HSU hosting autism-inclusive classroom conference
HSU’s Houston-Lantrip Center will be the site of a conference focused on autism-inclusive classrooms 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, June 18. Educators, students, families, and community members are invited to join the conversation. Guest speaker will be Emily Kircher-Morris. Her talk will be followed by a book signing. The center is located at 917 Lineberry Blvd., just off of Pine Street. Click here to register. 

Upcoming VBS sessions
Following are some of the Vacation Bible School sessions scheduled for upcoming days and weeks.
SOUTHWEST PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 2901 S. 20th St.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 7-11
Theme: Illumination Station
Registration: Click here
WYLIE METHODIST CHURCH
Where: 3430 Antilley Road
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14; 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 15-17
Theme: Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God
Registration: Click here
WYLIE BAPTIST CHURCH
Where: 6097 Buffalo Gap Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Emerald Crossing
Registration: Click here
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Where: 5125 Antilley Road
When: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16
Theme: Cactus Ranch
Registration: Click here
FIRST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Where: 400 Orange St.
When: 5-8 p.m. July 24 and 8:30 a.m.-noon July 25
Theme: Wander & Wonder (Family VBS)
Call the church for registration information, 677-3501

HSU and Western Texas College Establish New Transfer Agreement
Hardin-Simmons University and Western Texas College formalized an agreement that establishes a pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree at HSU. Click here to read HSU news release.

Legislators tour ACU’s research reactor
Eight Texas legislators toured ACU’s molten salt research reactor on May 20 as part of their evaluation of how to meet the state’s rising energy needs. The tour highlighted research underway at ACU’s NEXT Lab that could advance next-generation nuclear technologies capable of supporting Texas’ future energy demands. The legislators were accompanied by representatives from PowerHouse Texas, the Texas Energy and Climate Caucus, and the Innovation and Technology Caucus of the Texas Legislature.

Baptist Women in Ministry hosting preaching forum
Rev. Dr. Janiece Williams of Deep Launch Solutions will be the presenter for a three-week, online preaching series designed for Baptist women clergy seeking to strengthen their sermon development. Zoom meetings are scheduled for July 6, 13, and 20 from 5–6:30 p.m. Central Time. Registration is $50, which includes a workbook. Click here to register. 

Howard Payne University’s School of Nursing recognizes first CNA cohort
Howard Payne University’s (HPU) School of Nursing recently held its first Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) completion ceremony. This event recognized the completion of HPU’s first CNA cohort through the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Click here to read HPU news release. 

McMurry to add two STEM-related graduate programs
McMurry University’s Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business has announced the launch of two new STEM-designated graduate programs: AI in Business and Healthcare Administration. Both programs will launch in spring 2027, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Click here to read McMurry news release.

HSU cites faculty, staff
David Stuckey, associate professor of athletic training, and Dean Stringer, Chief of Police, were named 2025–2026 Faculty and Staff of the Year at Hardin-Simmons University. Dr. Larry McGraw, who is retiring this year, was also honored for 44 years of faithful service to HSU.