Our HSU!
Before beginning HSU’s ambitious speakLIFE Capital Campaign, HSU alumni and friends were surveyed to help guide HSU’s then future goals. Just as we began the silent phase of the speakLIFE Campaign, HSU and the world came face to face with COVID-19 and its aftereffects, but the HSU Community did not let that slow us down. Your support was appreciated then as it is now that we’re approaching the final stretch of this historic effort.
While speakLIFE hasn’t yet ended, there’s an air of excitement as we can already see its effects across campus, from the newly renovated labs in Newman-Richardson Science Center and the new Prichard Residence Hall to the restoration of Abilene Hall and the new Engineering and Nursing programs. For each of you who have helped us get to this point – Thank You! Your gifts make a difference for the entire HSU Community and we are grateful for your support.
HSU is blessed to have many HSU alumni serving among our faculty and staff and mentoring the next generation of Cowboys and Cowgirls. Having worn purple and gold beanies themselves, they’re loyal supporters of HSU’s mission. Below you will read why some of them have chosen to support speakLIFE Campaign projects.
Newman-Richardson Restoration
Dr. Chris McNair ’84
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
For Dr. Chris McNair ’84, being an HSU Cowboy was a family tradition with almost two dozen of his family members attending this beloved University, starting with his great-aunt, May Belle Taylor ’29, who graduated during the great depression and was among the second class of inductees in 2002 into HSU’s Hall of Leaders (http://sjlb.epmf.net/about-hsu/maye-bell-taylor/). After serving in WWII and the Korean War, Dr. McNair’s father, Dalmon ’49, came to HSU where he met and fell in love with Ann Carothers ’50. Dr. McNair continued the family tradition.
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
As an HSU student, Dr. McNair grew his love for science and began being mentored by two professors, Dr. Taylor Rankin and Dr. George Newman. “They both helped me get into graduate school twice and continued to mentor me after I returned to HSU to begin teaching.” Thirty-three years ago, Dr. Rankin reached out to let Dr. McNair know that Dr. Newman was retiring and to see if he would be interested in returning to Hardin-Simmons to teach in the Biology Department. When asked what he has enjoyed most about serving at HSU, Dr. McNair shared how he has always appreciated the small classes where you can know your students and the ability to integrate faith into the discipline. He also shared, “Our HSU faculty is top-notch and it is a pleasure to serve with them as their Provost and Chief Academic Officer.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
When asked why he chose to speakLIFE by giving for the Newman-Richardson project, Dr. McNair said: “The world needs more well-trained scientists, physicians, dentists, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, veterinarians, athletic trainers, nurses, physician assistants, science and math teachers, mathematicians, and healthcare providers.” As he explained, “Science labs and the technology and equipment that go with them are extremely expensive and require continual upkeep, maintenance, and eventually, replacement.” Dr. McNair gives, therefore, to make Newman-Richardson Science Center the best facility possible for HSU’s outstanding faculty and students.
Abilene Hall: Engineering & Nursing
Laurie Harris ’13
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
During the summer before her junior year in high school, Laurie Harris ’13 attended a choir camp on the Hardin-Simmons University campus and “immediately fell in love” with the place. It may sound cliché, but “sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” That’s how Laurie felt when she came with her parents to visit Hardin-Simmons and students she had met at camp knew her by name. She felt like she was home, and she was. Here her faculty, like Dr. Renee Collins, knew and cared for her and she made her lifelong best friends.
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
As a student, Laurie was involved in multiple aspects of community life. She was a part of Student Government, Chorale, and Sigma Alpha Iota, in addition to being an ACE Tutor and a Resident Assistant. As an alumnus, Laurie continued serving her alma mater on the Board of Young Associates, which made her transition to serving as the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement easy. Alumni Engagement is a great fit for Laurie, who explains: “I am an alum and I love Hardin-Simmons University. I love engaging with alumni and friends and sharing all the amazing things the University is doing.” Laurie also loves being a part of a faculty and staff who are impacting not only HSU students but also the local community and the world.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
Laurie is excited about the launch of HSU’s nursing program this fall semester and chose to give to it in honor of her mother and college friends who are nurses. She believes this program will raise up amazing nurses who love and care for others like Christ loves and cares for us: “I can’t wait to see how they set the precedence for excellence in nursing in the Big Country and around the world.” Laurie gives back to her alma mater to provide future Cowboys and Cowgirls with the opportunity, like she had, to study what they are passionate about and impact the world. “It is important to remember that every gift makes a difference.” No amount is too small to show your support for HSU students.
