Harding University names Dr. Michael Williams as new president

Dr. Michael D. Williams was named as the new president of Harding University on Wednesday (Oct. 27). The announcement is the culmination of a national search that spanned nine months.

Williams is a 1985 graduate of Harding, earning a bachelor of business administration. He began serving on the university admissions staff in 1987 and was named director of admission services in 1991. He was later appointed vice president of advancement in 2003.

“Dr. Williams fits the profile as established for our next president perfectly,” said Dr. Robert. C. Walker, chairman of Harding’s board of trustees. “He is a mature, spiritually sound and Christ-centered man. He aligns with our mission and understands our culture. He brings vision, strategic thinking and the business acumen of an experienced university president. He received overwhelming support from the board of trustees.”

Williams has served as the president of Faulkner University in Mississippi since 2015.

“I am extremely humbled to be chosen as the sixth president of Harding University at this exceptional time,” said Williams. “Given the seismic changes in our culture, Harding is poised for this decisive moment. I look forward to collaborating with distinguished Christian scholars, extraordinary students and passionate alumni to envision a bold and robust future.”

Williams’ wife, Lisa, is a 1989 Harding alumna. The couple has two grown sons, Quen and Cade (’16), and a daughter-in-law Cailin.

Williams will assume the presidency of Harding on June 1, 2022, receiving the baton of leadership from current president, Dr. David B. Burks.

Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas.