Pops at the Pond (Pops) is a cherished tradition at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). Pops takes place during the first eight weeks of classes, and students enjoy going to see it. This year Pops took place on Oct. 2, and a lot of preparation went into making sure it happened. When preparing, students have to choose a song that can range from musical theatre selections to songs from Disney movies and more, then they must audition for a few faculty members. Lastly, they practic

The 2026 HSU Homecoming is almost here, with the anticipation for the event growing as we get closer. With many different things happening to celebrate, there is so much to look forward to. But the most exciting part of Homecoming has to be the annual SING! competition, where Greek life, freshmen and upperclassmen compete to see who can put on the best show. Gianna Guttuso is a sophomore instrumental music education major, specializing in piano, from Sevierville, Tenn. She

Before the packed Saturdays at Shelton Stadium, before the modern scoreboard and the familiar sight of Hardin-Simmons Cowboys charging onto the field, there was a football program already building its identity in West Texas. Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) first took over the field in 1987, making it one of Texas’ earliest college football programs. Over the decades that followed, the Cowboys experienced nearly every chapter a football program could write: championship seas

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) students now have the opportunity to become part of The HSU Brand, the university student newspaper, as the publication continues to build its staff for the 2026-2027 school year. The Brand is looking for students interested in writing, photography, sports, design, social media and other areas of media endeavor to help tell stories about the Hardin-Simmons community. For students who enjoy writing or want to gain experience in journalism, joi

By: Mason Moncrief Hardin-Simmons University has placed alumni Cody Hutcheson and Richie Diaz in interim leadership of the university’s Concert Band and Cowboy Band, while the school prepares to begin a new search for a permanent band director. The change follows the retirement of former Cowboy Band director Jay Lester. With the search for a permanent director taking longer than expected, and the start of the school year, HSU split the responsibilities between Hutcheson and D

Wait Until Dark was performed on the Down Center Stage (DCS) of Van Ellis Theatre at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) on Sept. 24 -27. It was directed by Mackenzie Marshall, a senior theatre education major from Pilot Point. This show, however, had limited seating available. With that being said, it sold out on two out of the four shows it held. This show had a very entertaining plot and had the entire crowd laughing in their seats. It was about a blind girl in her apartmen

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) theatre program is back again with their next performance, Daisy Pulls It Off. It will run from Oct. 8-11 in the Van Ellis theatre. Tickets can be bought online, at the door on show nights or by calling the box office at 325-670-1405. Rachel Mastick, a senior theatre education major from Granbury, plays the lead role of Daisy Meredith. “My favorite part of the show so far has been getting to act with all of my friends,” Mastick said. “Th

My name is Katie Caudle. I am a 22-year-old music education major in my forth year at Hardin-Simmons University. I was in my senior year of high school when the first widely used generative AI platform, ChatGPT, came out in 2022. A friend’s parent showed me, exceptionally excitedly, a song that he had written about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson with just the click of a button. I was surprised and excited to see the song was something that sounded half decent. I thought it looked

This fall, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) students and faculty are invited to attend the Fletcher Lecture Series. The series is in partnership with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Lectures will be held in HSU’s Houston Lantrip Center (2241 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas, (79601) and begin at 11:30 a.m.. The Fletcher Lecture Series brings leaders from around the world to the HSU campus to inspire and empower their audiences. The leaders head various fields including business

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Theatre Department has been hard at work getting things up and running this semester. This year, they kick off with a bang with their show Wait Until Dark, written by Frederick Knott. This production will be performed from Sept. 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Down Central Stage Laboratory (DCS), which is their downstairs studio. The DCS requires stair access and there is limited seating for the show, so buying tickets

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) football has opened the 2026 season with a 2-0 record after defeating Chapman 44-24 on Sept. 5 and No. 12 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 28-20 on Sept. 12. After two games, Cowboys players have emphasized team chemistry and consistency as important parts of its early success. “I would describe the team's performance as dominant and to the standard,” Shawn Kazouh, a sophomore business major from Fort Worth and safety No. 25, said. The Cowbo

The Hardin-Simmons University men's and women's soccer teams are heading into a busy stretch of the season as both programs take on several non conference opponents before conference play gets underway. The men's team has already faced a challenging opening with matches against Lubbock Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University and Concordia University Texas. The Cowboys also hosted Lyon College on the HSU Campus. After Lyon, the Cowboys would stayed in Abilene for two