Behrens Residence Hall
Leandria Thurman ’21
Residence Director
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
When her mother wisely told Leandria Thurman ’21 to pray and ask the Lord where she should attend college, she was obedient and clearly heard Him leading her to Hardin-Simmons University. As Leandria says, “I came and I have loved it here ever since.” Leandria served as an RA in Anderson Hall and has the heart of a servant, something she credits to her time at Hardin-Simmons. As Leandria says, one of the biggest lessons she learned as an HSU Cowgirl was: “Serving and that how you serve matters because it can leave a lasting impact on others.”
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
The Lord led Leandria back to HSU a year after graduating to serve as a Residence Director. When asked what she likes most about being back on campus, she shared: “It’s an honor to be a part of such a great team that loves the Lord and each other.” Leandria is eagerly anticipating the upcoming school year and meeting the new, incoming students: “I want to serve them as best as I can; and, I’m excited to see how the Lord wants to move in their lives.” For Leandria, it is all about helping her students become successful in college and beyond.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
HSU blessed Leandria, so Leandria chose to bless HSU. “I chose to give back to HSU because I believe in this place.” As a Residence Director, Leandria also understands how important on-campus housing is for students, as their new home: “I want others to know that the speakLIFE Campaign is an opportunity to impact another person’s life. Even if what you give doesn’t seem like a lot, it is still contributing and helping the movement.” As Leandria explained, “Every little bit helps. It helps our students and it helps Hardin-Simmons be the best that it can be.” That’s why Leandria gave for the renovation of Behrens Residence Hall.
Equine Therapy Center
Dr. Jill Jumper ’08
Director of the Physical Therapy Program
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
Physical Therapy programs, in general, are challenging; so, when Dr. Jill Jumper ’08 chose to attend Hardin-Simmons University, it was, in large part, because of HSU’s Christian atmosphere. Having professors who prayed for her (and her family) was a huge blessing to Dr. Jumper, as was traveling with her cohort to Guatemala on a mission trip. Dr. Jumper remembers, “It was a wonderful experience filled with many ‘God moments’ that changed my life!” In HSU’s PT program, Dr. Jumper learned how to be a servant leader, in the clinic and life.
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
Dr. Jumper was content in her previous job and her in-laws had just moved to be close to her family when Dr. Janelle O’Connell ’08 called and asked if she would be interested in applying at Hardin-Simmons University. Her husband, however, encouraged her to “at least go to the interview” and: “When I came to the interview, taught the students, and spoke with the faculty, I knew immediately that God was calling me to Hardin-Simmons. After the interview, I called my husband on the way home. Immediately when he picked up the phone, he said, ‘So when are we moving to Abilene?’ I just laughed, but then we started making plans to move.”
Dr. Jumper tells everyone that God brought her to HSU, “When God opens the door, I try to walk through it and trust His plan for me because His plan is always WAY BETTER than my plan.” For Dr. Jumper, seeing how God uses HSU students for His glory is the best part of her job as director for HSU’s PT program.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Dr. Jumper chooses to give back to Hardin-Simmons because she knows “the University will use those funds for the glory of God.” One very important speakLIFE project that is close to Dr. Jumper’s heart is the Equine Therapy Program. Equine Therapy programs have been shown to improve patients’ balance, mobility, and mental health and as Dr. Jumper explains: “HSU’s Equine Therapy Program will give faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ to children and adults in Abilene and the Big Country. It’s a WIN-WIN!”
Behrens Chapel Auditorium
Dr. Jacob West ’04/’07/’13
Associate Dean and Associate Professor, Logsdon School of Theology
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
Dr. Jacob West ’04 remembers seeing the World Famous Cowboy Band entertain a crowd in a parade when he was a young boy. Later, as a youth, he attended Super Summer on the Hardin-Simmons University campus; so, when it came time to choose a college, those experiences put HSU on the top of his list. As a freshman, Dr. West “became obsessed with making the HSU golf team,” which affected his grades until Dr. Larry McGraw intervened. Then, Dr. West met the love of his life, Emily (Morrison) West ’05, when they sat next to each other in a class in Abilene Hall and she asked him to help her study for a test. The two married in Logsdon Chapel a year after she graduated; and, today, Dr. West admits, “Most would say my preaching outpaces my golf game.”
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
Dr. West’s preaching professor at Hardin-Simmons used to say, “Sunday comes every other day,” meaning be prepared because your next sermon will be here before you know it. “I wrote those words on the manila folder that held my study notes for the weekly sermon,” shared Dr. West, who now aims to impart that lesson to a new generation of ministry students. Dr. West recently returned to his alma mater as Associate Dean and Associate Professor of the Logsdon School of Theology with the vision of casting a wider net and feels blessed to see his students use their God-given gifts and talents, like when they lead in worship during Chapel.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
For Jacob and Emily, giving to Hardin-Simmons University is like giving to a friend, and the renovation of Behrens Chapel Auditorium is an important part of the Hardin-Simmons campus, as well as the lives of HSU students, from Stampede to commencement. While chapel services are currently being held in Logsdon, due to the renovation, Behrens is traditionally where the HSU community comes together. Dr. West recalled, “Behrens is where we gathered to come to grips with the events of September 11 and where I was hooded for my doctorate.” As an alum and now a faculty member, Dr. West shared: “Emily and I have given small amounts, but small amounts given regularly add up in amount and impact.”
