Hardin-Simmons University 
The information on this page was last updated 11/25/2024. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Founded in 1891, Hardin-Simmons University continues its commitment to developing the minds and nurturing the spiritual lives of its students. HSU, a private university located in Abilene, Texas. HSU provides an academically challenging undergraduate education based on a liberal arts foundation, and advances scholarly growth by offering specialized graduate and professional degree programs.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Hardin-Simmons University
2200 Hickory St
Abilene, TX 79698
Website: hsutx.edu
Phone: 325-670-1000
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 750808791
CEO/President: Eric Bruntmyer
Chairman: Chuck Davis
Board size: 39
Founder: George W. Smith, Kirwin Kade Legett, James Simmons
Ruling year: 1935
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 05/31
Member of ECFA: No
Member of ECFA since:
Purpose
Hardin-Simmons University will be an innovative community of servant scholars engaging the minds and nurturing the spirits of future Christian leaders.
Mission statement
The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education, enlightened by Christian faith and values.
Statement of faith
After much prayer and careful deliberation, this Statement of Faith humbly and thoughtfully memorializes the sincere historically held religious beliefs of Hardin-Simmons University. The institution remains committed to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.
We desire to love everyone as God loves us. Hardin-Simmons will continue to welcome students from diverse backgrounds and experiences and encourage them to pursue excellence in education and grow in the knowledge and practice of God's Word expressed in the Holy Bible.
This Statement of Faith directs all facets of the governance, administration, management, operation, and employment practices of the university. While we want students to become knowledgeable of world views and perspectives on faith and life, the education and discipleship provided to students by the university must advance our Vision and Mission and not conflict with this Statement of Faith.
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, fully God and fully human, who died for us and was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. Christ's return will complete God's redemptive mission. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.
Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 20:28, John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:58, John 10:11, John 14:6, Romans 5:8-10, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 2:1-2, 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:16
God
We believe in the one true and living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is all powerful, all present, and all knowing. God will rule forever. God is love.
Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Joshua 1:9, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 139:1-12, Psalm 146:10, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 44:6, Jeremiah 10:10, Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 16:16, Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 1:33, John 6:57, John 10:30, Romans 8:14-15, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Galatians 4:6, James 2:19, 1 John 3:20, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Helper, God's presence with us, who teaches us and leads us to grow in faith. We receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.
John 14:15-17, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7-15, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:31, Acts 5:32, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:26, Romans 15:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 1 John 4:2
Scripture
We believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired authority for life and faith. The Bible is God's word and accomplishes His purpose, does not return empty, and will stand forever.
Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 40:8, Isaiah 55:10-11, John 6:63, John 17:17, 2 Timothy 3:16, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Revelation 22:18-19
Humanity
We believe that humans were created in the image of God. Humankind disobeyed God and fell from a sinless state when tempted by Satan. Because all humans are sinful, they are separated from God and stand in need of rescue and redemption. Because of His great love, God provided a way for humanity to be put right with him. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide for rescue and redemption from sin.
Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 9:6, Exodus 32:33, Isaiah 53:5-9, Isaiah 59:2, Micah 3:4, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:1-21, 1 Corinthians 15:17-22, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 1:13-16
Salvation
We believe that Salvation is a gift that comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
John 1:12-13, John 3:16-18, John 3:36, John 5:24, Acts 4:8-12, Romans 1:16, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, Titus 2:11-14, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:9
The Church
We believe that the church was instituted by Jesus and that he is the head of the church. The church is the gathered community of believers built together for God by the Spirit and serving as the body of Christ in the world. The church is called to be Christ's ambassadors and given the ministry of reconciliation.
Matthew 16:18, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:46-47, Acts 20:28, Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 4:14-16, Philippians 2:1-11, Colossians 1:18, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 2:4-10
Sexuality
We believe that God created the human race with two genetic sexes, male and female.
Genesis 1:27, Genesis 5:2, Mark 10:6
Marriage
We believe that marriage has been established by God to be a life-long, covenant relationship between one genetic male and one genetic female. We also believe that sexual activity is intended by God to be expressed solely in the context of a loving marriage between one genetic male and one genetic female.
