Board of Trustees

Composed of 36 members, the Board of Trustees (BOT) is the University’s policy-making body. Trustees must hold membership in a Baptist church during their tenure on the Board. Trustees affirm and maintain the University’s mission by setting policy, hiring and evaluating the president, and appraising the overall performance of the institute.

2024 Board of Trustees

OFFICERS

Mr. Chuck Davis, Chair
Mr. Mark Fowler, Secretary
Mr. Drue Pounds, Vice-Chair/Finance
Mr. Rick Strange, Immediate Past Chair
Mrs. Cynthia Pearson, Vice Chair/Assistant Secretary

MEMBERS

Mr. Bryan Adams

The Woodlands, Texas
Attorney
Hardin-Simmons University, B.A. 1995

Board-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/25

The people at Hardin-Simmons were essential to my growth as a Christian and a man. My family feels like HSU is our second home.

Dr. Kevin Beam

Cleburne, Texas
Veterinarian
Hardin-Simmons University, B.A. 1994

Board-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/25

HSU was instrumental in the positive development of my body, mind, and spirit. The relationships built with my professors and coaches still impacts me today, and I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Chad Braun

Cypress, Texas
Chief Financial Officer
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1994

Board-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/25

I loved my time at HSU. It prepared me for a wonderful career and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Dr. Brad Butler

Abilene, Texas
Anesthesiologist/Medical Director
Air Force Reserve
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S. 1997

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

HSU was foundational in preparing me not only for my professional career, but also for a life of service. To God be the glory!

Mrs. Linda Carter

Abilene, Texas
Retired Professional Counselor/Chaplain
Hardin-Simmons University, M.Ed. 1999

Board-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2024

I have been blessed by the HSU family for 35 years as FBC-Abilene University Minister, a Graduate, Alumni, and Trustee. It is such a joy for two of my grandsons to share that experience as students at HSU.

Dr. C. Ross Chandler

Marble Falls, Texas
Pastor
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.S. 2004

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2025

My family’s life has been wonderfully impacted from HSU. God has used my beloved school to shape everything about me, and I’m deeply honored to serve. I love our faculty, staff, and students, and I’m excited about the future.

Mrs. Vishia Coleman

White Settlement, Texas
Director of Emergency/Critical Care Services
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S.N.  2003

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

I am honored and humbled to be able to serve on the HSU Board of Trustees. I am excited for the continuation of growth for the University.

Mr. Jeff Coody

Grandfield, Oklahoma
Insurance Agent and Owner/Producer
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1982

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2026

I owe a great debt to HSU. My experience at HSU was wonderful, and I had great times with lifelong friends. I am honored to serve with like‑minded people for the benefit of this great historical institution. I recall Dr. Rupert N. Richardson teaching me that the world is a small place and your influence goes much farther than you think!

Dr. Craig Curry

Plano, Texas
Pastor
Hardin-Simmons University – Logsdon Seminary, M.Div. 2005
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.S. 2002

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

I look back on my time at Hardin-Simmons as the best years of my life. I made the best friends I have ever had, I met and fell in love with Fallon, and it was there that I received the best training for a life of ministry.

Mr. Jason Darby

Abilene, Texas
Business Owner
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 2000

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2026

It’s an honor to give back to Hardin-Simmons University, the university which gives an experience beyond expectations.

Mr. Chuck Davis

McKinney, Texas
Retired Diplomat | Former Texas Baptist Student Ministry Director
Hardin-Simmons University, B.M.E.  1984

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2023

It would be difficult to overstate the positive professional and spiritual impact HSU has made on my life as a follower of Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this institution which has given so much to so many of us through the years.

Mrs. Zelda Ellison

Lockney, Texas
Part-Time Ministry Assistant | Free-lance Instrumentalist and Vocalist | Retired teacher
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S. 1971

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2025

HSU trained me well for my life serving in the field of education and in the community. I first visited in the ’60s and have never left!

Mrs. Kayla Dillman

Newark, Texas
Licensed Professional Counselor/Business Owner
Hardin-Simmons University, B.A. 2014
Hardin-Simmons University, M.A. 2016

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

HSU shaped me into the person I am today. I am so grateful for the privilege to continue to serve and give back to my University.

Mr. Mark Fowler

Garland, Texas
Retired, Regional Director – Texas Health and  Human Services Commission
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S. 1980

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2025

My four years at HSU were the most formative years of my life because of the lasting friendships I made, the education I received, the experiences I had, and it’s where I met my wife.

Mr. Mark Ganaway

Colleyville, Texas
Marketing and Finance Professional
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1997

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2025

I am thankful for the education I received at HSU and the lifelong friends that I made. I pray that the school continues to bless future students and families in a similar way.

Mrs. Julie Gentzel

Kaufman, Texas
Kindergarten Reading/Dyslexia Teacher
Hardin-Simmons University, B.Ed. 1989

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2025

As a child of HSU graduates, I loved HSU from an early age. As a student, I experienced some of the best times of my life. I met my husband there, and learned how to fulfill my calling to teach children to read.