Prichard Residence Hall
Dr. Stacey (Vaughn) Martin ’96/’01/’23
Vice President for Student Life
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
Dr. Stacey (Vaughn) Martin ’96/’01/’23 grew up just a mile and a half from Hardin-Simmons University and credits New Student Orientation (STAMPEDE), with significantly impacting her from her first day on campus – so much so that her sophomore year she served as a group leader, her junior year she was part of the planning committee, and as a senior, she co-directed the event. While many people, courses, and experiences from her time as a Cowgirl shaped Dr. Martin into the person she is today, she is especially thankful for Dean (Linda) Carleton: “She provided me with support and encouragement to dream BIG and thanks to the example she provided so many years ago, I found my calling to serve HSU students.”
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
Just one year after graduating from Hardin-Simmons University, Dr. Martin returned to her hometown to serve as an admissions recruiter for her alma mater. In her 27 years at Hardin-Simmons, she has served in enrollment, advising, retention, and all things Student Life. The mission of Student Life is to “Serve and educate students by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement and transformation” – promoting growth surrounding the pillars of engagement, calling, perspective, community, and leadership. In her role as Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Martin prays: “May I always remember Joshua 1:9 and my life purpose to passionately empower people to dream, achieve, navigate failure, and succeed by employing a strong work ethic.”
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
She may not have received a ring by spring, but Dr. Martin met her husband Cody when as students they were part of the Hardin-Simmons tennis team. Smiling, Dr. Martin says: “That friendship has become a match made in heaven and without attending HSU, I would not have met my spouse nor had the career I have had.” That’s why she and Cody give back to HSU.
Dr. Martin and Cody give to the speakLIFE Capital Campaign’s Prichard Hall project because Residence Life is near and dear to Dr. Martin’s heart, from her years as an RA in Ferguson Hall to leading Residence Life. For both she and Cody, living in residence halls was one of the best parts of their college experience and she is excited for the opening of the new residence hall. In addition, Dr. Martin explains: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing the Prichard family for many years. Their love, dedication, and service to Hardin-Simmons University for so many decades deserves this legacy on our campus.”
Christlieb Program & Scholarship
Kisemei Kupe ’20
International Student Services Coordinator and Ministry liaison for Africa, Antarctica, Asia, North and South America, and Europe
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
What drew Kisemei Kupe ’20 to Hardin-Simmons University was its unique blend of Christian values, tight-knit community, and rigorous academic programs. His time as an HSU student was a transformative journey filled with unique experiences and cherished memories that he credits with shaping him into who he is today. “All my courses have been relevant to life,” Kisemei shared. They influenced and enriched him spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually, giving him a broader understanding of the call to ministry and helping him understand how to overcome cultural differences. The opportunity to take part in community service projects, Kisemei pointed out, broadened his worldview in addition to allowing him to make a positive difference: “All that I learned, and am still learning, has developed in me the skill, confidence, and grace to lead in a multicultural world.”
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
Though Kisemei served as a student worker in HSU’s Global Engagement office, he did not originally plan to work full-time at Hardin-Simmons. The University, however, has become his home away from home. For Kisemei, “HSU’s mission and emphasis on servant leadership, along with the love of the campus community, inspire and encourage him to continue serving students as International Student Services Coordinator and Ministry Liaison.”
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
To speak LIFE is to encourage, promote, nurture, support, and bless. Giving, like speech, positively impacts students; and, the SpeakLIFE Capital Campaign is breathing life into many areas of our campus. One such area that Kisemei supports is the Christlieb Program and Scholarship which assists independent, self-supporting students with tuition and living expenses.
Kisemei lives by Acts 20:35b: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He feels constantly reminded of how the Hardin-Simmons community supported his education and has chosen to give back to HSU to help new generations of students: “I want others to know that no matter how small or big their gifts to HSU seem, by giving to this or any SpeakLIFE project, they speak millions of words of life to our campus, mission, and students.”
Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Carol (Welch) Krueger ’85/’22
Director of Disability Services and Ace
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
After a year at a junior college near her hometown, Dr. Carol (Welch) Krueger ’85/’22 was not sure she “was cut out for college.” Considering leaving college for the workforce, a dear friend suggested she apply to Hardin-Simmons University, “a little Baptist college” Dr. Krueger had never heard of. As a student, Dr. Krueger was very involved in many areas of campus, including playing Varsity Volleyball and, along with her roommate, Sharon Gray ’87, being the first female caretakers of the Six White Horses. As Dr. Krueger shared, “To say God had a plan for me would be an understatement.”
