HSU set to graduate first engineering students, marking milestone for growing program

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is preparing to graduate its first class of engineering students — a milestone that marks not just the growth of a program, but a new era of opportunity for students in the Big Country.

Gabby Guajardo, Director of Engineering Research at HSU, said, “This spring we will have our first graduating class of mechanical engineering at Hardin-Simmons University. These three students were here before the program officially launched in 2023 — they joined before we even had a building.”

Gabby Guajardo, Director of Engineering Research at HSU, said, “This spring we will have our first graduating class of mechanical engineering at Hardin Simmons University. These three students were here actually before the program launched in 2023. So, they came before we even had a building.”

Dr. Matt Jackson, Dean of the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics and Director of the Engineering Program, emphasized the journey it’s taken to reach this point.

“It’s been a long road to get here,” Jackson said, noting that the program is designed to meet growing demand for engineers both globally and locally. “There’s a need around the world, in the country, in Texas, and in the Big Country as well. We’re looking to fill that need — especially within a faith-based educational environment.”

Students in the program are gaining experience through hands-on learning and real-world projects. One standout example: engineering student Jeremiah Richard helped design and build a mobile rack and storage unit for HSU’s fitness center — a practical solution that benefits fellow students and staff.

“It’s extremely satisfying and fulfilling to see our hard work helping the fitness center,” Richard said. “It’s cool and super exciting.”

Jeremiah’s schedule is packed — balancing a demanding major with a full football schedule and part-time work. “Trying to balance mechanical engineering is already a challenge. But throw in football — five practices a week, games on Saturdays — and on top of that, we’re Division III, so we don’t have scholarships. I’m working a job, too,” he said.

Still, that drive and resilience are shaping not only his future but the future of the engineering program at HSU.

“They’ve been great ambassadors — leading and showing what the program looks like on and off campus,” said Dr. Jackson. “They’ve been great representatives of who we are.”

Jeremiah and the other two students in the program’s first cohort are on track to graduate in the spring of 2026. HSU expects the engineering program to grow each year, continuing to build on the foundation these pioneers have helped lay.