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With its collegiate red brick buildings, massive lawn, and serene duck pond, this small Christian university attracts many Texans, who make up the majority of the nearly 2,000 students who attend Hardin-Simmons. Perhaps they’re drawn by HSU’s emphasis on spirituality, which informs the more than 70 majors offered at the school. The popular Kelley College of Business, for instance, encourages its students to become business leaders with a Christian focus. And the Logsdon School of Theology supports HSU’s seminary. Spirituality shapes students’ extracurricular life as well, with some participating in the HSU Community Renewal program to improve nearby Abilene neighborhoods and their facilities.
HSU student athletes compete in NCAA Division III and on intramural teams. The men’s and women’s soccer teams draw enthusiastic supporters, and track-and-field and cross-country teams were added in 2008. HSU’s athletes excel off the court too, having maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for 10 consecutive semesters.
HSU students live on campus until they complete 60 hours of coursework or turn 21 years old, residing in one of five single-gender dormitories. While a large number of students find weekend fun on campus, many others frequent Abilene’s Paramount Theatre for current films and retrospectives, the Grace Museum’s numerous exhibits, and Monks Coffee Shop for live local music.