2021 Faculty and Staff of the Year Awards

At the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon on April 29, two individuals were presented with awards to honor to their hard work and dedication to Hardin-Simmons University as voted on by their peers.

Dr. Marsha Rutland, Professor of Physical Therapy, received the Faculty Member of the Year Award. With a great amount of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Rutland is nationally known for her teaching and research. She is an annual presenter for the National Anatomy Meeting as well as the American Physical Therapy Meeting, and regularly participates in the HSU Lunch and Learn series. Just this year, Dr. Rutland headed up PT Mission Abilene and spearheaded both the HSU Anatomy Certificate Program and the HSU Orthopedic Residency Program. These accomplishments merely scratch the surface of all that she has achieved, but whether she is teaching, learning, or researching, Dr. Rutland has been known for her compassion and kindness towards those around her.

Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Marcus Wood, was awarded the Staff Member of the Year. With more than two decades of coaching at HSU, Wood has led the Cowgirl Soccer Team to become the champions of many American Southwest Conference tournaments and the 2010 NCAA tournament. Countless hours on the field and tirelessly refining his coaching strategies separates him from the competition and has allowed his teams to be nationally ranked since 2001. Coach Woods’ work ethic, desire for relationships, and willingness to go the extra mile are all testaments to his hardworking and inspiring character.

Many other individuals were recognized at the luncheon. 53 individuals received their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 year service pins to honor their years of service and 2 former staff members received Fellowship Awards. Dr. Carol Hill, retired Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and former Head Football Coach Dr. Jimmie Keeling each received a 2020 Former Staff Member of the Year award. Retired faculty were also recognized at the luncheon.

The event wrapped up with a special appreciation for President Eric Bruntmyer, who just completed his fifth year at Hardin-Simmons.