A LASTING LEGACY: The SIX WHITE HORSES RIDERS for LIFE!
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HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
FALL-WINTER 2018
The SIX WHITE HORSES A LASTING LEGACY:
RIDERS for LIFE! from TRAGEDY to BLESSING
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 c1
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE
M
aintaining a spirit of thankfulness, especially However, while maintaining a spirit of thankfulness has
in the midst of challenge, isn’t an easy task. not been easy, gratitude itself has been abundant.
Like many of the traits Paul encouraged
for Christ-followers, gratitude is a radical concept; it We are grateful to God, and others, who have made
demands humility, selflessness, and sacrifice. Jesus possible HSU’s survival for more than 127 years though
was the perfect example of this kind of sacrifice. But, humble expressions of love and generosity.
none of us are perfect. We are human and we often face
circumstances that make us question and struggle with We are grateful for each member of the HSU family and
thankfulness. their selfless offerings of God-given callings, gifts, and
abilities which serve to enhance HSU and demonstrate
Despite these faith-stretching circumstances, and God’s love to the world.
perhaps even because of them, those trusting in Jesus are
told to give thanks to God for all things: And we are grateful for our past, present, and future –
regardless of our challenges – as a special gift afforded
• For other people. (1 Corinthians 1:4) by the sacrifices of others to fulfill the noble cause of
bringing young men and women to Christ, teaching
• For salvation. (2 Corinthians 9:15) them about Christ, and training them for Christ.
• For God’s continued presence.
(Ephesians 5:20) Christian higher education has never been without
adversity, and Hardin-Simmons has not been immune
• For contentment in every situation. to periods of hardship. But in my reading of our history,
(Philippians 4:12) each hurdle we have ever encountered has produced
• For the ability to share with others in opportunity for the flourishing of new stories of
difficult circumstances. (Colossians faithfulness in walking together as we do the work of
1:12) God.
This fall HSU experienced the challenge of re-stewarding May we move forward in thankfulness as we imagine the
resources: budgets were cut, some programs phased out, future together.
extension campuses will be closed, and the number of
our faculty and staff reduced.
This has been anxiety-inducing for many, and we know
as a result of these actions, HSU will look different
moving forward. Eric I. Bruntmyer
President
President Bruntmyer and Tristen Tellman '16
present the Simmons Seal during Homecoming.
c2 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY FALL - WINTER 2018
CONTENTS FEATURES
Thankful for the
12 Q&A with Alyssa Rasco
4 Blessings of Our Donors
HSU closes out its most successful
14 Faculty News
fundraising campaign
30 Athletics
Star runner, military tribute, fall recap 9 Breaking Ground
New building projects
46 Awards
James B. Simmons Dinner, Alumni Awards
22
Transforming Lives
HSU's commitment to science
52 Advancement comes to fruition
54 Homecoming Review
28
A Lasting Legacy
The Owens family turns a tragedy
Alumni into a blessing for students
56 Family Events, Family News, and Family
We Will Miss
38
The Six White Horses
65 Devotional Exploring the legacy of HSU's
famed white horses
44
The Final Frontier
NASA funds the project of an
HSU professor
Range Rider is the official publication of Hardin-Simmons University for its alumni and friends, and is published biannually as a joint effort between HSU’s Office of University
Marketing and Office of Alumni Relations. Postage paid at Abilene, TX and additional mailing offices. Opinions expressed in Range Rider are those of the individual authors
and subjects and do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration, faculty, or students. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without express written
consent to the editor at rangerider@hsutx.edu. If you have any questions or concerns please call: (325) 670-1317 or (800) 460-3908
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 1
RANGE RIDER CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ADDITIONAL
Kristina Campos-Davis CONTRIBUTORS
Director of Communications
& Content Strategy Allison Goodwin
Macee Hall '20 Assistant Director of Alumni
Student Writer
and Donor Engagement
CREATIVE EDITOR
Todd Clower '99 Mary Burke
Art Director and Senior Mike Hammack '85/'89M
Special Collections Manager
Graphic Designer Vice President for Institutional
Advancement
PHOTOGRAPHY Brandon Carmichael '19
EDITOR Student Photographer
Fernando Hernandez '04
Kimber Beam '16 Graphic Designer
Visual Media Manager Whitney Coston '20
Research and Records
Cam Jeter '22
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Coordinator
Student Graphic Designer
Grey Hoff
Associate Vice President for Travis Craver '05/'11M
University Marketing and Jessyca Krueger '18
Director of Chapel and
Global Engagement Student Worker
Spiritual Formation
ASSISTANT EDITOR Ryanne Krueger '20
Reggie Davis '18 Student Worker
Jacob Brandt Student Photographer
Director for University
Marketing
Grace Mitchell '19
Lucila Decia '22 Student Writer
ALUMNI EDITOR Student Writer
Jenn Waldmann
Director of Alumni and Donor GeJay Pableo '19
Kelsie Doege '19 Student Photographer
Engagement Student Writer
SPORTS EDITOR James Stone '07M
Kacie Eurek '17 Special Assistant to the
Chad Grubbs '02M Visual Media Specialist
Director of Athletic President for Engagement
Communication
Lori F. Evans '76
ADVANCEMENT Content Editor
EDITOR
Cheryl Purcell '06/'10M Luke Gaie '18
Assistant Vice President for Visual Media Specialist
Development
2 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018
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RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 3
HOUSTON-LANTRIP
CENTER FOR
LITERACY AND
LEARNING
Transformation 2020 gifts also
helped fund the Houston-Lantrip
THANKFUL
Center, which is expected to be
completed by September 2019.
HLC will serve as a place for
for the BLESSINGS
dyslexia therapy and will hold
HSU’s new autism center. The
center will contain soundproof
of our DONORS
rooms and separate waiting areas
to accommodate individualized
programming for children with
dyslexia and Autism Spectrum
Disorder.
by Grace Mitchell '19 “The gifts provided by donors to
support the development of the
center will have a profound impact
A
on the Abilene community,” said
Dr. Perry Kay Brown, dean of the
s anyone who wears contact lenses or College of Human Sciences and
glasses knows, 20/20 is perfect vision. For Educational Studies. “We will serve
Hardin-Simmons University, however, children struggling with dyslexia
2020 carries a different, deeper meaning. and autism. We will also train HSU
Although it is only 2018, HSU has students in the College of Human
completed its largest fundraising campaign Sciences and Educational Studies
ever: Transformation 2020. to work with students with dyslexia
and autism.”
