A Tribute to the Transformation of the Harding University Campus Under the Leadership of Dr. David B. Burks During His Presidency 1987-2013

1. Mission
Heritage
Legacy
A Tribute to the Transformation of the
Harding University Campus Under the Leadership of
Dr. David B. Burks
during his presidency
1987-2013

3. Mission
Heritage
Legacy
This volume is dedicated to Dr. David Burks by all the men and women who
have been blessed to work with him in this one small facet of his exemplary
time as president of Harding University.

4. From a 2008-2009 Petit Jean article by Allison Weaver, page 140
“I have a great love for architecture,” [Dr. Burks]
said. “That’s always been a secret ambition of
mine.” As president, he became more involved
with the design and building aspect of the
university than some would have expected.Burks
said he worked with the Harding University
architect, Mike Steelman, who had done most of
the work on Harding’s campus since Burks had
been president. Burks spent a lot of time with
Steelman to ensure that he had an input in terms
of what they attempted to do with new building
projects and renovations.“It has been a favorite
part of my job,” Burks said.
2

5. Dr. Burks has a drafting table in the back room. He will get the plans and
sketch around on them. He is into it. He has this architect stuff figured out.
He knows a lot about it now and has a great vision for things, and that’s what
he has done with all the new construction.
as recalled by Nathan Copeland,Assistant to the President
From a 2008-2009 Petit Jean article by Allison Weaver, page 140
3

6. 1984
Campus Aerial Photo
2010
Campus Aerial Photo
4

7. from the 1987-1988 Petit Jean Dedication to newly inaugurated Presdient Burks
by Copy Editor Shelia Underwood, page 5
Transitions are an integral component of life,but often
we do not notice the change going on around us until
it is dramatically brought to our attention. In 1987,
we could not help but think about the passage of time
and the necessity of change when a new leader for
Harding University came noticeably to the forefront.
Perhaps we wondered what this would mean to the
school we had come to love; we weren’t sure what
the future held.
How true these words would
prove to be...
5

8. 1994Jim Bill McInteer
Bible and World Missions Center

9. pursuing
Mission

10. CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
8

11. From the very beginning of his tenure as president, it was apparent to everyone who worked closely
with Dr. Burks that he had a keen appreciation for the critical role that facilities could, and should play
in supporting Harding’s mission. He recognized that in many respects, the buildings and infrastructure
that define the Harding campus represent visible and tangible evidence of her commitment to
excellence in all facets of the educational process. While great educational programs are not dependent
on facilities, there is a perception, and often an expectation, that excellence in instruction should
be supported by facilities of the highest quality. Likewise, buildings alone cannot create community.
However, if they are well planned, designed and constructed, buildings can serve as infrastructure to
both support and encourage activities which help develop relationships. It is those relationships that
ultimately result in the quality of life for which Harding is known.
Dr. Burks also recognized that no one building or even a building program could achieve the goal of
a campus that would not only provide a place for everyone who desired to attend Harding, but also
assure that their educational experience responded effectively to the demands of a rapidly changing
world and expanding opportunities. Ongoing strategic planning, facilities master planning and dedication
to continuous improvement will always be necessary to provide for the growth and support the
innovation that is expected at institutions that are truly pursuing excellence.
The role that campus facilities have played in support of Harding’s mission is a direct result of the
emphasis Dr. Burks has placed on “Developing Christian Servants”. This focus on preserving Harding’s
role as a Christian university is illustrated by a commitment to keep daily attendance in Chapel as a
priority for all students in spite of difficult logistics due to increasing enrolment. In addition, because
Harding is committed to remaining a residential campus, strong relationships are forged, not just among
students, but also between students, administration, faculty and staff. The powerful impact of the
community created by mandatory on-campus housing and the influence this spiritual environment has
on students has always been a key component of the Harding experience. However, the commitment
to remain a residential campus requires not only that housing options are available in ever increasing
numbers to accommodate growth, but that those options are both desirable and affordable.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127: 1
pursuingMission
9

