Our History

The Harding University Board of Trustees announced at the May 2010 Commencement the naming of the college of business to the "Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration." "Paul was an icon in Arkansas business leadership, and we thought it was highly appropriate to name the College of Business Administration in his honor," said Dr. David B. Burks, president of Harding. "He was an outstanding Christian business leader."

Paul was a wonderful Christian business man who loved Harding University and the College of Business Administration. According to Dr. Bryan Burks, former dean of the College of Business, "Among other involvements, Paul loved to speak at our annual Leadership Seminar. He would tell stories about the history of Wal-Mart and other special events in his life. His stories brought laughter and even tears to our students as they hung on every word." Paul Carter began his career with Wal-Mart in 1977 as controller. Throughout his career, he held various titles such as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, President of Wal-Mart Realty Company, and eventually was named to the Board of Directors for Wal-Mart. He worked closely with Sam Walton for many years and was part of the leadership team that instituted a strong work ethic built on family values.

Paul Carter became a member of the Harding University President's Council in 1967. He became a member of our Harding University Board of Trustees in 1985 and served as chairman for four years and also served as treasurer and worked on the executive committee. He continued his role on the board until his death in October 2009 following a long battle with cancer. He served as an elder at the Bentonville church of Christ for many years. His wife, June, and three children who all attended Harding and studied business, have been strong supports of our work at Harding University and the College of Business Administration.