Thanks to more than 40,000 gifts from over 10,000 donors,
Thank you Mae Houston-Lantrip,
Hardin-Simmons has received more than $55 million for Dodge Jones Foundation, J.E. and
campus building projects, renovations, endowments, and student L.E. Mabee Foundation, Dian
scholarships. Rooted in a belief in HSU’s potential, the 2020 Graves Owen Foundation and
vision began in 2011 under former President Lanny Hall to Shelton Family Foundation!
achieve HSU’s strategic goals to build excellence, grow influence,
create community and enhance resources.
4 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018
VISION for PHYSICIAN
ASSISTANT PROGRAM
the FUTURE
The newest PA program in the state
has been a gamechanger for HSU.
This program had more than two-
thousand applications for thirty
spots in 2018-2019. The program
continues to grow each year. (For
Transformation 2020 continues to fund more information on the PA
program see page 22.)
changes on campus that are currently in progress.
Thank you Holland Family!
STUDENT REMODELING ROOMS TOMMY HALE SHORT
SCHOLARSHIPS IN ABILENE HALL GAME GOLF FACILITY
While half of Transformation Other improvements for the HSU broke ground on the Tommy
2020 funds went to campus College of Human Sciences and Hale Short Golf Game Facility
improvements, the other half went Educational Studies include the in February and plans to hold
to student scholarships, making the remodeling of two rooms in dedication services in Spring ’19.
dream of Christian higher education Abilene Hall. One will become The facility will hold 8,500- and
a reality for many students. an updated classroom with new 10,000-square-foot putting greens,
technology. The other will become three sand bunkers, a chipping area
One donor who has made HSU a counseling center. The rooms and a building for equipment.
scholarships possible is William C. were remodeled in honor of Dr.
Griffith. Mr. Griffith established the Robert C. Barnes. The facility is named for
G.W. Parks Memorial Scholarship Tommy Hale, an HSU National
in 2014 in honor of his grandfather, Thank you Furr Foundation! Championship golfer who enjoyed
Rev. G.W. Parks, a well-loved West teaching and helping other golfers
Texas pastor who cherished college improve their game. The first of its
education and moral values. kind in Division III in Texas, the
facility is open to all HSU students,
Rev. Parks’ educational and ethical faculty and staff.
values were passed on to his LIBRARY UPGRADE
daughter and his grandson. Inspired The first floor of the Library was Thank you Joe & Susan Black!
by his grandfather, Mr. Griffith renovated to provide students with
received a bachelor’s degree from easier access to the Technology
Emory University, attended the Services Help Desk. Now students
University of Copenhagen on a can find them in the southeast
Fulbright grant and received a Juris corner of the Library and receive RENOVATIONS IN
Doctor degree from the University help whenever they need it.
of Michigan Law School. LANGE HALL
Although Mr. Griffith did not Sophomore women will enjoy
attend Hardin-Simmons, his new comforts in Lange Hall.
family connections with the school Renovations include heating,
prompted his gift. Now, others will BAUGH LOUNGE ventilation and air conditioning
have the opportunity to receive improvements, as well as new
the Christ-centered education his Donations from the Eula Mae and flooring. Students also will be able
grandfather valued. John Baugh Foundation specifically to personalize their rooms with
to Logsdon Seminary will create a moveable furniture.
Thank you Griffiths! new student lounge, update several
classrooms, and provide new
Rev. G.W. Parks furnishings for several areas in the
attended Logsdon building.
Simmons
College in 1908. Thank you Baugh Foundation!
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 5
a LOOK
LOU MORTON ELLIS
SOFTBALL FIELD
These programs and
SEATING projects were wholly or
partially completed with
BACK
Transformation 2020 funds were
also given to construct shaded
spectator seating for the Lou
Transformation 2020
Morton Ellis Softball Field. funds. Together they
have begun to change the
look of the campus.
HUNTER BASEBALL
STREICH TENNIS FIELD
CENTER
Hunter Field received new seating
The facility features eight new and a new outfield wall. Gene D.
lighted concrete courts with Adams donated the funds for a new
fencing and windscreens. One of scoreboard in honor of Dr. Jesse
the top facilities in the American Fletcher, former HSU president. Dr.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Southwest Conference, the center Fletcher was influential in building BUILDING
includes seating for 400 spectators Hunter Field in the early 1980's.
The 22,000-square-foot AbLabs
and a scoreboard displaying real-
time scores for each court. Thank you Gene Adams! building on Pine Street has been
updated into a state of the art
Physical Therapy facility. The
space allows for students of the PT
program to better prepare for their
SHELTON FOOTBALL future careers. This building will
WOODWARD-DELLIS provide space for this program to
RECITAL HALL STADIUM
grow significantly.
RENOVATIONS Shelton Stadium also received
renovations. The stadium now
The HSU Choir and Chorale enjoy enjoys new turf, a new video board
the new seats and renovated hall. added in 2017, a new lift, and new
“The renovations in Woodward- lights. HSU SOCCER
Dellis make this one of the most “We are very excited about the COMPLEX LIGHTS
desirable performance venues in new lights at Shelton Stadium,”
Abilene,” said Dr. Robert Tucker, said Head Football Coach Jesse After 14 years of daytime games,
dean of the College of Fine Arts, Burleson. “They are a very generous new lights at the HSU Soccer
adding a special thanks to the addition to our current facility. The Complex make it possible for
donors who made it possible. “The atmosphere for our home games more fans to attend games and
new seats are comfortable, classy should be second-to-none in the for student-athletes to miss fewer
and durable. The lighter colored nation. classes.
walls and floor covering on the
stage provide a modern look “The turf and the constant progress “Lighting the soccer field has had
without sacrificing the rich heritage and improvements have helped a tremendous positive effect on
of music making.” the football program in all areas – the men’s and women’s soccer
recruiting, culture, environment, programs,” said Head Women’s
Plus, the technology additions to morale, safety, etc. We are Soccer Coach Marcus Wood.
the recital hall, which was originally extremely grateful for all of the help “Night games allow for bigger
built in 1974, make it a state-of-the- and support.” crowds with cooler temperatures.
art facility and have increased both We are very appreciative to all
the quantity and quality of concerts Thank you Jud Powell, Rosa Lee the generous alumni, family and
and recitals, said Tucker. Prichard, and Jack & Becky Rentz! friends who made it happen.”
