Harding University has selected Bruce McLarty to helm the school after President David Burks retires from the post at the end of the academic year.
McLarty, 55, the university’s vice president for spiritual life since 2005, was chosen during the board of trustees’ semiannual meeting Friday and Saturday, board Chairman John Simmons said Thursday in a statement.
“Dr. McLarty is a leader, not in the mold of a typical CEO or academician, but he is a servant leader with a very bright mind, a keen insight into people and the ability to communicate effectively. He brings energy and a clear vision of the mission of Harding to the table, and he will be an effective leader as our fifth president,” Simmons said.
McLarty holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible from Harding; a master’s degree from Harding School of Theology in Memphis; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, the university said.
The entire board had reviewed all candidate applications for more than nine months before McLarty’s selection, the university said.
“He has been a valuable member of my administrative team for the past seven years. He has a valuable background as a pulpit minister, teacher, dean and vice president for spiritual life. This will be great benefit to him as he assumes this new role,” Burks said of McLarty.
Burks will retire from the president’s post at the end of the school year and assume the role of chancellor in June.