Hardin-Simmons University 
The information in this column was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 5/13/2022. To update the information in this column, please email: info@ministrywatch.com
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: admissions@hsutx.edu
Organization details
EIN: 750808791
CEO/President: Eric Bruntmyer
Chairman: Rick Strange
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
From its founding, Hardin-Simmons University has been fulfilling one of the goals of its original creators "...to prepare young men and women for Christ, to teach them of Christ, and to train them for Christ." All HSU students participate in University Chapel and other spiritual formation experiences while on our campus. Logsdon School of Theology provides all undergraduate students with coursework in scripture and the spiritual life. The School of Theology also provides a baccalaureate major for individuals intending careers of service in and through the church.
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
C
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Colleges/Universities
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 819 of 1022 | 100 of 117 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 535 of 1024 | 62 of 117 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 561 of 1024 | 59 of 117 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 978 of 1022 | 115 of 117 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 15% | 15% | 21% | 13% | 9% | 10% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 2% | 1% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 13% | 9% | 8% | 13% | 14% | 12% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 1% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 87% | 91% | 92% | 87% | 86% | 88% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 84% | 87% | 88% | 88% | 87% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 97% | 80% | 102% | 97% | 93% | 98% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 81% | 68% | 88% | 85% | 82% | 85% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 3% | 20% | -2% | 3% | 7% | 2% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 3% | 8% | -1% | 1% | 2% | 1% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 13% | 14% | 12% | 11% | 11% | 12% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.50 | 0.27 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.30 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 2.74 | 12.64 | 33.17 | 24.81 | 21.39 | 16.27 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.62 | 3.42 | 9.22 | 6.93 | 5.94 | 4.93 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 6.26 | 1.48 | 0.98 | 2.28 | 2.27 | 2.88 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.16 | 0.68 | 1.02 | 0.44 | 0.44 | 0.35 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 5.95 | 1.13 | -0.02 | 0.97 | 1.13 | 1.59 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 27% | 17% | 19% | 16% | 13% | 12% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 17% | 11% | 12% | 12% | 8% | 8% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 140% | 307% | 292% | 299% | 313% | 289% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Cash | $4,836,370 | $6,495,292 | $6,154,822 | $8,498,500 | $9,066,749 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $4,301,535 | $2,689,144 | $4,002,064 | $1,914,509 | $3,707,721 |
| Short-term investments | $14,444,863 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $23,582,768 | $9,184,436 | $10,156,886 | $10,413,009 | $12,774,470 |
| Long-term investments | $149,764,843 | $195,366,324 | $160,001,719 | $145,644,042 | $129,801,990 |
| Fixed assets | $92,482,289 | $83,040,858 | $58,043,460 | $52,403,765 | $52,647,868 |
| Other long-term assets | $32,354,407 | $17,017,749 | $23,802,595 | $14,320,467 | $12,598,937 |
| Total long-term assets | $274,601,539 | $295,424,931 | $241,847,774 | $212,368,274 | $195,048,795 |
| Total assets | $298,184,307 | $304,609,367 | $252,004,660 | $222,781,283 | $207,823,265 |
| Liabilities | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $6,640,859 | $9,343,053 | $4,451,704 | $4,596,521 | $4,432,442 |
| Other current liabilities | $9,347,447 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $15,988,306 | $9,343,053 | $4,451,704 | $4,596,521 | $4,432,442 |
| Debt | $34,231,629 | $37,506,580 | $29,168,212 | $17,317,939 | $16,528,784 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $572,498 | $10,648,035 | $7,701,662 | $7,381,710 | $4,971,429 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $34,804,127 | $48,154,615 | $36,869,874 | $24,699,649 | $21,500,213 |
| Total liabilities | $50,792,433 | $57,497,668 | $41,321,578 | $29,296,170 | $25,932,655 |
| Net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Without donor restrictions | $102,571,294 | $81,340,351 | $42,478,709 | $40,825,097 | $39,317,320 |
| With donor restrictions | $144,820,580 | $165,771,348 | $168,204,373 | $152,660,016 | $142,573,290 |
| Net assets | $247,391,874 | $247,111,699 | $210,683,082 | $193,485,113 | $181,890,610 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Total contributions | $9,029,691 | $6,783,744 | $9,076,362 | $9,084,060 | $7,660,532 |
| Program service revenue | $61,619,295 | $58,806,937 | $53,178,061 | $47,142,897 | $44,833,322 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $29,583,121 | $17,780,230 | $10,078,610 | $10,128,239 | $11,713,818 |
| Other revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other revenue | $91,202,416 | $76,587,167 | $63,256,671 | $57,271,136 | $56,547,140 |
| Total revenue | $100,232,107 | $83,370,911 | $72,333,033 | $66,355,196 | $64,207,672 |
| Expenses | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Program services | $67,726,362 | $73,539,491 | $61,771,677 | $54,309,022 | $54,882,319 |
| Management and general | $11,474,069 | $9,790,887 | $7,420,449 | $6,745,253 | $7,356,931 |
| Fundraising | $1,390,007 | $1,391,193 | $1,172,395 | $810,080 | $778,699 |
| Total expenses | $80,590,438 | $84,721,571 | $70,364,521 | $61,864,355 | $63,017,949 |
| Change in net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $19,641,669 | ($1,350,660) | $1,968,512 | $4,490,841 | $1,189,723 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $19,641,669 | ($1,350,660) | $1,968,512 | $4,490,841 | $1,189,723 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Eric Bruntmyer | President | $416,077 |
| Christopher McNair | Provost & Chief. Academic Officer | $246,842 |
| Michael Monhollon | Asst. Provost & Chief Data Officer | $194,086 |
| Jodie McGaughey | VP for Finance | $191,486 |
| Jennifer Eames | Assoc. Prof. PA | $186,985 |
| Janelle O'Connell | Dean, College of Hlth Professions & Prof, of PT | $165,212 |
| Mike Hammack | VP for Inst. Adv. | $160,953 |
| Vicki House | VP for Enroll | $159,129 |
| Donalyn Alexander | Dean PHSSN & Professor of Nursing | $156,633 |
| Jesse Burleson | Head Football Coach | $149,840 |
| Stacey Martin | VP for Student Life | $114,450 |
Compensation data as of: 5/31/2020
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 5/13/2022. To update the information below, please email: info@ministrywatch.com
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.