Harding University Executive and Leadership Team

Tammy Hall, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Harding University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation of the institution. Hall oversees the budgetary frameworks that support the university's diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. By directing financial planning and analysis, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of the Christ-centered education model. This role involves coordinating with the Board to optimize tuition revenue and endowment growth, directly impacting the university's ability to maintain small class sizes. Tammy Hall also monitors operational expenditures to guarantee that resources remain focused on student mentorship and community engagement. Through rigorous financial oversight, Hall supports the institutional goal of achieving high graduate success rates. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for long-term growth, ensuring that the university continues to provide a high-quality, supportive environment for every student.

Mel Sansom, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Harding University, architects the long-term financial strategy for the institution. Sansom focuses on capital projects and facility investments that enhance the campus experience for the student body. By managing the university's investment portfolio and donor relations, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the funding necessary for academic expansion. This role involves analyzing market trends to ensure the university remains competitive in the liberal arts sector. Mel Sansom also leads the administrative teams responsible for financial reporting and compliance, ensuring transparency across all institutional functions. Through strategic resource management, Sansom supports the university's commitment to preparing students for successful careers. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal integrity required to uphold the institution's Christ-centered values, ensuring that financial decisions always prioritize the growth and development of the student community.

Michael Williams, the President at Harding University, directs the overall vision and strategic mission of the institution. Williams oversees the academic and spiritual development of the student body, ensuring that every program reflects the university's Christ-centered values. By leading the executive team, the President fosters a culture of mentorship and community engagement across all departments. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and alumni to drive institutional growth and support. Michael Williams also works closely with the Board to maintain the high standards of academic excellence that result in 91% of graduates achieving professional success. Through the promotion of a supportive and relational environment, Williams ensures that the university remains a leader in liberal arts education. The President sets the tone for the entire campus, guiding the institution toward a future defined by academic achievement, spiritual growth, and social impact.

J.N. Armstrong, the President at Harding University, manages the historical legacy and foundational principles of the institution. Armstrong focuses on the preservation of the university's core mission while adapting to the evolving needs of modern students. By overseeing the development of new academic initiatives, the President ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and rigorous. This role involves cultivating relationships with faculty and staff to maintain the 16:1 student-faculty ratio that defines the university's relational approach. J.N. Armstrong also leads efforts to expand the university's reach, ensuring that the Christ-centered education model impacts a broader range of students. Through the promotion of academic excellence, Armstrong supports the university's goal of preparing graduates for successful professional outcomes. The President provides the leadership necessary to sustain a supportive environment where students grow academically, spiritually, and socially, reinforcing the institution's position as a premier liberal arts university.

J.R. Duke, the President of Faculty Leadership Council Chair of Clifton L. Ganus Senior Department of History and Political Science at Harding University, directs the academic governance and faculty engagement initiatives. Duke oversees the collaboration between faculty members to ensure that the curriculum aligns with the university's commitment to academic excellence. By leading the Faculty Leadership Council, the President of Faculty Leadership Council Chair of Clifton L. Ganus Senior Department of History and Political Science fosters a culture of mentorship and scholarly inquiry. This role involves managing the history and political science departments to provide students with a deep understanding of global and domestic affairs. J.R. Duke also works to integrate faith-based perspectives into the academic experience, supporting the university's Christ-centered mission. Through the promotion of rigorous research and teaching, Duke ensures that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in public service and beyond.

Keith Cronk, the Chief Information Officer at Harding University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the institution's liberal arts mission. Cronk manages the integration of advanced educational technologies across campus to maintain the 16:1 student-faculty ratio. By overseeing the university's network security and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures reliable access to academic resources for all students and faculty. This leadership role involves aligning technical investments with the broader goal of fostering a Christ-centered learning environment. Keith Cronk also collaborates with academic departments to implement software solutions that enhance classroom engagement and administrative efficiency. Through the modernization of campus-wide digital platforms, Cronk supports the university's commitment to academic excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for students to thrive in a competitive professional landscape while maintaining the relational focus central to the institution.

Ryan Schasteen, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology at Harding University, executes the daily operations of the university's information systems. Schasteen manages the technical support teams that facilitate seamless communication between students and faculty. By overseeing the implementation of campus-wide software, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology ensures that digital tools align with the university's pedagogical goals. This leadership role involves troubleshooting complex infrastructure challenges to maintain the high standards of academic excellence expected at the institution. Ryan Schasteen also coordinates with department heads to integrate new technologies that enhance the student experience. Through the optimization of information systems, Schasteen supports the university's mission of fostering a relational and supportive environment. The Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology drives the technical efficiency necessary for students to succeed in their professional pursuits.