April 10, 2026 Vol. 101, No. 15
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . 3&4A SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 2B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . 3B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B SPRING SING . . . . . . . . . . . . 1C-4C
@HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications
FrontLawnMedia.com
Fryes take final Spring Sing bow MAKAYLA MALOTTE guest writer
“Ditto” for Dr. Steven and Dottie Frye is more than just a word, it’s a signature expression of love that has echoed through classrooms, rehearsals and the lives of students for decades. After more than 30 years of involvement in Spring Sing, the Fryes are preparing to retire, leaving behind a lasting legacy on Harding campus. Over the years, Spring Sing has grown into a large-scale production known for its high-level visuals, music and performances. What once relied on simpler staging has evolved into a production featuring advanced lighting, costumes and effects. But for the Fryes, the focus has always gone beyond what happens on stage. They worked to shape a culture centered on working together rather than on competition, even incorporating charitable giving into the event. Through Spring Sing, more than $125,000 has been donated to local organizations and nonprofits, emphasizing service alongside performance. Dr. Steve Frye, chair of the theatre department, spoke about how over the years they really loved bringing people from different majors into a place where people could connect. “We’ve worked really hard to build a culture of collaboration rather than competition,” Frye said.
For students, that impact is deeply personal. Junior Arianna Chapman said the Fryes consistently have shown care and intentionality in their relationships. “Steve and Dottie are both people that have huge hearts, they are very intentional in letting others know that they are loved,” Chapman said. Chapman also discussed how one of the biggest lessons she has learned from them is the importance of showing up with purpose. As they approach retirement, the Fryes said that they are most grateful for the relationships that they have built over the years. Dottie Frye, assistant professor of theatre said that if it wasn’t for Harding and Spring Sing, they wouldn’t have been able to connect with so many good people. “There was a time I didn’t know you, and you didn’t know me, but you have now moved into my heart, and you’re not going to move out,” Dottie Frye said. While their time leading Spring Sing is coming to a close, the connections they have made and the love they shared will always remain with the students whose lives they have touched. In many ways, the Fryes’ legacy isn’t just in the production itself, but in the people who will carry it forward.
Photo by JEFF MONTGOMERY
Dr. Steve and Dottie Frye celebrate the 2014 Spring Sing production. The Fryes will direct their last show this weekend, with the theme “Destinations.”
In this issue Hosts interviews, 1C
Did you know?
Show guide, 2C
Spring Sing director Steve Frye chose the 2026 theme “Destinations” as a tribute to his first show in 1995: “The Great Adventure was my first show, and there is a sort of bookending in the choice,” Frye said. “There is a thread of theme development that often focuses on the times in life for college age students — adventures, beginnings, destinations, camaraderie, journeys, new. That is a subtext goal of theme development with me.”
Photo provided by Brackett Library Archives
Steve and Dottie Frye’s headshots from their first show as directors in the 1995 Spring Sing program.
Legacy Park expands with new housing phase MAKAYLA MALOTTE guest writer Harding University continues to expand its presence in Searcy with the newest addition to Legacy Park: Phase 7, a development of individual homes that is designed to strengthen campus and community connections. Construction is still underway on the Legacy Park expansion, even as all available housing lots have been sold. The development, located to the west of campus, will consist of 12 privately owned, individual houses. So far, two homes are already under construction, with more expected to follow as buyers begin building on their purchased lots. According to University officials, each buyer has up to two years to complete construction, thus the neighborhood will gradually emerge over time. Danny DeRamus, the director of physical resources, explained that much of the early work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. “Harding is responsible for doing the laying out of the plot,” DeRamus said. “We have to do the legal descriptions and get the surveyor there. They will go through and survey all the property, and then make sure
that we have a legal claim to the property. Once that is all clear, then the civil engineer will draw out the civil plot that goes to the city for approval.” DeRamus added that the preparation phase also includes installing infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and lighting. Coordinating with the utility companies and contractors requires extensive communication to ensure the project progresses smoothly. For University leaders, Phase 7 of Legacy Park is a way to strengthen the connection between Harding and the surrounding community. Paul Maynard, chief growth and strategy officer, emphasized that the development brings people together who are already tied to Harding. “We’ve got Harding faculty, we’ve got Harding alumni, and we’ve got Harding friends who have all purchased lots and are building homes because they want to be closer to Harding,” Maynard said. “The city is really excited about our efforts to continue moving towards downtown. We’re going to be looking for more and more efforts and ways that we can connect Harding to downtown Searcy.” By creating this neighborhood for homeowners connected to the University, Phase 7 not only provides housing but
Photo by EDGAR CARDIEL
Construction on South Charles Street in efforts of the newest addition to Legacy Park: Phase 7. For University leaders, Phase 7 is a way to strengthen the connection between Harding and the surrounding community. also fosters a stronger and more engaged B. Burks, which is the apartments built in an community by linking campus life with the urban town concept. While these apartments city of Searcy. Additionally, it strengthens the primarily serve students, Phase 7 expands the neighborhood, enhances safety, and supports vision to include more long-term housing for Harding’s long-term vision of campus growth. Harding faculty and staff, alumni, and friends. The new phase builds on the success of Legacy Park, started by Chancellor David