2 Philisophical Approaches of the Harding University President Selection

It has been said that "change is always a great thing."  At least that's how Fred Armisen quoted it in a recent Today Show interview concerning his role with NBC's Saturday Night Live.  There is also the saying that seems to contradict this philosophy, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  So which philosophy is best?

Harding's New President: Dr. Bruce McLarty

He will take office in June 2013 after a 26 year long presidency of Dr. David Burks.  In the decision making process of who would be the next president for the university, many differing opinions were given.  These differing opinions, for the most part, could be categorized under one of the two philosophies mentioned.  Now that the decision is final, some have classified the decision to go with Dr. McLarty as, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Some have spoken out about how they think Harding should move forward in their thinking and be more open to new ideas and groups of people that have been banned from campus in the past.  These people claim that the decision to go with Dr. McLarty will not promote this path.  They say that with the last several years of record enrollment, Harding decided to go with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach and this is the wrong move.

McLarty is Not the "Don't Fix It" Candidate
I don't think anyone would agree that Harding is not broken.  By broken I mean like any other institution or human.  It's broken, in need of Christ.  So the mentality of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" simply doesn't fly with this presidential decision.  Harding needs fixing.  I need fixing.  Harding needs change just as I need change.  Dr. McLarty brings just that to the table.  A fresh perspective on the much needed fixing and change.  He's certainly not the one bringing the fix or the change as none of the other candidates would, only Christ does that.

The Board's Recognition that "Change is Always a Good Thing"
You have to be careful when using absolutes.  When it comes to keeping certain people/groups off campus that say/do things contrary to the Bible, this does not need to change.  Jesus and the apostle talk about the importance of resisting false teachers.  Harding does need to change in how they can better resist this encroachment because again, she is not perfect.  I believe the Board of Trustee's decision had in mind that Dr. McLarty is the needed change for the university.  This doesn't suggest I think past leadership was terrible, just imperfect, like me.  Change is always a good thing because we can always be better.  We will never be perfect, which means there will always be room for improvement.  Improvement requires change.  I am excited about that improvement with HU's new president.  I am excited about how Harding will change, hopefully for the good, in the future.

We all need to improve.  What changes are necessary for that to happen?