As the first few weeks of school have finished and classes are getting into full swing, students are starting to settle into university life. However, “the newness has worn off and the harsh reality has set in,”said Dr. Dee Romines, associate professor of music education and director of choral activities. While the reality might not be so harsh for some, the “new” feeling of school has certainly passed. The first days of school have a unique feel for different years of unive

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) held Cornerstone from Sept. 15 through Sept. 17, giving students three days of chapel and spiritual programming for the fall semester. Cornerstone is a special event that brings the HSU community together for several days of worship and messages centered around faith. The event stands out from a regular chapel week because of its extended schedule and focus on spiritual life across campus. This year's featured speaker was Hannah Lankford, the

With the fall semester at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) getting started, there are many different events to look forward to, such as the beginning of the football season or the start of Greek life allowing new rushes and pledges to come and join their clubs. However, the largest and most exciting event on the calendar is the traditional HSU SING!, a competition between all of the Greek clubs, freshmen, and other groups starring as main attractions for the show. In conjunc

On Sept 10, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered for HSU’s semesterly community outreach volunteer day, Serve Like Simmons. This semi-annual event provides participants the opportunity to put their faith into action through humble servitude. Participants checked into the Johnson Building, room 103, beginning at 1:00 p.m.. A free Chick-fil-A lunch was provided to all participants from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., and the first 75 participan

As the Spring 2026 semester comes to a close at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), finals week is rapidly approaching. HSU’s finals will be held Monday, May 4 through Thursday, May 7. Following finals week, a commencement ceremony will be held on May 8 for all graduating HSU seniors. A finals schedule has been posted with each class block having a designated exam time. Students are expected to show up prepared for each designated time. Final exams may be cumulative or non-

DirectFest was an event held on April 24 and April 25 starting at 7:30 P.M. and lasted about two hours. It’s a one act play festival with multiple miniature plays all directed by the students as part of Directing One Class at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) as the last shows of the 2025-2026 school year. In this play the students were allowed to direct their own 10 minute play. In total there were eight plays; four plays back to back, each with one director, a 15 minute break

On Friday, April 24, I got to be part of something that did not feel like just another concert, but like stepping into a piece of country music history. George Strait took the stage with his Ace in the Hole Band, and for a few hours, nothing else really mattered. The night started with Zach Top and Dylan Gossett and right off the bat it was clear this wasn’t gonna be some throwaway opener set. Dylan Gossett came out first and got things started in the best way. His set felt

“People often think that donors who create scholarships do it out of an abundance, but you would be amazed at those who scrimp and save to give back in this way. They do it because they want to honor someone by naming it after them or because they love HSU.” The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Annual Scholarship Luncheon is scheduled for today. “The last Friday of every April, HSU holds our Donor and Recipient Scholarship Luncheon,” Vivian Bland, office manager & campaign

On April 11 and 12, Hardin-Simmons University's (HSU) Cheerleading Team competed in Orlando, Fla. at the The College Classic 2026 National Championship. HSU Cheerleading brought home the national championship title in the College Classic Spirit Showdown All Girl Game Day Division. HSU Cheerleading has not competed in over 25 years, making the 2026 squad the first team to place nationally. This accomplishment sets a strong foundation for the cheerleading program moving fo

Today from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Hardin-Simmons University's (HSU) Student Activities Board (SABERS) will be hosting Gilbert’s annual birthday party. The party will be held on Anderson Lawn. Gilbert the Goose was originally brought to the HSU campus in 2013 by a group of freshman boys residing in Ferguson Hall. What began as a lighthearted joke grew into a lasting campus tradition. The original Gilbert’s home was the Abilene Zoo, but he now resides permanently on the HSU cam

On April 9, Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) student activities board (SABERS) hosted a pizza picnic and hangout on Anderson Lawn beginning at noon. The picnic lasted around an hour, featuring fun, games, upbeat music and an opportunity to connect with one another. The pizza party was a fun and delicious way to bring together current HSU students and faculty for an afternoon of spring weather. With warm sunshine and clear skies, everyone was reminded that spring had ful

The Jazz Spring Concert, led by the Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Jazz Ensemble, is right around the corner. The event will be held in Van-Ellis Theatre on April 20 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and will showcase the hard work and prowess of the students who are part of the Jazz Ensemble. Dr. Jeffery Cottrell is currently serving as an adjunct professor for the department of music, directing the Jazz Ensemble at HSU, as well as teaching low brass lessons for music students

Songs for a New World opened up with a bang on April 9 at 7:30 P.M. The musical featured nine talented actors who captivated the audience through the entire performance with their great character acting, captivating story telling and of course amazing vocals. There were over 100 people in attendance to this musical, with a bulk of the audience being fellow students and faculty of Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). Songs For a New World itself is a 30-year-old musical writ

Western Heritage Day is coming up soon at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). This event focuses on highlighting the heritage of the school and surrounding area serving as a great way to educate young and old alike of our larger history. Cassie Mattern, director of Events at HSU is in charge of spearheading Western Heritage Day. Mattern spoke on how she loves the creative aspect of her role. “My favorite part of my role is the variety and creativity it requires,” Mattern said.

