Advancement Team Resources

Harding Fund

The Harding Fund is essential for the University's day-to-day operations and long-term success. It provides flexible funding to address immediate needs, support faculty development, enhance student programs and innovate for the future. Your support of our greatest needs empowers us to address the most critical challenges and seize the opportunities that are essential to Harding University's continued success.

Designation ID: A000400010

Freedom Fund

Created to provide financial freedom from federal grant funding, this fund will position Harding to be ready for the day when the government removes loan and grant availability to students who attend morally conservative Christian universities. Our five-year average indicates 20.33% of our students receive Pell Grant support from the government, translating into over $3.8 million). Through current and estate gifts, the Freedom Fund will eventually serve as an alternative to the Pell Grant program and will serve countless students who come through our doors.

Designation ID: E000006185

Harding School of Theology Library Addition

The board of trustees approved the construction of a new building for the theology library on the Searcy campus. When this $8.5 million project is complete, Harding School of Theology’s vast collection will be housed in 18,000 square feet of space.

Read more on HUtoday.

Designation ID: C000001743

New University Bus

Help Bisons travel safely and impact students for years to come.

Hundreds of students travel on Harding buses each year with athletic teams, music ensembles and academic groups. After charting nearly 900,000 miles, the 1999 Prevost is retiring due to costly maintenance, and Bisons will enjoy the comvort and safety of a new 2025 Freightliner Ultra Coach. With seats for 51, this bus features a restroom, TBs and WiFi for an enhanced travel experience. 

• 65,000 + miles annually
• 800+ passengers
• Dedicated drivers
• Harding Academy groups
• Summer trips include Upward Bound and Honors Symposium

Designation ID: C000895107

Holland-Waller Center

The nearly 26,000 square foot Holland-Waller Center includes state-of-the-art classrooms, several conference rooms, a large student common area, a covered outdoor terrace, and numerous offices and administrative spaces round out this modern campus hub.

The Holland-Waller Center opened in Fall 2023 and hosts the Clifton L. Ganus Sr. Department of History and Political Science, the department of foreign languages and international studies, the ROTC program and the Swaid Institute for International Education, which includes Harding’s international study abroad programs, international student services, the China and East Asia program and the Walton International Scholarship Program. 

It is located on our historic front lawn in the place of the former Ganus Building and is a gateway to Legacy Park.

Designation ID: C000001737

Track and Football Field Renovation

The football field received new turf and was moved closer to the home stadium, creating a better home-field advantage for football games. The visitor stands also moved closer to the field. 

After the 2023 football season, this project was completed with a new concession stand, restrooms and sidewalks and walls to enclose the stadium. A new weight room and training room replaced the existing one that serves approximately nine other collegiate athletic teams. This project impacts students and athletes as well as spectators and community programs.

Designation ID: C000001738

Dr. William Hollaway Distinguished Endowed Chair for the Dept. of Music

For more than 40 years William “Doc” Hollaway, retired professor of music theory and piano and long-time TNT sponsor, had a profound impact on countless music students and more than 1,500 TNT brothers and queens through his outstanding teaching and example of selfless Christian service. 

Outcome: Once the goal is reached, the endowment will fund a music professor’s 

More Info

Designation ID: E000006348

Dr. Ross Cochran Distinguished Endowed Chair for Theological Studies

• Designed to help students see themselves as called to ministry, whether in official church capacity, serving Christ via their vocation, or serving the kingdom in other ways.
  
  
• Theological Studies equips them to serve in their local churches, careers and communities.
  
  
• Customized degree plans can be tailored to their specific gifts and interests, including training in spiritual formation, biblical interpretation, ethics, and vocation and mission. In the context of an intentional community, students learn more about themselves and learn to discern God’s call.
  
