The Fletcher Lecture Series at Hardin-Simmons University brings nationally recognized leaders to campus to explore big ideas at the intersection of business, science, faith, and public life. Designed to spark meaningful dialogue, each event connects students, faculty, and the broader West Texas community with thought leaders who shape our world.

Named for former HSU president Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher, the series honors his legacy of intellectual curiosity and faith-driven leadership. It reinforces our university’s mission to equip students with both professional insight and enduring values.

Lectures in the Fletcher Lecture Series begin at 11 a.m. and will be held at the Houston-Lantrip Center on Hardin-Simmons University campus located at 2241 Pine Street. Abilene, TX 79601

To request an invitation, please contact:
Carmen Vazquez
325-670-1066
carmen.vazquez@hsutx.edu

Date	Speaker	Theme
9/10/25	Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale Interview & Luncheon	“Purpose-Driven Business: Faith, Grit, and Giving Back” A conversation on building a business rooted in values, serving the community through crisis, and never giving up on people.
10/2/25	Dowell Stackpole Interview & Luncheon	“Stewarding Growth: Leading with Wisdom in Finance and Community” Insights from a lifetime of trusted leadership in banking, real estate, and civic development — built on integrity and service.
10/7/25	Mayor Jeff Williams Interview & Luncheon	“Building Communities that Unite: Faith, Vision, and Civic Action” A leadership perspective on transforming cities through collaboration, infrastructure, and God-honoring public service.
10/28/25	Mark Lovvorn Interview & Luncheon	“Faithful Leadership in the Boardroom and Beyond” The role of biblical principles, servant leadership, and stewardship in shaping organizations and influencing the next generation.
11/10/25	Perry Sook Nexstar Media Luncheon	“Telling the Story: Leading with Integrity in a Media-Driven World” How ethical leadership and innovation can shape culture, inform communities, and inspire trust in a changing world.
Save the date for our spring dates!
01/27/26	Stephen Curry, Founder/Chief Executive Officer Endurance Advisory Partners, LLC	TBD
02/17/26	Justice (Ret.) Craig Enoch, Attorney Butler Snow LLP Sponsored by: Browning Law Firm, PLLC	TBD
03/03/26	Beth Garvey, CEO BGSF	TBD
03/31/26	Kelcy Warren, Co-Founder Energy Transfer	TBD
04/21/26	David Miller, Co-Founder and Partner EnCap Investments, LP	TBD

Meet the Speakers

Jim McIngvale- Speaker at the Fletcher Lecture Series Fall 2025

Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale - Sept. 10

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and man of faith. From launching Gallery Furniture with $5,000 to building a multimillion-dollar brand, Mack is known for bold bets, bigger generosity, and servant leadership. His story will inspire you to lead with purpose, live your faith, and give back.

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Dowell Stackpole- Speaker at the Fletcher Lecture Series Fall 2025

Dowell Stackpole - Oct. 2

Co-founder of Texas Quantitative and Cyber Forward, Stackpole is a visionary in the fields of data science and cybersecurity. His work focuses on empowering the next generation of tech leaders in Texas through training, workforce development, and innovative solutions that support both private enterprise and public infrastructure.

Jeff Williams- Speaker at the Fletcher Lecture Series Fall 2025

Mayor Jeff Williams - Oct. 7

A civil engineer and public servant, Williams served three terms as mayor of Arlington and currently serves as president and CEO of Graham Associates, a planning and engineering firm. He is known for integrating faith, ethics, and collaboration into both civic leadership and business strategy.

Mark Lovvorn - Oct. 28

Texas Chairman Emeritus of Great Plains National Bank and former Chairman and CEO of Providence Bancshares Corporation, Mark Lovvorn is a seasoned financial leader with nearly five decades in community banking. He brings expertise in entrepreneurship, bank leadership, and mergers, alongside a commitment to ethical, faith-driven business practices and Christian ministry.

Perry Sook - Nov. 10

Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Nexstar Media Group, Perry Sook is a trailblazer in broadcasting and digital media. Since launching Nexstar in 1996, he has built it into the world’s leading local marketing and content company, leveraging localism to deliver value to consumers and advertisers across traditional, digital, and mobile platforms.

Lectures and DatesClick to Open