6 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018
FOOTBALL LOCKERS JUDGE SAM CARROLL
The Cowboys' locker room in the MEMORIAL LOCKER
Sandefer Fieldhouse was renovated ROOM
to provide a new space for the
Inside of the Dr. Jesse C. and
COWGIRL STATUE football team to use before and Dorothy J. Fletcher Fitness Center.
after games.
In front of the new Fletcher Fitness
Center stands “the Cowgirl of the
West,” a sculpture by art professor
Steve L. Neves. The image for the
sculpture was provided by Rodney
INCREASE TO THE rather than sit in a classroom, I felt
Alfred Williams, HSU class of 1955,
like I was experiencing learning rather
and his sons David and Michael ENDOWMENT than just listening to it. With the
Williams in memory of their wife scholarships I received, I was able to
During the Transformation 2020
and mother Zelda Ann Kelley do the things that other people just
campaign, Hardin-Simmons’
Williams, class of 1953. The statue hear about.”
endowment was increased to
commemorates the HSU Cowgirls, approximately $197.7 million. The
a pep-squad turned drill team and Wolf plans to go into a military or
university’s endowment has almost
service organization that was active law enforcement career. At the Model
doubled since the campaign began.
on campus from 1925 until 1974. UN convention in Florida, Wolf had
While state universities rely on
the opportunity to participate in a
government funds for their operating
Florida Crisis Simulation which gave
costs, private schools like HSU require
him skills for his future career. The
endowments from donors to maintain
experience was so powerful that Wolf
university functions. Thanks to this
decided to start a new club on campus
LEADERSHIP STUDIES increase in endowment, Hardin-
which held the first-ever Texas Crisis
SCHOLARSHIPS Simmons will continue to provide
Simulation.
students with a positive college
Another Transformation 2020 experience. “The scholarships I received gave
donation went to the Leadership me the mental flexibility to do these
Studies Program to provide class “The financial strength and stability
things,” Wolf said. “Affording these
scholarships which give Leadership of Hardin-Simmons is significantly
opportunities is one less thing for me
Studies students a multitude of enhanced by the increase in our
to worry about. I put in the effort by
experiences. From studying in endowment, said Mike Hammack,
being active and participating in this
Vienna to riding bikes across Texas, Vice President for Institutional
program. It is hard work, but it is so
the gift allows more students to Advancement. “Endowments
rewarding.”
participate in experiential learning. for scholarships, professorships,
chairs and programs offer unique
“These funds help provide exciting opportunities for our students and
opportunities for our program, and faculty. We are very blessed to see this
they allow students to participate in increase in our endowment fund."
travel,” said Dr. Coleman Patterson,
director of the Leadership Studies One student who has benefitted from
Program. this endowment is Mitchell Wolf. A
sophomore Political Science major,
The gift allows Dr. Patterson to help Wolf participated in the Bike Ride
more students and increase the Across Texas’ Hurricane Harvey
number of experiences offered each Relief Ride and the most recent ride
year, he said. across the Katy Trail. He also traveled
to Vienna this summer and is a
“I wish that everyone who was in member of Model United Nations.
the position to give, would take All these experiences were made
that step,” Patterson said. “The possible thanks to Hilton Hemphill’s
experiences that go above and Transformation 2020 gift.
beyond have a cost, but they are
the most enriching things. They are “I’m a really practical learner,” said
Mitchell Wolf '21 in Vienna with HSU's
what students will remember for Wolf. “By having the opportunity to
Model U.N.
the rest of their lives.” go out and do these practical lessons
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 7
"I have loved
watching my HSU
home transform
Transforming
throughout my
past three years of
college and am so
LIVES by Kelsey Doege '19
I
excited for what’s
to come..." have loved watching my and exciting matches. I love
HSU home transform that Transformation 2020 has
— Kelsey Doege '19 throughout my past intentionally created optimal
three years of college places and opportunities for
and am so excited for what’s to these important moments.
come in my senior year. From
However, the construction
new scholarships to a new
isn’t the only significant
fitness center, opportunities for
development of this campaign.
students have only continued
I have also had the opportunity
to grow.
to benefit from several
For me, these opportunities new scholarships offered
began two years before I to students. With a sister
applied to college when I in graduate school and a
attended the HSU tennis brother also attending HSU,
camps in the summers these scholarships continue
between my junior and senior to take financial pressure off
years of high school. The first my family and me. I am freer
week I attended, all activities to focus on my class work
were conducted on the old and enjoy extra-curricular
tennis courts. As soon as I activities like playing tennis,
heard about the plans to build participating in Fellowship
a new facility, I followed the of Christian Athletes, or even
news eagerly. studying abroad.
By the next year, we were All in all, I am very excited
playing on the brand-new to see the final projects from
courts. I was so excited to the Transformation 2020
see the bright blue paint, campaign come together. From
the covered stands, and the new facilities to scholarship
scoreboard that enabled my opportunities, I have been
coaches to know how I was affected in many different areas
doing in a match from across during this process. One day,
the facility. Coming into this I’ll come back as an alumna
new atmosphere made me feel and remember the progress
appreciated as a tennis player I got to see campus-wide
and respected as an athlete. throughout my time here. I am
so grateful for the donors that
Now, as an HSU student, the
made these steps possible.
courts have become an even
more important place, full of
memories from long practices
8 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018DR. JESSE C. AND DOROTHY
FLETCHER FITNESS CENTER
The 35,000 square foot Dr. Jesse C. and Dorothy J. Fletcher
Fitness Center officially opened in September of 2018. The center
includes basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor soccer field,
free weights, exercise machines, an elevated track, and it also
hosts group exercise classes such as Zumba and yoga. The facility
will allow University Recreation (UREC) to offer more activities
and games on campus. Named after Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher and his
wife Dorothy J. Fletcher, the center represents the growth and
development Dr. Fletcher organized on campus. Dr. Fletcher
served as the president of Hardin-Simmons from 1977 to 1991,
as chancellor from 1991 to 2001, and was president emeritus
from 2001 until his passing this year. During his presidency, Dr.
