E. Claude Gardner (1925–2017)

He was valedictorian of his high school class in Marmaduke, Arkansas. He graduated with a junior college degree in Bible from Freed Hardeman College in 1944. Gardner graduated with honors from Abilene Christian College in 1946. After receiving a master's degree at Southwest Texas University, he began his teaching career in 1948 in the Rosiclare, Illinois public school system. The following year N.B. Hardeman hired him to head the Department of Education and Psychology and to teach Bible at Freed Hardeman College. Dr. Gardner moved into administration in 1950, when he assumed the duties of Registrar in addition to his teaching responsibilities. He became Dean of the college in 1956 and second in command of the school, remaining Dean-Registrar until 1969 when he was named Vice President of Freed Hardeman. He became president 1969. He served as Chancellor from 1990-92 and then became President Emeritus. Gardner received five honorary doctorates during his tenure.

Gardner, who began his preaching career at age 15, has since preached for several congregations both in this country and abroad. He has conducted 375 gospel meetings, written 500 articles for religious publications, and has authored eight books.