President's Council

About the President's Council

For over 50 years, the President’s Council has represented a group of alumni and friends that are devoted to advancing the cause of Christian education through faithful support and diligent service to Harding University. In the spring of 1965, at the request of Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr., the Board of Trustees gave permission to organize what was originally called the President’s Development Council. Started with 67 families, the Council has grown to a membership of over 800 individuals and families. This group continues to represent the most generous group of donors to Harding University through their financial and volunteer support.

The President's Council Scholarship Fund assists students with a variety of financial needs, including academic, athletic, departmental and performance-related scholarships. With more than 80 percent of Harding's students requiring some form of financial assistance, this scholarship fund addresses Harding's primary commitment to the recruitment of quality students.

Gifts made to the President’s Council Scholarship Fund are unrestricted and therefore added to The Harding Fund. These gifts, along with restricted scholarship donations and endowed scholarships, help reduce the cost of attendance by one-third and make it possible for many students who otherwise could not afford their Harding education to be here. These young men and women leave campus prepared to serve God, their families and neighbors through their faith and work. Gifts by President’s Council members are not limited to unrestricted donations. Members can make restricted gifts to support specific programs, or to an endowed scholarship, which is regarded as restricted.

Learn more about the President's Council in this brochure. Are you a new member? Fill out the questionnaire.

We invite you to join the President's Council

The Council includes people who are committed to the mission of Harding University: to integrate faith, learning and living. From a wide geographical distribution, the University seeks additional men and women for Council membership who demonstrate interest in advancing the cause of Christian education and its potential impact on the world through their service to Harding University.

Members are asked to commit to a three-year donor pledge in one of the four giving levels to qualify for the Council.  Members are also encouraged to participate in the bi-annual President’s Council meetings and events, although attendance is not required for membership.

Please call us at (800)477-4312 or email at presidentscouncil@harding.edu to visit with one of our Senior Advancement Officers about joining the President's Council.  You will be asked to fill out a New Member Questionnaire once your pledge is made. We would love for you to join!

For a listing of Senior Advancement Officers, please click here.

Membership & Giving Levels

The President’s Council meets twice annually, during Homecoming weekend in the Fall and Spring Sing (Easter) weekend in the Spring. Attendance is not mandatory, but members are encouraged to attend.

The Council includes alumni and friends who are committed to the mission of Harding University. This commitment is shown in the following ways: partners in our noble cause of Christian higher education, prayer warriors for our Harding community, goodwill ambassadors for the name of Harding University, mentors for our students, and providers of advice related to Harding’s well-being.

Commitment is also shown through financial support of the University. We are seeking a three-year commitment at one of the four giving levels.

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