speakLIFE Campaign
In 2019, when developing the university’s strategic plan, Hardin-Simmons University asked alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to identify areas across campus that needed attention and financial support. Beginning in fall 2022, Hardin-Simmons shifted out of the silent phase of the $35 million speakLIFE Campaign and into the promotion phase, with a challenge goal of $45 million. In the promotion phase, the university will communicate with the HSU community to expand upon the work done in the silent phase, raising awareness of the work being done and inviting alumni, friends, foundations, churches, employees, and the community to give and complete the campaign.
The theme for our campaign is “speakLIFE.” To speak life is to encourage, promote, nurture, support, and bless. Colossians 3:17 says: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Science Building Restoration
Our plans are two-fold: construct an addition to the existing Newman-Richardson Science Center and remodel part of the original building. The new addition will have modern educational space including six scientific labs, clinical and treatment rooms, and more. Remodeling of the existing building includes classroom space and a learning commons. This will strengthen HSU’s position as a leader in the fields of science, math, and medicine.
Abilene Hall: Engineering & Nursing
Built in 1948, Abilene Hall is being retrofitted to house HSU’s engineering and nursing programs. HSU will offer a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering beginning fall '23. A materials testing lab, fabrication lab, fluid dynamics lab, and special lab will be available for research and experimentation. Although HSU currently graduates nurses through the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing Consortium, HSU Trustees began the process of creating our own nursing school. Pending SACSCOC accreditation and approval from the Texas Board of Nursing, we anticipate welcoming students beginning spring '25. Dr. Sandra Welling joined HSU as the Associate Dean and Founding Director of Nursing Education.
Behrens Residence Hall
A key part of the college experience is living in a residence hall where students build life-long friendships, transition from teenagers to adults, and create lasting memories. Built in 1952 when manual typewriters were the norm, this facility needs infrastructure updates to support current and future demands. Providing students with a safe and livable residence on campus will serve to enhance our recruiting and retention efforts.
Equine Assisted Services Center
To meet the needs of our students and community, we plan to build an equine assisted services center to provide services to people with physical and emotional disabilities. Equine assisted services benefits people with ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional trauma, injuries, or physical disabilities. These services especially benefit children with autism treated at HSU’s newly expanded Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning.
Behrens Chapel Auditorium
Behrens Chapel Auditorium is often the only building on campus that the public sees inside. As the primary venue for chapel, convocation, SING, concerts, and more, this facility needs a major overhaul. Restoration will help the university better serve students and our community. Restoration will improve accessibility to individuals with physical challenges and make it safer and more attractive.
Prichard Hall
On May 19, 2022, Hardin-Simmons University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest residence hall due Fall 2024 and to honor Dr. Rosa Lee (Hemphill) Prichard ’58 for her generous support. The new residence hall will be a 61,000-square-foot, 4-story facility with 165 beds and multiple common areas. Each suite will contain a living room, two bathrooms, and four bedrooms outfitted with a bed, desk, dresser, and walk-in closet.
Christlieb Program & Scholarship
Some students arrive without families, missing the emotional and financial support to get through college. Students who classify as independent do not have a family member’s support to attend college. The university has committed to assisting these independent and self-supporting students with tuition and living expenses through the Christlieb sponsorship program and award.
Scholarship Endowment
98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid. Scholarships do more than help pay for an education, they recognize and reward hard work and dedication. Your generous investment in scholarships gives our students the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue their calling. Donors may contribute to an existing scholarship fund or create their own endowed scholarship.
Faculty Enrichment
The faculty of HSU is devoted to teaching our students, preparing them for their chosen careers, and helping to transform their lives for the better. An endowment for faculty enrichment will provide faculty members the resources to continue to provide excellence in the classroom. Such opportunities enhance professional growth of faculty, resulting in even more effective and engaging professors teaching our students.
Current Support
Many of our alumni and friends generously support scholarships through the Annual Scholarship Fund. Others contribute to academic and program support which enhances faculty and student experiences in our classrooms and laboratories. Still others support HSU Athletics, Cowboy Band and other areas. We have so many worthy needs at Hardin-Simmons and gifts for any purpose will be counted toward the new campaign. Also, you can listen to our original speakLIFE musical composition by Christian Fortner ’21 at the link to YouTube below!
An Invitation to Invest
Each of us can identify moments in time when HSU influenced our lives. With your prayers, partnership, and support, we are positioned to impact the world with our mission to provide excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Join us on this mission!
You may give by:
*Sending a check to: HSU Advancement, 2200 Hickory Street, HSU Box 16100, Abilene, TX 79698
*Contacting us at: advancement@239877.com or 325/670-1379
Help us Promote speakLIFE
You can help promote speakLIFE by purchasing a Hardin-Simmons University speakLIFE T-shirt and adding our logo to your email signature. Simply click the link below to donate and receive your limited-edition speakLIFE T-shirt (while supplies last)! Add speakLIFE to your email signature by downloading the logo from the link below and following the instructions for your email provider.
