Alumni Awards - 2012
Making an impact
On October 26 at 5:30 p.m., during Homecoming 2011's Black & Gold Banquet, Harding University will honor a select group of individuals who are making an impact in their communities and around the world. The alumni selected were chosen for their degree of excellence and recognition in their fields; lives consistent with University ideals; active support of the University; and service to their community, church and God.
Distinguished alumni
Keith Stotts (’55) serves as chancellor of Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W.Va., a university whose origins began on the Harding University campus. He and his wife, Joan Oliver (’55), were members of an organization who desired to start a Christian college in the North. The former president of OVU, Stotts championed the cause of the college, increasing the enrollment and advancing the institution’s academic programs. He began his role as president in 1977 and served for 21 years before becoming the first chancellor in 1998. The college’s trustees reappointed him as president in 2009 and returned to his position as chancellor in 2011.
Joan worked tirelessly alongside her husband, dedicating herself to this effort and their family. The couple, married 61 years, has two sons and attends Grand Central Church of Christ.
Outstanding young alumni
In their work with LivingStone International University, Phillip (’96) and Laura Rice (’94) Shero strive to equip Africans spiritually and intellectually so that they may transform their nations. Located in Mbale, Uganda, LIU offers courses that are valuable to African society, as well as spiritual guidance and instruction in Biblical principles. Shero serves as vice chancellor and president, currently working to help LIU achieve accreditation from the National Council for Higher Education.
Laura works as dean of arts for the university, developing the liberal arts program, which she oversees. The couple has three children, Malachi, Israel and Annalise. Our mission work is overseen by The Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas.
Outstanding alumni
College of Allied Health
Sara Kate Hendrix Epperson, ’07
- General medicine physician assistant with Partners in Progress on the Ship of Life along the Mekong River, Cambodia
- English Bible teacher at the Best Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Former cardiology physician assistant with Dr. John Henderson at Searcy Medical Center
College of Arts and Humanities
Leon Sanderson, ’54
- Full-time associate minister with the White Station church in Memphis, Tenn.
- Has received the M.A., M.R.E., M.Th. and D.Min. degrees from the Harding Graduate School of Bible and Religion
- Dissertation is entitled, “Empowering Senior Adults Through the Role of Grandparenting”
College of Bible and Ministry:
Dwight Albright, ’70
- Minister, missionary and missionary in residence for Park Avenue Church of Christ
- Missionary in Japan, making annual trips to Japan and embarking on his 15th consecutive trip this year
- Assisted the establishment of and continuing to support the Japan School of Evangelism for training ministers and encouraging congregations in Japan
College of Business Administration
Lynn Wright, ’83
- Area president of Arkansas for Regions Bank
- Former chief operating officer in the western region for the bank
- Serves on the board of Youth Home Inc. and Arkansas Bankers Association
College of Education
Bill Barden, ’64
- Taught biology, science, math and Bible and coached track and football at Harding Academy for 38 years
- Football coaching record 205-49-1, earning three state championships
- Harding University Distinguished Teacher Award winner, 1986
College of Nursing
Kyle Vath, ’05
- Clinical coordinator for Crossroad Health Center in Cincinnati, Ohio
- International Health Care Foundation board member
- American Red Cross shelter volunteer
College of Sciences
Esther Pipkin, ’90
- Child life specialist for Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Coordinator and developer of the T.A.I.L.S. Program (therapeutic animal intervention lifts spirits)
- Serves as consultant for hospitals interested in starting an animal assisted therapy program
