Board of Directors

Harding's Board of Directors assembles in full session in scheduled quarterly meetings. The Board also meets for an annual planning retreat during the summer, and other full session meetings that may be called as necessary. Board committees convene at various times throughout the year.

The Board views Harding Academy in a continuous self-improvement process to maintain its Christian educational leadership position in the Memphis area by providing a high-quality, affordable, Christ-centered education, to a broad spectrum of students with diverse abilities, needs, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Academy's focus is on fostering each student's intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical development through a balanced, integrated program in a secure Christian environment.

As the guardian of the Academy's mission, the Board of Directors ensures that the mission, faculty, staff, facilities, and resources are appropriate, relevant, and vital to the community we serve. In so doing, the Board is committed to providing an environment that develops strong ethical and moral values in our students. We believe it is essential to provide a program to help each student develop his/her own personal value system rooted in an active faith in God.

Current Members

  • Randy Frederick Board Chairman
    Memphis Gastroenterology Group, Physician
  • Kevin Chadwell
    Ernst & Young, Accountant
  • Lelon "Bubba" Edwards
    Managing Director, Pediatrics East, Inc., Physician
  • Katina Gaines, Class of 84
    Gaines & Associates PLLC, Attorney
  • Charles "Chuck" Hanson,
    Velsicol Chemical Corporation, Vice President of Environment Health and Safety
  • Gerald Jerkins
    Pediatric Urologist, Physician
  • David LaVelle, Class of 71
    The Campbell Clinic, Orthopaedic Surgeon
  • Don Nickleson
    Comprehensive Pharmacy Services; Owner, President and CEO
  • Jay Shappley, Class of 70
    Holland Studio of Photography, Inc., Owner
  • Dale Sharp, Class of 84
    Crawford, Smith, and Sharp, LLC and
    Engineered Medical Systems, LLC; Partner and General Contractor
  • Diana Tepe
    The University of Memphis, Educator
  • Jennifer Webber, Class of 85
    United States Attorney's Office, Federal Prosecutor
  • Angie Whitfield, Class of 84
    Director of Marketing & Public Relations Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics

Members Emeritus

  • Jim Burns, Class of 65
    Burns Engineering, Owner
  • Mike Clement
    Marsh U.S.A.
  • Jack Goode
    City Management, (Retired)
  • Ralph Lawrence
    The Associated Agency, Principle Owner (Retired)

Members Emerita

  • Mildred Long
    J. Strickland & Co., Executive
  • Jewel Sisson