Elizabeth Chancy Graduates from Hardin-Simmons University

2013 Jan 28

Elizabeth A Chancy of Austin, TX, graduated from Hardin-Simmons University during commencement ceremonies held Saturday, December 15, 2012, in HSU's Behrens Auditorium.

Chancy graduated with a Bachelor of Music during one of two commencement ceremonies.

Chancy is one of 232 graduates to receive degrees from Hardin-Simmons University last fall.

Of the fall graduates, 129 earned bachelor's degrees, 66 picked up master's degrees, and 37 students of physical therapy earned doctorates, and 26 students were named to Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges.

Degrees were conferred to students graduating from the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics, the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, the Logsdon School of Theology, Kelley College of Business, the Irvin School of Education, and the School of Music and Fine Arts.

An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was awarded to Stephen Dale Stroope, during the morning ceremony. Stroope, a 1976 graduate, is pastor of Lake Pointe Church in Rockwell, Texas, which has grown from 53 members at its inception in 1979 to more than 11,000 today under Stroope's leadership.

Dr. Michael Whitehorn, senior vice president for student development for HSU, gave the charge to the graduates in the morning ceremony. Whitehorn has served as a professor of English and as a professor of Leadership Studies; holds a B.S., 1965, in international affairs from the U.S. Air Force Academy; a master's degree in English from the University of Denver; a master's degree in counseling from Alabama State University; and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver.

Whitehorn has also been honored with a Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, and was elected Outstanding Religious Layperson in Montgomery, Alabama.

Dr. Shane Davidson, vice president for enrollment and marketing management at HSU, gave the charge to the graduates in the afternoon ceremony. Davidson has also held a high profile in the Abilene community, serving as a school board member and volunteering his time to head a wide variety of education related committees.

He has served as coach, a deacon for his church, and been recognized for his creativity, leadership, passion and drive.

He was named as an Abilene Reporter-News Top 20 under 40 leader in the Big Country in 1999, and named as a top community leader by the Career & Technology Association of Texas in 2011.

Immediately following both commencement ceremonies, the HSU Alumni Association hosted an informal reception for graduates, friends, and faculty/staff at the Alumni Wall in Centennial Plaza, located just west of Behrens Auditorium. Graduates found a replica of the plaque that will bear their name as a new graduate of HSU.

About Hardin-Simmons:

HSU has an enrollment of approximately 2,300 undergrad and graduate students from 29 states and 19 countries. HSU has a 13:1 student faculty ratio with a campus that sits on 220 acres. Eighty percent of HSU's faculty members hold the highest degree in their field.

The university is named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities in the western region of the United States and is listed by The Princeton Review as a Top Ten Best in the West University. It is a member of the Colleges of Distinction, the Chronicle of Higher Education named HSU to its honor roll of Great Colleges to Work For, and G.I. Jobs listed HSU as a Military Friendly School.

Seven undergraduate degrees encompass 70 major fields including: athletic training, criminal justice, social work, counseling, psychology, molecular biology, biochemistry, environmental science, religion, music, art, teaching, history, communications, English, and sociology.

Ten graduate degrees, encompassing 26 programs, include the Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Education in Leadership, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy.

International study programs include England, Austria, Hong Kong, Spain, and Australia.

Hardin-Simmons University, founded in 1891, is a private Christian liberal arts university, and has been affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Texas Baptists) since 1941.