Harding University

August 24, 2010

Institute for Church & Family name change announced

SEARCY, Ark. — Harding University President David B. Burks announced last week that the Institute for Church and Family has been renamed the Carl and Frankie Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry.

The Mitchells were long-time missionaries in Italy before joining the University. Carl served as dean of the College of Bible and Religion and now holds the position of scholar in residence. Frankie served as director of human resources.

“The Mitchells are truly Harding treasures,” said Burks. “Their strong commitment to world missions and their joyous optimism have made them highly influential advocates of many good causes. Chief among these has been Carl’s dedicated promotion of the ‘priesthood of all believers,’ which led him to craft and promote the vocational ministry major in the College of Bible and Religion. Consequently, it is most appropriate that the office which has the primary responsibility for housing this major should now be called the Carl and Frankie Mitchell Center for Leadership and Ministry.”

In order to utilize resources more effectively and better serve the church throughout the world, the University has undergone a significant reorganization of several programs in this area. Dr. Bruce McLarty, vice president for spiritual life, will direct the office of church relations, which will oversee the following centers and events involved with churches:

  • Andrew Baker, who served as director of the Institute for Church and Family, will continue to serve as director under the center’s new name. The center will work with Uplift, TC Magazine, the Encouragement Foundation, and the leadership and ministry second major (formerly the vocational ministry second major).
  • The new Center for Spiritual Leadership, directed by Dr. Randy Willingham, will provide assistance to churches with transitioning to new ministers or elders, church consultation services, and other services.
  • Abundant Living, directed by Kay Gowen, will continue to serve Christian senior adults.
  • The annual Bible Lectureship
  • Arkansas Ministers and Wives Day