SEARCY, Ark., Nov. 3, 2026 – Adrian Hickmon, founder of Capstone Treatment Center, and his wife,
JoAnna, have received Harding University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. The honor recognizes graduates
who live out the university’s mission in their careers and lives, and Harding selected the Hickmons from a
community of more than 60,000 alumni.
Harding will honor the Hickmons at its Black and Gold Banquet at 5 p.m. Nov. 6 during the homecoming
weekend, Nov. 5-7.
“JoAnna and I are honored and humbled to receive the Harding Distinguished Alumni Award,” Adrian
said. “From cheerleading and footbal to the classroom, Harding gave us far more than an education. It
gave me strong, godly coaches who believed in me and a band of brothers for life. It gave JoAnna a band
of sisters, friends who remain close to this day. It gave us a deeper faith and contributed to our calling to
serve others. We are grateful to God, to our family and to everyone at Harding who invested in us.”
The Hickmons have spent nearly 50 years investing in young people and their families. At Harding,
JoAnna was a cheerleader while Adrian walked on to the football team. He co-captained Harding’s 1976
conference championship team and was named an honorable mention All-American.
After graduation, JoAnna taught second grade in Cabot, and the couple later moved to Monroe,
Louisiana. There, Adrian coached football at Ouachita Christian High School for 11 years and was twice
named Louisiana Coach of the Year. JoAnna taught kindergarten and started the school’s first pre-
kindergarten program. In 1985, the couple founded the school’s father-son camp, which still runs today.
After earning his doctorate in marriage and family therapy from Virginia Tech, Adrian returned to Harding
as one of the founding faculty members of its marriage and family therapy program. He taught and
supervised there full time for 20 years and trained more than 200 master’s-level therapists. Over more
than 40 years as a coach, teacher, clinician and clinical supervisor, he has made restoring hope to hurting
individuals and families his life’s work
In 2001, Adrian founded Capstone Treatment Center. Capstone is a Christ-centered, 90–96-day
residential treatment program in Judsonia, Arkansas, for adolescent boys and young men ages 14-28
working through trauma, mental health challenges, addictions, and compulsive behavior.
Harding inducted Adrian into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2025, Arkansas Business named him
one of its most influential leaders, and the International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals
presented him with its annual leadership award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and
contributions to the field of trauma and addiction therapy.
About Capstone Treatment Center
Capstone Treatment Center is a Christian residential treatment center founded on faith
and clinical excellence. Since opening in the Hickmon family home in 2001, Capstone has
provided life-changing treatment for young men, and support for their families, in a Christ-
centered environment, helping them trace hurt to its root and find lasting change.
Capstone has served thousands of families from 49 states and nine countries. For more
information, visit capstonewellness.com.
