Grace Mitchell's Story

Throughout high school, I often felt alone in my conviction to follow Christ. I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree at a Christian university, but I also knew that it would probably be more expensive than a state school.

I took a tour of Hardin-Simmons, and it immediately felt like home. I met students who had the same desire to follow Christ as I did and began praying about making HSU my new home.

I applied to the Honors Program as a kind of litmus test. If I got into the program, I decided that I would attend Hardin-Simmons. After I received my invitation to join Honors, I scheduled my trip to Abilene for Round-Up.

As I was registering for classes, Dr. Copeland, the director of the Honors Program came up to me and began to congratulate me. I assumed he was referring to my acceptance into the program. However, once he mentioned a scholarship, I knew that I was missing something.

“You’ve been awarded the Leland Scholarship,” he told me. “It completely pays for your tuition for four years!”

I was floored by this blessing. Because of this scholarship, I have had the freedom to focus on my studies, friendships, and ministries without having to worry about paying for tuition. Not only did God provided me with a university full of affirming believers, but He also provided the finances to get there.