Dr. Bruce McLarty announced today two administrative appointments at Harding University. McLarty will become president of the school June 1.

Dr. James W. Carr will become senior vice president of the institution, and Dr. David Collins will become executive vice president. Both appointments are effective June 1.

Carr, the current executive vice president, has held that position for 24 years. As senior vice president he will oversee the offices of admission services, financial aid, American Studies Institute and Walton Program.

“I have asked Jim Carr, in his new role, to turn much of his attention to external constituencies in business and local, state and national government,” McLarty explained. “Over the past 26 years at Harding, he has developed a network of relationships that have perfectly prepared him to become our senior vice president.”

A 1970 Harding alumnus, Carr holds both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Florida State University. Carr was recently named to the board of the Hardee Institute for Leadership and Ethics in Higher Education at Florida State, and he currently serves as vice chairman of the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

Collins has been a member of the Harding staff since 2003. He is currently vice president for student life, having led the area since 2005. In his new position he will oversee the offices of student life, campus life, residence life, health services and the Center for Student Success.

Commenting on Collins’ selection, McLarty said, “David Collins has ably served the University and is a respected campus leader. I have asked him to expand his role and responsibilities to assist me in the internal administration of the campus.

“I am confident he will excel in this new position and provide invaluable service in my administration.”

A 1992 Harding alumnus, Collins holds an M.Ed. from Middle Tennessee State University and an Ed.D. from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Carr and Collins will continue to serve on the president’s cabinet along with Dr. Mel Sansom, vice president for finanace; Dr. Larry Long, provost; Keith Cronk, vice president for IS&T; Greg Harnden, athletic director; Dr. Mike Williams, vice president for advancement; Dr. Evertt Huffard, vice president for Harding School of Theology; Dr. Dan Williams, vice president for church relations; and James Simmons, vice president for Harding Academy.