After the retirement of Dean Sheri Shearin, the student body welcomes Ranan Hester as the new assistant dean of students for the 2012-13 school year.
Hester is originally from Camden, Ark., and is a 1986 Harding graduate. She holds a Master of Education from Southwest Baptist in Missouri and has been an educator in the Missouri public school system for the past 20 years.
Along with teaching junior high students, Hester also worked with a program in Missouri that teaches parents how to be better home educators.
Hester’s main responsibility as assistant dean of students is dealing with women’s residence hall life, which includes Resident Life Staff and Resident Advisors. She is also in charge of disciplinary action due to code of conduct violations and counseling female students.
Hester said she is excited to begin the school year and is most looking forward to forming relationships with the students.
“I really enjoy meeting the students,” Hester said. “We’ve only been here a week, but I’ve been here since July. So when people asked how I enjoyed my job, I would say I liked it, but the kids aren’t here yet. So when campus came alive and everyone got here, that was exciting. I’ve been knocking on doors and meeting some of the kids, and I really like it. I don’t want to be one of those faces you only see if you’re in trouble. I want people to know who I am and to be someone they can go to. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
Away from her desk in the Office of Student Life, Hester enjoys exercising, reading, watching movies and traveling, but according to Hester the most important part of her life away from Harding is her family.
“I’m very family oriented; I have three children of my own,” Hester said. “My husband is still in Missouri; he won’t get to move here for one more year. Making my home here without him is challenging, but we’re making it. Right now we are working hard to transition back into life in Arkansas, but everything is going well, and I’m enjoying it.”
Much like anyone returning to Harding after a long hiatus, Hester is adjusting to life in Searcy. She said she loves being on campus, but has qualms with another main attraction in the city.
“My least favorite thing about Searcy is Race Street,” Hester said. “I’ve seen about three accidents since I’ve been here; it’s crazy.”
Above all else, Hester wants the students to feel as though she treats them fairly.
“People in administrative positions have to deal with things that aren’t pleasant sometimes, and if you can look back and say they were fair, you’ve done well.”
