McMurry names interim security director
McMurry University selected Benjamin Fair as Interim Director of Safety and Security. Fair brings more than a decade of experience in security training, personal protection, and investigative services. Since 2013, he has owned and operated A Fair Advantage Self Defense Concepts and Navarro’s Combatives, where he has trained military personnel, law enforcement officers, and private security professionals.

Benjamin Fair

HSU ranks first for graduates who start small businesses
Hardin-Simmons University ranks first in the nation for producing the highest number of graduates who go on to start small businesses. The ranking is based on a recent analysis of 436 colleges across the United States. HSU leads the country with 368 small-business owners for every 10,000 graduates. Read more

HPU personnel and students serve during Community Impact Day
Howard Payne University students and personnel participated in the fifth annual William B. Dean, M.D. Community Impact Day and Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 25. More than 500 volunteers served at 30 site locations across Brown County and El Paso. Click here to read HPU news release.

REMINDERS

St. James United Methodist Church is presenting the Living Last Supper. Click here for details.
The annual Holy Week Luncheon Series started Monday, March 30. Click here for details.

Free gospel concert at PDBC
Pioneer Drive Baptist Church will host a free concert on Friday, March 27. The concert will feature Karen Peck & New River. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the concert will begin at 6 p.m. An offering will be taken. 

McMurry names Chief Financial Officer
McMurry University has named Spencer Conroy as Chief Financial Officer after serving as interim. Conroy brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education finance, coming to McMurry from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Click here to read McMurry news release.

Spencer Conroy

HSU highlighting International Week
The International Student Fellowship and the Office of Global Engagement at Hardin-Simmons University are celebrating International Week with several events. Theme is “Roots & Routes,” which highlights the cultures, stories, and faith journeys that are shared on campus. A promotional email says:
“Throughout the week, you’ll have opportunities to engage in worship, enjoy international cuisine, experience cultural performances, and build community through friendly competition.”

Baptist Studies Centers adds new resource
The Baptist Studies Center at ACU, in partnership with the Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership at Mercer University, has created a four-session series, “Theology for the People.” The video series invites lay leaders into further theological exploration while noting the work they are already engaged in. The resource, which includes four 20-30 minute videos plus a discussion guide, will be available soon for $175. Click here to pre-order. 

HPU commends 238 students for academic success for the fall 2025 semester
Howard Payne University recognized 238 students for their academic excellence during the fall 2025 semester. The following are from Abilene: Madeline Duncan, Madison King, and Lacey Fields, President’s List; Eli Hall, Honor Roll. Click here to read HPU news release and the entire list.

REMINDERS
Hear City Manager Emily Crawford at AAC meeting
The public is invited to hear Abilene City Manager Emily Crawford speak at the monthly meeting of the Abilene Association of Congregations on Wednesday, March 25. The meeting will be held in Gerhart Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. Lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m. A $3 donation is requested for lunch.

‘Soul on Fire’ creator featured at Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health dinner
The annual fundraiser dinner for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health will feature “An evening with John O’Leary,” bringing stories and inspiration from his new Sony film “Soul on Fire.” The dinner will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at the Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd. A VIP party will be held 5-6 p.m. The following is from a promotional blurb:
“At just nine years old, John survived burns covering 99% of his body after a tragic explosion. He was given a 1% chance to live. Against all odds, John not only survived, he flourished.”
The event is currently sold out. Please contact Shannel Anderson to get on the waitlist or if you have any questions. Shannel.anderson@ttuhsc.edu | 325-665-1562

Heavenly Rest hosting Lenten Icon Retreat
The public is invited to a free Lenten Icon Retreat 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in Gerhart Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. “We will cover the history of iconography, the process and spirituality of Russian icon writing, and pray our way through Holy Week with the help of icons.

ACU professor earns Fulbright grant to Taiwan
Dr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College and director of Lynay at Abilene Christian University, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) grant to Taiwan. This marks Morris’ third Fulbright award, highlighting his continued commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. Through this grant, Morris will engage with Taiwanese universities and educational leaders to explore best practices in global education, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and expand opportunities for ACU students and faculty abroad. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. 

Dr. Jason Morris

Lenten Retreat on Orthodox Christianity and Mental Health 
Father Joseph Longofono, an Orthodox priest and retired Air Force clinical psychologist from South Carolina, will lead a retreat on “Orthodox Christianity and Mental Health” at St. Luke Orthodox Church, 501 Sunset Drive. Sessions will begin in conjunction with Lenten suppers in the parish hall at 7 p.m. on March 20 and 6:30 p.m. on March 21. Father Joseph will also preach in the Divine Liturgy on March 22 at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact St. Luke’s pastor Father Philip LeMasters at frphiliplemasters@gmail.com. The parish website is:  www.stlukeorthodox.net

Father Joseph Longofono

Honduras medical mission
The Catholic Diocese of San Angelo is asking health care professionals to sign up for a medical mission to La Ceiba, Honduras, June 16-24. For more information and to sign up, email info@sanrafaelexpeditions.org or call Janelle O’Connell at 325-668-3397.

Project requests being accepted for HPU’s community service day
Opportunities remain for organizations in the Brown County area to submit project requests for Howard Payne University’s William B. Dean, M.D. Community Impact Day, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25. The day will feature service projects conducted by HPU personnel and student volunteers from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requests can be submitted at www.hputx.edu/impactday. Submissions will be reviewed for eligibility by HPU leadership, and organizations will be notified following approval.

ACU launches inaugural Founder Awards
The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at Abilene Christian University announced the launch of the inaugural ACU Founder Awards, a new annual tradition recognizing exceptional alumni founders and alumni-led businesses. Nominations are now open. The inaugural awards celebration will take place during ACU Homecoming in October 2026.