Fletcher worked to reorganize university academics in education,
theology, and nursing, oversaw the construction of seven new
facilities and many renovations, and assisted in bringing NCAA’s
Division III athletic programs to campus, which included the
addition of the football team in 1989.
ALLINE F. BROWN AND DOROTHY
AILEEN CULPEPPER APARTMENTS
The Alline F. Brown and Dorothy Aileen Culpepper Apartments
opened for the Fall 2018 semester and currently house one-
hundred-seventy-four students. The apartments offer amenities
such as full-sized beds, large closets, quartz countertops, and
washer and dryer hookups in each unit. These new units are
available to junior and senior undergraduate students and to
single graduate level students who wish to stay within walking
by Macee Hall '20 distance of campus. They are also priced competitively with other
complexes in the Abilene area.
Alline F. Brown moved with her family to Abilene for her senior
year of high school in 1929. Upon graduation, Brown attended
HSU until 1931 and, in 1935, she became the first woman to
work with the Gulf Oil Company in Midland, Texas. Brown
passed on in February of 2016.
Dorothy Aileen Culpepper attended HSU from 1938 to 1940,
when she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English
Education with a minor in Spanish. After completing one year
of graduate level studies at HSU in 1941, Culpepper became
an English teacher and principal in Ira, Texas. In 1944, HSU
president, Dr. Rupert Richardson, visited Culpepper and asked
her to become a dorm director for the university, where she
stayed for over forty years. She spent her first eleven years as a
Dorm Mother in Mary-Francis Hall, and then transferred to
Behrens Hall after its completion in 1955. Culpepper has received
many awards from the university, including the Keeter Alumni
Service Award in 1986, which is the highest alumni honor that
HSU presents. Culpepper passed away in March of 2008.
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 910 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018
Class of 2022 enjoys the time honored tradition
of beanie capping during Stampede this fall.
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 11&QA w/ Alyssa Rasco
Q: You were recently named Director
of Career Services. What are some
of the first things you want to
accomplish?
Q: You are both a theology student and
a staff member, how do you balance
those two roles?
Q: Do you think your biblical training
informs the way you approach career
services? How?
A: When students leave HSU, I want
them to have the tools to seek a
meaningful, purposeful, and creative
life where they feel that they are
A: My immediate priority is to make the
A: At this point in my Master of Arts contributing to a wider purpose
Career Services office more visible
in Religion degree, I have completed and living out their calling – no
and available to students! I want this
my coursework and am writing matter the industry in which they
office to be a real and useful tool
my thesis. On most weekends, you are working. The decisions they
that is known to all students, faculty,
can find me holed up in a coffee make in those future roles should be
staff, and alumni. One of my biggest
shop somewhere with my computer precedented by their understanding
goals is to develop connections to our
and a tableful of books and notes. of their calling and how their work
alumni and employer pool so that we
I am also co-teaching a First-Year fits into God’s work in the world.
can provide more employment and
networking opportunities to students. Seminar course called "Women in Q: What book has changed your life?
the Image of God" and serve in a
Additionally, I want to create a A: I loved Bessel Van Der Kolk’s "The
leadership position in my church.
Career Services resource for each Body Keeps the Score," which gave
I am so incredibly thankful for
major and program at HSU listing me a whole new understanding of
these opportunities to serve and do
job options, internship opportunities, human embodiment as I was doing
something I love outside of my staff
professional organizations, outcome research for my thesis. "Half the Sky"
role at HSU as well as broaden my
data, notable alumni, etc. so that by Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas
skills in higher education.
all the information is in one central Kristof opened my eyes to the plight
location. HSU has some exceptional Q: How do you relax? of women around the world. And, of
academic programs, and I want to A: I love to go for a run in my course, reading every Nancy Drew
partner with each of them to be an neighborhood, have dinner novel I could get my hands on as a
aid in the work they are already doing downtown with my husband, or kid taught me to not underestimate
to equip our students for their careers hibernate with a blanket and a myself or be too legalistic with the
and their service to others. book. Although I’m an introvert and rules.
need time alone to recharge, I am
also fortunate to have a large group
of college friends from Hardin-
Simmons who have stayed in Abilene
to build their career and families.
We get together frequently for movie
nights or dinner, and November
2018 marks our ninth Friendsgiving
together.
12 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018The newly named Director of
Career Services, Alyssa Rasco, is
always ready to advise students
on their future.
Q: What is your favorite part of working
with students?
A: Students are so full of hope and life. I
love the moments where I see a light
bulb go off because they see a new
possibility or a new way forward, or
even when they gain some self-esteem
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever
from formatting their resume in a way
been given? What is the best advice
that adequately markets their skills
you give to students?
and experience.
A: Professionally, my colleague and
Q: What can HSU alumni do to help
past supervisor Grant Greenwood
graduating students find a job?
(HSU Admissions) told me, “It’s
A: HSU alumni can always be in contact better to speak up and be wrong
with our Alumni office and keep than to not say anything at all.” I
their information updated! That is have found this advice so helpful as I
such a big help as we continue to navigate professional life. For women
build our alumni network. I also love especially, we cannot be afraid of
for alumni to participate in Career failure to the point that we do not
Services panels, mingle at networking share our opinion or convictions. We
events, and keep us updated on open should feel validated and mobilized
positions or internships in their own to use our voice and speak up for
places of employment. ourselves and for others.
