02 May 2016 Harding University commencement schedule

Approximately 866 graduates with receive diplomas at Harding University commencement exercises Saturday, May 7.

Three ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. in the University’s George S. Benson Auditorium, which seats approximately 3,600.

The morning ceremony will be for students in the Carr College of Nursing and the College of Sciences. The noon ceremony will be for students in the colleges of Bible and Ministry, Education and Business Administration. The 3 p.m. ceremony will be for students in the colleges of Allied Health, Arts and Humanities, and Pharmacy. It will also include students from the Honors College.

Commencement speakers include Dr. Cheri Yecke for the 9 a.m. ceremony, Dr. David Burks for the noon ceremony and Dr. Larry Long for the 3 p.m. ceremony.

Yecke, professor of history, has been at the University for eight years. She previously served as dean of graduate programs and assistant provost for research and graduate programs. She holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology with an emphasis in gifted education from University of Virginia as well as degrees from the universities of Wisconsin and Hawaii. Yecke is the author of two books, and she has conducted research on various topics including gifted education and K-8 schools.

Burks, chancellor of the University since 2013, served as president for 26 years as well as dean of the College of Business Administration and director of the American Studies Institute. He is the author of three books and has served as a commissioner and chairman of the board of trustees for the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. He also served a three-year term on the executive committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities nationwide.

Long, University provost for five years, has been with Harding since 1976. He has served in several positions including dean of the Honors College, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, and vice president for academic affairs. He holds a doctorate and master’s degree in English from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Harding. Long received several distinguished teacher awards, and he has served on numerous University committees.