Alumni Organizations & Awards

Ms. Dorothy (Houston) Kiser earned a Bachelor of Science in religious education from HSU in 1965 and an MBA in 1992. Dorothy began her 30-year career at HSU in 1980. She served as secretary to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Assistant Registrar, Registrar, and Associate Vice President of Student Records and Registration.  She was active in registrar organizations at the local, state, regional, and nation levels, serving as president and many other leadership positions. In 1988, she was named HSU Staff Member of the Year.

Since retiring from HSU, Dorothy has stayed connected as member of HSU Fellowship serving as the Vice President for Programs, through serving on the HSU Academic Foundation, and previously serving on the Board of Development and Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is also a loyal attendee to many of HSU’s sporting and campus events.

Dr. Tracy (Sheehy) Manly ’93

Dr. Tracy (Sheehy) Manly earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from HSU in 1993. Her career in higher education has spanned 25 years. Since January 2023, she has served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Administration at Southwest Baptist University. Immediately prior, she was the Acting Provost / Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and Albert Rogers Professor of Accounting at the University of Tulsa. Dr. Manly has published more than 25 refereed journal articles and book chapters on topics related to business ethics, accounting instruction, and tax compliance and policy.

While at HSU, she was a member of Sigma Alpha social club and served as the president her senior year. She was awarded the Jesse N. Fletcher Award for Outstanding Business Undergraduate in 1993. Tracy was recognized as one of HSU’s Outstanding Young Alumni recipients in 2009.

Mr. Matthew Morris ’02

Mr. Matthew Morris earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from HSU in 2002.  Hired by Gus Bates Insurance & Investments as their 6th employee, Matt helped Gus Bates I & I grow from $900k in revenue to $15m. While serving as president of Gus Bates I & I, Matt navigated their merger with HUB International in 2020. Matt now serves as Area President of HUB International over the Fort Worth Market. In 2019, Matt was recognized by the Fort Worth Business Press as one of the 40 under 40 honorees.

As an HSU student, Matthew was a member of Delta Mu Delta business fraternity and played the French horn in the HSU Concert Band. He was recognized as an All-American Offensive Lineman while on the HSU Cowboy football team. Matt has stayed connected to HSU over the years and served on the Board of Young Associates from 2006-2011.

Dr. Sarah (Jones) Morris ’02

Dr. Sarah (Jones) Morris is the owner of Sarah J. Morris, DDS and Associates in Fort Worth, TX. She holds membership in multiple local, state, and international dental associations and has been voted by peers as one of Fort Worth’s “Top Docs” and “Top Dentists” each year since 2007. Among the top 4% of dentists in the USA, Dr. Morris was selected as a fellow in the International College of Dentistry. In her spare time, Sarah volunteers with multiple organizations, providing free dental care to needy populations.

Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from HSU in 2002. As a student, Sarah was Vice President of Beta Beta Beta’s- Delta Psi Chapter, a member of the Health Care Professions Society, a member of the Cowboy Activities Committee, and played intramural sports. She served on HSU’s Board of Young Associates from 2006 to 2011.

Dr. Amanda (LaRue) Andrews ’05

Dr. Amanda (LaRue) Andrews is a passionate Athletic Trainer and educator who has dedicated her life to sharing Christ’s love through her passion for teaching, athletics, and service to her community.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Athletic Training from Hardin-Simmons University in 2005. She went on to receive a Master of Education in Physical Education from Northwest Missouri State University in 2017 and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Blending Secondary and Higher Education from Liberty University in 2021.Since joining Life School in 2012 as the district’s first full-time athletic trainer, Amanda has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive sports medicine program for students.

During her time at Hardin-Simmons University, Amanda was actively involved in the Baptist Student Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served as treasurer of the Athletic Training Society. She also worked as a prospective student tour guide in the Admissions department. In 2004, she was honored as the American Southwest Conference All-Academic Athletic Training Student Assistant and recognized as a United States Achievement Academy All-American Collegiate Scholar.

Amanda and her husband, Paul, reside in Glenn Heights, Texas, with their two sons and daughter.

Mr. Roy Juarez Jr. ’09

Roy Juarez Jr.’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and determination, long before his time at Hardin-Simmons. As an activist, advocate, and inspirational speaker, Roy partners with top global brands through his organization, IMPACTtruth, delivering motivational speeches and workshops that inspire others to strive for a brighter future.

Roy’s dedication stems from his own experience with homelessness after dropping out of high school at just 14 years old. Determined to overcome his circumstances, he returned to complete high school and later attended Hardin-Simmons University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2009. Following graduation, Roy chose to return to life on the streets—not out of necessity, but as an advocate for homeless youth, aiming to shed light on their struggles and provide hope.

In 2018, Roy published Homeless by Choice: A Memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness, chronicling his personal journey and the decision to embrace homelessness again to inspire others.

During his time at HSU, Roy was involved in campus life by serving as Chief Photographer for the student newspaper and worked as a Circulation Clerk in the library. He was also active in theatre, founded a student-to-student mentorship program, and participated in the Kiwanis Club of Abilene.

Dr. John Whitten ’07/’11

Dr. John Whitten currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, a church many students attend during their time at HSU. His leadership at Pioneer Drive spans decades, beginning as a Ministry Intern in the mid-2000s. Over the years, he has held roles as Teaching Pastor, Lead Pastor, and now Senior Pastor, leaving a lasting impact on both the church and the broader Abilene community.

John earned two degrees from Hardin-Simmons — a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2007 and a Master of Divinity from Logsdon Seminary in 2011. He continued his education at Truett Seminary, earning a Doctor of Ministry in 2018.

During his time at HSU, John was a prominent campus leader. He served as President of Kappa Phi Omega, was a member of the New Student Orientation Steering Committee and sat on the Executive Committee for the Christian Association of Student Leaders. He was also a founding leader of the Baptist Student Ministry’s Night of Worship. John was recognized as the Outstanding Management Student for the Kelley College of Business and was named Homecoming King and Mr. Bronco in 2007.

John lives in Abilene with his wife, Elya, and their four children.