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 13faculty
NEWS
Dr. Jeffrey Cottrell Dr. Emily Dean
Associate Professor of Low Brass and Theory Associate Professor of Educational Studies and
and Associate Dean Director of the Houston-Lantrip Center for
Dr. Cottrell completed several new works for Literacy and Learning
brass this summer including a duet book, Dr. Dean co-presented with Dr. Trube Miller
and an arrangement of the 2nd movement of and Dr. Renee Collins at the Abilene ISD
Beethoven’s 7th symphony, which have been Lead Out Loud Conference in two sessions,
published by Cimarron Music Press. He also Strategies for Diverse Populations: Teaching
completed an arrangement for trombone Special Student Populations in Your Classroom.
ensemble of “Who wants to live forever” from emily.o.dean@hsutx.edu
the movie "Highlander," which was published
by Sheet Music Plus. jcottrell@hsutx.edu Dr. Lindsay Edwards
Associate Professor of Kinesiology,
Dr. John N. Davis
Associate Professor of Management, Dr. Edwards recently made two presentations
at the Christian Society for Kinesiology,
Coordinator for Programs in Management, Leisure, and Sports Studies (CSKLS), June 6-9,
Nonprofit Management, and Public 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. One presentation
Administration, was "Beyond Brick and Mortar: Furthering
Kelley College of Business the Vision of a Foundation Builder." This
presentation served to introduce the audience
Dr. Davis led the Doctoral Consortium at the to HSU and to James Simmons, regarding the
Annual Meeting of the Southwest Academy of ways in which his vision for HSU continues
Management, March 8, 2018, in Albuquerque, to grow through the development of online
New Mexico. Dr. Davis was named to the programs. The online program that she focused
Taylor County Historical Commission in the on was the Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation
spring of 2018. jndavis@hsutx.edu program. The second presentation was titled
"Producing a Kingdom DNA Culture in South
Africa" – this presentation was unique in that
she got to use Skype (an online communication
tool) to co-present with an HSU graduate
alumni, Casper Steenkamp.
ledwards@hsutx.edu
14 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018Dr. Bob Ellis Dr. Fei Gao
Dean of Logsdon School of Theology Associate Professor of Finance,
Dr. Ellis participated in the Biennial Meeting Johnson Endowed Chair of Business,
of the Association of Theological Schools in Kelley College of Business
Denver in June 2018. He also published an Dr. Gao presented a paper “Is the increase
article for Baptist Standard entitled, “Voices: in insider information confusing the
Lessons from the Nineties” (June 27, 2018). markets?” which he coauthored with Dr. Jodie
rellis@hsutx.edu McGaughey, Joshua Shackman, and Heesam
Kang. The paper was subsequently published in
the International Research Journal of Applied
Mrs. Teresa Ellis Finance, Vol. IX Issue -2 Feb (2018).
Theological Librarian and Professor fei.gao@hsutx.edu
Mrs. Ellis helped lead a breakout session at
the 2018 Texas Baptist Women in Ministry Dr. Scott Hamm
Conference held at Baylor’s Truett Seminary Assistant Professor of Education,
in February of 2018. The breakout session Director of Online Learning,
was entitled, “Practicing Reconciliation in a College of Human Sciences and Educational
Fractured World” and was led jointly by she Studies
and Dr. Bob Ellis, Professor of Old Testament
and Hebrew and Dean of the Logsdon School Dr. Hamm presented at Liberty University on
of Theology. tellis@hsutx.edu the topic of faith formation in online classes.
scott.e.hamm@hsutx.edu
Dr. Larry Fink
Professor of English Dr. Andrea Jensen
Interim Dean of the Holland School of Science
Dr. Larry Fink, Professor of English, presented
a paper during the first part of the summer, and Mathematics
entitled, “The Reunion Theme in the Latin Dr. Jensen was named Interim Dean of the
Letters of C.S. Lewis and Giovanni Calabria,” Holland School effective June 11, 2018. Dr.
at the C.S. Lewis Colloquium held every other Jensen joined the faculty of HSU in January
year at Taylor University, in Upland, Indiana. 2006 as an Assistant Professor of Biology.
This conference attracts many scholars from She became the Head of the Department of
several countries. Lewis and Calabria (Italian Biology in January of 2009 and was promoted
priest, canonized in 1999) corresponded in to Associate Professor in 2013. Dr. Jensen
Latin for several years because that was the received her Bachelor of Science in Genetics
only language they shared. The major theme and her Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology,
of the letters is their shared longing for unity specializing in insect population genetics, both
among Christians. Also, Dr. Fink’s photograph, from Texas A&M University.
“Untitled,” has been published in the 2018 issue ajensen@hsutx.edu
of Ink & Letters: A Curated Journal of Art,
Creativity, and Christian Faith. Dr. Kelvin Kelley
larryf@hsutx.edu Associate Professor of Theology,
Logsdon School of Theology
Dr. Tiffany Fink
Professor of History Dr. Kelley received the 2018 Logsdon
Distinguished Alumni Award at the spring
Dr. Fink chaired a session in late spring, awards ceremony. kjkelley@hsutx.edu
entitled, “Elmer Kelton and His Work” at
annual meeting of the West Texas Historical
Association in San Angelo, Texas. Dr. Fink
also began serving on the Program Committee
for the 2020 annual meeting of Texas State
Historical Association. tfink@hsutx.edu
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 15FACULTY NEWS
Dr. Nancy Kucinski Dr. Marsha Rutland
Professor of Management, Professor of Physical Therapy
Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Rutland presented the following research
Dr. Kucinski taught at the University of Applied in July 2018: Rutland, MD, Allen L, Ball A,
Sciences in Salzburg, Austria, in March 2018. Morris A, Westbrook M. “The Possibility of
The class was entitled “Strategy and Innovation Saint’s Triad and the Diagnostic Implications
Management in the Tourism Industry.” for a Physical Therapy Student”. American
kucinski@hsutx.edu Association of Clinical Anatomists. Atlanta,
Georgia. July, 2018. mrutland@hsutx.edu
Dr. Trube Miller
Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Bernard Scherr
Professor of Theory and Composition
Dr. Miller applied and was selected to attend
Classroom Instruction and Hands-on Training Dr. Scherr presented a solo recital of his music,
with Children with Autism, the premier two- original compositions, and arrangements
week international training at the Carbone for string quartet at the Sun Gallery in
Clinic in New York over Skinner’s analysis Hayward, California, on June 9th. This recital
of verbal behavior. Dr. Miller co-presented was sponsored in part by the Portuguese
with other faculty from the Irvin School of government in collaboration with Joao de
Education, Dr. Renee Collins and Dr. Emily Brito, a Portuguese-American painter. The
Dean, at the Abilene Independent School musicians were professional string players
District’s Lead Out Loud Conference in two active in the Bay Area. One of the recital
sessions of Strategies for Diverse Populations: attendees was Consul General to Portugal,
Teaching Special Student Populations in Your Maria Joao Lopes Cardoso. Dr. Scherr also
Classroom. trube.c.miller@hsutx.edu filled a commission for a piece for Dr. David
Amlung and Dr. Juan Mendoza, music
Dr. Steven Rosscoe educators at McMurry University.
bscherr@hsutx.edu
Associate Professor of Geology
Dr. Rosscoe had the following paper published: Dr. Priscilla Selvaraj
Gee, Bryan M., Rosscoe, Steven J., Scott, Assistant Professor of Psychology and
Diane, Ostlien, Judie, and Reisz, Robert R.
