Spring Graduation Spotlight: Lainey Burleson

Lainey Burleson will graduate on Friday, May 10, 2024, with her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in psychology from Hardin-Simmons University. Hailing from Clyde, Texas, she shared, “I chose to attend Hardin-Simmons University because I have always felt at home and at peace whenever I am on campus.” Her father, Jesse Burleson, is the head football coach at HSU, so she has spent a lot of time on campus over the years. “The many fond memories I hold of HSU always include feelings of love and community, which made my decision to attend HSU easy,” she added. 

At HSU, Lainey has served as the women’s basketball student assistant and a tutor for the ACE program. In 2023, she was awarded Student Assistant of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) 

Lainey loves the people at HSU. She recognizes the close-knit community that supports students and is thankful to be a part of such a community.

The HSU community not only provides students with support, but also displays the unconditional love that Christ calls us to easily extend to others.

She enjoys reading a good book and watching sports, especially basketball, pickleball, and football, in her free time.

Lainey would especially like to thank Coach Whitehead, Dr. Laura Pogue, and Dr. Traci Thompson for serving as her mentors throughout her HSU journey. She is thankful for all the love and support she received from them throughout her four years at Hardin-Simmons University. 

Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 16:14, which says, “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Her advice to HSU students is to “get involved on campus to meet new people and find meaningful friendships.” She also advised students to find a church in Abilene to stay grounded and have that community while embarking on their college journey. 

Congratulations, Lainey!