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) will be hosting the traditional graduate ring ceremony on April 10 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with each time slot representing a different group of graduates. At 3 p.m., rings will be presented to graduates from the Holland School of Science and Mathematics and the College of Health Professions. At 6 p.m., rings will be presented to graduates from the Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies, College of Arts and Media, Cynthia Ann Parker

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Department of Theatre has announced its next presentation will be a musical called Songs for a New World . This show is scheduled to be presented on April 9 and 10 beginning at 7:30 p.m., and April 11 and 12 at 2 p.m.. Allie Byork is a junior musical theatre major from Bowie and is the stage manager for the musical. Her favorite part of her role has been the process and preparation that goes into making Songs for a New World possible. “M

Hardin-Simmons University's (HSU) Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) will host their annual 24-hour prayer event, Revive 26, on Anderson lawn beginning April 7. All current HSU students, faculty, families and alumni are encouraged to participate in this campus-wide time of prayer. Revive 26 will count towards current HSU students' chapel credits. Revive 26 is a growing tradition that spreads the word of God across the HSU campus. All participants have the opportunity to en

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is hosting its campus-wide service project, Serve Like Simmons, on April 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The event is open to all current students, faculty and alumni. Sign-up for Serve Like Simmons has already begun. All HSU students and faculty received an email to their HSU email containing a registration link. This link contains a form which must be completed to participate in Serve Like Simmons. Everyone is encouraged to participate a

It is now the time of year when the Easter holiday is right around the corner. For Christians, we hold this weekend in high esteem as the most important week for our faith apart from the birth of Christ. We celebrate Good Friday, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of the world. We sit and rest in the silence of Holy Saturday, wrestling with the same thoughts and fears of the disciples, sympathizing with their grief. And then we rejoice on Res

Hardin-Simmons University's (HSU) Student Activities Board (SABERS) hosted their annual campuswide Easter duck hunt on Tuesday, March 31. All students were encouraged to bring a friend and participate in the Easter egg hunt- modeled activity. Colorful ducks were hidden across the HSU campus for students to find. The hunt began at 8:00 a.m. and was set to conclude once the final duck was found. A total of 25 colorful, themed ducks were spread out throughout campus. Eac

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is developing a new strategic plan that could affect academics, campus resources and student life over the next three to five years. Although the plan has not yet been released publicly, Heather Hadlock, associate vice president for strategic initiatives, said it is meant to guide the university’s priorities and future direction. The plan could influence academic programs, student support services, campus engagement and career preparation.

Are you interested in writing your own story, or maybe you just want to make a character for fun and are confused on where to start? Well, there is so much advice out there on how to write, and do it well. However, writing a character is harder than it looks. Once a writer has an idea for a book, they’ll need a solid character to go along with it. First, define what the character wants. A character’s motivation is central to the story- it's what commands them and gives them a

In an age where mental health is becoming more recognized and researched; diagnosing and finding treatment for disorders is still difficult for many to achieve. This why self-diagnosis has become more and more common. As defined— self-diagnosis is a process of documenting and identifying a mental health condition without the help of a medical professional. Individuals who self diagnose claim they have a certain disorder without consulting with a doctor. In modern society,

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Department of Theatre will participate in a student-led theatre production process and series known as Director’s Cut . The purpose of the series is to allow students to have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills learned in class. As student-led productions, these shows go beyond classwork but are not as complex or as fully realized as a mainstage production. The most recent addition to the Director’s Cut Series is Tracks ,

Late in the night on March 11, the beloved Gilbert was taken from the Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) campus. Gilbert has served as an unofficial HSU mascot for many years, primarily residing around Anderson lawn and the Don Bridges Courtyard, where students, facility and visitors alike have grown fond of his presence. After a careful evaluation of many suspects, the perpetrators of the Gilbert the Goose kidnapping were determined to be the McMurry University (MCM) baseball

Senior recitals at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) are just around the corner. These performances allow music majors to showcase the work that they have put in during their time at HSU, sharing their love of music and mastery of their areas with those who attend. All recitals are free of charge and students are encouraged to attend. For a list of senior recital dates, times and places, those are organized at the end of this article. Jackson Dyer is a senior worship leadersh

