Harding University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Harding University has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, systems infrastructure, financial planning, and fiscal management.

Dedicated to fostering academic and spiritual growth, Harding University maintains a Christ-centered environment that prepares students for professional success through mentorship and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Harding University

  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Tammy Hall
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Mel Sansom
  • Chief Information Officer - Keith Cronk
  • Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology - Ryan Schasteen
  • Tammy Hall - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Tammy Hall, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Harding University, manages the institution's fiscal health and long-term financial planning. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the university maintains the financial stability required to support its liberal arts programs. Hall directs the budgeting process, prioritizing investments that enhance the student experience and maintain the 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Tammy Hall monitors revenue streams and operational expenditures to ensure alignment with the university's mission of academic excellence. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board to secure the financial future of the institution. By optimizing fiscal policies, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the university's ability to provide a high-quality, Christ-centered education. Hall maintains rigorous financial oversight, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to foster growth and community engagement across the campus.

    Mel Sansom - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Mel Sansom, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Harding University, manages the university's endowment and capital investment strategies. Focusing on the expansion of campus facilities and infrastructure, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that physical resources support the institution's academic and spiritual goals. Sansom oversees the financial reporting and compliance functions, providing transparency to stakeholders regarding the university's economic performance. Mel Sansom drives initiatives that improve operational efficiency, allowing the university to maintain its commitment to personal mentorship. By managing the financial aspects of student services and campus development, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer contributes to the 91% success rate of graduates. This role involves balancing immediate financial needs with the long-term sustainability of the institution. Sansom ensures that all financial decisions reflect the university's core values and dedication to fostering a supportive, relational environment for students.

    Keith Cronk - Chief Information Officer

    Keith Cronk, the Chief Information Officer at Harding University, directs the digital transformation of the campus infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of academic technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty utilize modern tools to support a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Cronk manages the university's network security and data architecture, providing a stable foundation for the institution's liberal arts mission. By aligning technical resources with educational goals, Cronk facilitates seamless access to digital learning platforms across the campus. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of emerging technologies to enhance the overall student experience. Keith Cronk maintains high standards for data integrity and system reliability, which directly supports the university's commitment to academic excellence. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer optimizes the technological environment to foster a supportive and relational atmosphere for the entire community.
    Keith Cronk

    Ryan Schasteen - Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology

    Ryan Schasteen, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology at Harding University, manages the daily operations of campus information systems. Focusing on the practical application of technology, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology maintains the hardware and software ecosystems that support undergraduate and graduate programs. Schasteen coordinates with academic departments to ensure that classroom technology meets the needs of a Christ-centered education. Ryan Schasteen drives the implementation of scalable systems that allow for efficient student-faculty interaction. By monitoring system performance and user support, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology guarantees that technical resources remain accessible and reliable. This role involves managing the technical staff responsible for maintaining the university's digital footprint. Schasteen ensures that all information systems align with the broader institutional goal of preparing students for successful professional outcomes.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Harding University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Harding University?
    Harding University is led by Tammy Hall (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Mel Sansom (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Keith Cronk (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Harding University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Harding University includes leaders such as Tammy Hall (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Mel Sansom (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Keith Cronk (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Harding University have?
    Harding University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Harding University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Harding University includes roles such as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology.