Dr. Ben Carson will conclude the 2013-14 Harding University American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Benson Auditorium.

Carson is a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for more than 25 years. He is a highly regarded motivational speaker who has addressed various audiences from school systems and civic groups to corporations and the President’s National Prayer Breakfast.

In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the president, which is the highest civilian honor. In 1987, he completed the first and only successful separation of Siamese twins conjoined at the back of the head, an accomplishment documented in the award-winning movie “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,” which was released in 2009 and starred Cuba Gooding Jr. as Carson.

In addition, Carson is president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund and has written five best-selling books, including “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made this Nation Great,” which was No. 1 on the New York Times best-sellers list in March 2013.

Carson will deliver his message titled “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great.” Open seating — no ticket necessary. For more information, contact the American Studies Institute at 501-279-4497.