The HSU Difference
So, what does make HSU different?
Honestly, you won’t know what makes Hardin-Simmons different from other universities until you visit. When prospective students visit campus, they use the words “family” and “home” to describe HSU. We think that says a lot about us, and we’d love to have you come visit.
But right now, you want to know why you should even come visit. So, let’s start at HSU’s beginning … actually before it’s formation.
The Legacy of James B. Simmons
Our namesake founder, Dr. James B. Simmons, was a Baptist minister from the Northeast before and after the Civil War. He preached freedom for slaves before the war, which earned him threats of tar and feathers … and got his church in Indianapolis burned to the ground. After the Civil War, he helped found seven colleges for freed slaves because he knew education was essential for their success as free citizens.
Finally, he helped a group of merchants, ranchers, and pastors in the frontier town of Abilene, Texas, start a new Baptist university to serve a huge area of the country where no higher education yet existed. The legacy of Dr. James B. Simmons is still strongly felt and embodied at Hardin-Simmons University today.
Simmons was a frontiersman who never lived on the frontier. Through his thoughts and prayers and dreams, he helped others push boundaries and break barriers. Simmons asked himself two questions, “What is the greatest thought that has ever occupied your mind?” and, “What is your duty toward fulfilling it?”
His pioneering spirit and those two huge questions produced a mission that lives on at HSU, “So that Christianity may reach the whole globe, all barriers must be removed.”
The HSU Community
Our students have big dreams, and HSU exists to instill the knowledge and nurture the confidence to identify and fulfill those dreams. We do that by embracing every student as a member of our Community. You will matter at HSU, and you will matter to us when you go into the world.
Our students will tell you that they came here to be part of that Community. Our alumni will tell you, from all around the world, that they are still part of the HSU Community.
Prospective students who visit HSU tell us all the time, “I just knew HSU was where I was supposed to be.” Our campus is welcoming and not intimidating. Everything is easy to find and all classes are within quick walks of residential buildings.
HSU Traditions
Big Texas universities are famous for their traditions, but big schools aren’t famous for their family atmospheres. At Hardin-Simmons, though, you can find traditions like Beanie Capping, Ring Dunk, the Six White Horses, and Cowboy Band – all while keeping your chance to be a big fish in a small pond.
Academic Excellence
We also have a ratio of 1 professor for every 15 students. That ensures that you will get personal attention from your professors, and every class will be taught by a professor. There aren’t any crowds for you to get lost in at HSU. In fact, you’ll probably get invited to dinner at a professor’s house every so often. You will be pushed to do your best, but you’ll always have assistance to achieve it.
Can you feel the difference, yet?
Communities love, protect, support, and challenge each other. We challenge you to come to Hardin-Simmons, become part of our community, have fun, learn a lot, find your dreams, break barriers, blaze new trails – and change the world for Christ.