Genesis 2:24, Exodus 20:14, Matthew 19:4-8, Mark 10:6-9, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:21-33, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Hebrews 13:4
Kindness and Respect
We believe that every person has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God and should be afforded love, kindness, compassion and dignity.
Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-18, Matthew 7:9-12, Matthew 9:36-38, Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 25:34-36, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 6:27-36, Luke 10:25-37, John 13:34-35, John 15:9-17, Romans 12:9-21, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Galatians 3:26-29, Galatians 5:22-26, Ephesians 4:31-32, Philippians 2:1-11, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 Peter 4:9-11, 1 John 3:16-18, 1 John 4:19-21
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
D
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Colleges/Universities
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 670 of 1134 | 86 of 129 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 328 of 1134 | 38 of 129 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 683 of 1134 | 70 of 129 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 862 of 1134 | 113 of 129 |
According to the organization's Form 990, it received $3,840,163 in government grants in 2024.
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 15% | 9% | 9% | 8% | 8% | 15% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 16% | 18% | 16% | 18% | 13% | 9% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 2% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 84% | 82% | 84% | 82% | 87% | 91% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 84% | 84% | 84% | 87% | 84% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 99% | 100% | 98% | 89% | 86% | 80% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 84% | 84% | 82% | 75% | 74% | 68% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 1% | 0% | 2% | 11% | 14% | 20% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 1% | 0% | 1% | 3% | 4% | 8% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 14% | 15% | 14% | 14% | 12% | 14% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.53 | 0.20 | 0.21 | 0.23 | 0.22 | 0.27 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 2.71 | 2.36 | 2.42 | 2.09 | 1.92 | 12.64 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.43 | 0.48 | 0.50 | 0.48 | 0.42 | 3.42 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 8.41 | 12.25 | 10.96 | 11.96 | 11.49 | 1.48 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.12 | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.68 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 6.97 | 22.85 | 21.85 | 22.94 | 26.15 | 1.13 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 23% | 17% | 15% | 15% | 13% | 17% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 10% | 13% | 11% | 11% | 9% | 11% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 150% | 409% | 414% | 370% | 396% | 307% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Cash | $10,689,082 | $11,935,696 | $9,685,445 | $5,851,661 | $4,836,370 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $5,141,008 | $4,741,175 | $5,253,242 | $4,118,061 | $4,301,535 |
| Short-term investments | $159,334,878 | $144,479,484 | $159,780,570 | $177,118,144 | $14,444,863 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $175,164,968 | $161,156,355 | $174,719,257 | $187,087,866 | $23,582,768 |
| Long-term investments | $62,514,964 | $69,769,742 | $42,307,240 | $39,107,008 | $149,764,843 |
| Fixed assets | $138,298,049 | $121,577,778 | $109,135,289 | $97,206,070 | $92,482,289 |
| Other long-term assets | $37,736,196 | $37,707,663 | $38,489,646 | $35,571,854 | $32,354,407 |
| Total long-term assets | $238,549,209 | $229,055,183 | $189,932,175 | $171,884,932 | $274,601,539 |
| Total assets | $413,714,177 | $390,211,538 | $364,651,432 | $358,972,798 | $298,184,307 |
| Liabilities | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $7,054,475 | $5,828,724 | $5,598,230 | $6,540,258 | $6,640,859 |
| Other current liabilities | $7,250,276 | $8,868,767 | $9,012,004 | $9,738,034 | $9,347,447 |
| Total current liabilities | $14,304,751 | $14,697,491 | $14,610,234 | $16,278,292 | $15,988,306 |
| Debt | $54,098,403 | $42,240,089 | $40,305,857 | $32,056,463 | $34,231,629 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $101,825 | $256,901 | $0 | $0 | $572,498 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $54,200,228 | $42,496,990 | $40,305,857 | $32,056,463 | $34,804,127 |
| Total liabilities | $68,504,979 | $57,194,481 | $54,916,091 | $48,334,755 | $50,792,433 |
