Harding University

August 18, 2008

Administrative changes announced at Harding

SEARCY, Ark. – President David B. Burks announced several administrative changes Monday, effective with the Aug. 25 beginning of the fall semester.

Dr. David Collins has been promoted to vice president for Student Life. A staff member since 2003, Collins has served as assistant vice president and dean of students since 2005. He holds the Bachelor of Science degree from Harding, Master of Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and Doctor of Education degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

"Dr. Collins has done a marvelous job for us in this role," said Burks. "Student Life is such an important area on our campus, and I'm glad we have an individual like him who has the character and ability to lead this administrative office."

Dr. Monte Cox will assume the position of dean of the College of Bible and Religion, after serving as associate dean since 2005. He will continue to work with Bruce McLarty, vice president for Spiritual Life. Cox holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from Harding, the Master of Arts degree from Harding Graduate School of Religion, and the Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. 

Cox, who spent nearly 10 years as a missionary in Kenya, served as visiting professor of missions before joining the faculty in 1993. Each year he leads students from his "Living World Religions" classes to Chicago and Dallas to engage in conversation with those of other faiths. Cox received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1999 and 2005.

Dr. Dan Stockstill has been promoted from assistant dean to associate dean, and Dr. Shawn Daggett will direct the Center for World Missions, a responsibility previously held by Cox.

Stockstill holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from Harding, the Master of Theology degree from Harding Graduate School of Religion, and the Ph.D. from Union Institute. He has extensive experience in youth ministry, serving as youth development minister at Southside Church of Christ in Lexington, Ky., before joining Harding's faculty in 1990.

Daggett joined the faculty in 1996. He holds the Bachelor of Science degree from Harding, the Master of Theology degree from Harding Graduate School of Religion, and the Doctor of Theology from Boston University. He and his family spent 10 years doing mission work in Bergamo, Italy, where he helped establish a church and worked extensively in community outreach and visited churches across Europe.

"I believe these changes will allow us to effectively meet our objectives in the College of Bible and Religion, and I am grateful for the dedication and commitment to our mission represented by all four men," Burks said.

Harding expects another record enrollment this year of nearly 6,500 students from all 50 states and more than 50 foreign countries. It is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece, Italy and Zambia.