Harding names new director for study-abroad program in Greece
SEARCY — Harding University’s Office of International Programs announced Clay Beason as the new director of the Harding University in Greece (HUG) international program. Beason is an associate professor in the exercise science and kinesiology departments and assistant football coach.
Beason first became involved with the university’s international programs in summer 2007, when he led a group of students participating in the Harding University in Florence, Italy, program. He said it sparked his interest in international study and exploration.
“That first experience really broadened my thinking,” Beason said. “My wife and I felt comfortable leading students overseas, so we began talking about the possibility of becoming more involved with international programs.”
In addition to leading a summer group in Florence, Beason also spearheaded the creation of Bison Athletes in Training (BAT), a unique international program for Harding athletes. The program, which began in summer 2011, is based in Italy and Germany and allows athletes to study abroad while incorporating their individual sport’s offseason workout plan.
“I didn’t like that athletes were missing the opportunity to study abroad,” Beason said. “A new program was created and designed for athletes to have an international experience, with workouts built into the schedule. They still participate in on-site classes and tours, but they are also able to complete scheduled workouts.”
The first BAT trip was in summer 2011, and since then, Beason has led trips for athletes in summer 2011 and 2013, and he will help with summer 2015. He also led a group to HUG in summer 2012.
As director of HUG, Beason will oversee day-to-day operations of the program, based in Athens, Greece, and supervise faculty and students as they attend classes and explore the country. His wife, Loren, a counselor with the Riverview School District, will resign from her position and join Harding as assistant director for the Greece program.
“My family and I are thankful for the opportunity to serve Harding and her students in these new roles, “Beason said.
Beason graduated from Harding in 1997 with a degree in education and earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in educational administration and educational leadership, respectively. He joined the Harding staff in 2000 as a teacher in the kinesiology department and assistant coach for the university’s football team. Beason will leave football behind after 15 seasons of coaching the Bisons.
Beason, Loren and their daughter, Ann-Clayton, will make the journey overseas in early January to prepare for the spring 2015 semester.