12. “My favorite spot on campus would without a
doubt be the McInteer fountain. I helped design
that fountain. Its design is based on a baptistry
in Ephesus. I took pictures of that place in
Ephesus and gave them to Mike Steelman. The
steps that go down into the fountain—where
a lot of people have been baptized over the
years—have exactly the same dimensions as
the baptistry in Ephesus. I love that point on
campus because of that historical significance
back to when people were baptized in Ephesus.”
-Dr. Burks
Interview in November 5, 2010 issue of The Link by Kimberly Kokernot
10

13. pursuingMission
11

14. the decade
of the
1990’s
Hammon Student Center
1991
Harding School of Theology
E.H. Ijams Administration
Building Renovation
1993
American Studies Building
Renovation
1991
BEFORE | AFTER
12

15. Rhodes Memorial Field House
1993
BEFORE
AFTER
13

16. Center Avenue Plaza
1993
BEFORE
14

17. 15

18. Muncy Clock
1994
Harding Place
1994
HardingVillage
1994
16

19. Stevens Art Building
1996
BEFORE | AFTER
17

20. South Campus Entrance
and
Burks Boulevard
1996
18

21. Interior Renovations to Benson Auditorium
1997
19

22. Lott R.Tucker Physical Resource Complex and Harding Press
1998
Shores Hall
1998
20

23. Donald W. Reynolds
Center for Music &
Communication
1998
21

24. 2006Additions & Renovations to the
American Heritage Center

25. preserving
Heritage

26. BEFORE
24

27. Because he has always recognized and valued the strong foundation established by his three
predecessors, Dr. Burks has maintained a commitment to honor that heritage through preservation
where appropriate, improvement where necessary and a commitment to new construction that
complements rather than contrasts with the existing campus fabric. A healthy respect for the past
has guided the renovations, additions and even the new construction during his presidency, evidenced
by sympathetic designs, continuity of materials, and details which recall the existing architecture
without copying it.
While guiding Harding through an unprecedented period of growth and development, Dr. Burks has
exhibited qualities unique among great leaders of great institutions. His ability to inspire others,
bring together people with different skill sets, draw on their strengths, build consensus and effectively
communicate the resulting vision to the entire community has allowed Harding to capitalize on
her heritage and build for the future. Even great opportunities and great plans would never have
resulted in the transformation the Harding campus has witnessed over the past quarter century
without the exceeding generosity of many individuals, families and foundations. Dr. Burks’ ability to
relate to those partners, convey to them the significance of what was at stake and inspire them with
the opportunities at hand cannot be overemphasized.
A master of bringing out the best in people, Dr. Burks has the ability to relate to people from every
facet of the university community. From those who are able to fund major projects, to the faculty
and students who so desperately need them, from the designers, to the constructors and everyone
involved, his hands-on approach combined with his gift of sharing a vision and empowering others to
carry it out has resulted in partnership and teamwork time after time on project after project.
The relationship between Harding and the city of Searcy is truly a “town and gown” partnership, with
cooperation and respect guiding the relationship. Few universities enjoy as productive a relationship
with their host cities as Harding does with Searcy, due in no small part to the efforts of Dr. Burks to
reach out to the community, engage her leaders and assure that the Harding campus is a place that is
both welcoming and supportive.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127: 3
preservingHeritage
25

28. the decade
of the
2000’s
Renovation and Improvements to First Security Stadium
2000
BEFORE
26

29. Pryor Hall
2002
Wellness Center Addition
to Ganus Athletic Center
2000
Campus Lawn
Improvements
2002
27

30. Renovations
to the
H.U. Bookstore
2003
Ulrey Performing
Arts Center
2002
Pryor-England Center
for Science &
Engineering
2002
BEFORE | AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
28

31. New Dining Hall for
Camp Tahkodah
2006
BEFORE | AFTER
Addition to the L. M. Graves Library
Harding School of Theology
2006
29

