“The Possibilities with VariQuest Are Endless”

At Harding University, the integration of VariQuest has transformed the way faculty, staff, and students communicate ideas, share knowledge, and enhance learning experiences. The Betty Ann Watson Education Resource Center at Harding proudly utilizes the VariQuest Perfecta® STP Poster Design System and the Cutout Maker Digital Die-Cut Machine. These tools have become essential resources not only within the university but also in its connected PK–12 school and throughout the community.

Student Use and Campus Life

Allison Parker, the Director of the Watson Center and Instructor in the College of Education, says it best: “The possibilities with VariQuest are without limit”. Students have quickly picked up on the tools and use them for all sorts of projects inside and outside of class. For example, students in Harding’s Children’s Literature course use the Perfecta and Cutout Maker to create colorful “author boards” that help make learning fun and hands-on.

And it’s not just about academics at Harding; these tools are a huge part of student life. They’re used for social club events, church groups, fundraisers, campus parties, and so much more. Students use the VariQuest tools for everything, making it a more friendly, welcoming, and brighter environment, which Ms. Parker states as high importance.

The Watson Center is basically the one-stop shop on campus for these tools, so both students and faculty know where to go. “Word of mouth has spread quickly that we can provide posters, cutouts, etc. for courses, special events, and community needs. Being able to print things like strategic initiatives for a college or department to hang permanently in their building is rewarding” Ms. Parker adds.

Faculty Use and Academic Support

The Watson Center at Harding has made the Perfecta a go-to for helping future teachers design better lessons and get involved in new ways. Through workshops and brainstorming sessions, faculty members get to craft their own custom posters that make their classes pop. These posters often show learning goals, interactive graphics, and engaging visuals that bring the material to life. Ms. Parker shares, “We’ve allowed time for faculty to brainstorm and create informational posters for their courses to help share knowledge of this resource.”

Around campus, lots of departments have jumped on board too, using the Perfecta and Cutout Maker to brighten up bulletin boards and make spaces feel more welcoming and creative. These displays are more than just colorful visuals up on a wall, they help build a student-friendly environment that’s all about inclusion and engagement.

Making an Impact Beyond Campus

The Watson Center’s influence goes beyond just Harding University. Harding Academy, the PK–12 school tied to the university, uses these tools a lot for classroom materials that help younger students learn. Things like instructional charts, themed cutouts, and bulletin boards keep early learners engaged and on track.

Ms. Parker also sees huge potential for these tools to help with accessibility. “The possibilities with VariQuest are endless, which is what makes it such a wonderful resource for an Education Resource Center like the Watson Center” she says. With options like customizable visuals, enlarged prints, and interactive cutouts, the resources that VariQuest has to offer support all kinds of learners and unique needs.

The Watson Center funds their VariQuest resources by revenue made from customers. “Our budget relies on this,” Ms. Parker explains. “That’s how we were able to fund both our initial purchases and any replacements over the years.” This setup means the Center can keep serving not just Harding University but families, teachers, and schools throughout the community and around the entire state of Arkansas.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Harding University and VariQuest shows just how powerful visual learning tools can be for sparking creativity, boosting engagement, and supporting a wide range of learners. Thanks to the Watson Center’s creative use of the VariQuest tools, Harding University continues to make education more engaging, meaningful, and accessible, both on campus and beyond.