Below is a timeline of significant events in the Honors College:
1989
The Honors Program began in 1989 with 19 students under the direction of Dr. Larry Long. He believed Harding University's most scholarly students would benefit from a unique program that allowed them to approach their studies in creative ways that were measurably broader, deeper or more complex than comparable learning experiences typically found at institutions of higher education.
1998
The program expanded from 19 students to around 500 and became a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). It also received college status at the university. Dr. Larry Long was named dean.
1993
The first Honors Symposium program began in 1993. It included one session with 20 students under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Hopper.
2001
Dr. Jeffrey Hopper was appointed dean of the Honors College in 2001.
Mrs. Debbie Baird joined as the college's administrator the same year and served in that role for 22 years.
2004
The Honors Program resided in the L.C. Sears house on campus from 1989-2004. Dr. Sears was the university's first academic dean.
In 2004, the Honors College moved to its current location, a large house near the center of campus.
2011
Dr. J. Warren Casey was appointed dean.
2015
Dr. Mike James was appointed dean.
2020
Dr. Kevin Kehl was appointed dean. He hired two faculty fellows, Dr. Jim Miller and Dr. James Huff, to assist with leadership and administration.
2023
Dr. Dana Steil was appointed dean. Dr. Jim Miller was named assistant dean, and Dr. James Huff served as senior faculty fellow.
The college hired four faculty fellows — Dr. Russell Keck, Dr. Jaime Murphy, Dr. Anessa Westbrook, and Dr. Nate Wiewora — to teach honors courses and assist with leadership and administration.
2024
Dr. Jim Miller was appointed dean and Dr. Jaime Murphy was named senior faculty fellow.
The college hired three faculty fellows — Prof. Tessa Davidson, Prof. April Fatula, and Dr. Mac Sandlin — to teach honors courses and assist with leadership and administration.
Current honors students come from nearly every state and a dozen countries. They move on to successful careers and often place at the world's most prestigious graduate schools, including Ivy League and other first-tier programs. Like the first honors class, they benefit from a quality program that focuses on communication, critical thinking and contribution to the academic community.
The honors student body has established a tradition of service that greatly contributes to the college. Honors students have worked with the Sparrow's Promise children's home, Healing Hands International, White County Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity, and the Searcy Sunshine School, just to name a few.
The history of the Harding University Honors College is the story of people making the most from their undergraduate experience, working to become the best versions of themselves in the image of God. It is the story of talent, dedication, excitement, discipline and growth. It is the story of Christian education at its best.
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