History & Political Science
Learn about Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Sr.
Born in 1903 in Hillsboro, Texas, Clifton L. Ganus, Sr. lived a life of service to God, his family, and those around him. He and his wife, Martha Jewell Bearden, used their talents to encourage people and provide opportunities to help others flourish.
In 1929, Ganus moved his family to New Orleans. Though he had dropped out of school after the fourth-grade, Ganus developed into a trusted leader in business, banking, civic life, education and faith.
In 1932 he founded Finest Foods Inc. The company’s A&G restaurants, cafeterias and Mrs. Drake’s Sandwiches were soon established in the local food culture, providing jobs to hundreds of New Orleanians. His ethical behavior and bold business practices led him to numerous leadership roles, including helping to found Progressive Bank and Trust Company. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s he organized support for orphans, military servicemen and other worthy causes. Though never running for office, Ganus engaged in civic life by appointment to numerous local committees and boards, including being selected in 1950 to help write the charter for the City of New Orleans.
In 1939, he sent his oldest son to Harding College to begin a long relationship with Christian education. Appointed to Harding’s Board of Trustees, he served as the chair between 1940 and 1954. In 1950 he founded a Christian school in New Orleans that became the Clifton L. Ganus School after his death. Ganus’ devotion to his own faith, and to helping develop faith in others, guided his life. His childhood sweetheart and wife, Martha Jewell, joined him in all of his efforts, but especially in encouraging spiritual growth in those around them.
Ganus passed away in 1955 at the age of 51. His wife and children — Cliff, James, Arvis, and Joy — each continued his legacy of devotion and created their own.
May all of the faculty, staff and students be inspired by his diligent devotion to helping others, to leading his family and to living his faith.
Travel and Learn outside the classroom
Are you interested in learning about historical events where they occurred? Many courses include a trip to immerse students in rich, interactive learning environments. Learn more
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AP/Clep Credit
The Department of History & Political Science grants credit for AP and CLEP examination scores as per the following schedule. If you need further information on these programs, please contact us.
Advanced Placement Credit | |||
| AP Course | AP Examination Score | Harding Course | Credit Hours |
| European History | 4 | Hist 2110 | 3 |
| Government & Politics | 4 | Pols 1787 | 3 |
| U.S. History | 4 | Hist 1010 or 1020 | 3 |
CLEP Subject Examinations | |||
| Subject Examination | Cut Score | College Course | Credit Earned |
| American Government | 62 | Pols 1787 | 3 |
| History of U.S. I | 59 | Hist 1010 | 3 |
| History of U.S. II | 59 | Hist 1020 | 3 |
| Western Civilization I | 57 | Hist 2100 | 3 |
| Western Civilization II | 57 | Hist 2110 | 3 |
Raymond L. Muncy Scholarship
The Raymond L. Muncy Scholarship is a onetime financial award for undergraduate students at Harding University majoring in history who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, research, and Christian character. The Scholarship was created to honor the late Raymond L. Muncy who was Chairman of the Department of History & Social Sciences from 1965 to 1993. His teaching, mentoring, and scholarship modeled the best in Christian education. The award is applied toward tuition and is granted over the span of a single academic year. The award is presented annually at the Department of History & Political Science Banquet.
Contact Us
History & Political Science Department is part of the College of Arts & Sciences
501-279-4427
Fax: 501-279-4626