Written by Tiffany Jones
A reorganization of the Honors College and International Programs was announced Oct. 20. Dr. Jeffrey Hopper, who has served as dean of both programs since 2001, will continue as Dean of International Programs, but Dr. Warren Casey will become dean of the Honors College. The two men have been friends for almost 40 years and said they are excited about the opportunities such a job division creates.Hopper said that it was always intended that his job be divided into two roles.”Dr. Burks asked me to take on both Dean of International Programs and the Honors College with the understanding all along that when it became too much, we’d ask someone to share one of these roles,” Hopper said.Casey currently serves as the chair of the music department. He said he is unsure if he will continue in that role after he becomes dean.”Dr. Burks has mentioned that he’d like me to continue in that but we’re going to look at that and see if it’s the best for everybody concerned,” Casey said. “Not just for me, but music students here and music faculty, as well as for the honors program and the students that are represented in that.”Casey, who has been with Harding since 1982, has had some involvement with the Honors College in the past, teaching honors sections of music appreciation and even helping out with Honors Symposium in its early years, but he said he is eager to learn the workings of the college and to know the honors students.”Dr. Hopper has taken what Dr. [Larry] Long [vice president for academic affairs] started many years ago and has allowed the Honors College to blossom into a really fine college with lots of opportunities for students who have excelled in their academic career,” Casey said. “I hope to see things at least continue as they are, if not grow.”President of the Honors Council Gabby Marcellini said she is interested in the new perspective Casey will bring to the Honors College.”I look forward to working with him and seeing what unique qualities he brings to the Honors College.” Marcellini said.The division of Hopper’s job will allow him to improve the quality of the international programs. He said he is focusing on making the programs “better, not necessarily bigger.”Although Hopper said he is excited about the new opportunities the job division will allow, he said he will miss certain aspects of being dean of the Honors College.”I will miss the daily contact with some of the most creative and spiritual students in the world,” Hopper said.
