December Graduate Spotlight: Elise Bruntmyer

Hardin-Simmons University First Lady, Elise Bruntmyer, graduated this December with an MA in Management.

Originally from Midland, Texas, Elise’s life is full of faith, family, and self-actualization. Did you know, Elise’s link to HSU predates her husband’s appointment as university president, dating back to her father’s graduation from HSU in 1966?

Elise had made two separate attempts to earn a master’s degree in the past. Arranging logistics for childcare while planning around family time, church, and work, both times she had to ask, “Is this where I need to devote my valuable time?” In both of those instances, she chose to not finish the programs and instead placed her attention on her family.

In this time, having an undergraduate degree in Spanish and raising five children, with MBA classes and MA classes under her belt, Elise had the realization, while folding her umpteenth basket of laundry that, “I couldn’t be paralyzed, just waiting for that calling we all think God will clearly speak to us.” She went on to explain, “Some people are blessed knowing exactly what they’re called to do, but for others, like me, I learned it’s important to just do something. We are all called to work for the Lord. Everything we do will culminate in God’s plan for us. We should not waste time waiting for that ‘moment,’ but rather focus on our character with whatever we do.”

Elise’s favorite aunt and uncle live in Abilene, and after realizing she needed “to do something” she asked if she could shadow their work for a weekend. It was in this visit that Elise found a love for real estate and house appraisals. Elise returned to Arlington, where she became a licensed real estate agent.

Before moving to Abilene in 2016, Elise balanced a highly successful real estate career in the Metroplex along with the chaos that comes with raising five children.

Once the Bruntmyer family moved to Abilene, Elise took a step back from real estate to adjust to the new role of First Lady. She stayed as busy as ever, though, attending University events, shuttling kids to volleyball tournaments, participating in various Boards, and more. One day while walking the campus in prayer, Elise found herself at the Alumni Wall. Overcome with emotion, she said, “I saw my Dad’s name on the Alumni Wall and knew that Hardin-Simmons was going to be my college, too. I heard God say, ‘it’s time to get your master’s.’”

“It is such a joy to be a student,” she said of her time enrolled at HSU. Elise went on to share that she appreciated the whole student experience, “from registration to study groups to meeting with faculty to going to class with my backpack!”

Elise is grateful for her family of cheerleaders, who shared her excitement and dedication to the curriculum. “I have such an encouraging family and am so thankful for their support,” she added.

Her advice to current students is something we all need to hear, “You’re going to have roadblocks, days where you feel like you can’t. Push past it and keep going. God put you here for something, a purpose. You can do it.”

Since finishing classes, Elise has signed a contract to go back to work in real estate with Ebby Halliday.

Congratulations, Elise! HSU is YOUR school and we’re happy to have your name added to the Alumni Wall.