Search the Community

Founded in 1891 by a dedicated group of ministers, ranchers, and merchants, Hardin-Simmons University continues its commitment to developing the minds and nurturing its students' spiritual lives. HSU, a private university located in Abilene, Texas, has been affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1941. HSU provides an academically challenging undergraduate education based on a liberal arts foundation and advances academic growth by offering specialized graduate and professional degree programs. Combining its commitment to academic excellence and a concern for the development of the total person with a distinctively Christian perspective, Hardin-Simmons serves students through quality educational programs designed to provide An Education Enlightened by Faith. It is the mission of Hardin-Simmons University to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Hardin-Simmons University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Hardin-Simmons University. Inquiries addressed to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges should relate only to the accreditation status of Hardin-Simmons University, and not to general admission information. All other inquiries about Hardin-Simmons University and its programs should be addressed to the offices of the University. The mission statement of Hardin-Simmons University "is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. From its beginnings, the University has been determined to deliver quality education. To that end, HSU early on began to align itself with accrediting organizations whose function was to help maintain degrees, programs, faculty, facilities, and institutional organization at a high level. A primary accrediting organization for HSU is the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (SACS).SACS is one of the regional accrediting agencies in the United States. As a faith-based institution of higher learning, ethical and moral education is central to our university mission; therefore, focusing our QEP in enhancing and expanding such training in our curriculum and campus activities is appropriate. Further, given the recent, well-publicized failures of some of our society's leaders to make appropriate ethical decisions, our QEP is timely, even critical, for the education of the next generation of our nation's leaders. Consequently, we develop or enhance ethical decision-making content in all of our undergraduate professional and pre-professional programs. The University is also developing a minor in ethical studies, available to all majors. The Logsdon School of Theology coordinates the minor. Hardin-Simmons University sets goals for student achievement consistent with the University's mission: "The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values." The University's statement of purpose includes a commitment to academic excellence while affirming the Christian faith's relevance and importance. The University has established the following goals for student achievement and success: HSU, a private, liberal arts university, offers students an education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Hardin-Simmons is more than just a school, it's family. With our 12:1 student to faculty ratio, you receive personal attention as you pursue one of over 65 fields of study. At Hardin-Simmons, we are proud to offer graduate students challenging academic and practical studies with a difference. A Christian institution, Hardin-Simmons University, is committed to the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of faith. In 1891 the founders dedicated the school to developing the minds and nurturing the spirits of students. These goals have distinguished graduate study at HSU since the first graduate programs began in 1933. The advising program guides students in developing meaningful educational plans compatible with a student's values, life goals, and career plans for a life of Christian service and leadership. Committed to providing students the information, resources, and assistance needed to accomplish these goals, HSU recognizes that ultimately, making decisions about educational plans rests with the student. The Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning focuses on promoting awareness and understanding of dyslexia and struggling readers. It is a resource center for teachers-in-training, public school and university faculty/staff, and parents. Seminars and workshops are scheduled throughout the year to train and support adults who work directly with students who have difficulty learning to read and write. The Hardin-Simmons University Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning is dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning differences through teacher education, professional development, community outreach, and parental resources. Abilene was still in her infancy when a group of pioneer settlers dreamed of locating a college in the fledgling town. The idea immediately took root, although a recent drought and financial panic seemed to all but extinguish the hope of bringing higher education to West Texas. Through the tireless efforts of Rev. George W. Smith and attorney Kirwin Kade Legett and the Sweetwater Baptist Association's support, the school came into being. Abilene Baptist College became a reality on February 18, 1891. View full university