Full Circle: From the Clinic to the Classroom

When Baylan Vaughan ’25 tore his hip during his true senior year, his baseball career felt like it had reached an unexpected — and devastating — end.

“I thought I would never play baseball again,” he remembers. “Luckily, with the collaboration of my coaching staff, training staff and the HSU PT school, I was able to get healthy and play my last season.”

Baylan (L) pictured with Dr. Ruot, Professor of Kinesiology in the College of Health Professions.

That journey to recovery happened right here on campus in Hardin-Simmons University’s student-athlete clinic. Treated by HSU physical therapy students under the supervision of Dr. McCormick and faculty, Vaughan experienced firsthand the power of compassionate, skilled care.

“It was a really cool experience to be able to work with Dr. McCormick and the students and staff there,” Vaughan said. “Being pre-PT all the way through school, I was able to have a unique experience working alongside students and developing close relationships there.”

What started as recovery turned into a clear confirmation of the path he was meant to follow.

“I have wanted to go to PT school for as long as I can remember,” Vaughan said. “This experience made me realize I made the right choice because these students were doing for me exactly what I want to do for other people. This solidified that my calling from the Lord has placed me here.”

Vaughan graduated in May with a degree in human sciences and was recently accepted to begin HSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in fall 2026. For him, choosing to stay at Hardin-Simmons was never a difficult decision.

“Returning to HSU means the world to me,” he said. “After transferring here halfway through college, there were many unknowns about my future. I truly found a home here and a community of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. I’m so proud to be able to call myself a lifelong Cowboy and finish both my degrees here.”