Written by Maggie Samples // Photo provided by International Programs
International Programs appointed a new director for Harding University in Florence (HUF), effective this fall. Aleece Kelley will observe and work alongside Robbie and Mona Shackelford for the 2024 spring and summer groups, according to the International Programs January newsletter, which was sent to subscribers Jan. 25.
Executive director of International Programs Audra Pleasant said her role throughout the transition of leadership is supporting both Kelley and the Shackelfords as they support the students.
“Robbie and Mona are the [HUF] program to so many students and faculty and administrators at Harding, and that includes me,” Pleasant said. “They have devoted a huge portion of their lives to developing this program and honoring students and families and being hospitable to so many people who are both from the United States and from the community there in Italy.”
Pleasant said Shackelford and Kelley share a student-oriented focus, and this is what has made the HUF program successful.
“I had the opportunity to work with Aleece when she was working in our office here in Searcy,” Pleasant said. “She worked very hard to advocate well for students when she was helping to administer all the programs that we had, and I know she has really valued the opportunity she’s had to work and talk with students while they’ve been in Italy.”
Current HUF director Robbie Shackelford said he looks forward to working alongside Kelley during the transition period.
“Mona and I have already had many opportunities to be and work together with Aleece and Zac,” Shackelford said. “Their love for Italy and Italians will bless future HUF students for years to come.”
Kelley and her husband Zachary have been working with Avanti Italia, a Bible and English school in Scandicci, Italy, for the past seven years and said they have come to appreciate the work of the people who worked at the Bible school and HUF before them.
“I cannot wait to see [the students] delight in all the food, art and culture this incredible country and her people have to offer,” Kelley said. “[I look forward to] seeing how students are changed by their experiences studying here. When they encounter Italy through a lens of respectful, thoughtful scholarship, there is no way they will leave the same person.”
Chair of the Department of Music and former Avanti Bible school director Jay Walls has worked with Aleece and Zachary Kelley through his connection with the Bible school. Walls said he considers Shackelford ’s position difficult to fill, but that Kelley is up to the task.
“I was really pleased when Harding made the decision that they did, because it really necessitates a person who is immersed in that culture and already has lots of connections — and Aleece has that,” Walls said. “They already have a lot of connections throughout Scandicci, and she understands thoroughly the Italian culture, and she communicates extremely well in the language. So that, in my opinion, was a really good choice.”
Walls said the job of the HUF director is difficult and requires dealing with regulations and governmental bureaucracy.
“When she does things, she does them well, so I’m sure that will benefit the students in the program,” Walls said.
