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Hardin-Simmons University 2018-2019
INTRODUCING
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a
community dedicated to providing excellence in
education enlightened by Christian faith and values.
Hardin-Simmons University provides the opportunity for a
quality education in a Christian environment for all qualified
men
and
women. Hardin-Simmons,
a
Master’s
(Comprehensive) University with a Cynthia Ann Parker
College of Liberal Arts, Holland School of Sciences and
Mathematics, Kelley College of Business, College of Human
Sciences and Educational Studies, College of Fine Arts, Patty
Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, and Logsdon School of
Theology, and a Graduate School, is fully accredited and
holds membership in good standing in the appropriate
agencies as listed in this Catalog. Hardin-Simmons University
offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which can
be attained after earning a bachelor’s degree. HSU was the
first in the state to implement a DPT program and continues
to be the only private school in Texas to offer this program. In
the fall 2009, Hardin-Simmons University began offering a
Doctor of Ministry (D Min) degree through the Logsdon
Seminary in the Logsdon School of Theology. The Doctor of
Ministry degree is an advanced program oriented toward
ministry. The Irvin School of Education in the College of
Human Sciences and Educational Studies began offering the
Doctor of Education (Ed D) in leadership in fall 2012.
Graduates have been singularly successful in being admitted
to graduate and professional schools and have been readily
employed in business, education, and professional fields.
Located in Abilene, Texas, Hardin-Simmons has contributed
to the development of the West and helped establish a city
and area where cultural, educational, and spiritual values are
highly regarded. Two other church-related colleges in the city
share with the University an interchange of courses, library
facilities, and extracurricular activities. A city civic center, a
library, a symphony orchestra, a community theatre, a county
coliseum, a modern airport, and progressive leadership afford
a most desirable environment in a metropolitan population of
133,000.
The climate and location make for generally ideal weather
conditions. The city is situated on U.S. Interstate Highway 20,
midway between Dallas and New Mexico.
Hardin-Simmons was founded in 1891 as Abilene Baptist
College, renamed Simmons College in honor of the first major
donor, Dr. James B. Simmons, a Baptist minister of New York
City, and later named Hardin-Simmons University in
recognition of gifts by Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hardin of
Burkburnett, Texas. The University has become well
established with a growing endowment and modern facilities.
The Elwin L. Skiles Social Sciences Building and the Caldwell
Music Building are among the latest additions to the compact
and beautiful campus, known as “The Forty Acres.”
Originally founded by the Sweetwater Baptist Association, the
University has been affiliated with the Baptist General
Convention of Texas since 1941.
Throughout its history, Hardin-Simmons University has
emphasized religious training and spiritual values; hundreds
of preachers, missionaries, and directors of religious
education and music are among the alumni. The foundation
agreement reads in part that the school’s purpose shall be “To
bring young men and women to Christ; to teach them of
Christ; to train them for Christ.”
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Hardin-Simmons University, a church-related institution
affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas:
Fosters the intellectual development of students
by
providing an academically challenging undergraduate
education based upon a liberal arts foundation, and advances
scholarly growth by offering specialized graduate and
professional degree programs.
Academic excellence continues as a priority
at Hardin-
Simmons University as it has for more than a century. The
foundational curriculum involves students in a broad range of
inquiry relating general studies with requirements of the
chosen major. Graduate programs broaden the scope of
learning in scientific and professional disciplines and
encourage students to regard learning as a lifelong process.
Small classes taught by experienced scholars give the
opportunity for interactive learning. The institution’s
commitment to excellence is best illustrated through the lives
of graduates who traditionally have excelled in a wide variety
of fields.
Affirms the relevance and importance of the Christian
faith
for life in the contemporary world by maintaining a clear
identification with the loyalty to the Christian faith and
functioning within the context of historic Baptist values and
principles.
Founded in 1891 by a determined group of ministers,
ranchers and merchants, Hardin-Simmons University
established dual goals of developing the mind and nurturing
the spiritual life of its students. That commitment to encourage
growth in faith and knowledge has remained central. Believing
academic excellence and Christian faith to be
complementary, the University emphasizes the need for
interaction between faith and reason.
Encourages individuals to lead lives of service
through
active involvement in intellectual, cultural and religious life,
both on the campus and in the larger communities of Abilene
and the world.
Although Western in tradition, the University takes pride in the
cosmopolitan nature of its students, faculty and staff, and
encourages the development of an international perspective.
Through its leadership in providing intellectual, spiritual,
cultural and social opportunities, the University serves as
catalyst for the advancement and enrichment of its students
and the community.
Presidents
The Rev. W. C. Friley............................................1892-1894
Dr. George O. Thatcher.........................................1894-1898
Dr. O. C. Pope ......................................................1898-1901
The Rev. C. R. Hairfield .......................................1901-1902
Dr. Oscar H. Cooper .............................................1902-1909
Dr. Jefferson D. Sandefer .....................................1909-1940
Dr. Lucian Q. Campbell, acting President..............1940-1940
Dr. William R. White ..............................................1940-1943
Dr. Rupert N. Richardson ......................................1943-1953
Dr. Evan Allard Reiff..............................................1953-1962
Dr. George L. Graham, Interim..............................1962-1963
Dr. James H. Landes ............................................1963-1966
Dr. Elwin L. Skiles .................................................1966-1977
Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher ............................................1977-1991
Dr. Lanny Hall .......................................................1991-2001
Dr. W. Craig Turner...............................................2001-2008
Dr. Lanny Hall .......................................................2009-2016
Mr. Eric Bruntmyer ........................................... 2016-Present