Alumni Organizations & Awards

Mr. Drue Pounds, ’92

Mr. Drue Pounds has demonstrated a deep commitment to service through his involvement with Hardin-Simmons University and his local church. A 1992 graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance, Drue served on HSU’s Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2022 and again beginning in 2024. He has chaired the Finance Committee and previously served on the Board of Young Associates.

In 2004, he was inducted into the HSU Athletic Hall of Fame and was a two-time NAIA Academic and Athletic All-American in golf. A deacon and former elder, Drue has held church leadership roles in both Texas and California. He and his wife, Chris Anne, are proud parents of two HSU graduates: Abby Hester (’22), a speech-language pathologist, and Jack Pounds (’24), who is pursuing a master’s degree in library science. Drue currently serves as CFO of ALL4 LLC, a global environmental consulting firm.

Dr. Todd Baumann ’96

Dr. Todd Baumann is the owner of a private prosthodontics practice in Dallas, Texas, and serves as an assistant clinical professor in the graduate prosthodontics residency program at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. He is a member and past president of several professional organizations, including the Dallas County Dental Society, the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the Baylor College of Dentistry Alumni Association. In 2018, he was named Dallas County Dental Society’s Dentist of the Year. In addition to his professional work, Dr. Baumann has served on dental mission trips to Mexico, Jamaica, and Zambia.

Todd earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from HSU in 1996, graduating magna cum laude. As a student, he was quarterback and team captain of the Cowboy football team, earning All-American and Academic All-American honors. He was inducted into the HSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

Mrs. Jennifer (Wegenhoft) Smothermon ’98/’00

Mrs. Jennifer Smothermon earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bible in 1998 and a Master of Arts in Family Psychology in 2000 from Hardin-Simmons University, graduating summa cum laude. She currently serves as Clinical Director of Beltway Counseling Group, Director of Development and therapist at the Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment, and is founder of Smothermon Professional Services, PLLC. With over two decades of experience in counseling and supervision, she was appointed by two Texas governors to lead the State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists and served as President of the National Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. In 2025, she was named Outstanding Supervisor by the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

As an HSU student, Jennifer was President of Psi Chi and Epsilon Pi Alpha, a Clinard Scholar, and active in BSM, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Moot Court, and community service. She remains involved at HSU as an adjunct faculty member, site supervisor, and mentor.

Dr. John Wilson ’68

Dr. John Wilson earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Hardin-Simmons University in 1968 and went on to receive a Master of Music from Baylor University and a PhD in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University. Commissioned through ROTC at HSU, he began his career in education as a teacher and advanced to serve as superintendent in several Texas school districts. As superintendent, he led nationally recognized STEM initiatives in partnership with NASA, including the award-winning Robonauts robotics team and the Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center. He later founded a consulting firm and created and directed the doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Policy at Baylor University.

As a student at HSU, John was president of Tau Alpha Phi fraternity, a member of Phi Mu Alpha, the A Cappella Choir, and Student Government, and served as pianist and organist for campus and local churches. He later served on HSU’s Board of Trustees and Board of Development.

Dr. Amanda (LaRue) Andrews ’05

Dr. Amanda (LaRue) Andrews is a passionate Athletic Trainer and educator who has dedicated her life to sharing Christ’s love through her passion for teaching, athletics, and service to her community.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Athletic Training from Hardin-Simmons University in 2005. She went on to receive a Master of Education in Physical Education from Northwest Missouri State University in 2017 and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Blending Secondary and Higher Education from Liberty University in 2021.Since joining Life School in 2012 as the district’s first full-time athletic trainer, Amanda has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive sports medicine program for students.

During her time at Hardin-Simmons University, Amanda was actively involved in the Baptist Student Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served as treasurer of the Athletic Training Society. She also worked as a prospective student tour guide in the Admissions department. In 2004, she was honored as the American Southwest Conference All-Academic Athletic Training Student Assistant and recognized as a United States Achievement Academy All-American Collegiate Scholar.

Amanda and her husband, Paul, reside in Glenn Heights, Texas, with their two sons and daughter.

Mr. Roy Juarez Jr. ’09

Roy Juarez Jr.’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and determination, long before his time at Hardin-Simmons. As an activist, advocate, and inspirational speaker, Roy partners with top global brands through his organization, IMPACTtruth, delivering motivational speeches and workshops that inspire others to strive for a brighter future.

Roy’s dedication stems from his own experience with homelessness after dropping out of high school at just 14 years old. Determined to overcome his circumstances, he returned to complete high school and later attended Hardin-Simmons University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2009. Following graduation, Roy chose to return to life on the streets—not out of necessity, but as an advocate for homeless youth, aiming to shed light on their struggles and provide hope.

In 2018, Roy published Homeless by Choice: A Memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness, chronicling his personal journey and the decision to embrace homelessness again to inspire others.

During his time at HSU, Roy was involved in campus life by serving as Chief Photographer for the student newspaper and worked as a Circulation Clerk in the library. He was also active in theatre, founded a student-to-student mentorship program, and participated in the Kiwanis Club of Abilene.

Dr. John Whitten ’07/’11

Dr. John Whitten is a devoted pastor, educator, and servant leader who has dedicated his life to sharing Christ’s love through ministry, teaching, and service. His unwavering faith and commitment to leadership reflect the highest values of Hardin-Simmons University, making him a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

A 2007 HSU graduate with a BBA in Management, John was an outstanding student leader, serving as President of Kappa Phi Omega and earning honors such as Homecoming King and Mr. Bronco. His passion for ministry was evident through leadership roles in the Baptist Student Ministry and Christian Association of Student Leaders. He earned a Master of Divinity from Logsdon Seminary in 2011 and a Doctor of Ministry from Truett Seminary in 2018.

For two decades, John has faithfully served Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, progressing from intern to Senior Pastor. His tenure has been marked by significant growth, including leading post-pandemic revitalization, overseeing a $4.7 million renovation, and launching the visionary Next 70 master plan. He also contributes to theological education as an adjunct professor at Truett Seminary and his influence extends to denominational leadership through his service with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist Standard Publishing Company.

John lives in Abilene with his wife, Elya ’07, and their four children.