HSU Crowns 2025 University King and Queen
Century-old tradition honors students who embody service, leadership
During halftime of Hardin-Simmons University’s Homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon, Kaiser Decker, an exercise science major from Denison, Texas, and Nina Tarasovets, a business administration major from Ukraine, were crowned the 2025 University King and Queen — joining a legacy of student leaders celebrated for nearly a century on the Forty Acres.
Selected by their peers in recognition of their leadership, campus involvement, and commitment to service, the pair received their crowns from HSU President Eric Bruntmyer and First Lady Elise Bruntmyer before a crowd of students, alumni, and families.
A Surprise Honor for the King
Kaiser Decker, an exercise science major from Denison, Texas
For Decker, the announcement came unexpectedly.
“Winning homecoming king came as a surprise to me, honestly,” he said. “I felt that others on the court deserved it over myself, but even through that, I am very grateful to be nominated king.”
The moment prompted reflection on his four years at HSU. Decker has served on the SABERS student activities board, worked as an intramural sports official, interned with the strength and conditioning staff, participated in Stampede orientation, and serves as an HSU Instagram Ambassador.
“It really has helped me reflect and think about my time here at HSU in a different light, seeing how I’ve grown and all the relationships I have made,” Decker said. “Through the trials and errors and the highs along the way, I’ve made it a point to be present—to talk to people, get to know them, and build connections.”
Decker said representing the organizations that shaped his HSU experience made the honor especially meaningful.
“I couldn’t be prouder to represent my clubs and organizations through this,” he said. “They’re the reason I’m in the position I am today.”
After graduation, Decker plans to pursue a master’s degree in kinesiology and hopes to serve as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach.
From Ukraine to University Queen
Nina Tarasovets, a business administration major from Ukraine
For Tarasovets, who serves as student body president, the crown represents more than a title.
“Being named university queen is a moment I will never forget,” she said. “To me, it’s more than just the crown. It’s an opportunity to share how great HSU is and to honor the people who support and encourage me through every season.”
Tarasovets credits her faith as the foundation of her journey.
“This reminds me that everything I have accomplished is by God’s grace,” she said. “He has placed me in a position to be a light for those around me. This recognition is a reminder to continue walking in kindness and purpose, reflecting His love in all I do.”
In addition to student government, Tarasovets is involved in SABERS, the International Student Fellowship, Stampede orientation, and the Instagram Ambassadors program. She emphasized that the relationships built through these experiences are what matter most.
“It’s not about the crown, but about the people,” she said. “Students choosing me to represent them is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Tarasovets’ journey began her freshman year with a simple desire to get involved. Over time, she grew into leadership roles, planned campus events, and found a second family at HSU.
“Every step taught me something about leadership, service, and teamwork,” she said. “Being named university queen feels like a full-circle moment.”
She plans to remain at HSU after graduation to pursue a master’s degree.
Honoring Tradition and Service
The 2025 University Court included 10 students — five men and five women — nominated by campus clubs and organizations. Senior class members selected the final candidates, and the student body elected the king and queen.
Joining Decker and Tarasovets on the court were:
- Sayler Beerwinkle – Social Work major, Earth, Texas
- Jonathan Durance – Mathematics and Computer Science major, Winnipeg, Canada
- Marissa Lacefield – Music Education major, Argyle, Texas
- Jackson Dyer – Worship Leadership major, Granbury, Texas
- Abbey Pardue – Business Administration major, Lubbock, Texas
- Jared Schaeffer – Psychology major, Abilene, Texas
- Grace Simms – Biology major, Panhandle, Texas
- Joel Williams – Christian Studies major, Jayton, Texas
The University Court honors students who reflect HSU’s core values of faith, learning, and service, recognizing individuals who have used their time and talents to strengthen the campus community.
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