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. Overseeing the university's budgetary planning, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets align with the mission of providing a Christ-centered education. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and operational costs to maintain the high standards of academic excellence that define the university. By directing long-term financial strategies, Hall supports the growth of undergraduate and graduate programs while ensuring the sustainability of the campus environment. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to optimize funding for student mentorship and community engagement initiatives. Through prudent fiscal management, Tammy Hall secures the resources required to maintain the 16:1 student-faculty ratio. This dedication to financial stability directly enables the university to achieve consistent professional outcomes for the vast majority of graduates.

Mel Sansom, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Harding University, directs the strategic investment and endowment management functions of the institution. Overseeing the university's capital projects and physical infrastructure, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that campus facilities support the relational and spiritual growth of the student body. This role involves evaluating the financial impact of new academic programs and campus expansions to ensure alignment with the university's core values. By managing institutional risk and compliance, Sansom protects the financial interests of the university while fostering a supportive environment for students. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for faculty development and student services. Through meticulous oversight of institutional funds, Mel Sansom contributes to the university's ability to deliver high-quality education. This focus on financial stewardship ensures that the institution remains a leader in liberal arts education.

Michael Williams, the President at Harding University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing the university's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, the President ensures that all programs remain true to the Christ-centered mission. This leadership role involves engaging with the broader community and alumni to strengthen the university's market position and reputation. By fostering a culture of mentorship, Williams drives the institution's focus on personal student development and professional success. The President collaborates with the board and executive team to implement policies that maintain the 16:1 student-faculty ratio and high graduation outcomes. Through active leadership, Michael Williams promotes the university's values across regional and national platforms. This dedication to the institution's mission ensures that the university continues to prepare students for successful careers while maintaining a supportive, relational environment that defines the campus experience for every student.

J.N. Armstrong, the President at Harding University, directs the long-term institutional growth and academic expansion of the university. Overseeing the development of new undergraduate and graduate curricula, the President ensures that the institution meets the evolving needs of the modern workforce. This leadership role involves strengthening the university's academic partnerships and enhancing the quality of the student experience. By championing the university's commitment to a Christ-centered education, Armstrong fosters an environment where students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. The President works with faculty leadership to maintain the high standards of instruction that lead to 91% of graduates achieving success within six months. Through strategic planning and community engagement, J.N. Armstrong secures the university's future as a premier liberal arts institution. This focus on academic and spiritual development ensures that the university remains a place where students are prepared for both professional success and meaningful lives of service.

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. Overseeing the collaboration between the faculty and the administration, the President of Faculty Leadership Council Chair of Clifton L. Ganus Senior Department of History and Political Science ensures that academic standards remain high across all departments. This leadership role involves advocating for faculty needs and promoting excellence in teaching and research. By managing the history and political science department, Duke fosters a rigorous intellectual environment that prepares students for professional outcomes. The President of Faculty Leadership Council Chair of Clifton L. Ganus Senior Department of History and Political Science works to integrate the university's Christ-centered mission into the classroom experience. Through this dual focus on faculty leadership and departmental excellence, J.R. Duke supports the university's goal of providing a transformative education that empowers students to succeed in their chosen careers.

Keith Cronk, the Chief Information Officer at Harding University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the institution's liberal arts mission. Managing the university's technological landscape, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all academic and administrative systems remain robust and secure. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of advanced software solutions to enhance the student-faculty ratio and classroom engagement. By optimizing network reliability, Cronk supports the broader goal of academic excellence across the campus. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with the university's long-term strategic vision. Through the implementation of scalable data management, Keith Cronk facilitates a seamless learning environment for students and faculty. This focus on digital transformation directly impacts the university's ability to maintain high graduation success rates while fostering a modern, connected, and spiritually grounded educational experience for the entire campus community.

Ryan Schasteen, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology at Harding University, manages the daily operational efficiency of campus information systems. Overseeing the technical support teams, the Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology ensures that all digital tools remain accessible for the diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. This role involves maintaining the integrity of student data and streamlining administrative workflows to support the university's commitment to personal mentorship. By coordinating with the broader IT department, Ryan Schasteen drives improvements in system performance and user experience. The Associate Chief Information Officer & Assistant VP, Information Systems & Technology monitors emerging educational technologies to keep the institution at the forefront of modern learning. Through rigorous maintenance and strategic upgrades, Schasteen secures the technological foundation necessary for the university to prepare students for successful careers and professional outcomes in a competitive global market.