Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Residence Hall

On May 19, 2022, Hardin-Simmons University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of its newest residence hall.

Located on the Northeast corner of Ambler Ave and Simmons Ave (where Anderson Hall’s current parking lot is), the building will be a 61,000-square-foot, four-story facility with 165 beds and multiple common areas. The building will provide suite living. Each unit will contain four bedrooms and two full bathrooms that share a small living room. Each student will have a private bedroom in the unit with a twin bed, study desk, dresser, and walk-in closet.

The current timeline is for a fall 2024 occupation. Sophomore female students will call this place home.

Vicki House, VP for Enrollment Management, shared, “Part of the educational experience a student receives at HSU is in the community built in the residence halls. Community living teaches life skills, like how to resolve conflict with a roommate.”

The groundbreaking ceremony paid homage to Dr. Rosa Lee (Hemphill) Prichard ’58 for her generous support of Hardin-Simmons over the years.

Dr. Rosa Lee with President Eric Bruntmyer

When a student at HSU, Rosa Lee was active in many organizations, including the Young Women’s Auxiliary, the Colt Club, and Sigma Alpha Iota. She graduated in 1958 with a BS in secretarial science and religious education, which came in handy as she served as Financial Secretary for First Baptist Church when she and her husband lived in Midland/Odessa.

Rosa Lee met her spouse at HSU and married Milford Prichard ’57 in 1958. Rosa Lee has served HSU through the Alumni Board, Board of Young Associates, School of Music Foundation, Board of Development, HSU Campaign Leadership Council, and is a lifetime member of the Presidents Club, along with serving on the Board of Trustees from 1992-2001. In December 2006 an Honorary Doctorate was conferred upon Rosa Lee and the Keeter Award in 2018. Rosa Lee and her late husband, avid supporters of HSU athletics, had two children, Lou Ann Prichard Draper ’83 and Marlon Prichard. For decades, she and Milford could be seen in the stands at virtually any university athletic event, proudly sporting their purple and gold while cheering for the Cowboys and Cowgirls.

Rosa Lee represents the Nix, Hemphill, and Prichard families, with connections to the Logsdon family. Each of these families has been instrumental in the growth and success of HSU. Multiple endowments, campus facilities, buildings, scholarships, and more were created by the generosity of these families.

This new building will be a reminder of the impact HSU has on its students and, in turn, alumni have on HSU. Let us ensure the students who live here know the stories associated with the names on these walls so they are inspired to continue the tradition of service.