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
While Dr. Krueger credits many people with influencing her life as an HSU student, she was particularly thankful for her advisor and mentor, Mrs. Billie Martin ’48. According to Dr. Krueger, Mrs. Martin saw in Dr. Krueger what she could not see in herself and encouraged her to go into education. After retiring from public education, Dr. Krueger returned to Hardin-Simmons to earn her Ed.D. and began serving her alma mater, where she currently directs Disability Services and the ACE Program. “I can still hear Mrs. Martin say, ‘Open all the doors you can!’” shared Dr. Krueger. “I still strive to live by that advice and to pass it along to my students.” When asked what she likes most about serving at HSU, she said, “Simply that…serving. The work I do is a work of service, not just a job. I feel this is my calling and ministry.”
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
Asked why she speaksLIFE by giving for HSU scholarships, Dr. Krueger pointed out how scholarships provided through our giving bring students to Hardin-Simmons who may not have been able to come without financial support. “While I may not be able to give a significant amount to my alma mater, I feel giving is not only a way to support Christian education or to honor my mother who was so proud I completed college but also to honor those who helped change my life for the better,” Dr. Krueger shared. “I encourage others to experience the blessing of giving to HSU.”
Faculty Enrichment
Dr. John Neese ’88/’02/’19
Associate Vice President for Athletics
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
Dr. John Neese graduated from Hardin-Simmons University the first time in 1988 with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree. Dr. Neese shared, “I did not really understand how much Hardin-Simmons faculty poured into me until I transitioned from student to employee.” With a new gratitude for the time and effort HSU faculty spend mentoring students, Dr. Neese enrolled twice more in HSU, earning his Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development in 2002 and his Ed.D. in Leadership in 2019.
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
After eight years in the television industry, Dr. Neese returned to his alma mater in 1995 and is the longest-serving athletic director in HSU history; and, in 2013, Dr. Neese, now Associate Vice President for Athletics, was honored as Staff Member of the Year. When asked what he likes most about serving at HSU, Dr. Neese expressed his appreciation for the transformational experience Hardin-Simmons faculty and staff provide for our students.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
Dr. Neese is married to Melissa (Lohnes) Neese ’93/’98, who has served on HSU’s Board of Development, and the couple understand the importance of giving back to their alma mater. One of the speakLIFE projects that Dr. Neese is passionate about is Faculty Enrichment. When asked why he felt it is important to give back for Faculty Enrichment, he replied: “Now is the time to pass on to the next generation the legacy of leadership learned at Hardin-Simmons. I have given to faculty enrichment to acknowledge the role that my professors played in helping me build my foundation of leadership.”
Current Support
Jay Lester ’94/’95
Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands
WHY I ATTENDED HSU
Jay Lester ’94 was already studying on the Hardin-Simmons University campus before he was even accepted as a Cowboy, frequenting Richardson Library to work on his high school research papers. “I loved my time at HSU – the people, the places, and the experiences.” As a member of the World Famous Cowboy Band, Jay especially enjoyed traveling around Texas, the United States, and the world. “This sparked my lifetime interest in world travel, learning about other cultures and reliving history.” When asked “What is one of the biggest lessons you learned as an HSU student that still impacts your life today?” Jay shared that Dr. Andy Patterson, a member of HSU’s music faculty for 40 years, taught his students “to follow through with our commitments even if a better offer came along.”
WHY I SERVE AT HSU
Upon retirement as a public school educator and administrator, Jay returned to his alma mater during the 23-24 school year as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands. Jay quickly felt at home back at Hardin-Simmons and for him, what’s not to like about serving at HSU with our beautiful campus, nice co-workers, and excellent students? “I absolutely love our students and that they are curious about learning;” so, during the 24-25 school year the Cowboy Band and Concert Band have accepted some big engagements, including marching in the London New Year’s Day Parade.
WHY I GIVE TO HSU
As a student, Jay was awarded many scholarships and felt honored when asked to express his gratitude. “That really resonated with me and made me realize that people I didn’t know contributed to a fund that benefited me personally.” Jay vowed to pay it forward by giving and doing so joyfully, which he began doing soon after graduating and has faithfully continued throughout the years.
The Current Support piece of HSU’s speakLIFE Capital Campaign encourages those already giving toward specific academic programs, athletic teams, the Cowboy Band, or scholarships to continue regularly supporting these worthy needs. Recently Jay has been giving to the Cowboy Band’s 100K for 100 years appeal. Our speakLIFE campaign is made up of projects that directly impact students, from scholarships and faculty enrichment to facilities and new degree programs. As Jay says, “There is something for everyone to get behind and support!”