Outstanding Young Alumni Award Recipients Celebrated at Banquet

(ABILENE, Texas)– Hardin-Simmons University and its dedication to excellence has produced numerous outstanding graduates. Each year, HSU recognizes several of its influential family, friends, and alumni through various awards and recognitions. On Feb. 28, HSU and its Board of Young Associates celebrated the three newest Outstanding Young Alumni (OYA) award recipients during a banquet in the new Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning.

Requirements

Recipients of the coveted OYA award have substantially benefitted the world through their chosen fields. Nominees must have achieved a significant level of distinction in their work, while reflecting the quality and values of HSU’s student body and alumni. Alumni under the age of 45 who graduated from HSU less than 20 years before their nomination are eligible to receive the award.

Nominees are voted on by a selection committee consisting of those in leadership roles on campus, including Trustee Chairman, Student Government Association President, and Alumni Association President.

Recipients

This year’s recipients – Dr. Eric Black, Mr. David Krake, and Ms. Vishia Wilson – have influenced communities across several state lines, in ministry, finance, and nursing.

Dr. Eric Black

Dr. Eric Black earned his bachelor’s degree from HSU in ’97, before continuing to earn his master’s and Ph.D. from other institutions. After his graduation, Black served as the associate pastor for youth ministries at First Baptist Church in Galax, Virginia, associate director of GraceLife Baptist Student Union at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and then as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Covington, Texas. He currently works as the executive director/publisher and editor of the Baptist Standard.

Mr. David Krake

While at HSU, David Krake majored in finance and marketing, which has helped him develop a successful career in the financial services industry. Krake earned his bachelor’s degree at HSU in ’04 and has since served as a certified financial planner and a certified plan fiduciary advisor. He was named to Forbes’/SHOOK’s “America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list in ’17, ’18, and ’19.

Ms. Vishia Wilson

After completing her nursing degree through HSU, Vishia Wilson began working at Abilene Regional Medical Center’s intensive care unit (ICU). After serving in the ICU, Wilson worked for the Taylor County Health Department, as a flight nurse, and as a nursing instructor. In 2009, Wilson returned to Abilene Regional, and has served as the director of both the ICU and emergency room at the center. Wilson acts as the current president of the HSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Board of Young Associates

The Board of Young Associates is a group of alumni under the age of 40 who have graduated no more than 20 years prior. The board fundraises for the university, offers scholarships, and works to advance and support their alma mater.