Harding University celebrated 852 candidates for graduation during its Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 9, inside the George S. Benson Auditorium in Searcy.
The university hosted commencement ceremonies at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. recognizing graduates representing 41 U.S. states and 27 nations and territories including Mozambique, Nigeria, Panama, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
University officials said graduates earned 20 different degrees across Harding’s 8 colleges highlighting academic achievement throughout undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Harding President Mike Williams praised the graduates for their leadership, character, and service.
“More than simply marking completion of a degree, commencement celebrates the calling, character and purpose our students carry into the world,” Williams said. “We are confident their Harding experience has prepared them to make a lasting difference in a world that deeply needs principled leadership and compassionate service.”
The first commencement address was delivered by longtime theatre department leaders Dr. Steve Frye and Dottie Frye who are retiring this summer after decades of service to Harding University.
The noon commencement featured Paul Chapman, executive director of Restore Hope, who spoke about serving families and communities through the nationally recognized 100 Families Initiative.
The final commencement address was delivered by Unity Health President and CEO LaDonna Johnston, a Harding graduate with more than 35 years of healthcare leadership experience in Arkansas.
Harding University is the largest private university in Arkansas and serves students from across the United States and more than 60 nations and territories worldwide.
For more information visit Harding University.
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