Page 12 - 2018 TR Explore White County

12SS SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2018
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXPLORE WHITE COUNTY
SUBMITTED PHOTO
ASU-Beebe student Benjamin Pennington works on a project as part of the school’s machining technology program.
BY SARAH DECLERK / SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
When it comes to higher education, opportunities in White County are as diverse as the students themselves. In addition to Harding University, a faith-based liberal-arts college, the county is home to Arkansas State University-Beebe, which offers community- college programs on two campuses.
HARDING UNIVERSITY
Students looking for a Christian-based education with traditional campus life can check out Harding University in Searcy, the largest private university in Arkansas.
“Harding is a place that nurtures, encourages and strengthens,” said Jonathan Murphy, director of news services. “It’s a place that challenges students to reach their fullest academic potential in an environment that allows them to learn more about God and strengthen their faith.”
He added that the university considers spiritual growth to be just as important as academic growth. Faculty members teach classes from a Christian perspective, which allows students to learn not only about their fields but also about integrating faith into their professional lives.
is faith-based approach to university life is most evident when the students come together for chapel, a tradition dating back to the university’s beginning in 1924.
“Daily chapel is a unique and special time when everyone in the Harding community comes together to sing, pray and learn something from God’s word,” Murphy said. “A treasured time by many, it’s the one time per day that we all fellowship together for a shared spiritual purpose.”
About 5,500 students attend the university, hailing from all 50 states, as well as 54 nations and territories, he said. e university offers 10 undergraduate degrees in more than 100 majors, as well as 14 preprofessional programs and several master’s degrees and doctorate programs.
e College of Pharmacy is one of two accredited programs in Arkansas offering a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, he said, and this fall, the Carr College of Nursing will become one of two schools in the state to offer an accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
e campus also provides plenty of entertainment for students and community members. In addition to concerts, movies and theatrical performances throughout the year, Harding offers an annual homecoming musical, the Arts and
EXPANDING HORIZONS Variety of higher-learning opportunities offered in White County