Counseling
“Faunal overview of the Mud Hill locality from
the early Permian Vale Formation of Taylor Dr. Selvaraj published an article entitled,
County, Texas”. Journal of Paleontology. “Predicting the Mental Health of College
srosscoe@hsutx.edu Students with Psychological Capital,” was
published recently in the Journal of Mental
Health. This article was based on Dr. Selvaraj’s
doctoral dissertation.
priscilla.selvaraj@hsutx.edu
16 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018FACULTY NEWS
Dr. Meredith Stone Dr. Myles Werntz
Assistant Professor of Scripture and Ministry Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and
Practical Theology
Dr. Stone was given the Associated Church
Press 2017 Award of Excellence for Online Dr. Werntz presented a paper on “Fugitive
Department, for the article “A moment of Theology: Revisiting Bonhoeffer’s Contribution
reckoning, and not just for sexual harassers,” to Recent Immigration Debates” at the
published in the Baptist Standard. The same Fellowship of Protestant Ethics in Waco (June
organization gave her an Honorable Mention 2018). Over the summer he also published “On
for Editorial or Opinion, for “Voices: Pence, the Value of Charity, or Why Government Aid
propriety and devaluing half the American is Necessary,” in the Baptist Standard, and in
population,” which the Baptist Standard the periodical In All Things, he published the
published. Dr. Stone has accepted a change editorial “Is America Looking to Politics to
in responsibility with a dual appointment as Meet Its Spiritual Needs?,” and “No Place to
Assistant Professor of Scripture and Ministry Hide: A Review of The Line Becomes a River.”
to the Logsdon School of Theology University myles.werntz@hsutx.edu
Faculty and to the Logsdon Seminary Faculty.
mstone@hsutx.edu Dr. Wendi Wolfram
Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Rich Traylor Dr. Wolfram and two former HSU alumni,
Professor of History Hannah Jones (Undergraduate Class 2017) and
Dr. Traylor recently published a biographical Hannah Stouffer (Undergraduate Class 2015
essay on Sallie Rochester Ford in the 11th and Graduate Class 2018), will be presenting
volume of "A Noble Company: Biographical a collaborative comparison of their three
Essays on Notable Particular-Regular Baptists different research projects on canid behavior
in America," edited by Terry Wolever and and biometeorology at the 2018 International
published by Particular Baptist Press. The essay Wolf Symposium, an event that is held every
is the most extensive work to date on Ford, one 4-6 years. The presentation is one of 75
of the most influential Baptist women in 19th posters selected and made the top 20 and is
century America. rtraylor@hsutx.edu listed on the website promoting topics at the
symposium. The symposium will be held
October 11-14, 2018 in Minneapolis / St. Paul,
Dr. Thom Wier Minnesota. wwolfram@hsutx.edu
Associate Professor of Economics,
Kelley College of Business Dr. Clell Wright
Dr. Wier was a speaker to InstructureCarn Professor of Worship Music and Director of
2018, an educational technology conference HSU Concert Choir
hosted by the Canvas Learning Management
System. twier@hsutx.edu Dr. Wright has been invited by Mid-America
Productions International to conduct
their Florence Choral Festival in Florence
Italy in June of 2019. This will include two
performances of the Schubert Mass in G with a
professional orchestra and professional soloists
which is open to choirs across the United
States. cwright@hsutx.edu
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 17FACULTY NEWS
BILL HARDEN RETURNS TO
HSU AS DIRECTOR OF BANDS
The Hardin-Simmons College of Fine Arts remembers attending Carnaval de Nice,
is proud to welcome new HSU Director in Nice, France, where the band marched
of Bands, Bill Harden. Harden graduated seven parades in five days, and attending
from HSU with a bachelor's in Music two Neiman Marcus fundraiser concerts
Education in 1986, and then graduated in Irvine, California, where the group
with his master's of Music in Bassoon acted as a warm-up band for the Olympic
from the University of Cincinnati College- fundraising concert. Travel is Harden’s
Conservatory of Music in 1988. Before favorite memory of the Cowboy Band,
returning to HSU, Harden taught over and he aims to bring travel back into the
twenty years at Bowie Junior High School program.
and Odessa High School in Odessa, Texas.
During his years in Odessa, Harden led his “One of the things I have been tasked with
students to receive many awards in UIL through the interview process is that they
Marching Contest and Concert and Sight were looking for someone to take the band
Reading Evaluations. to new places, again,” says Harden, “They
(the Cowboy Band) haven’t traveled in
Harden discovered HSU through All-State sixteen years.” Harden is well-traveled and
band, where he played first chair. HSU hopes to bring his experience to students
woodwind professor Andy J. Patterson within the HSU band program. He has
served as the All-State bassoon room already scheduled for the Band to tour for
monitor and saw that Harden would be eight performances in Branson, Missouri,
an asset to the Cowboy Band. While in in April of 2019 and is in the process of
Odessa, Harden held the title of Assistant planning an international tour.
Principal Bassoon in the Midland-Odessa
Symphony for almost thirty years, and Harden is also excited to bring the Cowboy
he played Principal Bassoon in 1996 and Band back into band concerts. Once home
1997. He holds membership in the Texas to both the Cowboy Band and the Concert
Music Educators Association, the Texas Band, HSU band concerts have recently
Bandmasters Association, the Texas Music only featured the Concert Band. Harden
Adjudicators Association and Phi Beta Mu, aims to bring both programs back together
International Band Fraternity, and helped to unify the program. Audiences of the
found the Young Educators Symposium of band program can expect to see more
West Texas. In 2013, Harden received the upcoming events, such as pop-up concerts
Marcia McEntyre Zoffutto Hero Award, at local churches.
which is given to music educators who “I am very excited to be coming back to
have served the Permian Basin and have where I learned to be a music educator.
put effort and time into assisting the West My experiences at HSU, especially with
Texas Program. the Cowboy Band, have helped to make
While attending HSU, Harden had many me the person I am today,” says Harden.
opportunities for travel with the Cowboy He plans to expand the program and add
Band, including a 1984 tour of Europe. more instrumental music classes and
“I was fortunate in the four years I was hopes to integrate more secondary music
here. In 1984 we took a tour to England, programs for graduate-level students.
