Hardin–Simmons University

Hardin–Simmons University (HSU) is a private Baptist university located in Abilene, Texas, United States.

History

Hardin–Simmons University was founded as Abilene Baptist College in 1891 by the Sweetwater Baptist Association and a group of cattlemen and pastors who sought to bring Christian higher education to the Southwest. The purpose of the school would be "to lead students to Christ, teach them of Christ, and train them for Christ." The original land was donated to the university by rancher C.W. Merchant. It was the first school of higher education established west of Fort Worth. The school was renamed Simmons College in 1892 in honor of an early contributor, James B. Simmons. By 1907 it claimed an enrollment of 524 and a staff of 49. In 1925, it became Simmons University. It was renamed Hardin–Simmons University in 1934 in honor of Mary and John G. Hardin, who were also major contributors. The University has been associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1941.

Simmons College of Kentucky

Simmons College of Kentucky, also referred to as Simmons College and Simmons Bible College, is a private, co-educational college located in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1879, Simmons College is a historically black college. The school is in applicant status for accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and also plans to apply to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

History

Beginnings

In August 1865, 12 Black Baptist Churches met at Fifth Street Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and organized the state Convention of Colored Baptist Churches in Kentucky, led by the pastor Henry Adams.

Because there was no place in the state where Blacks could obtain a college education, members of the Convention soon began discussing the need to create a school for the training of Negroes – many of whom were one generation removed from slavery. Having first given consideration to Frankfort, KY as the home to the school, members of the Convention instead decided in 1869 to locate what would be known as the Kentucky Normal Theological Institute in Louisville, KY.