Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University, in Abilene, was established in 1891 by the Sweetwater Baptist Association. The original name, Abilene Baptist College, was changed in 1892 to Simmons College, in honor of James B. Simmons, the first large donor, whose contribution provided for the construction of the first campus building. The name was changed again in 1925 to Simmons University and finally in 1934 to Hardin-Simmons University, in honor of Mary and John G. Hardin, also important donors.

For the first decade the coeducational institution operated as an academy, teaching high school subjects to the majority of its students. Between 1902 and 1909, under the presidency of Oscar Henry Cooper, three additional years of study were added to the curriculum, allowing the school to offer the bachelor's degree in several areas. As enrollment grew in the first half of the twentieth century, so did the physical plant and course offerings. The first graduate program was introduced in 1926, and in the mid-1980s Hardin-Simmons had a master's degree program in six fields. Hardin-Simmons has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1927. Jefferson Davis Sandefer was president from 1909 to 1940 and was succeeded by Rupert N. Richardson. Since 1940 the university has been under the control of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.