  
• Program Facts:
  • The number of students involved has increased more than 400% in the last two years. Harding University now has 14% of its student body with a Bible major.
  • The theological studies program aims to address the widespread minister shortage by preparing students for ministry in local churches, careers and communities.
  • The endowed chair honors the legacy of Dr. Ross Cochran who inspired thousands of students to be more like Jesus and to serve as he served.
    
    
• Priorities Include:
  • Establishing a physical space for cultivating community
  • Increasing the operating budget for events, speakers, mentoring sessions, merchandise, etc.
  • Provide salaries for additional dedicated staff to advise and mentor a rapidly growing number of students

More Info

Designation ID: E00006178

Dr. Phil Brown Distinguished Endowed Chair for Accounting

• The Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration prepares Christian business professionals for lives of service in church, family and community. 
• Harding University is continuing that legacy with an endowment for the Center for Accountancy that will enhance student experiences, promote alumni and employer connections, and invest in faculty development. 

Designation ID: E000006114

New University Bus

Help Bisons travel safely and impact students for years to come.

Hundreds of students travel on Harding buses each year with athletic teams, music ensembles and academic groups. After charting nearly 900,000 miles, the 1999 Prevost is retiring due to costly maintenance, and Bisons will enjoy the comvort and safety of a new 2025 Freightliner Ultra Coach. With seats for 51, this bus features a restroom, TBs and WiFi for an enhanced travel experience. 

• 65,000 + miles annually
• 800+ passengers
• Dedicated drivers
• Harding Academy groups
• Summer trips include Upward Bound and Honors Symposium

Designation ID: C000895107

CFIT Program

CARDIAC FUNCTION and INTERVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

THE MISSION

The cardiac function and interventional technology program seeks to instill essential knowledge, skills and dispositions for successful careers, and servant leadership in cardiac device interventional technologies with an emphasis in cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology.

TRADITIONAL PROGRAM

This full-time pathway for college graduates will accelerate your pursuit of a career in the cardiac technology industry through ten months of industry-based training and leadership development.

CFIT-PRO 

CFIT-PRO is a primarily online, part-time program for professionals who have been employed with a cardiac device company or with cardiac patient care experience for at least two years to escalate their technical training and further develop their management and leadership skills.

FUNDRAISING NEEDS | Designation ID: R000002130 (CFIT Restricted Fund)

• AngioMentor EP Mapping Module (1) $16,963
  • Simulates EP mapping and ablation of typical flutter, atypical flutter, AF-PVI, redo PVI, and ischemic VT

• AngioMentor Mini-C-arm Controller (1) $3,392
  • Allows for control of the virtual C-arm by moving the miniaturized model

• AngioMentor Trans-Esophageal Echocardiography (TEE) (1) $33,925
  • Provides realistic TEE imaging of Transseptal, LAA Closure, AF Ablation, and ASD/PFO procedures

• AngioMentor Transseptal Puncture (1) $16,963
  • Simulates access left atrium via puncture of intra-atrial septum

• AngioMentor LAA Closure (1) $16,963
  • Simulates closure of left atrial appendages

• AngioMentor ICE (1) $16,963
  • Simulates cardiac imaging via catheter based intracardiac ultrasound

• AngioMentor AF Ablation (1) $22,617
  • Simulates cryo or RF ablation of atrial fibrillation

• AngioMentor TAVI (1) $16,963
  • Simulates transcatheter aortic valve implantation in setting of calcification and insufficiency

• AngioMentor ASD-PFO (1) $16,963
  • Simulates repair of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovales

• AngioMentor Augmented Reality i-pad radiation safety (1) $16,963
  • Allows users to visualize radiation scatter in the room using augmented reality 

• AngioMentor Physical C-arm integration (we also need a c-arm) (1) $TBD

• InterSimIII CRM Simulators (3), $6,982 per unit
  • Allows for CRM programmer/PSA simulation with IS4 and DF4 devices (that CDC Preceptor cannot)

Chemistry Spectrometer

Chromatograph with Mass Spectrometer GC-MS. This new instructional capability positions our chemistry department to be on the leading edge of instruction for analytical techniques. Additionally, it enables opportunities for novel scholarly work that will benefit both the students and faculty.