France, Switzerland, and Germany,” Harden says that “no matter what your
Harden says. During the Baptist World degree plan, you are learning the tools that
Alliance European Tour, students got to will make you successful,” when studying
stay in youth hostels and in the homes music. Harden looks forward to enhancing
of locals. Harden recalls visiting with a and expanding the instrumental music
German family, where a sixteen-year- programs at HSU, but he looks forward
old girl acted as a translator between her to working with the students of the band
parents and the students. Harden also program above all.
18 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018Bill Harden, the new Cowboy
Band Director used to run out
onto the field as a member of the
Band. Now he leads them onto
the field as the director.
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 19From the fall musical "Anything Goes," (from
left to right) Peyton Scroggins ’22, Dylan Scott
’21, Hanna Hayes ’20, Emily Hatch ’20, and
Michael Bentea Kelly ‘19. Also featuring Lucky
Wilkerson, a rescue chihuahua belonging to
adjunct professor of Theatre, Teri Wilkerson.
20 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 21Abilene Mayor Anthony Williams
recognizes HSU Physician Assistant
students and faculty with PA Week
proclamation on October 9, 2018 in
front of the Abilene City Council.
HSU's PA Program:
TRANSFORMING
LIVES
by Lori Evans '76
“Although I had always
wanted to be a health-care provider,
I had believed that it was a dream whose
time had passed."–Ben Trent
22 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018B
en Trent had all but abandoned his “We determined that a PA program “This is the dream job. … The only thing
dream of becoming a health-care would provide a great opportunity for better than being a PA is being a PA
provider. students as well as a great chance to educator,” says Eames, who jumped at the
increase health-care providers in this chance to build a PA program from the
Then, in 2016, he heard about the new part of the state,” says Dr. Chris McNair, ground up, writing the curriculum and
physician assistant program at Hardin- HSU provost and chief academic officer. choosing the team who would help her.
Simmons University. It was an easy It was a big plus that the program was in
commute from his home in Eastland. A Transformation 2020 gift from the Abilene, since her parents had recently
Scotty and Jacque Holland family jump- retired to West Texas.
“I was settled. I had 13-year-old children, started the program, providing funding
a fantastic marriage and a home,” says for a consultant, program director, “It was clear from the beginning that
Trent. Not to mention, a successful medical director, renovation to a building God has His hand on this program,” she
health-care consulting business serving to house the program and startup says, ticking off a few of the ways she has
rural west Texas hospitals that he started equipment, says McNair. seen Him at work — the faculty, who are
with his best friend, Mark Chaney, “superstars” in their fields; the students,
during the economic downturn in 2008. Dr. Jennifer Eames was hired as the who come from all over the nation; the
program’s founding director. Before preceptors, who have stepped forward to
“Although I had always wanted to be a coming to HSU, Eames served as a
health-care provider, I had believed that volunteer.
faculty member, the admissions director,
it was a dream whose time had passed,” and vice chair of the physician assistant The faculty includes two medical doctors,
he says. program at the University of Texas who are among the many unique features
Trent would not have uprooted his family Medical Branch in Galveston. of HSU’s PA program. In other programs,
for a program that was elsewhere. But
with his twins, Joseph and Rebekah,
getting ready to enter high school, and a
program opening in Abilene, Trent and
his family saw his opportunity to enter
the HSU PA program as “God’s timing.”
He was in the first cohort of 30 students 50
when the program opened its doors in
We found out our clinical sites
August of 2017. today! First up: My hometown of
Childress, TX!
The idea for HSU’s PA program was
birthed in 2013 after a health science
exploratory committee began looking Ben Trent
at what was needed in the area of health June 7, 2018
care in West Texas and how HSU might
help meet that need.
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 23Dr. Jennifer Eames help to teach
students about the reflex test during
class in the current PA building. The
program will be moving to a new
building in the Summer of 2019.
“It was clear from the beginning
that God has His hand on
this program”–Dr. Jennifer Eames
… It’s refreshing to be around,” says
McClintock, who, as an undergraduate
student, trained as a secondary school
educator.
Then, there’s the matter of preceptors.
McNair remembers being told that
Abilene was too small to have an
teaching primarily is done by physician you’re here, you’re family,” says Eames. adequate number of preceptor sites for
assistants, not physicians. “We collaborate. We foster the idea that students to do the clinical rotations that
everybody becomes the best together.” make up half of their time in the PA
Dr. Kathryn Norton is the medical program.
director and anatomy professor for the The students come from all over the
program. In addition to her work with country, as far away as Alaska and Nationwide, there’s a shortage of
the PA program, Norton is a full-time Florida. Some of the students were born preceptors for PA students, says Eames,
practicing surgeon in Abilene. While in other countries — for example, India but in Abilene, unlike at her previous
she performs many different kinds of and Nigeria — but grew up in the job, Eames has not had to cajole anyone
surgeries, her passion is the treatment United States. to become a preceptor. They call her and
and care of breast cancer patients. volunteer.
While serving as a guest lecturer in
On November 1, Dr. Joe McClintock the PA program, McClintock said he Student Ben Trent sees evidence of
joined the PA program faculty as a immediately noticed the students are God’s hand in the matter of program
full-time assistant professor. In late “different.” accreditation, an arduous process for
September, McClintock, who is in his any university but especially no minor
30th year of practicing medicine, was “There’s a level of exuberance, accomplishment considering HSU’s
in the process of closing his urology excitement, enthusiasm that’s contagious. relatively small size. Enrollment in the
practice in Abilene to make the transition … When you’re around them you think fall of 2018 was 2,344.
to teaching. ‘That’s something I would like to be a
part of.’ “The fact that the program was
When it comes to the students, Eames accredited … on its first attempt is a
and others believe they are as talented as “You can tell the students understand testament to the hard work by all of those
the faculty. the importance of what they’re doing. involved and the blessings of God in
When you’re around them, you see how directing them in the program’s planning
The program recruits for diverse much they want to help other people. and implementation,” he says.
backgrounds and experiences and while … When you watch them work, you see
the application process is extremely how much compassion they have toward Or, as Eames says, “We serve a big
competitive — 2,000 applications the patients. They have a sense that this God who can give small schools large
received for 30 spots for the class isn’t just a patient, this isn’t just a disease, victories.”
entering in August of 2019 — “once this is somebody that I need to care for.
