

Adds Spearman, “We’re not done. The information for each group will evolve based on the feedback we get. In 18 to 24 months we will likely be reworking it again. A Web site is never done.”

Gray releases premarital program

As divorce continues to divide families, engaged couples need sound advice and quality counseling more than ever. Enter Dr. Ed Gray, professor of counseling at the Graduate School of Religion in Memphis, Tenn., who has produced Mentoring for Dating Couples: 12 Conversations for Building Strong Marriages.

While the program is clearly designed for those preparing for marriage, it builds on Gray’s grassroots Marriage Mentoring program, which has received national acclaim from military, secular and religious leaders for its comfortable approach to developing mentors between younger and older couples.

Mentoring for Dating Couples is co-authored by Susan Giboney of Pepperdine University and produced in conjunction with the University’s Institute for Church & Family.

For more information about the program or beginning a Marriage Mentoring program in your community, contact Gray at egray@hugsr.edu.

Straight-A students need not apply

Brian TréusDell (’84) wanted to do something special for students at his alma mater. But he was not looking to reward the usual suspects.

“I was primarily looking for the B-average students,” he said. “Those who work very hard to get what they get.”

Professors in the College of Business Administration helped him identify such students for the newly created COBA Spirit Award. Five students representing accounting, economics, management, marketing and professional sales received brand-new, fully loaded Dell laptop computers, compliments of Brian and his wife, Diane.

“Usually the kids who are number one in the class get all the glory,” he said. “But there are other kids who are trying really hard. I wanted the faculty members to select students who were working hard and giving 100 percent.”

Said laptop recipient Carson Ross, a senior accounting major from Searcy, “My GPA isn’t, by any means, the highest among a lot of business students. Knowing that the award was based solely on hard work and being noticed for that was a huge honor. It’s a really good feeling to know that hard work does pay off.”

TréusDell said the chosen students were shocked to receive the laptops. “They loved it; they were so surprised. They thought they were going to get a plaque and a slap on the back.”

Said Mary Beth Mortland, a senior marketing major from Hardin, Ill., “The award took me completely by surprise. I think a lot of us are still in shock from the generosity.”

Searcy resident Derek Glover, a junior economics major, concurred. “I was, initially, flattered by the award. None of us knew why we were there, so it was very humbling to know the faculty thought highly enough of us to nominate us for this honor.

“I was also taken by Brian TréusDell’s generosity. This is a man who has obviously seen first-hand how special Harding is and wants to give back and help students who are working hard to try and finish strong in their studies.”

TréusDell cited a quote by Calvin Coolidge that inspires him: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

“I always considered myself an average guy who tried really hard,” TréusDell explained.

The CEO of TréusDell Salon & Spa — three full-service day spas in San Antonio, Texas, he received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the College of Business Administration in 2006. He also has served as CEO of Huebner Real Estate Co. since 2004, managing commercial properties. Upon graduating from Harding, he began working as CEO of Lasergraphics, a commercial printing and graphic design company that he sold in 2001. He has received the President’s Award for Rotary International and has led two Rotary group-study exchanges to Europe.

A member of Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, he serves as a Bible class teacher and supports missions in Russia and Thailand.

Communication head contributes to TV trends

Dr. Mike James, communication professor and chair, is not giving up his day job, but he might have a future in the television industry.

James was one of 30 faculty members nationally and internationally selected as a 2007 faculty fellow for the National Association of Television Program Executives annual conference, held Jan. 15-18.

The goal of the faculty fellowship program is to expose the educational community to current television issues and practices and to foster improved communication between educators and the industry.

Before arriving at the conference, faculty members submitted a concept for a TV show. James’ proposal was one of two selected, granting him the opportunity to pitch it to two talent agents.

Titled “Home on the Range,” his idea was a reality show that would pit teams against each other on such tasks as cattle driving, pig farming, corn harvesting and vineyard work — jobs most urban viewers take for granted when they sit down for dinner.

“They liked it,” James said of the agents’ response. “But they thought I needed a strong host with a recognizable name to bring attention to it. And, there are elements that have been done before.”

Ed Wilson, president of FOX Television Network, spoke to faculty members, as did David Kenin of the Hallmark Channel. James also attended sessions with such speakers as Chris Anderson, editor of Wired Magazine, and Tony DiSanto, head of programming for MTV.

“I got to be around people who are big movers and shakers,” James said.

This was James’ first time at the conference, and he hopes to involve University students as interns next year. He has already shared some of what he learned at the conference with his classes. “In my radio/TV programming class we were talking about the cost of programs to producers and media outlets,” he said. “Ed Wilson of FOX had said the price of “24” this season was 10 times more than the previous season.

“That’s the business of marketing a TV program. The advertiser pays more, which brings the price of goods up so that ultimately, the people pay. TV is not free. It may be a good bargain, but TV is not free.”

