HSU Celebrates Investiture of President Eric Bruntmyer

(Abilene, Texas) – It was an historic day marked by prayer, joy, and excitement for the future as Eric Bruntmyer was invested as the 16th president of Hardin-Simmons University.

Some 2,000 people filled Behrens Auditorium to witness the historic event, which officially marked the beginning of Bruntmyer’s tenure. Bruntmyer took office on June 1, 2016, succeeding Dr. Lanny Hall.

The Investiture ceremony formally invested Bruntmyer with the symbols and responsibilities of his office. The symbols include the University Mace, which represents the enduring dream of the founders of HSU, and the University Medallion, which represents the authority with which the Board of Trustees entrusts the president.

The Investiture ceremony took place during the University’s Quasquicentennial Anniversary, celebrating 125 years since HSU’s foundation agreement was adopted in 1891.

The scene outside Behrens prior to the event showcased some of the school’s traditions. Investiture guests were greeted by the Cowboy Band, the Six White Horses, and the HSU Spurs team.

Dr. Michael Waters, chairman of the HSU Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee, opened the event. Referencing a favorite Psalm of former HSU President Edwin Skiles, Waters began with, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

He said when HSU was founded, Benjamin Harrison was president of the US and James Hogg was governor of Texas. “What a great history we have, 125 plus years of education enlightened by faith.”

The Investiture Prayer was led by Dr. David Hardage, executive director of the Texas Baptists, and Dr. Phil Christopher, the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Abilene, performed the reading of 1st Corinthians Ch. 13.

Dr. Thomas Brisco introduced Dr. Dennis Wiles, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Arlington.

Wiles, the pastor of the Bruntmyers’ church, spoke about his many positive experiences with the family in Arlington and called for the HSU community to embrace its new First Family.

“Receive them well. They’re a dynamic young family. They’re going to bless you and be a blessing to this community,” he said.  

He spoke to a Biblical passage referring to the Christian life being similar to a race that God has designed.

“God wants us to live an authentic life,” Wiles said. “God is an expert in designing race courses that actually fit who you are. And that means God has done that not just for Eric Bruntmyer, he’s done that for every one of us. It’s our responsibility to find that course and find our way on it and then, once we’re on it, to run and run with endurance.”

Dr. Waters and Dr. Brisco presented Bruntmyer with the Presidential Medallion. Bruntmyer accepted the university symbols, surrounded by his family and by three former presidents of the University: Drs. Hall, W. Craig Turner, and Jesse Fletcher.

Before beginning his remarks, Bruntmyer gave a shout out to the freshmen class and the women’s soccer team, which had recently won a game against Dallas Baptist University. He also thanked his family and the previous HSU presidents before beginning his remarks.

He shared the vision of one of the school’s earlier benefactors, James Simmons, who wanted the University to reflect Christ’s love. Simmons often referred to the school as “Christlieb,” or The College of Christ’s Love.

Bruntmyer recognized the efforts of the earliest Abilene leaders, such as Judge K.K. Leggett, Theo Vogel, George Phillips, and E.T. Ambler, who provided funds, land, and support to the school

Finally, he appealed to students, staff, faculty, donors, and alumni to make an offering toward the school’s vision.

“Each person gathered in this place has an important and unique offering to give toward continuing our work for those who will come after we are long gone,” he said. “Our actions today join the enduring 125-year legacy of Hardin-Simmons and the connection of Christ’s love that binds us will propel us deep into the future.”

Dr. Don Wiliford, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary, offered the closing prayer.

The event featured some 20 delegates representing other educational institutions including the presidents from DBU, Abilene Christian University, and many others. Dr. Virginia Boyd Connally ’33, HSU’s oldest known graduate at 103, attended the ceremony as well.

The Dyess AFB Color Guard performed the Presentation of Colors to begin the event.

Dustin Tatro, an HSU alumni ‘11/’13, served as the organist and Dr. Melody Rich, an associate professor of voice, served as the soloist during the Investiture. Dr. Robert Tucker, dean of the College of Fine Arts, led several songs during the event.

Later in the day, Bruntmyer received a proclamation from the City of Abilene presented by Mayor Norm Archibald. He also received a proclamation from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.