Study abroad program in Greece

Harding University President David B. Burks announces Dr. Mike James as the new director of the University's international program in Athens, Greece. James is currently dean of the College of Communication. He and his wife, Beth, will make the journey overseas in July to prepare for the fall 2010 semester.As director, James will oversee day to day operations of the programand supervise faculty and students as they attend classes and explore the country. Beth, an elementary teacher in the Rose Bud School District, will resign from her position and join Harding as an instructor for the Greece program.

Beth and I are excited about the opportunity to touch the lives of students as we explore ancient civilizations together, said James.We will be changing cultures, homes, and relationships in this new position, and consider it another adventure of life as we seek to serve the Master. We've thoroughly enjoyed our 41 years in Searcy, andtrust that the next homeplace will be just as welcoming. We hope many of our Searcy friends will visit us in our new house' in Porto Rafti.

James joined the Harding staff in 1973 as a writer and photojournalist before teaching in the communication department. He became chair of the communication department in 1993 and was named dean of the newly formed College of Communication in 2008.A Kennett, Mo., native, James attended Harding and graduated in 1973 with a bachelor's degree. He went on to earn a master's degree in mass communication from Arkansas State University and a doctorate degree incommunication from Florida State University.Harding's international studies program in Greece began in 1994. The

University purchased the Artemis Hotel in Porto Rafti, just outside of Athens, in 2000, where the program is housed today. Students will arrive for the fall semester in September.Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,600 students from all 50 states and 49 foreign countries. It is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chilé, England, France, Italy and Zambia.