Help collect data for church study

Dr. Flavil Yeakley, professor of Bible, is conducting a survey of campus ministry leaders and students for a research project that will provide updated information related to young people and churches of Christ.

The University, one of 12 Christian colleges and universities participating in the Christian Higher Education Foundation study, encourages congregations to participate when contacted.

The study will gather information regarding the number of young people who no longer attend a congregation of the Lord’s church after they graduate from high school and leave home; the divorce rate among those growing up in these congregations; and how many now have any kind of church leadership or service roles.

Four surveys comprise the study — one for the 19,000 students attending the 12 participating schools, one for graduates from these schools in the past 10 years, one for campus ministry leaders and Christian students attending state-supported schools, and one for more than 1,000 leaders of local congregations.

Congregations throughout the nation will receive forms for this study in early June.

Online version

No place like Harding for Homecoming

Follow the yellow brick road as it leads you to Harding for Homecoming Nov. 1-3. Not only will you reconnect with Dorothy and Toto in “The Wizard of Oz,” but also you will have a whirlwind reunion with friends from days gone by.

Events include the Golden & Platinum Circle Banquet Thursday evening and the Black & Gold Banquet Friday evening. On Saturday, support breast cancer research during Stroll for the Cure, attend class and club reunions, and tailgate before the football game versus Arkansas Tech University at First Security Stadium.

Tickets are available for the musical, which will be performed Friday and Saturday evenings, at www.hardingtickets.com or by calling (501) 279-4255.

A complete schedule will be available online closer to the date. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (501) 279-4276 or visit www.harding.edu/homecoming.

Graduate student Tutor of the Year

When Russell Corley of Richardson, Texas, began tutoring undergraduate students two years ago, he already had a lot on his plate. Though he was a senior preparing to graduate — as well as a starter for the soccer team who volunteered in the community, participated in mission trips, and had coached youth soccer camps — he agreed to tutor students struggling in core business classes.

Now a graduate assistant while enrolled in the MBA program, Corley’s hard work was recognized nationally when he was named Tutor of the Year by the Association for the Tutoring Profession (ATP).

The annual award, announced Feb. 14, is given to the tutor who shows initiative and creativity in the learning center, serves as a role model for other tutors and students, and goes beyond the role of a student by serving the community and his academic field.

Anissa Harris, instructional resource coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services at the University, nominated Corley. Harris is impressed with Corley’s “command of his subject area, perceptivity toward student needs, and ability to teach in multiple learning styles.”

“He has an unusual willingness to flex for others,” she said. “He always carved time in his schedule to accommodate the time frame and learning preferences of his clients.”

Corley helps undergraduate students in business courses such as accounting, managerial finance, and macro and microeconomics. He said he does not use a specific method, but tries to cater to individual needs.

“The biggest key to helping a student learn is to get to know them first,” Corley said. “Everyone has a different personality and a different method of learning. It is just much easier to learn from someone you trust and are comfortable around. I try to shape the material the best I can to fit the needs of the student I am teaching.”

Harris said Corley is willing to “work tirelessly toward the benefit of others as he selflessly pursues knowledge for himself and others.

“Struggling students come to him, and he helps them by explaining the material in a different frame, encouraging them to alter study habits, and showing them the path to true understanding,” Harris said. “He has convinced many students not to drop a required course by redirecting their habits and behaviors.”

Corley accepted his award at the annual ATP conference in Orlando, Fla., in April. His is the second consecutive award from the national association. In 2006, the University’s TRIO Tutoring Center received ATP’s Outstanding Tutoring Program Award.

Draw closer to God at Lectureship

During the course of four days, eight keynote speakers will encourage Christians under the theme “Near to the Heart of God: Reflections on the Psalms” at the 84th Annual Lectureship Sept. 30-Oct. 3. The series emphasizes drawing closer to God during times of betrayal, grief and hopelessness.

Featured events include the Preachers, Elders and Wives Dinner on Monday, where Edward Robinson of Abilene, Texas, will speak on “The Life and Work of Marshall Keeble.” He will continue the series Tuesday with three classes on Keeble’s life.

College Church of Christ will once again host Women’s Day on Tuesday directed by Sherry Pollard. She also has planned a track for Christian women that runs Sunday through Wednesday and includes classes specifically for ministers’ wives.

Other topics covered include biblical preaching from Psalms, counseling, Christian education, youth and family ministry, church growth,  missions, and Chinese and Spanish Bible classes and lectures.

For more information, contact (501) 279-5123 or visit www.harding.edu/lectureship.

Locks of love

Hairstylist Tara Tarole (’06)and senior Bree Terry marvel at the hair Terry will donate to Locks of Love. University students donated more than 74 feet of hair March 1 when the Student Association hosted an event benefiting the nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.