Written by Tiane Davis // Photo by Jeff Montgomery
Nearly four months after alumna Amy Emerson’s addition to the Board of Trustees, Emerson is preparing for her first meeting as a member, which will take place May 2-3.
Emerson, a 1996 Harding graduate and native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is poised to bring more than 20 years of leadership experience in pediatric care, family advocacy and community engagement to the now 20-member board.
“The most important thing is just the well- being of Harding and the students at Harding and the legacy of Harding,” Emerson said. “One thing I learned is that everything the board of trustees does is done with a lot of prayer and time. I think there’s a reason why big decisions are not made quickly because I think sometimes it does take time just to spend time in prayer and be open and willing to hear responses.”
Emerson said she will have a better idea of what her goals will be as a Board member after she attends the meeting, but that she has a few general goals in mind.
“My personal goal is always to lift up the people around me and just to support the students in any way that I can,” Emerson said. “The students are at the heart of what we do.”
Chairman of the Board Charles Ganus, who was added in 2010, underscored the significance of Emerson’s appointment and the upcoming meeting. He said the ideal Board member is one who fully supports Harding and its mission and offers leadership, influence and spiritual insight.
“Amy has a servant heart, continually exhibited in her family life, her active work with her church family, and her leadership roles with various nonprofits that serve youth” Ganus said. “She and her husband, Clint, are active supporters of Harding. Amy has gained respect across Oklahoma, and beyond, for her impassioned service and advocacy.”
Ganus said Harding has benefitted every board member, which is something they want every student to experience during and after their time at the University.
“Amy will be another strong board member fully engaged in the mission of Harding,” Ganus said.
President Mike Williams emphasized the collaborative relationship between the Board and the University administration. The University President is the only employee of the Board, Williams said, which means he works closely with them in “shaping policy” and “setting the strategic direction of the school.”
Williams said with four members added to the Board in recent years, it is continually evaluating current and future members.
“There is an elaborate vetting process,” Williams said. “As the custodians of the institution’s mission and values, Board members set broad policy directives, monitor administrative activities, and evaluate progress toward strategic goals,” Williams said.
With Emerson’s addition to the Board, Williams said he anticipates a fresh perspective and renewed dedication to Harding’s mission.
“Dr. Emerson will be a passionate advocate for the student experience,” Williams said. “Her work has propelled her into many roles of influence where she fostered enhanced student achievement.”
