President’s Day

In Hardin-Simmons University’s 131-year history, 17 men have served as president of the school.

The responsibilities of a university president are endless. While the job description evolves with the times, it boils down, simply, to how to make the school successful, maintain that success, and grow that success. Every school defines “success” differently, and that is why no university president is the same.

W.C. Friley

The first president of Simmons College was Rev. William C. Friley (president 1892-1894). Along with his presidential responsibilities, Friley taught mental and moral science. His tenure lasted only two years.

Prior to the Great Depression, HSU’s charter prevented the school from taking on any debts or financing any projects. As an institution, Simmons College/Simmons University could not take out loans or apply for credit. Since the school was not allowed to do this, any financial burden fell to the president.

In those early years, if payroll was short one month, it was up to the president to personally take out a loan to pay salaries. If a bill could not be paid, it was up to the president to find the difference, either through a donor or taking out a personal loan. The president only received a salary after all bills and payroll were satisfied. With what money was leftover, he divided with the vice president (when there was one).

The earliest presidents of the school resigned their positions financially ruined. They believed in the mission of Simmons College but were unable to remain in Abilene because they were, essentially, bankrupt.

O.C. Pope

A schism between Owen C. Pope (president of Simmons College 1898-1901) and faculty members developed because of this rule. The faculty of the time believed Pope was not prioritizing the construction of a much-needed dormitory. Knowing the school could not take on a loan and knowing there was not enough capital for such a project, the Board dismissed the faculty, leaving Pope in a lurch to hire new instructors.

During the presidency of Jefferson Davis Sandefer (president 1909-1940), a donor named H.C. Coleman, from Philadelphia, sent many checks in support of the school. Coleman was the ideal donor. His letters to Sandefer instructed Sandefer to put the money where the school needed it most AND Coleman often sent checks with the memo: to Sandefer’s salary. Coleman knew Sandefer was not properly compensated for his time and efforts. Coleman believed in Sandefer and the college so much he made sure the right person could continue to run it.

The school’s charter was amended after the Great Depression to take this burden off of the president, allowing the school to operate like any other business. Over the years HSU’s financial strength has grown, leading to Forbes ranking HSU the Highest “Financial GPA” of Baptist Universities in Texas in 2021.

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When a new administration begins, the campus partakes in the pomp and circumstance traditional of academia. The new president is sworn in, guests are invited, accolades are shared, and the community welcomes the new president while bidding adieu to the former. During this ceremony, it is customary for the incoming president to give a speech.

In April 1978, Dr. Jesse Fletcher’s inauguration took place in Behrens Chapel. His inauguration speech focused on six questions that ranged from the financial security and prosperity of private, Christian universities to the ability to recruit students and compete against public schools. The questions Dr. Fletcher posed in his inauguration speech reflect conversations and challenges we, in higher-ed, still face today. Read his speech here.

There are endless stories about each of the presidents who served HSU that you can read about.

HSU has lived through wars, depressions, booms, recessions, expansions, and pandemics. While each president has experienced different student populations, world events, and trends, each administration was and currently is joined by a strong devotion, their faith, and belief in the importance of Christian Education.