VIDEO: Bruce McLarty introduced as fifth president of Harding University

Bruce McLarty was introduced Thursday afternoon as the fifth president of Harding University in Searcy, Ark.

Bruce McLarty

McLarty, now serving as Harding’s vice president for spiritual life, will succeed David Burks, who announced plans last year to retire at the end of this academic year after 26 years at the helm.
“I ask for the prayers of the Harding family as we embark on this journey together,” McLarty, 55, said at a news conference, according to a Twitter post by Harding.
From a Harding news release:

The announcement of McLarty’s selection was made today by Dr. John O. Simmons, chairman of the school’s board of trustees. Simmons also served as chairman of the six-member Presidential Succession Process Committee, which created and executed the plan allowing the entire board to review all applications from candidates for the position. …
Commenting on the McLarty’s selection, Simmons said,  “We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Bruce McLarty will be the next president of Harding University. The Board of Trustees had the privilege of working with an outstanding pool of applicants for what I consider to be one of the best jobs in the world. Harding’s president gets to work with our faculty, staff and wonderful students who continue to choose to come to Harding for their education, spiritual growth and maturation.
“Dr. McLarty is a leader, not in the mold of a typical CEO or academician, but he is a servant leader with a very bright mind, a keen insight into people and the ability to communicate effectively. He brings energy and a clear vision of the mission of Harding to the table, and he will be an effective leader as our fifth president.
“Just as Dr. George S. Benson was different from J.N. Armstrong, Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr. from Dr. Benson, and Dr. David Burks from Dr. Ganus, Dr. McLarty will be different from Dr. Burks. He will leave his unique and positive imprint on Harding just as his predecessors have. All have served well in their time, and we are fully confident that Dr. McLarty will attain the same standard of leadership they did. He is the right man for this time.”

• Feedback
  We appear to be experiencing technical difficulties. If you have tried to leave a comment on this post and it has not shown up, we apologize.

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  November, 1 2012

  Though I do not know Dr. Bruce McClarty, personally, I am very impressed with his comments about Harding University’s rich history, his predecessors, the student body and his own personal family. I believe he wll be an outstanding president and a great spiritual leader for Harding.
  Blessings!

  David R. Carrell, J.D.

  November, 4 2012