Hardin–Simmons University
 | |
| Motto | An Education Enlightened by Faith |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1891 |
| Affiliation | Baptist |
| Endowment | US$106,379,000 |
| Students | 2,435 |
| Undergraduates | 1,997 |
| Postgraduates | 438 |
| 73 | |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | Urban, 209 acres (0.85 km2) |
| Colors | Purple and Gold |
| Mascot | Cowboy / Cowgirl |
| Website | http://www.hsutx.edu/ |
Hardin-Simmons University (or HSU) is a private Baptist university located in Abilene, Texas.
History
Hardin-Simmons University was founded as Abilene Baptist College in 1891 by the Sweetwater Baptist Association and a group of cattlemen and pastors who sought to bring Christian higher education to the Southwest. The original land was donated to the university by rancher C.W. Merchant. The college was renamed Simmons College in 1892 in honor of an early contributor, James B. Simmons (clergyman. In 1925, it became Simmons University. It was once again renamed to Hardin-Simmons University in 1934 in honor of Mary and John G. Hardin who were also major contributors. [1]
The University has been associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1941. Its students come from diverse backgrounds and a variety of Christian denominations. With an approximate enrollment of 2,400 students, the student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1.
As fully accredited university, Hardin-Simmons offers six undergraduate degrees with 70 majors, and seven graduate degrees with 18 programs. Pre-professional programs include dentistry, engineering, medicine, law, pharmacology, and seminary. The school also offers a doctorate in physical therapy - the first in Texas which is open to private citizens.
Mission statement
Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.
Presidents
| 1892 - 1894 | Rev. W.C. Friley |
| 1894 - 1898 | Dr. George O. Thatcher |
| 1898 - 1901 | Dr. O.C. Pope |
| 1901 - 1902 | Rev. C.R. Hairfield |
| 1902 - 1909 | Dr. Oscar H. Cooper |
| 1909 - 1940 | Dr. Jefferson Davis Sandefer, Sr. |
| 1940 | Dr. Lucian Q. Campbell (acting president) |
| 1940 - 1943 | Dr. William R. White |
| 1943 - 1953 | Dr. Rupert N. Richardson |
| 1953 - 1962 | Dr. Evan Allard Reiff |
| 1962 - 1963 | Dr. George L. Graham (interim) |
| 1963 - 1966 | Dr. James H. Landes |
| 1966 - 1977 | Dr. Elwin L. Skiles |
| 1977 - 1991 | Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher |
| 1991 - 2001 | Dr. Lanny Hall |
| 2001 - 2008 | Dr. W. Craig Turner |
Awards / Distinctions
2007
- US News and World Report America's Best Colleges 2007.
- Princeton Review Best Western Colleges 2007.
2006
- Colleges of Distinction 2006.
- US News and World Report America's Best Colleges 2006.
- Princeton Review Best Western Colleges 2006.
Notable Alumni
- John Leland Atwood — former chief engineer for North American Aviation instrumental in the production of the P-51 Mustang and B-25 Mitchell
- Dan Blocker — played the role of Hoss on the 1960s American TV show Bonanza[2]
- Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson — Poker Legend
- Victor G. Carrillo — current Commissioner of the Railroad Commission of Texas
- Harvey Catchings — former NBA basketball player
- Stedman Graham — author and boyfriend of Oprah Winfrey
- Leighton Paige Patterson — former President of the Southern Baptist Convention and current President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Byron Roberts Sr. — professional baseball player
- Clyde "Bulldog" Turner — member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- George E. "Buddy" West — former Texas state representative
- Willis Whitfield — inventor of the Cleanroom
- C.V. Wood — entrepreneur who relocated London Bridge to Lake Havasu, Arizona
External links
References
- ^ Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. "Hardin-Simmons University" http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/HH/kbh2.html (accessed January 8, 2007).
- ^ Hardin Simmons University