Hardin-Simmons board extends Bruntmyer's contract, praises his work as president

In an email Saturday morning, the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Trustees affirmed its confidence in President Eric Bruntmyer by extending his contract for three years, beginning Jan. 1.

Bruntmyer recently came under fire when the HSU faculty announced a vote of no-confidence. It also called for his replacement, citing an exodus of faculty, closing of programs and continued expenditures even as programs and faculty were cut.

The board at the time issued a statement that it retained its confidence in Bruntmyer.

More:Hardin-Simmons faculty issues no-confidence vote, wants Bruntmyer replaced

Coming to Abilene from Dallas Baptist, he has been president of HSU since 2016, succeeding Lanny Hall as the university's 16th leader.

Citing accomplishments

In its latest statement, the board said it "has full confidence in President Bruntmyer and believes HSU’s future is bright under his leadership."

Signing the statement was board chairman Rick Strange, a 1982 HSU graduate.

It listed accomplishments at HSU under Bruntmyer's leadership.

• HSU’s recently adopted Statement of Faith to guide and direct every facet of the university.
• Overall increased financial stability as indicated by our improved banking relationships and growth in HSU’s “savings accounts,” i.e., the endowment and quasi-endowment.
• New degree offerings in mechanical engineering, digital media, and other undergraduate and graduate disciplines of study.
• An independent, on-campus nursing program starting in 2025.
• Refining of processes that evaluate program performance and assure student success.
• New and renewed program accreditations so educational programs remain strong and well-respected.
• Attention to decades of deferred maintenance, including restoration and repurposing of historic Abilene Hall, improved dining facilities for students, refurbishing of Lange Hall and other residence halls and remodeling the Physician Assistants program building.
• New buildings and capital improvement projects such as the fitness center, student apartments, sports facilities and a recently announced residence hall.
• "The Way Forward" strategic plan and the SpeakLife campaign currently underway.
• New donor events like the James B. Simmons dinners, alumni dinners around the country, and campus events to bring people together to support HSU.
• Initiation of weekly newsletters to update the HSU community on the previous week’s activities, highlighting the personal stories of those affiliated with the University in various ways.

McMurry University this year filed a lawsuit against HSU regarding Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Formed in 1979 as Abilene Intercollegiate School of Nursing, the school was to benefit the two universities and Abilene Christian, as well as the local medical community.

ACU left in 2012 when its own nursing program began. It was awarded $1 million upon its departure.

According to the board statement, HSU wants to have its own nursing program.

McMurry, in its lawsuit, accuses Hardin-Simmons of breaching the contract with the crosstown Methodist university regarding operation of the nursing school. In asking for $1 million, McMurry said HSU would not sell its interest in the nursing school to them and threatening to "unilaterally dissolve the program," according to documents for the plaintiff.

More:McMurry sues Hardin-Simmons for $1M regarding operation of Shelton nursing school

Working through challenges

The board also praised the entire HSU effort.

"We know President Bruntmyer does not serve alone. We acknowledge the contributions of our dedicated administration, faculty and staff who faithfully serve every day to educate and disciple our students, " the board stated in its release. "We also appreciate the president’s wife, Elise, and their children for their sacrificial support of him as HSU president."

The statement acknowledged challenges, including the closing of programs. One of those ending the Logsdon seminary program. Another, cited in the statement, was navigating COVID-19.

"Over the last few years, the board has assigned President Bruntmyer with several difficult tasks, often resulting in him taking criticism that would be better directed at us. On those occasions, I have personally witnessed his willingness to accept responsibility based on his selfless dedication to the university," the statement read.

"Thanks to President Bruntmyer and all who collectively support HSU, we have positioned the university on a foundation for success. A building’s foundation is the least visible part of its construction and often doesn’t fully foreshadow the structure to come, but it remains the most important component because nothing else can exceed the foundation.

"Built on a strong foundation, the board looks forward to continue working with President Bruntmyer as together we move HSU into the future God has planned for us."