Hardin–Simmons University

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Hardin–Simmons University (HSU) is a private Baptist university in Abilene, Texas. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

History
- Founded in 1891 as Abilene Baptist College by the Sweetwater Baptist Association and local ranchers and pastors who wanted Christian higher education.
- Land donated by rancher C.W. Merchant.
- Renamed Simmons College in 1892 after donor James B. Simmons.
- Enrolled about 524 students with 49 staff by 1907.
- Became Simmons University in 1925; renamed Hardin–Simmons University in 1934 in honor of Mary and John G. Hardin, major contributors.
- Affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1941.

Campus and people
- Approximately 1,500–1,765 students (about 1,347 undergraduates and 418 graduates).
- Endowment around $165.7 million (2020).
- Urban campus on 209 acres with six residence halls, eight apartment complexes, and campus houses.
- Signature brick buildings include a gold-domed clock tower and Logsdon Chapel with a large stained-glass wall.
- School colors are Purple and Gold; mascot is the Cowboy/Cowgirl.

Academics
- Offers 6 undergraduate degrees with about 70 majors and 7 graduate degrees with about 18 programs.
- Pre-professional programs include dentistry, engineering, medicine, law, pharmacology, physical therapy, and seminary.
- Doctorates available in physical therapy and education (Ed.D.).

Student life and services
- Weekly chapel services; students come from diverse Christian backgrounds.
- Active Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) and campus ministry opportunities.
- Campus resources include career services, a writing center, academic advising, library services, disability services, health services, counseling, and peer mentors.

Challenges and changes
- In the late 2010s and in 2020, funding reductions led to closing several programs and campus extensions (Logsdon Seminary campuses in Coppell, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, and McAllen; Acton MBA in Austin).
- Logsdon Seminary closed in 2020; an additional 22 undergraduate and graduate programs were ended with staff and faculty layoffs.
- In 2016, the university received a Title IX exemption allowing discrimination against LGBT students for religious reasons.

Athletics
- NCAA Division III athletics, primarily in the American Southwest Conference since 1996–97 (historically also in the Border Conference).
- Teams: Cowboys (men) and Cowgirls (women). Compete in 16 varsity sports.
- Notable success includes a strong women’s soccer program with multiple ASC titles and a 2010 NCAA Division III national championship.

Culture and events
- Western Heritage Day on campus celebrates frontier history with activities for local elementary students.