Dr. Clifton L. Ganus, Jr.

Remembering Harding's third president

Chancellor Emeritus Clifton Loyd Ganus, Jr., 97, of Searcy died Sept. 9, 2019. He was born April 7, 1922, to Clifton, Sr. and Martha Jewell Ganus in Hillsboro, Texas.

Dr. Ganus served 73 years on the staff of Harding University where he was chancellor emeritus at the time of his death. Ganus, who served as president from 1965-1987, gave the majority of his life to Harding — attending school, teaching, and serving in administrative roles up to his last days. Please join us in praying for the Ganus family.

"I'd Do it All Again"

In March 2021, the family of Clifton L. Ganus, Jr., released "I’d Do It All Again," a memoir written by the former president and chancellor of Harding University recounting adventures and experiences from his life.

“When asked about the various events in his past, even the challenging ones, Dad often concluded his comments by saying, ‘I’d do it all over again,’” said Cliff Ganus III. “This book is his account of the life he loved.”

In 2016, at the age of 94 and at the request of his family and friends, Ganus began drafting his book, using notes he had collected throughout his life. He continued to compile, write, travel and maintain a full schedule until May 2019, when he developed a serious illness and passed away in September 2019.

"I’d Do It All Again" can be purchased for the discounted price of $24.95 in the Harding University Bookstore and online at hubookstore.harding.edu. All proceeds from the sale of the book, after expenses, will go to the Clifton L. and Louise Ganus Endowed Scholarship fund. For more information or to purchase visit library.harding.edu/ganusbook.

Tributes to Dr. Ganus

Very few things in my life have been more humbling than feeling the presence of Dr. Ganus and knowing how much he loved the young men that played for the Bisons. He loved us so well! What an incredible, incredible ambassador for the Lord this giant of a man was. In one of our very last conversations, he sat in his wheelchair in the Huckeba Fieldhouse and watched young Ben Chism run with joy across the new turf. Dr. Ganus longingly said, ‘What I would give to be able to run like that again.’ I am confident that Dr. Ganus is running today like he has never run before. Praise God for the great victory, what a celebration must be going on in heaven today! Dr. G, we love you so much and can’t wait to see you again!!”
—Paul Simmons (’95), Bisons head football coach, Sept. 10 Facebook post

I had always noticed Dr. Ganus’ hands. They were mighty, strong and gentle. It was an honor having my bachelor’s degree handed to me by Dr. Ganus. He represents Harding at its finest.”
—April Wilson (’87)

My sophomore year I was working at Whistle Stop BBQ, and I would see Dr. Ganus and his wife come in and just admire them from afar after all the incredible things I had heard about them. Our Zeta Rho “Palgrims and Friendians” function was coming up soon, and I thought, what better way to get to know a new pal?! I worked up the courage to ask Dr. Ganus. He joyfully accepted on the condition that his wife approved, and a few weeks later we met at their house where he awaited us with the best pilgrim costume we’d ever seen. My friends, Kalyn and Nate, and I sat in awe as he shared stories and wisdom during the car ride and participated in an awesome night with all of us. I will forever hold close to my heart those moments and how willing he was to spend his night off with a bunch of crazy Zeta Rho girls in a barn in Nowhere, Arkansas, just because a student had asked. This was one of my absolute favorite memories from Harding, and I’m honored to have been able to share it with Dr. Ganus.”
—Harlee Stutesman (’16)