Mr. Mark Graham

Tuscola, Texas
Teacher, retired
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.S. 1992

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

I am so thankful to HSU for being a great blessing in my life by connecting me to Christian professors, staff, and friends and wonderful life-changing experiences.

Mrs. Julie Hammer

Abilene, Texas
Children’s Minister
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.S. 1994

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2026

At HSU, I was able to nurture my faith and discover my true self, grow as a leader, explore my calling to ministry, and develop lifelong friendships. As a Trustee, I am honored to ensure these gifts are available to others.

Dr. Jimmie Keeling

Abilene, Texas
Retired HSU Head Football Coach
Hardin-Simmons University, LL.D. (h.c.) 2015

Board-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2024

It was a blessing to serve as head football coach at HSU for 21 years during which time I worked with many great people and coached hundreds of fine young men.

Hon. Candy Noble

Lucas, Texas
Texas State Representative
Hardin-Simmons University, B.Ed. 1983

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

As a Hardin-Simmons graduate, the daughter of an HSU graduate, and the mom of graduates, I’m so grateful for the wonderful investment of faith, friendships and education that Hardin-Simmons has made in my life and family.

Mr. Lane Northcut

Buda, Texas
Executive Pastor

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

HSU has made a major impact in my family by providing a foundation in education and personal growth for my parents and for my two daughters. It was beneficial for them to attend a school where the professors and University staff take an interest in their success and well‑being.

Ms. Cynthia Pearson

Abilene, Texas
President/CEO,  non-profit child care organization
Hardin-Simmons University, B.A. 1985

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2025

Although I graduated from a Christian high school in Denver, HSU gave me a more “at home” feeling, and welcomed me warmly, even as a transfer student from Denver, CO; I’ve been in Abilene ever since.

Mr. Jerry A. Phillips

Lubbock, Texas
Investments
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1967

Convention-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2026

My time at HSU as a student was instrumental in my educational and personal development. It is an honor to serve, and I am excited for HSU’s future!

Mr. Drue Pounds

Colleyville, Texas
Chief Financial Officer
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1992

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

Being a graduate and a parent of a graduate and a current student of HSU, I have a deep affection for HSU and the lifelong difference it makes in the lives of kids and growing God’s kingdom.

Louis RevorMr. Louis Revor

Murphy, Texas
Manager Engineering Digital Technologies
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S. 1994

Board-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

HSU provided the foundation for who I am.  I am thankful for the opportunity to help others benefit similarly.

Mrs. Daisy Sanchez

San Angelo, Texas
School Counselor
Hardin-Simmons University, B.Ed. 1986

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2026

I will always be indebted to HSU for it is during my college years that I learned what it meant for Jesus to be Lord of my life!

Mr. Joe Sharp

McKinney, Texas
Retired, Petroleum Industry
Hardin-Simmons University, B.A. 1958

Convention-Elected | Eligible for reappointment in 2026

The honor of serving on the BOT at HSU has been most enjoyable and rewarding.

Dr. Dan Stahl

Belton, Texas
Surgeon/Physician
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S. 2001

Convention-Elected | Eligible for reappointment in 2026

My time at HSU was some of the best years of my life. My professors and coaches did an excellent job in preparing me for my future and I met lifetime friends and my beautiful wife while attending this wonderful university.

Mr. Rick Strange

Midland, Texas
Attorney
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1982

Convention-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2024

HSU equipped me to take all of life’s challenges head-on. I will forever be grateful.

Mrs. Jill Teague

Abilene, Texas
Chief Financial Officer

Convention-Elected | Term Concludes 12/31/2025

I am so grateful and humbled to be one of many entrusted in assuring that God’s Glory continues to shine in and through Hardin-Simmons University.

Mrs. Roxi Vanstory

New Braunfels, Texas
Executive Administrator/Businesswoman
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.S. 1984

Convention-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2024

HSU helps set a path and foundation for the rest of your life. Great environment and learning opportunities!

Dr. Michael Cooper Waters

Dallas, Texas
Retired President, Hendrick Health System
Hardin-Simmons University, LL.D. (h.c.) 1991

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2026

It is a privilege and honor to serve Hardin-Simmons as a Trustee, an institution that has blessed and educated so many persons over the years.

Mr. Jon Wheeler

Midland, Texas
Information Technology
Hardin-Simmons University, B.S. Math 1987

Convention-Elected | Eligible for re-appointment in 2027

I am so appreciative of my time at HSU; I’ve made many life-long friends and enjoyed experiences that I would not have had at a larger school.

Mrs. Angie Wiley

Abilene, Texas
Community Volunteer
Hardin-Simmons University, B.B.A. 1986

Convention-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2026

I did a lot of growing up while I was at Hardin-Simmons among caring and capable professors and staff. I met lifelong friends who still affect my life today.

Dr. Darin M. Wood

Midland, Texas
Pastor

Convention-Elected | Term concludes 12/31/2026

Honored to serve Christ as a pastor since 1999. I didn’t graduate from HSU, but I met my wife there.