Botham Jean Memorial

In 2010, Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr. visited St. Lucia for the annual Caribbean lectureship and met a young man named Botham Jean. After their conversation, Botham was committed to coming to Searcy, Arkansas, to attend Harding. During his first campus visit, he was immediately connected with the community, acting as if he already belonged here. Throughout his time as a student, Botham was involved in many activities, excited by any gathering of people. He was a member of Good News Singers and a regular chapel song leader. He also was a member of Sub T-16 social club. Botham's bright smile was an encouragement to the whole Harding community.

After graduating in 2015, Botham began his career in finance at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas, Texas, where he extended that same enthusiastic spirit to his coworkers, members of Dallas West Church of Christ, and everyone he encountered.

In 2016, Botham was tragically killed in his home in Dallas. His family and all who were privileged to know him continue to mourn this immense loss. September 29, 2021, on what would have been Botham’s 30th birthday, the University dedicated this memorial in his honor. It provides a place to sit and rest or talk with friends, honoring Botham’s legacy of joy and community. We challenge all who pass by this place to Be Like Bo and live lives of empathy, integrity and compassion.

Dedication of the Botham Jean Memorial

On what would have been Botham Jean’s birthday, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, we remembered and honored his life by unveiling a memorial bearing his image in front of the David B. Burks American Heritage Building.