Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University is proud to welcome the new Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) Director, Efrain Gonzalez. He is known by many as “Big E”, serving in youth ministry for 25 years at churches across Texas. Throughout his ministry, he has enjoyed spending time with students, building relationships, and helping them grow their faith. Help us welcome Efrain in the comments below! Read more here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/har…

On Veterans Day, Hardin-Simmons University gathered with community members to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces during the university’s sixth annual Veterans Day Luncheon. The event continues to grow each year, reflecting HSU’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the sacrifices and service of veterans throughout the Big Country. Read more here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/hsu…

Today, we recognize and honor all who have served our country. We are proud to stand alongside and support our nation's veterans and military-connected community. Happy Veterans Day!

Hardin-Simmons Provost Dr. Chris McNair has been selected for the 2026 National Football Foundation Faculty Salute, in recognition of his dedication to supporting student-athletes. Along with this honor, HSU will receive a $5,000 donation from Fidelity Investments to support academic services for student-athletes. Congratulations to Dr. McNair, and a special shoutout to Harrison Foster, whose selection as a Campbell Trophy finalist helped make this recognition possible! Read more here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/mcn…

Join us at the tailgate this Saturday as we get ready for the last home game of the season! 🏈 Enjoy FREE burgers, bratwursts, chips, and water for everyone, plus FREE T-shirts for HSU students! Bring your family and friends and help us cheer on the Cowboys!

Get ready, our annual Mabee Madness Basketball Pep Rally is here!🏀 Join us on Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Mabee Gym to kick off basketball season with our Cowgirls and Cowboys.

HSU Alumni, we’ve got a challenge for you! 🤠💜 What if you could help a future Cowboy find their place at HSU AND help them receive a $5,000 scholarship? Homecoming is a reminder of what makes HSU special. Now, it’s your turn to help the next generation experience it for themselves. Watch to see how you can make it happen! youtu.be/IcmE7VTmqaw?si=jeJ5…

What if this is where your story begins?   Texas Free College Application Week is here, but at HSU, applying is always FREE! 🎉🤠   Take the next step toward a college experience filled with purpose, community, and opportunities to become the person you’re called to be.   Start your HSU application today here: hsutx.edu/admissions/apply-t…

Last week, Hardin-Simmons University welcomed Dr. Daniel Oney for the annual Ray Lewis Lecture. Presented by HSU’s Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies, the annual lecture brings business leaders, economists, and community members together to discuss issues shaping Texas and the nation. Dr. Oney presented “Markets, Megawatts, and Manufacturing,” examining the economic and technological trends shaping the future of Texas, including artificial intelligence, energy, data centers, manufacturing, and growth across West Texas. Thank you to Dr. Oney for sharing his expertise with the HSU and Abilene community. Read the full recap here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/har…

Hardin-Simmons University has been recognized among the nation’s leading institutions in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, earning high marks in multiple categories and qualifying for two U.S. News ranking badges. Among its strongest showings, HSU was ranked: #38 in Regional Universities West #16 in Top Private Schools #29 in Best Value Schools #25 in Best Colleges for Veterans “We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the value and quality of the education students receive at Hardin-Simmons University. These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, the achievements of our students, and our commitment to providing a Christ-centered education that prepares graduates to lead and serve in their professions and communities.” - President Bruntmyer Read more here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/har…

Four U.S. Open appearances. A doubles title. And now, he’s a Cowboy. Before calling Hardin-Simmons home, freshman Keegan Ratliff had already built an impressive journey in para-standing tennis, competing among some of the top players in the world. Keegan captured the doubles title and finished runner-up in singles in his division last year before returning to the U.S. Open for the fourth time this year. Now, he’s bringing that same drive to Hardin-Simmons. Whether pursuing his degree, playing tennis as a Cowboy, or helping bring greater visibility to the sport, Keegan continues to carry the perseverance and passion that have shaped his journey. Read more here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/fre…

The Cornerstone Series began today, inviting the Hardin-Simmons University community to pause, reflect and consider what it means to live out God’s calling. Today’s message was shared by Hannah Lankford, Capitol Hill and Community Group Minister at Waterfront Church, who challenged us with the question: “What is the calling of God for your life?”   As we reflected on that question, we were reminded of three ways we are called to live as followers of Christ: Share His love.
Be made new.
Be His ambassador.   God calls each of us to a life of purpose, transformation and service. May we continue to seek His direction and faithfully live out His calling in our lives and in the communities around us.   The Cornerstone Series continues this week on Wednesday and Thursday. We invite you to join us as we continue to gather, grow in faith and center our hearts on Christ.

Hardin-Simmons University is pleased to welcome Jason Tolbert as its new Vice President for Finance, bringing more than two decades of experience in financial leadership, stewardship, and Christian higher education to the university. Tolbert joins HSU after serving for the past 11 years as Vice President for Finance at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Prior to that, he spent 11 years managing endowments for Arkansas Baptists, helping institutions steward resources to advance their missions. A native of Arkansas, Tolbert is eager to return to West Texas, a region he fondly remembers from his childhood. “I loved West Texas then, and I can’t wait to be back in Cowboy country,” Tolbert said. “My family and I are grateful for the warm welcome we have already received, and we can’t wait to call Abilene home.” Read more here: hsutx.edu/about-hsu/news/har…

On this day of remembrance, we honor the lives lost on September 11, and remember the courage and sacrifice of so many. May Christ’s presence continue to bring healing, comfort, and hope to all.

There’s a lot to celebrate as a new academic year gets underway at Hardin-Simmons University! 💜 From growth in undergraduate enrollment to record-setting campus housing, this fall’s numbers reflect exciting momentum across HSU. 📈 Undergraduate enrollment increased to 1,264 students, up 1% from last year 🏠 982 students are living on campus, a 9% increase and the highest residence hall occupancy in HSU history 🎓 Student retention climbed to 69.13%, continuing a positive three-year trend 🩺 Nursing enrollment grew from 111 to 150 students, including 58 new Nursing students this fall 📚 Health Professions continues to grow and now represents approximately 40% of HSU students ⭐ This year’s incoming class brings strong academic achievement, with higher average SAT scores and more first-time freshmen ranking in the top 10% of their graduating classes 📍 More first-time freshmen from the Big Country chose HSU this fall 💜 Approximately $27 million in scholarships were awarded to undergraduate students Each number represents a student choosing HSU, finding their place, and taking the next step toward their future. Thank you to our faculty and staff who make that experience possible every day. #WEARECOWBOYS

A well-earned day to rest, recharge, and reflect. Happy Labor Day from HSU!

The Purple and Gold look good at every age. 💜💛🤠 Happy National College Colors Day!

The Future Is Now: Technology & Energy Summit is underway! Join the conversation through our free livestream: hsutx.edu/live Thank you to our sponsors, Google and Atmos Energy, to our community partner, The Abilene Chamber of Commerce, and to our media partners, KTAB News and KRBC News, for helping to make The Future Is Now possible.