Alumni Profile: Jim Harlow credits Henderson for creating his lifelong confidence

Jim Harlow

Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Fordyce and became aware of the "Reddie Spirit" quite early in life. I come from a long line of "Reddies" and consider myself a true Henderson Legacy Graduate. My grandparents attended Henderson Methodist College at the turn of the 20^th Century. My mother and father both went to Henderson. I enrolled in 1968 and graduated in 1973 with a BA degree in history and political science.

While at Henderson, I was president of the Student Body for two years, BMOC, Who's Who in American Colleges & Universities, member of Heart & Key for four years, worked on the staff of the STAR for two years, was a member of the IFC (Intra-fraternity Council) and a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. I was selected to give the graduation speech for the graduating seniors in 1973.

Upon graduation, I received an internship award to attend graduate school at the University of Arkansas, and entered the Masters program for judicial administration. I then joined Union Carbide Corporation where my first position was in the Human Resources Department, which began a 30-year career with the company, which later merged with The DOW Chemical Company. I retired from DOW in 2003 as director of human resources for DOW International Joint Venture Projects.

Upon retirement, my wife Nancy and I did HR consulting work with more than 40 Rural Electric Cooperatives throughout the U.S. We also spent 12 years as Red Cross disaster specialists working on Red Cross Strike Teams. In addition, I served on the Henderson Alumni Board for two years.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

My extracurricular activities at Henderson (especially my fraternity experience), gave me a great opportunity to grow as a young man and experience college life and all the opportunities it allows for one to grow, both mentally and socially. The most important aspect was the confidence it instilled in me to believe that even a kid from a small rural town in south Arkansas could accomplish anything I truly set my mind to do.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

Dressing up in coat and tie and attending a Reddie sporting event with a pretty, young Reddie lass; fraternity parties out in the woods surrounding Arkadelphia; our fraternity Swamp Stomp; the first spring days out at the Caddo River; and Intra-fraternity sports (epic football games with the Phi Sigs and Sig Taus).

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

As you get older, you realize how important things are in your life and what events molded you into the person you are. My mother used to say that "in your life you have many social acquaintances, but you should consider yourself 'extremely lucky' if you can count on six true friends to carry the casket when you depart this fair earth". My time at Henderson gave me those true friends who, after over 50 years, are still there.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

My history and political science courses with great instructors like Dr. John Hall, Norman Hodges, and Frank Murray. Their classes were interesting and made you think about where you fit into this world of ours.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Education, no matter where you receive it, is one of the most important things one can acquire in life. I have attended both large and small universities and feel that the growth, the friendships, and the nurturing spirit a small college like Henderson provides, is far more rewarding than just being "a number" in a large university.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to end conflict both here and abroad and show people that they have far more things in common than those things that pull them apart.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

To unwind, a cold beer or a nice shot of smooth Kentucky Bourbon, and a beautiful sunset. Hobbies include traveling (we have lived in or visited 68 different countries during our marriage), scuba diving, softball, pickleball, snow skiing, Red Cross work.

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

Tracking the Silver-Backed Gorillas in Uganda. Traveling and camping in New Zealand

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

Talking with President Franklin Roosevelt about his four terms as president and his experience as Commander in Chief during WWII. Plus, he would be rich enough to pay for our dinner.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Soul & 60's/70's rock & roll

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

If you practice the "Golden Rule" (Treat others the way you would want to be treated), you will have a successful and happy life.

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

General practice doctor or veterinarian. Unfortunately, not smart enough to be either

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Solar powered phone, endless supply of matches, and a friend who knew survival skills and how to get us off the darn island!

Who inspires you?

Social workers

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