During Giving Day, students were not solicited but several students donated $10 each with comments about the need:

• “As a student that has been trying to fix the current GC/MS, I’ll help donate money to get a new one.” – Carson S. 
• “I would love to get this fixed.” – Madison L.
• “I really hope the GC/MS gets fixed so my friends aren’t frustrated anymore!” – Sadie G.

Designation ID: R000400760 (Chemistry Department Restricted Fund)

Donor Societies and Giving Levels

President’s Council

The President's Council has provided more than 50 years of service to the University. With energy and generosity, council members have a distinguished record of faithful support. The council includes alumni and friends who are committed to the mission of Harding University and act as:

• Partners in our noble cause of Christian higher education
• Prayer warriors for our community
• Goodwill ambassadors for the name of Harding
• Recruiters of students
• Networkers for our graduates
• Providers of advice related to Harding’s well-being

President’s Council Giving Levels

Pathfinders
Graduates of the last decade, Christian educators, and ministers who are emerging donors—forging new paths of generosity and impact
$600–$999

Patrons
Steadfast supporters who uphold Harding’s values and provide foundational strength
$1,000–$4,999

Pacesetters
Loyal supporters who consistently invest in Harding’s mission and people
$5,000–$9,999

Pillars
Donors who stand near the summit of generosity—leading with vision and purpose
$10,000–$14,999

Partners
Those who walk hand-in-hand with Harding, championing its mission at the highest level
$15,000+

Partners-level donors are stewarded with intentional, personalized engagement in recognition of their significant investment in Harding’s mission. This includes special invitations to Partners Events on campus, designed to foster deeper connection with University leadership, faculty, students, and fellow Partners while offering a meaningful behind-the-scenes look at the impact of their generosity.

James A. Harding Legacy Society

Anyone who includes Harding University in their estate plan is automatically welcomed to be a member of the James A. Harding Legacy Society, but they must notify us that they want to join.

1924 Society

Anyone who contributes $100,000 or more during their lifetime is automatically welcomed as a member of the 1924 Society.

Naming Opportunities

Eligible donations to the HST Library Addition include naming opportunities. Contact Greg Muse at 901-574-1127 or gmuse@harding.edu

Philanthrocorp

Harding University partners with Philanthrocorp, a Christian estate planning organization, to help alumni and friends create wills and estate plans that reflect their values and support the people and ministries they love. Their professional planning services are provided at no cost and without obligation, and they can help you explore how to provide for your family while also making a lasting impact through charitable giving.

Jeremy Pharr | Thompson & Associates

Jeremy Pharr, J.D., FCEP, Executive Vice President

615.430.2040 | jeremy@ceplan.com | Schedule a Meeting with Jeremy

WORKING WITH JEREMY

Consultations: Market as a “Free estate planning consultation & education!"

Meeting Structure: Gift Officer (GO) joins for 5–10 minutes to kick off, then Jeremy leads the conversation. GOs should follow up post-meeting with the donor.

Jeremy’s Role: He provides education and guidance but does not finalize the legal documents. He’ll connect individuals to a trusted attorney or work with their personal attorney.

At the conclusion of the planning process, Jeremy communicates a few important points to clients:

• If donors have a specific purpose or designation for their planned gift, they should communicate that directly to Harding—not rely on Jeremy (as an attorney) to relay it.

• If they want their gift to have the greatest possible impact, it's important that they inform us that the gift is coming. This allows Harding to plan accordingly and ensures we know to look for or even request the gift when the time comes.

Jeremy has found that the likelihood of disclosure is largely dependent on the strength of the donor’s relationship with the institution. On average, about 25% of donors disclose planned gifts, but Harding may see higher rates due to our strong connections with constituents.

