Harding University President David Burks met with Harding Academy teachers and staff Friday to announce the hire of James Gurchiek as superintendent and Bradley Francis as high school principal.
“The search committee and I have been very serious in our efforts to select the best people to lead Harding Academy,” said President Burks. “We prayed that God would answer our prayers, and I believe he has done just that. I have no doubt that we have found two people who will bring a Christ-centered approach and attitude to everything that they do.”
James Gurchiek has more than 25 years experience working with Searcy Public Schools. Prior to accepting the role of superintendent, he served as the principal for McRae Elementary. Gurchiek serves on the Arkansas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, and as a Cognia State Council Member.
SEARCY, Ark. Harding University President David Burks has announced that the University will honor and celebrate Bro. Elijah Anthony and Dr. Howard Wright, the first African American undergraduate students to earn a bachelor’s degrees from Harding, by naming the Administration building in their honor. During the years Anthony and Wright attended Harding, the Administration building was the center of campus activity, holding various school events, presentations and chapel. Today, the building remains a prominent fixture on the campus quad housing several administrative offices and a 973-seat auditorium.
“Elijah Anthony and Howard Wright are deserving of this honor,” said President Burks. “I know both men and am grateful for their faithful leadership. I’m so glad future students will always be able to refer to this iconic building as the Anthony and Wright Administration Building.”