32. Wilma Stephens Thornton
Center for Education
2006
30

33. Farrar Center for Health Sciences
2008
31

34. 2012Legacy Park

35. building
Legacy

36. 34

37. There can be no doubt that Harding will be richly blessed in the future by the legacy established
during the presidency of Dr. David Burks, a heritage of character, integrity, dedication, teamwork,
excellence, efficiency and value. Because construction projects at Harding are funded almost entirely
with donations, the expectation to provide the highest quality product at the best possible value
has always been a clear directive from Dr. Burks. His commitment to stewardship demands no
less. These principles are emphasized throughout the design and construction process and clearly
communicated to everyone involved.
Always focused on the students, Dr. Burks has made it a priority that every project be carefully
crafted to build faith, promote learning and provide a better quality of living for the young
men and women who choose to pursue their life goals at Harding. An emphasis on facilities and
amenities which directly benefit the student community prevails, evidenced by extensive intramural
facilities, emphasis on continually improving student housing options, student dining facilities, attention
to the campus landscape and a decision to design prime building spaces for student use.
Finally, the legacy of foresight and carefully considered preparation by Dr. Burks will result in
many as-yet unrecognized benefits for the future of Harding’s University. Strategic expansion of
the campus land area during his tenure will provide room for growth that would otherwise be
increasingly difficult to achieve as time passes and land values escalate. Indeed, the benefits of this
philosophy are already being seen as the campus grows westward.
Dr. Burks has always been quick to be sure that others receive recognition for their contributions
to each project, even while minimizing his own pivotal role. His insistence that Harding should
never settle for less than the very best value for every resource devoted to a building project has
required diligence and hard work on the part of everyone involved, but that philosophy has always
been clearly supported by his own rigid work ethic and example. The result of working on a building
project at Harding under Dr. Burks leadership has always resulted in a high level of satisfaction for
everyone involved, together with a greater appreciation for what true teamwork and cooperation can
accomplish.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Colossians 3:23
buildingLegacy
35

38. Physical Therapy Program
2011
BEFORE | AFTER
the decade of the
2010’s
Renovations to Stephens Hall
2010
36

39. BEFORE | AFTER
Renovation of the
J.E. and L.E. Mabee Business Building
2011
37

40. Jim Citty Football
and Athletic Training Center
2011
38

41. Northwest
Arkansas
Professional
Center
2012
Health Science
Building II
2013
Oglesby
Preaching Studio
2011
39

42. At SCM Architects, we have each been blessed by our partnership
with Harding University and Dr. Burks for over twenty-five years.
Rachel Miller,ASID
Interior Designer
2005-2013
Harding University
Class of 2005
Bachelor of Science
in Interior Design
Scott Leonard,Assoc.AIA
Intern Architect
Harding University
Class of 2008
Bachelor of Science in
Interior Design
Stacey Breezeel,ASID
Interior Designer
2009-2012
Harding University
Class of 2009
Bachelor of Science
in Interior Design

43. “It’s great fun, and I thoroughly
enjoy planning and working with
committees on campus to plan
buildings.”
-Dr. Burks

45. Index of buildings and images:
American Heritage Center front cover, 22, 23, 24, 25, 41
American Studies Building 12
Benson Auditorium 19
Camp Tahkodah Dining Hall 29
Campus Aerials 4
Campus Entries 2, 18
Campus Lawn and Fence 27
Center Avenue Plaza, 7, 8, 14, 15
Citty Football and Athletic Training Center 38
Farrar Center for Health Sciences 31
First Security Stadium 26
Ganus Athletic Center 27
Graves Library at Harding School of Theology 29
Hammon Student Center 12
Harding Place 16
Harding University Arch back cover
Harding University Bookstore 28
HardingVillage 3, 16
Health Science Building II 39
Ijams Administration Building at Harding School of Theology 12
Legacy Park 32, 33, 34, 35
Mabee Business Building 37
McInteer Bible and World Missions Center 6, 7, 8, 9
McInteer Fountain 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15
Muncy Clock 5, 14, 15, 16, 42
Northwest Arkansas Professional Center 39
Oglesby Preaching Studio 39
Physical Therapy Program Building 36
Pryor Hall 27
Pryor-England Center for Science & Engineering 28
Reynolds Center for Music & Communication 21
Rhodes Memorial Field House 13
Shores Hall 20
Stephens Hall 36
Stevens Art Building 17
Thornton Center for Education 30
Tucker Physical Resource Complex 20
Ulrey Performing Arts Center 28
With special thanks to Jeff Montgomery, Director of Harding University Photographic Services, for the many
images he contributed to this collection, capturing campus life as no one else could.

48. “...Thanks be to God, who always leads us in
triumphal procession in Christ and through
us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the
knowledge of him.”
2 Corinthians 2:14