Hunter Family/Powell Family Indoor Facility Dedication

Constructed in under a year, the Hunter Family/Powell Family Indoor Facility at Hardin-Simmons University is a sight to behold. The facility acts as an indoor training center for HSU baseball. A dedication ceremony for the building was held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, and was attended by a crowd of current and former HSU baseball players, families, alumni, and donors. 

To begin the program, Ash Wright, Vice President for Advancement and Engagement, welcomed the audience. Jodie McGaughey, Vice President for Finance and Management, introduced the building committee and project team. Following McGaughey, baseball coach Steve Coleman spoke about the facility. President Bruntmyer and President Emeritus Lanny Hall also spoke, thanking the donors. Mrs. Tina Hunter and Dr. Jud Powell, donors and namesakes of the project, shared a few remarks, and the facility was prayed for and dedicated to the glory of God by Mr. Sam Walker, who is on the Board of Young Associates.  

Behind the Building’s Name

Tina and John Hunter

Tina Hunter, along with her late husband, John Hunter, have been avid supporters of the HSU Baseball program for many years. After financially supporting the installation of new lights and bleachers, the university’s baseball facility was dedicated as the John J. Hunter Baseball Field on March 30, 1984.

Both Tina and John have served in various capacities on the HSU Board of Trustees and Board of Development. Tina was the first woman to serve as chair of HSU’s Board of Trustees. Their passion for service has been passed down to generations through the John and Tina Hunter Endowed Scholarship and is displayed through their children and grandchildren’s involvement with HSU and the community.

Dr. Jud Powell

As an HSU student, Dr. Jud Powell ’76/’78/’11 was active in Student Congress, the Rangers Service Club, Alpha Phi Omega, and was head varsity cheerleader. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1976, then remained at HSU to earn a master’s degree in education in guidance counseling.

Powell has twice been a member of the Board of Development and served nine years on the Board of Trustees. He was Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2007. In 2001, he and late wife, Linda ’72/’11, received the John J. Keeter Award-the highest award HSU bestows on alumni. In 2011, Jud and Linda were awarded honorary doctorates from HSU with Jud receiving the Doctor of Laws degree.