By Loretta Fulton

You know “The Voice” when you hear it, whether at a Hardin-Simmons University sporting event, at First Baptist Church, as host announcer for the Celebration Singers, or at a random event in town.

It belongs to Larry McGraw, longtime religion professor at HSU by day, and announcer extraordinaire by night. McGraw retired from his teaching roles at Hardin-Simmons effective May 29 but will continue announcing games. And there’s one more thing.

“My calling to teach the scripture will carry on at First Baptist and other locales,” he said.

Actually, he added another retirement adventure–travel with his wife of 52 years, Sandy. 

Larry was honored for his 44 years at Hardin-Simmons during the Faculty and Staff Appreciation luncheon on May 7.

In those 44 years, Larry has seen many changes and interruptions. The main change has been in technology, especially the use of AI. The main interruption? Covid-19.

“On-line delivery systems, self-paced courses, starting-and-stopping learning experiences, the usage of Chat-GPT and other AI-related approaches hindered many students who sought to begin a more traditional university experience,” he said.

BIO
Place of birth: Wichita Falls
Where you grew up: Although many would opine that I have not, I was raised in Wichita Falls through the seventh grade and then in Oklahoma City for the rest of the growing years.
Family: Wife Sandy – 52 years of wedded bliss; two sons, Matthew Edward McGraw and Jonathan Ray McGraw; two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth (Matthew) and Julie (Jonathan); two granddaughters, Ainsley (Matthew) and Braylen (Jonathan); two grandsons, Jaxon (Matthew) and Reed (Jonathan)
Education: John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Baptist University (BA in Religion, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity; Ph.D. in New Testament)
Years at HSU: 44
Positions held: 
Instructor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Professor of Bible
Associate Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology
Associate Dean of the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts
Director of Academic Services
Phillips Endowed Professor of Bible
Previous positions held: 
Adjunct Professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Adjunct Professor at Tarrant County Junior College
Worked at the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission in Fort Worth
Community involvement: First Baptist Church, Sunday school and Wednesday night teacher (everything is streamed on the internet)
Abilene Southwest Rotary
Concert host for the Celebration Singers
Emcee, announcer, guest speaker/preacher at various venues

Q What was your first year and position at Hardin-Simmons?
A I began at the lowest level of being an “Instructor of Bible” in August 1982.  I have discovered that I was actually the fifth or sixth name on the list of possibles to fill that position. Thus, HSU had to dig a bit to get down to me—but I am forever grateful that they did.

Q You have seen many changes in students’ interests and in the technology they use over the years. What has stayed the same?
A Speaking in generalities, students arrive during one of the most important years of their lives. The traditional freshman (17-19 years old) will begin to make decisions related to life, vocation, education, and spiritual life. For some, this is merely a “grade 13” of high school—just looking to have fun with friends and slide by in life. For others, a mantle of seriousness and depth begins to be worn as significant life-shaping decisions are made. As the old adage posits: “the best thing about college is the freedom the student now has and the worst thing about college is the freedom the student now has.”

Q What has been the most noticeable change?
A Especially for this generation, technology is the easiest answer to the question. It can be the greatest aid—or greatest impediment–for the educational journey of the student. The use/abuse of technology reflects the decision making of the students (see above). The largest educational alteration in student life was the disruption of the Covid years. On-line delivery systems, self-paced courses, starting-and-stopping learning experiences, the usage of Chat-GPT and other AI-related approaches hindered many students who sought to begin a more traditional university experience. Spiritually, the decades have had an ebb-and-flow for student experience with the church. This post-Covid generation has more of an interest in worship style/experience emphasizing the individual rather than the congregational approach of the more “traditional” churches. Not seeking to single out the students, all of us should be cautious when it is more about “what I feel” rather than “what is my calling.”

Q When did you start announcing games?
A It began with men’s basketball as HSU moved its games back to the campus about 40 years age.  Women’s basketball was restarted and HSU built Shelton Stadium on campus, which provided two more opportunities. When my older son (Matthew) was a student, he was the public address announcer for volleyball.  Upon his graduation, HSU had me take over that responsibility, also.  

Sandy and Larry McGraw

Q You are a well-known MC for events in town. What led to that?
A (not sure about that “well-known” thing) For some reason, people have indicated that my voice seems to be usable to tell people things. An emcee (or announcer) has the job of connecting what is happening on the stage/arena with the audience.  I try to bridge basic emcee work with radio disc jockey pacing and humor. That approach seems to keep things rolling with little “dead air” and seeks to keep the audience connected with what they are experiencing.

Q What’s next in your life?
A My great joy is that even upon my retirement, I will be able to continue as the announcer for HSU basketball, football, and volleyball.  My calling to teach the scripture will carry on at First Baptist and other locales.  Time for travel with my lovely bride is also on the horizon. (I guess that if anyone needs some “talking,” then give me a call.)

Larry and Sandy’s grandchildren in 2023 photo

Q Anything else you wish to add
A It is always humbling to see how the Lord shapes a person through many, many others. Church life, educational colleagues, community friends, and family have meant the world to me. With that in mind, a special “Kudos” can be extended to my extended family scattered throughout Texas and Oklahoma.
Plus: There is no better place to live than Abilene—the “Big Friendly”

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene