Written by Nic Fraraccio and Cianna Jay // Photo by Morgan Pickering
Two Harding professors are leaving Harding after over 50 years of teaching at multiple schools.
Paul and Sharon Pitt announced their retirements in spring 2023 but came back as adjunct professors for the fall semester due to a shortage of faculty.
The Pitts attended the University together before graduating in 1967, and they got married in June 1967. After their marriage, the couple began their teaching careers at Harding Academy in Memphis. The couple taught at the Academy for three years before Paul Pitt left for graduate school.
In fall 1971, the couple began teaching at Harding University, with Paul Pitt teaching in the Department of Art and Design and Sharon Pitt in the Department of Communication. Both professors have used different teaching techniques and styles to grow closer to students. Sharon Pitt said she likes to cook for her students every semester in their underground house, which her husband designed.
“I’ve had as many as 60 that I’ve cooked for,” Sharon Pitt said. “The last few years we’ve also had a hypnosis session at the end because Paul is a certified hypnotist. And so that’s been the entertainment for the students.”
Along with hypnotism, Paul Pitt has continued to grow his interest in his artwork throughout his teaching career. Part of his teaching involved taking his students around town and painting during class time. Paul Pitt said he and his wife have benefited from their teaching and ministry at the University.
“It’s a combination of being able to benefit from teaching them but also being able to produce sometimes and preach to them some,” Paul Pitt said. “That’s important.”
As their final days of teaching come to an end, students and faculty have continued to show their support for the couple. Senior Austin Simmons has known the Pitts since his freshman year, when he was in Sharon Pitt’s class, and she invited her students over for a cookout. He said it has been a joy getting to know them through their stories of faith and life experiences.
“I feel very happy for them,” Simmons said. “The Pitts have put many years and hard work into their careers at Harding, and I feel they will use their retirement for the glory of God.”
Following their retirement, the Pitts plan to spend time with their grandchildren and Sharon Pitt’s mother. The couple will continue to have guests over to their house, and Paul Pitt will continue to work on his art.