More Estate Planning Info

Maximize your gifts and potentially double your donation. Visit harding.edu/give/matching-gifts to learn if your employer has a matching gift program!

Save the Date for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Visit harding.edu/givingday

View the Giving Day toolkit

February 12-14 & 19-21: "Pride and Prejudice," Ulrey Performing Arts Center

February 16: Black and Gold Day (President's Day)

February 26: Invitation-only Presidents Luncheon, Searcy Country Club

March 10: George W. Bush, ASI lecture series, Benson Auditorium

• Additional event details and ticket availability will be announced on Feb. 16.
  

March 13: Black and Gold Day

March 16: Black and Gold Day

March 30: Black and Gold Day

April 9-11: Spring Sing

April 10: Black and Gold Day

April 11: President's Council Spring Meeting and Brunch, Cone Chapel and Founders Room

May 9: Commencement

June: Uplift

June and July: Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre

Sessions in June and July: Camp Tahkodah

Sessions in June and July: Honors Symposium

Sessions in June, July and August: Bison Bound

July 6-11: Honor Choir

Harding Presidential Luncheons

PRESIDENTIAL TOUR DATES | Top Golf events

*Enrollment stats are updated on census day each year (the 11th day of classes in the fall). This is the updated information as of 9/9/2025.

• 4,802 — Total student enrollment 2025-26

• 1,111 — New undergraduate students (fall 2025) (11.2% increase from last year)

• This year’s freshman class:

  • 10 national merit scholars

  • Average ACT score of 25

• This year’s graduate and professional enrollment:

  • 19 more pharmacy students

  • 10 more physical therapy students

  • 33 additional master’s level students in Harding School Theology programs

• 46 states and more than 64 countries are represented in the student body.

• 85.3% — Retention rate

• 58.3% — Four-year graduation rate 

• 72.2+% — Five-year graduation rate (all-time high)

• 15:1 — Student-faculty ratio

• 18 — Average class size

• 72% — Faculty with a terminal degree

• 98% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with approximately $60 million awarded annually. 

• $22,354 — Average annual amount of aid awarded to a Harding student

• $42,040/year — Harding's direct cost (including housing, food and fees)

• 91% of graduates have reached professional outcomes within 6 months of graduating

Biology

New faculty member, Dr. Micah Fern, is an expert on alligators. He has plans to create a National Geographic-style wildlife show through collaboration with the University's film program.

Theological Studies

• Theological Studies is a second major available to all undergraduate students on campus. 
• The number of theological studies majors has increased more than 400% in the last two years.
• It is now the largest major on campus.
• 14% of the total student population has declared a major in Bible. 

Artificial Intelligence

The undergraduate major in AI launched Fall 2025. 

Assistant Professor Joe Faith is completing a doctoral program in AI at George Washington University. Read his thoughts on the ethical implications of AI on HUtoday. 

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The master's degree equips students for professional work in occupational therapy and is faster and more affordable than other schools' doctoral programs without sacrificing quality. 

In addition to state-of-the art technology at the University's south campus on Main Street in Searcy, the program also utilizes a house on campus where students gain hands-on experience in providing at-home therapy. 

Architecture (Accelerated Program)

• In 2021, Harding launched an accelerated program where qualified students can earn both a Bachelor of Arts in architectural studies and a Master of Architecture in just five years.

• In 2022, the university unveiled a new space for its architecture students within the Kendall Building.

• David and Leah Burks Endowed Architecture Scholarship, will provide $5,000 per year for five years to an incoming full-time architecture student. Read details

Program Highlights:

• 168 credit hours
• 5-year program resulting in a B.A. in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture
• Cohort model
• International experience (summer)
• Internship requirement

Cybersecurity and the Digital Forensics Lab

• In the College of Business administration, today’s students have access to cutting-edge resources like our new Digital Forensics Lab, where they gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity and criminal defense—fields that are shaping the future of business and industry.

