Notable Alumni of Hardin-Simmons University: From Cowboys to Congressmen
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), a private institution in Abilene, Texas, has a rich history of educating individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. Founded in 1891 as Abilene Baptist College, HSU has evolved into a university that prides itself on leading students to Christ, teaching them of Christ, and training them for Christ. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing the diverse paths they have taken and the impact they have had on the world.
A Legacy of Western Stars
Given Abilene's reputation as "cowboy country," it's fitting that several HSU alumni found fame portraying Western heroes on television.
Fess Parker: From Alamo Legend to Frontiersman
Fess Parker, a true West Texas native, first enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin and then the University of Southern California. Parker is best known for his portrayals of Davy Crockett in a Disney miniseries (1954-55) and Daniel Boone in the NBC TV series of the same name (1964-1970). His roles cemented his place in television history and made him a recognizable figure for generations of viewers.
Dan Blocker: The Gentle Giant of "Bonanza"
Like Parker, Dan Blocker was also a Texas native who attended Hardin-Simmons University, playing football before transferring to Sul Ross State University. After serving in the Korean War, he earned a master’s degree in the dramatic arts. Blocker's most famous role was as Hoss Cartwright in NBC’s "Bonanza" (1959-1972), a character known for his gentle nature and imposing strength. He remained a beloved member of the cast until his death in 1972.
Don Collier: A Versatile Western Actor
Donald Mounger Collier was an American actor best known for his roles in Western films and NBC television shows such as "The High Chaparral," "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," and "Outlaws," where he played Marshal Will Foreman.
Read also: Hardin-Simmons Football History
Leaders in Politics and Public Service
Hardin-Simmons University has also produced numerous leaders who have served in politics and public service, shaping policies and communities.
George H. Mahon: A Long-Serving Congressman
George Herman Mahon, a Democrat, served 22 consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives from Texas. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1924 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. His long tenure in Congress allowed him to significantly impact legislation and represent the interests of his constituents.
Mildred Paxton Moody: Shaping the Texas Governor's Mansion
Mildred Paxton Moody, the wife of Texas Governor Dan Moody, played a crucial role in preserving the state's historical heritage. Upon her recommendation, the 42nd Texas Legislature established the Board of Mansion Supervisors in 1931, with Mrs. Moody as the first head of the Board. The Board oversaw the upkeep and enhancements to the Texas Governor's Mansion until its abolishment in 1965.
Coody Cooper: Oklahoma State Representative
Coody Cooper served as an Oklahoma State Representative for the 64th district from 2004 to 2016. A member of the Republican Party, she was a longtime educator, counselor, and assistant principal for Lawton Public Schools before entering politics. Cooper authored 125 bills during her time in office.
Mark E. Weatherington: Air Force Lieutenant General
Mark Ernest Weatherington is a retired United States Air Force lieutenant general. He served as the deputy commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command from August 2021 to August 2023 and previously served as the commander of both the Eighth Air Force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center. Weatherington was commissioned after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990.
Read also: Explore UMHB's academic programs
Influential Figures in Religion and Ministry
HSU's commitment to Christian values is reflected in the many alumni who have dedicated their lives to religious service and ministry.
Jack Graham: Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church
Jack N. Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, one of the largest and most influential churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. His leadership and preaching have impacted countless lives.
Naim Ateek: A Voice for Palestinian Liberation Theology
Naim Stifan Ateek is a Palestinian priest in the Anglican Communion and founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. He has been a leading voice in shaping Palestinian liberation theology, articulating a theology that addresses the conflict over Palestine and explores its political, religious, biblical, and theological dimensions.
Jeff P. Iorg: President of Gateway Seminary
Jeff P. Iorg is the current president of Gateway Seminary, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention with multiple campuses in the Western United States. He is also an author, pastor, church planter, teacher, and speaker.