24 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018“We’re the only PA school
that offers full-dissection,
cadaver anatomy taught by
a general surgeon” -Dr. Jennifer Eames
The HSU PA program was the first to
open in Texas since 1999, making it the
ninth program in the state and the only
one at a fully private Christian university,
says Eames.
The HSU program has many other
distinguishing characteristics.
“We’re the only PA school that offers
full-dissection, cadaver anatomy taught
by a general surgeon,” says Eames.
Other schools offer virtual anatomy with
computer dissection and limited time
with real cadavers.
That’s an important distinction. Academy of Physician Assistants, which “The hope is with this training students
advocates for the PAs of Texas. In his can go into any underserved community
“The biggest thing about the cadavers TAPA role, he serves on the Legislative better prepared to step into the role
… is to see the differences. You say this Affairs Committee, that works with because they’ve been exposed to it,”
nerve is going to be here or this muscle is state representatives to pass legislation Eames says.
there and it isn’t. It’s just different. Each that assists PAs in the goal of providing
person is different. And translating that quality health care to Texas citizens. Norton notes that the future of health
into taking care of a patient is a big deal care will be in the hands of more PAs and
because every person is different,” says Trent also has been able to pursue his nurse practitioners, working under the
Norton. passion for education with the goal of oversight of a physician, and she praises
one day becoming a PA instructor. He Eames for the program she has put
Another unique feature of the HSU recently was selected by the Physician together at HSU.
PA program is its emphasis on service. Assistant Education Association as a
Students are required to complete 50 Fellow for the 2018-19 cycle — one of “If this is the way medicine is going, this
hours of community service while in the only 16 students nationally to receive the is the way they need to be trained. She’s
program. They can do that on a medical honor. doing it right,” says Norton.
mission trip or a variety of other ways. While it’s impossible to predict the
The important thing is to establish a “The faculty and community are
supporting me in pursuing this transformative power of one HSU
legacy of giving back early in students’ student who becomes a PA or a health-
lives, says Eames. fellowship. They’re helping me to reach
other dreams that I have,” says Trent, care system changed by a new model of
The theme of transformation doesn’t who mentions one thing he would like to care, Eames imagines the possibilities:
end with the Transformation 2020 see included in a story about HSU’s PA “What lives are they going to save? …
gift that launched HSU’s PA program. program “is how blessed I am and how What diseases will they cure? …
Students’ lives are being transformed blessed the community is to have the What will those people who they treat go
by the opportunities they are being program that it has.” on to do?”
given as they study to become physician
assistants. Eames and others point out the
potential for HSU’s PA program to be
Trent is just one example. Last year, transformative as part of the solution to
his classmates elected him as the the shortage of health-care providers in
representative from HSU to the Texas West Texas and the nation.
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 252 PAGE PHOTO
Students from the Physician Assistant
program compete in the first annual
Great Gurney Race to benefit Global
Samaritan Resources in downtown
Abilene on October 11, 2018. They
won first prize for their Mario Kart
costumes and theme.
26 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 20182 PAGE PHOTO
RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018 27A MOTHER'S LOVE
A LASTING HELPS OTHERS
LEGACY REALIZE THEIR
DREAMS
by Grace Mitchell '19 CARL OWEN, 1958-1980
B
ehind almost every Hardin- After one year at HSU, Carl returned to has awarded scholarships to numerous
Simmons University student, Roswell to attend Eastern New Mexico students and allowed 23 students
there is a scholarship or University's Roswell campus and and three faculty members to travel
grant that provided them the Callins Flight School. His dream was to Norway during HSU’s first Justice
opportunity to attend college. And to incorporate his love of flying with Abroad travel course.
behind almost every scholarship, there his law enforcement endeavors. Carl’s
is a person with a story and a love for untimely death ended his dreams on During this 10-day course, students
the university. May 30, 1980. compared the prison, police, and court
systems found in Texas, the United
The Carl Wesley Owen Fund for Norma Owen was known as a sweet States and Norway. The students also
Criminal Justice was established in woman who always had a smile on attended research meetings with the
2015 by Norma D. Owen in memory her face. As any parent would be, she students and faculty of the University
of her only son. Half of its funds are was deeply affected by the loss of her of Bergen and were immersed in
designated as program enhancements son. Years later, after Norma’s husband Norwegian culture as they rode a train
and half as an endowment for passed away, she began to meet with across Norway and hiked by waterfalls,
scholarships. one of Carl’s friends, Tommy Terrell. fjords and glaciers.
Terrell had recently experienced family
Carl Wesley Owen was born February loss of his own. The two encouraged “The Owen scholarship made it
27, 1958, in Roswell, New Mexico, each other. possible for me to be able to travel to a
to Charles B. and Norma Owen. He country that I would have never gotten
grew up enjoying a country life under Mrs. Owen told Terrell she wanted to to experience. I was overjoyed with
the pecan trees of Roswell. He is leave her estate to HSU for students the opportunity to get to experience
remembered as wearing big aviator in the Criminal Justice program. another country’s culture and
sunglasses, talking about his prized Although her son was not able to atmosphere along with the opportunity
pickup truck and responding to most realize his dream of going into law to study their justice system,” said
conversations with "Cool!" enforcement, she hoped her gift could Brittany Hector, who will graduate with
provide scholarships, so others could her law enforcement degree in 2019.
In high school, Carl was a member of achieve their ambitions.
the Air Force ROTC. He graduated Thanks to the Owen scholarship,
in 1977 and started classes at Hardin- She believed that because God had Oliwer Elfstedt ‘20, an international
Simmons University the fall of that blessed her, she could be a blessing to student from Sweden, was able to
year, majoring in law enforcement. others. The Carl Wesley Owen Fund attend HSU and travel to Norway.
28 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2018You can also read