• The Carter College of Business was awarded a $1.5 million workforce grant from the State of Arkansas to establish this state-of-the-art facility, equipping law enforcement with the tools to extract and preserve forensic evidence. Specializing in the retrieval, analysis, and protection of digital data, the lab utilizes advanced tools and methodologies to recover vital information—including text messages, call logs, emails, multimedia, social media activity, app data, and geolocation information—even from damaged or locked devices. With secure storage and precise forensic analysis, the lab ensures the accuracy and reliability of digital evidence.

• By reconstructing digital timelines, the lab provides critical insights that support legal proceedings and cybersecurity efforts. Adhering to strict protocols, it maintains a secure chain of custody to uphold the integrity and admissibility of all evidence. With a focus on comprehensive reporting, quality assurance, and timely results, the lab delivers findings that are both reliable and actionable. While our experts specialize in forensic analysis, law enforcement agencies remain responsible for handling all physical evidence.

Harding School of Theology

• Harding University has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch the Christian Workers Institute, a new initiative of the Harding School of Theology. The institute will offer welcoming, accessible training for both pastoral and lay leaders, helping them grow in spiritual maturity, serve their communities well and strengthen unity among congregations.

  • The five-year grant, provided through Lilly’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, will help the program establish a strong foundation as it becomes supported by partner churches. This work reflects Harding’s long-standing commitment to encouraging and equipping those who serve the church.

  • Harding School of Theology is one of 163 theological schools across the U.S. and Canada receiving support through the Pathways initiative. LEARN MORE

• HST tuition has been reduced to $100 per credit hour for all students.

• If a church supports HST with a gift of $1,200 or more each year, members are eligible to audit selected courses at $75 per course. Learn more at harding.edu/hst/audit-a-course.

Investors can give online at harding.edu/give/ways-to-give.

Options include:

• One-time gifts (cash, check, credit card)
• Recurring gifts
• Pledges
• Gifts of stock/securities
• Planned giving (wills, trusts, etc.)

Mission

With Christ as Lord, Harding University transforms learners for global impact by engaging minds and nurturing faith within a deeply connected community.

Vision

Led by our Christ-centered mission, Harding University aspires to be known around the world for educating and inspiring students to relentlessly pursue God’s truth, excellence and love.

Values

Pursuit of Truth

We believe the truths of God’s Word are relevant to contemporary culture, and we exercise the freedom to pursue truth in every discipline.

Human Dignity

We view every human as an image-bearer of God and therefore treat all with respect and dignity while pursuing authentic relationships.

Compassion

We ground our efforts in empathy and propel our students to use their God-given talents to run toward the brokenness among humanity as instruments of healing.

Civility

As ministers of reconciliation we respectfully work through differences and strive to promote wisdom and understanding.

Excellence

We are committed to a high standard of character, integrity, scholarship, collaboration and work ethic.

Harding University is a 501(c)(3) organization. Its tax-exempt status was officially granted in August 1959. 

 
Harding’s Tax ID Number: 71-0236896

Harding Trips for Alumni and Friends

Inspiring Ireland: April 17-25, 2026 — SOLD OUT, Waitlist Available

Lighthouses of Maine: Sept. 18-25, 2026

Aegan Adventure Tour (Greece): Sept. 25-Oct. 4, 2026 — SOLD OUT, Waitlist Available

German Christmas Market River Cruise: Dec. 7-15, 2026

Eclipse Over Egypt: July 27-Aug. 7. 2027 — SOLD OUT, Waitlist Available

Leaves and Landscapes (Upstate New York): Oct. 1-8, 2027

Abundant Living Tours

2026 Branson Retreat: Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2026

Lighthouses of Maine: Sept. 18-25, 2026

Contact Teresa Castleman for more information. | tcastleman@harding.edu

Stay updated by subscribing to the mailing list at alumnitravel@harding.edu.