For many readers, The Hobbit is more than a fantasy adventure. It is an invitation into a world that feels alive with meaning. It tells the story of a quiet hobbit who enjoys comfort, routine, and the peace of home, yet suddenly finds himself drawn into an unexpected journey alongside a band of travelers seeking to reclaim something that was lost. Along the road they encounter strange lands, mysterious creatures, moments of danger and surprising acts of courage. What makes

The men’s and women’s basketball teams at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) wrapped up their seasons while hosting the American Southwest Conference (ASC) Basketball Championship Tournament, highlighted by a conference championship win for the Cowgirls and a second-place finish for the Cowboys. The Cowgirls won the ASC championship with a 73–46 victory over Howard Payne University in the title game. The Cowboys also reached the championship game but fell 90–81 to the Universit

Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) Spring Break takes place March 9 through March 13. It is important to use the break to relax, rewind and be productive with your time. As many students leave the HSU campus and are traveling home, it is important for them to travel safely. Students from all over Texas, other states and across the country are represented at HSU, meaning many have traveled long distances. No matter the distance or method of transportation, it is important t

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Apartments are hosting a new event series called Walking Gate Wednesday. As the name suggests, the event takes place next to the apartments’ walking gate every Wednesday. Each Wednesday morning during this time, HSU’s Residence Life staff sets up a table where apartment residents can receive a free breakfast treat. The treat provided may include a drink, a snack or both. Walking Gate Wednesday began on Feb. 11, when students received bre

Spring Break is right around the corner at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) and marks the halfway point of the semester. Many of us are ready for the break and are looking forward to whatever activities we may have ahead of us, from mission trips to spending time with loved ones, to studying and preparing for the rest of the semester. This sentiment has stayed true throughout the history of our school, and the Cowboys of the 1980s were no exception. “Folks this mornin’ been

Recently, at Hardin Simmons University (HSU), Anderson Hall, one of the men's dorms on campus, went to war with one of the women's dorms, Lange Hall. Anderson Hall’s videos have gotten a lot of traction on social media, and one of the videos before the war started reached over 243,000 views. "Anderson Hall was trying to be more active on social media and wanted to boost Lange to post more," Sam Pritchard, residential director of Anderson Hall and currently seeking his master

Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) Student Activities Board (SABERS) will host two upcoming campus events, National Tortilla Chip Day and Casino Night. National Tortilla Chip Day will be celebrated on Feb. 26 at 12:00 p.m. in the Moody Student Center lobby. Casino Night will take place on March 2 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Johnson Building, Room 103. National Tortilla Chip Day highlights the tortilla chip and the many ways different people enjoy the delicious snack.

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Department of Theatre has returned, putting on a play that encompasses the unknown of our lives and reminds us that life is full of ups and downs. Marvin’s Room is the Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play and the John Gassner Award for Best New American Play. Written by Scott McPherson, this tender and funny play is about family, love, resentment, healing, dying and

Cowboys Raises Gold, shines a light on what it means to participate in philanthropic giving to something that matters. The annual Cowboy Raises Gold campaign is going to go live on Feb. 17 at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). This campaign is designed for the community to aid in Hardin-Simmons’ mission, “A community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.” Cowboys Raise Gold is a "giving day" style campaign that seeks to enc

On Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Hardin-Simmons University's (HSU) Student Activities Board (SABERS) hosted their annual Galantine's Day Event. The event was held in the Johnson Building multipurpose room and displayed an array of Valentine’s Day-themed colors and decorations. This year’s theme, Pumpin’ Up the Party, was inspired by the show Hannah Montana. Episodes of the show played in the background as female students entered the party. The event was open to all HSU female s

On Feb. 13, Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) Spurs Dance Team will host a bake sale in the Moody Center. The fundraiser begins at 11:00 a.m. and will take place outside the University Caf. The bake sale will feature a variety of sweet treats baked by members of the Spurs Dance Team. The Spurs are raising funds to support their spring mission trip with Mission Arlington. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to sharing God’s love, treating individuals with dignity and res

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) cheerleading team will compete at the national level for the first time in over 20 years this April. This milestone marks a turning point in university history, as HSU Cheerleading works to establish a new legacy within the program. The HSU Cheer team is led by former assistant coach Tiffany McMurray. This season is McMurray’s second year leading the cheerleading program. The squad's co-captains are Lilly McAnally, junior exercise sci