Geoffrey Turner: Lead Pastor of Beltway Park Church
Geoffrey Turner serves as Lead Pastor of Beltway Park Church in Abilene, Texas. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and also earned a Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Read also: Tuition at UMHB
Achievers in Arts, Literature, and Entertainment
Hardin-Simmons University has also fostered talent in the arts, literature, and entertainment, producing individuals who have made their mark in these creative fields.
Liz Smith: The "Grand Dame of Dish"
Mary Elizabeth Smith, known as Liz Smith, was a renowned American gossip columnist. She began her career in radio and later wrote the "Cholly Knickerbocker" gossip column for Hearst newspapers. She wrote a self-titled gossip column for newspapers including New York Newsday, the New York Daily News, and the New York Post, which was syndicated in numerous other newspapers.
Terri Hendrix: Singer-Songwriter
Terri Ann Hendrix is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and independent artist. Since 1990, she has been writing and performing an eclectic mix of Americana music, encompassing folk, pop, country, blues, and jazz.
Leaders in Business and Education
HSU alumni have also excelled in the fields of business and education, contributing to economic growth and shaping future generations.
Stedman Graham: Educator, Author, and Businessman
Stedman Graham Jr. is an American educator, author, businessman, and public speaker. He is also known as the long-term partner of Oprah Winfrey.
John Leland Atwood: Engineer
John Leland Atwood was a prominent American engineer who worked as Chief Engineer/Executive at North American Aviation for over 35 years. He developed the P-51 Mustang during World War II, the F-100 jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and oversaw the Apollo program.
Athletes and Coaches
Hardin-Simmons University has a strong athletic tradition, and many of its alumni have gone on to achieve success in sports as players and coaches.
Doyle Brunson: A Poker Legend
Doyle Frank Brunson was an American poker player who played professionally for over 60 years. He was a two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion, a Poker Hall of Fame inductee, and the author of several books on poker.
Brad Underwood: Basketball Coach
Bradley Cole Underwood is the current head coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team. Previously, he served as head coach at Oklahoma State, Stephen F. Austin, Dodge City Community College, and Daytona Beach Community College, and as an assistant coach at Western Illinois, Kansas State, and South Carolina.
Clyde "Bulldog" Turner: Football Player and Coach
Clyde Douglas "Bulldog" Turner was an American professional football player and coach in the National Football League (NFL). He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966. He was also selected for the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team.
Will Wagner: Football Coach
Will Wagner is the defensive line coach for Henderson State University. He served as the head football coach at Angelo State University from 2011 until he was fired during the 2018 season.
Bill Scott: Basketball Coach and Athletics Administrator
Bill Scott was a college men's basketball coach and athletics administrator. He was the head coach of Hardin-Simmons from 1951 to 1962. He coached Hardin-Simmons to a 129-161 record, winning one Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship and two NCAA tournament appearances. He was inducted into the Hardin-Simmons athletics Hall of Fame in 1982.
Alton Terry: Javelin Thrower
Floy Alton Terry was an American javelin thrower. He placed sixth at the 1936 Olympics and third at the 1937 AAU championships.
Pete Hart: Football Player
Dee Whitfield "Pete" Hart is a former American football player who played with the New York Titans. He played college football at Hardin-Simmons University.
Bill Atwood: Baseball Player
William Franklin Atwood was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1936 to 1940.
Alumni Awards and Recognition
Hardin-Simmons University recognizes the achievements and contributions of its alumni through various awards and programs.
Alumni Service Award
The Alumni Service Award is the highest alumni honor HSU can bestow. It has been presented since 1943 to former students who have contributed the most in their field of endeavor toward the betterment of HSU or who have rendered the greatest service to the University.
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award, given since 1970, is presented to alumni whose personal and professional accomplishments are exemplary of the ideals and aims of the University and thus bring honor to HSU.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award have achieved a significant level of distinction within their chosen field or have brought extraordinary benefit to the world. They reflect the quality and caliber of today’s HSU students and alumni.
Honorary Degrees
An honorary degree is a degree for which Hardin-Simmons University has waived all the usual academic requirements. The honorary degree is awarded to recognize an individual for extraordinary accomplishments and achievements that have ongoing and significant importance.
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