Spring Enrollment Highlights:

• Undergraduate showed strong growth and retention, with headcount around 3,500 and FTE growth at 7%
• Graduate and professional enrollment numbers were up over prior year to 1,063 (headcount) with Grad FTEs growing 5.4%

Fall 2026 Projections:

• It is possible to use historical returning student and retention data to know with a high degree of confidence that we should be up 150-250+ undergraduate students next year resulting in a potential net revenue increase of by $3–$5 million.
• We continue to push to again achieve last year’s 1,111 new students with a goal of 1,178 (6% increase).

Macro level Impacts on our Undergrad Recruiting Efforts:

• The “enrollment cliff” has arrived as the estimated 4.4 million prospective students last year with shrink due to lower birth rates by 15%.
• Additionally, competition amongst the over 4,000 other higher education colleges and university remains fierce.
• However, over 500 colleges have closed over the past 5+ years primarily due to declining enrollments and poor financial decisions.

Micro level impacts on our UG recruiting efforts:

• On the positive side, our Top Golf Presidential Tours has helped us grow our prospective student “funnel” and our campus tour experience is much improved.
• Honors Symposium continues to be strong recruiting assets with over 80%+ of high school juniors who attend ultimately enrolling in HU. Parents and Grandparents should consider providing scholarships for their loved ones to attend!
• We have increased the number of our undergrad recruiters by 60% over the past two years.

Graduate Enrollment Targets:

• Targets include a 10% increase in grad net revenue and direct margin, a 7–12% increase in grad student FTEs, and a 5–10% increase in total grad student headcount (projected to be 3,000 by 2030).
• Leadership is confident our 1,100 current grad students can grow as Pepperdine has 6,000 and ACU has 4,000 with other sister Church of Christ schools growing in smaller numbers but high percentages.
• Ron Charpentier and Michael Humphries were hired to work full time in Grad Admissions and work is ongoing with 21 grad program leaders to invest in programs who are willing to grow.

American Studies Institute: 

Our spring ASI speakers include President George W. Bush and Governor Sarah Hucakbee Sanders.  We continue to focus on building on the strong history of ASI towards a brighter future that benefits Harding.  We will continue to focus on:

1. American History
2. Business and Industry
3. Government and Politics.

Strategic Pricing and Aid:

• A comparison of Harding pricing to our 10 largest Church of Christ sister institutions noted HU has the 4^th lowest cost of attendance and the 3^rd lowest “net price” (cost of attendance less average financial aid). Only York and OC are lower than us and Faulkner, Freed, LCU, Rochester have a higher net price than us despite what we see as a much stronger value at HU. We are not trying to emulate the pricing strategy of ACU, Lipscomb and Pepperdine who are substantially higher than us in Cost of Attendance and “net price”.
• Over the past 6-7 years, our proposed cost of attendance only increased about $2-3k higher on an inflation adjust basis.

Capital Projects, Housing, and Property:

1. Harding Place Expansion

• Final schematic drawings have increased new room count to 83 within the same footprint; schematic drawings are complete; detailed design due mid-March; estimated cost $33–$35 million with an anticipated April email board vote on the low bid .
• Based on current demand and our 400+ person waiting list, we believe the 83 new units will be filled at opening.

2. Heritage Inn Remodel

• The administration is near an agreement in principle with an alumni group that would invest $2.5 million under a 20-year management contract.
• Planned timeline: graduation May 9; asbestos remediation and demolition starting May 11; construction June 10; completion by start of school or no later than Homecoming

HST Library:

• Construction is going well and is on track to finish earlier than expected in March. It will take 6-8 weeks to move the books.  The entire process should be complete by June with a likely formal dedication in the fall, perhaps during Lectureship.

Key Goals for Advancement from my chair:

• Invest in the long term (relationships, value to donors, legacy giving, finding affinity)
• Dramatic increase in connection points – F2F meetings – virtual meetings - calls
• Harding Fund $2.6M – mindset of achieving the goal
• More PC members and PC Partners