Background
Gardner, Elmer Claude was born on January 16, 1925 in Marmaduke, Arkansas, United States. Son of O.A. Gardner and Edna (Sutton) Rowe.
Gardner, Elmer Claude was born on January 16, 1925 in Marmaduke, Arkansas, United States. Son of O.A. Gardner and Edna (Sutton) Rowe.
Associate of Arts, Freed-Hardeman College, 1944. Bachelor of Science, Abilene Christian University, 1946. Master of Arts, Southwest Texas State University, 1947.
Postgraduate, George Peabody College, 1951. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Magic Valley Christian College, 1962. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Pepperdine University, 1969.
Doctor of Letters (honorary), Oklahoma Christian University, 1969. HHD (honorary), Morehead State University, 1973. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Freed-Hardeman University, 1990.
Department chairman education and psychology, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, 1949-1956; registrar, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, 1950-1968; dean, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, 1956-1969; vice president, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, 1969; president, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, 1969-1990; chancellor, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, 1990-1992; president emeritus, Freed-Hardeman U., Henderson, Tennessee, since 1992; chancellor, Georgia Christian School, since 1993. Board directors Chester County Bank, Henderson. Colonel on former Governor McWherter's staff, since 1988.
Former commissioner Education communications of States, 1991. Member public services county Tennessee State Certified Commission, 1988-1991. Past president Heritage Towers Board, Henderson.
Past chairman Crime Stoppers of Henderson & Chester County. Past member district interagency advising committee Center for Child Development. Member Tennessee College Association (president 1986-1987), Chester County Chamber of C. (founder), Alpha Chi.
Married Delorese Tatum, June 17, 1945 (deceased). Children: Phyllis, Rebecca, Claudia, David. Married Glenda Jacobs, September 10, 2002.