| Net assets | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Without donor restrictions | $152,488,989 | $150,310,134 | $129,545,544 | $123,808,814 | $102,571,294 |
| With donor restrictions | $192,720,209 | $182,706,923 | $180,189,797 | $186,829,229 | $144,820,580 |
| Net assets | $345,209,198 | $333,017,057 | $309,735,341 | $310,638,043 | $247,391,874 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Total contributions | $15,397,831 | $13,099,245 | $17,008,726 | $11,998,524 | $9,029,691 |
| Program service revenue | $56,011,396 | $55,703,661 | $61,058,623 | $64,719,453 | $61,619,295 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $12,828,401 | $13,533,633 | $16,143,062 | $14,772,616 | $29,583,121 |
| Other revenue | $73,832 | $10,979 | ($135,761) | $0 | $0 |
| Total other revenue | $68,913,629 | $69,248,273 | $77,065,924 | $79,492,069 | $91,202,416 |
| Total revenue | $84,311,460 | $82,347,518 | $94,074,650 | $91,490,593 | $100,232,107 |
| Expenses | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Program services | $70,548,145 | $67,732,506 | $70,536,520 | $68,121,269 | $67,726,362 |
| Management and general | $12,543,847 | $11,461,751 | $11,873,980 | $9,248,980 | $11,474,069 |
| Fundraising | $1,387,047 | $1,229,842 | $1,352,109 | $998,354 | $1,390,007 |
| Total expenses | $84,479,039 | $80,424,099 | $83,762,609 | $78,368,603 | $80,590,438 |
| Change in net assets | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Surplus (deficit) | ($167,579) | $1,923,419 | $10,312,041 | $13,121,990 | $19,641,669 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | ($167,579) | $1,923,419 | $10,312,041 | $13,121,990 | $19,641,669 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Eric Bruntmyer | President | $480,371 |
| Matthew Jackson | Dean Math & Science | $241,261 |
| Christopher McNair | Provost/Chief Academic Officer | $234,810 |
| Richard Ash Wright | VP for Advancement | $217,540 |
| Daniel Hassett | VP for Finance | $212,603 |
| Sandra Welling | Assoicate Dean & Director of Nursing | $189,643 |
| Michael Monhollon | Asst. Provost/Chief Data Officer | $187,855 |
| Jesse Burleson | Head Football Coach | $185,419 |
| Stacey Martin | VP for Student Life | $178,784 |
| Vicki House | Associate VP for Advancement | $167,254 |
| Travis Seekins | VP for Enrollment | $167,114 |
| Janelle O'Connell | Dean/College of Hlth Prof | $161,069 |
| Jodie McGaughey | VP for Finance (Part Year) | $99,707 |
Compensation data as of: 5/31/2024
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 11/25/2024. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
Established in 1891, Hardin-Simmons University is a pioneer of higher education in the West. Our founders dreamed of creating a place to nurture both the minds and spirits of our students. The city of Abilene was still in its infancy when a group of settlers-merchants, ranchers, and preachers-sought to found a college in this fledgling pioneer town. Through the tireless efforts of Rev. George W. Smith and attorney Kirwin Kade Legett, and the support of the Sweetwater Baptist Association, the school came into being February 18, 1891, as Abilene Baptist College. Abilene citizens joined the original trustees in raising $5,000 to initially fund the school. An Abilene businessman and his Fort Worth partners donated 16 acres and an additional $5,000. Plans were drawn and a building, Old Main, began to rise north of Abilene in the summer of 1891.
New York preacher Dr. James B. Simmons provided funding to help the school complete construction of its first building. And the trustees honored him in renaming the institution Simmons College. The Simmons family continued to harbor a deep interest in the school, providing financial support and even requesting that they be buried in the midst of the campus. The first class of sixty students entered Simmons College in 1892. William Friley led the school as the first president. In the first 20 years, five presidents came and went. In 1909, Dr. J. D. Sandefer accepted the presidency. Under his 40-year leadership, the school grew and flourished. In 1925, the school became Simmons University.
During the Great Depression, Simmons struggled, but financial help arrived when John and Mary Hardin of Burkburnet, Texas, donated part of their fortune to the school. The Hardins' generosity and commitment brought the university long-term stability and, in 1934, a new name: Hardin-Simmons University.
In 1926, Hardin-Simmons welcomed its first graduate program. In the 1960s, the campus expanded with a multi-million dollar campaign that results in a new library, science center, and a health and fitness complex. By the 80s, offered master's degrees in six areas. Also in the 1980s, the school's enrollment hit 2,000. By the 2000s, HSU grew to offer more than 50 majors, and was divided into distinct schools and colleges.