ACU names new VP for research, library dean
Abilene Christian University named Dr. Janet Donaldson as vice president for research in January and Dr. Lee Anne Paris as dean of library services and educational technology, effective Aug. 1, 2026.
Donaldson comes from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she was associate vice president for research and professor of microbiology, overseeing sponsored research administration, student research and innovation, commercialization, research development, and research analytics.
Paris brings experience in academic leadership, library administration, accreditation, and faculty development. She currently serves as executive director of academic policy and curriculum at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Dr. Janet Donaldson

Dr. Lee Anne Paris

Upcoming Fletcher Lecture Series at HSU
Beth Garvey, Chief Executive Officer and President of BGSF, Inc., will be featured speaker for the March 3 Fletcher Lecture Series at Hardin-Simmons University. Admission is free, but reservations are required by Feb. 17. The lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, at HSU’s Houston-Landrip Center, 2241 Pine St. 
A lecture originally scheduled for Jan. 26 featuring Stephen Curry has been rescheduled for Feb. 24. Guests are asked to re-register by Feb. 10. Click here for details.

Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld to receive HPU Women’s Club’s 2026 Yellow Rose Award
Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld has been selected by the HPU Women’s Club to receive the 2026 Yellow Rose Award. Dr. Humfeld will be recognized at the club’s annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, in the Beadel Dining Hall of HPU’s Mabee University Center. Table sponsorships are available for purchase. 
The Yellow Rose Award is presented to an individual who is a leader with influence on others and has assisted in fulfilling the mission and vision of HPU. Click here to read HPU news release.

Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld

McM, HSU set ‘Giving Day’
McMurry and Hardin-Simmons universities have each scheduled a “giving day. First up will be HSU on Feb. 17. McMurry’s day will begin at 8 p.m. March 2 and continue until 8 p.m. March 3. Goal is $150,000 for the McMurry Fund.

Curtis House Cultural Center tour set for Feb. 10
The Abilene Interfaith Council invites individuals and groups to join in a tour of Curtis House Cultural Center in honor of of Black History Month, which is celebrated each February.
The tour, guided by Curtis House founder Andrew Penns, begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The cultural center, located at 630 Washington St., opened in 2016 as a project of Interested Citizens of Abilene North (ICAN).

ACU adds new trustees to governing board
Abilene Christian University has added three new members to its Board of Trustees.
Larry G. Autrey (’18 MBA), retired as executive chairman of Whitley Penn, a large regional public accounting firm he led for 25 years
Jack Rich (’76) served as president and chief investment officer of Abilene Christian University Investment Management Company from 2006-23 after holding a variety of positions at ACU from 1991-2005.
Josh Ross (’03) is the lead minister at Sycamore View Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Howard Payne creates waitlist for Chris Tomlin concert
Due to the high number of requests for tickets, a waitlist has been created for tickets to Howard Payne University’s Chris Tomlin concert on April 15. Thousands of free tickets were reserved in less than 24 hours after the event was announced. To be added to the waitlist, individuals or groups can visit www.hputx.edu/christomlin. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 at the Brownwood Event Center’s outdoor stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. Those who made group reservations but no longer need their full number of tickets are requested to revise their reservation orders by emailing communications@hputx.edu.

HSU’s first Fletcher Lecture Series rescheduled
Stephen Curry’s lecture at Hardin-Simmons University has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24. The first of the Fletcher Lecture Series originally was scheduled for Jan. 26, was canceled due to the weather. Guests are asked to re-register by Feb. 10. Click here to register for the free event. Curry will speak at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24 at HSU’s Houston-Lantrip Center. Click here to read original story with details.

ACU dinner features ‘The Traveling Grannies‘
“The Traveling Grannies,” AKA Eleanor Hamby and Sandra Hazelip, will be featured speakers at ACU’S Paul and Gladys Faulkner Center for Marriage and Family spring dinner on Feb. 17. Tickets are $35 for individuals or $280 per table and should be purchased by Feb. 11. The newest book by Hamby and Hazelip, Here We Go, was published by Penguin Random House and chronicles their adventures and friendship that took them around the world in 80 days while turning 80 years old. Click here for tickets.Join HSU alumni at TMEA convention
Hardin-Simmons University invites friends of the university to join alumni in San Antonio for a fajita buffet lunch during the Texas Music Educators Association convention on Feb. 13. Tickets are $20 per person. Registration is due by Feb. 6. Click here to register and purchase a ticket. Guests will hear updates from current HSU students in the College of Arts and Media, connect with faculty, and listen to remarks from Dr. Bob Brooks, Dean of the College of Arts and Media.

McMurry sets record for spring enrollment
McMurry University announced a record Spring 2026 enrollment of 3,948 students, including students who are in high school and have dual enrollment status. Click here to read full news release.
Feb. 3 deadline to make a reservation of HSU’s Fletcher Lecture Series
A reminder that Feb. 3 is the deadline for reserving a free ticket to hear retired Supreme Court of Texas Justice Craig Enoch speak at the Fletcher Lecture Series, sponsored by Hardin-Simmons University. He will speak at 11:30 a.m. in HSU’s Houston-Lantrip Center, 2241 Pine St.Click to read full article, including how to register.

Baptist Women In Ministry announces scholarships
Baptist Women In Ministry is accepting applications for Addie Davis Scholarships, which offer support to Baptist women taking the next step toward fulfilling their calling in ministry and leadership. Deadline to apply is March 27. Multiple scholarships will be awarded to honor the legacy of Addie Davis, the first Southern Baptist woman ordained to the gospel ministry. Learn more about the requirements and apply online at: www.bwim.info/addie-davis-scholarship