About Our Campaign Co-Chairs

Dr. & Mrs. Jefferson D. Farris Jr.

Dr. & Mrs. Jefferson D. Farris Jr.

Dr. Jefferson D. Farris Jr. earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 1950.

In 1975, he became president of the university after serving nine years as a department chairman and six years as dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts and Sciences. As president, Jeff is remembered for turning the institution into a comprehensive university with a demanding education program. He also expanded programs such as the health sciences and called for the creation of the Honors College.

Jeff served as president of UCA until 1986.

Patricia Camp Farris also earned a bachelor's degree from UCA in 1950. She taught elementary education, physical education and Spanish in Arkansas public schools for 25 years. She retired from teaching in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Rush F. Harding III

Mr. & Mrs. Rush F. Harding III

Rush F. Harding III graduated with honors from the University of Central Arkansas in 1976. As a student, he was a member of the men's basketball team, a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and the Wesley Foundation. Rush is chief executive officer of the Little Rock investment banking firm Crews & Associates. He has served two terms on the UCA Board of Trustees.

Linda Turner Harding graduated in 1982 with a degree in speech pathology. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and listed regularly on the dean's list.

Linda is an avid equestrian who has bred horses and trained American Saddlebreds for 15 years.