Hardin-Simmons University to Confer Honorary Doctor of Laws on Jane Varner Beard

Hardin-Simmons University is proud to announce that Jane Varner Beard, accomplished attorney, philanthropic leader, and lifelong advocate for community advancement, will receive the honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the 2 p.m. Winter Commencement ceremony to be held on Monday, Dec. 15, at the Abilene Convention Center.

The Doctor of Laws is an honorary degree awarded by Hardin-Simmons University to individuals who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society. Throughout her career, Mrs. Beard’s professional excellence and extraordinary record of service have shaped the civic, cultural, and spiritual life of Abilene and the State of Texas. Her commitment to serving others reflects Hardin-Simmons University’s mission to provide excellence in education, enlightened by Christian faith and values.

A Career Marked by Excellence and Integrity

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Mrs. Beard earned her Bachelor of Science in education, cum laude, from Abilene Christian University and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. She has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1977 and is admitted to practice before the federal courts of the Northern District of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Mrs. Beard built a highly respected legal career in Abilene, becoming a shareholder at McMahon, Smart, Surovik, Suttle, Buhrmann & Cobb. Her practice focused on corporate, nonprofit, and health law, where she provided strategic counsel to corporations, health care organizations, and charitable entities. Her work has long been recognized for its integrity, discernment, and compassion.

Active in state and local bar associations, Mrs. Beard served as president of the Abilene Young Lawyers Association, as secretary of the Abilene Bar Association, and as a director of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. She was named a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and in 1986, she received the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer of Texas Award, recognizing “outstanding professional proficiency, dedicated service to the legal profession, and unselfish contributions to the community.”

Since 2002, Mrs. Beard has served as grants administrator for the Dian Graves Owen Foundation, overseeing annual grantmaking efforts that support organizations across the region. During her tenure, the foundation has supported transformative initiatives in education, health care, the arts, and community development across the Big Country and throughout Texas.

A founding trustee and general counsel for the Community Foundation of Abilene, Mrs. Beard played a pivotal role in creating one of the region’s most influential philanthropic institutions. Her leadership has extended to numerous organizations, including Hendrick Medical Center Foundation, West Central Texas Municipal Water District, Christian Homes of Abilene, the Development Corporation of Abilene, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and United Way of Abilene. Each of these organizations benefited from her strategic insight, tireless volunteerism, and compassionate heart.

Mrs. Beard has also been deeply engaged in promoting education, health, and the arts through service with the Grace Museum, Abilene Preservation League, Day Nursery of Abilene, Abilene Regional MHMR Agency, Hospice of Abilene, and the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, among many other philanthropic organizations. She is currently serving as the president of Abilene Heritage Square, transforming a historic school campus into an educational and cultural hub for Abilene and the surrounding region.

Her leadership has touched every aspect of community life, from supporting vulnerable families and strengthening health care services to expanding access to cultural experiences and preserving Abilene’s heritage.

“Scripture teaches that faithful stewardship and servant leadership are marks of a life lived unto the Lord,” said university President Eric Bruntmyer. “For decades, Mrs. Beard has embodied these virtues, strengthening Abilene’s civic, cultural, and spiritual fabric through her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the common good. Her influence has blessed every corner of our community. Hardin-Simmons University is proud to honor her with the Doctor of Laws for a legacy that reflects Christlike leadership.”

Honorary degrees at Hardin-Simmons University represent the highest academic recognition awarded by the Board of Trustees and are granted only after a rigorous, confidential review. Candidates may be nominated by faculty or trustees and must exemplify HSU’s core values of integrity, Christian witness, and service. The university’s Honorifics Committee evaluates each nominee and requires that the nominee meet at least two of the institution’s established criteria, including distinguished professional accomplishment, significant contributions to humanity, or meaningful support of Hardin-Simmons University. Final approval of all honorary degrees rests solely with the Board of Trustees. This selective process ensures that each recipient truly reflects the mission and highest ideals of Hardin-Simmons University.

For a complete list of individuals who have received honorary doctorates from Hardin-Simmons University, click here.