Retiring Faculty and Staff Comprise 601 Years of Service to HSU

Dr. Joe Alcorta ’64, Professor of Spanish, Retires with 45 years of service to HSU

Dr. Joe Alcorta, Hardin-Simmons professor of Spanish, will retire at the end of May 2016 after 45 years of service to the university.

Dr. Alcorta, professor of Spanish and coordinator of minority studies at HSU, grew up speaking Spanish. Born in Novice, Texas, Alcorta moved with his parents to Monterrey, Mexico, as an infant. The family lived in Mexico for seven years, where Alcorta attended first and second grades.

Upon returning to Texas, Alcorta graduated from Olton High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University. He obtained his master’s degree from Howard Payne College (now University), and earned a Ph.D. degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Alcorta has taught Spanish in high school and at the university level for more than 45 years. He has travelled to Taiwan and Spain, and for many years has taken his Spanish students to Mexico.

He has taught Spanish classes for professionals, does translation for business people, and serves as a court interpreter. Several newspapers have published his book, Speak Spanish in 60 Days.

For many years, he has served a guest columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News in Abilene, Texas, and has written many articles in a variety of fields.

He and his wife of 50 years, Liandra, have four children and nine grandchildren. He has run five marathons and many 5Ks and 10Ks, and enjoys reading, writing, and doing carpentry work.

Having served on many city boards, he was elected to the Abilene City Council for two terms. He has taught Bible classes in his church for more than 40 years and enjoys memorizing Scripture. Alcorta maintains active memberships as a Rotarian and as a Gideon.

Dr. Jaynne Middleton, Professor of Voice, Retires with 41 years of Service to HSU

Dr. Jaynne Middleton, Hardin-Simmons professor of voice, retires after 41 years with the University.

Dr. Middleton was described as an asset to the University at an event honoring her four decades on campus.
“Singer, teacher, actress and friend to all, 40 years after coming to HSU, she continues to make a difference in the lives of her students. Each day her warm personality is readily apparent and reminds us of her dedication and love for Hardin-Simmons University.”

Mrs. Linda Butts, Secretary, Retires after 40 years at HSU

Mrs. Butts, Hardin-Simmons secretary, will retire in May 2016 after 40 years with the University. She was seen by her team as an essential team member.

“She is the glue that holds the maintenance crew together. She is loyal to HSU and participates in the HSU functions. She has mothered and counseled many student workers, and is loved by all.”

Mr. Bill Curtis, Associate Professor of Finance, Retires with 39 years of service to HSU

Mr. Curtis, Hardin-Simmons Associate Professor of Finance, will retire in May 2016 after 39 years of service to the University.

Dr. Curtis received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University, in 1970. He received the Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance, from Cox School, Southern Methodist University, in 1971.

Curtis did postgraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree in institutional finance, corporate finance, and economics, and was declared A.B.D. in 1975. He has taught at Hardin-Simmons since 1976.

Dr. Larry Wolz ’73/’74, Department Head, Music History & Voice; Professor of Voice, Retires after 37 years

Dr. Wolz, HSU’s department head of music history and voice and a professor of voice, retired following 37 years of service.

Mr. Joe Jim Garcia, Maintenance Tech, Grounds Keeper, Retires after 35 years

Mr. Joe Jim Garcia, Maintenance Technician and Grounds Keeper, will retire in May 2016 after 35 years of service to the University.

Dr. Alan Stafford, Dean, Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, Retires after 30 years of Service

Dr. Alan Stafford, Hardin-Simmons Dean of the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, will retire in May 2016 after 30 years of service.

Dr. Stafford, professor of criminal justice, has been dean of the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts since 2001. He is responsible for the academic oversight of the departments of communication, criminal justice, English, history, foreign languages, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and social work. He also oversees the leadership, honors, legal studies, and forensic studies programs.

Stafford is a former United States Marine and a Vietnam veteran. He holds three degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. His B.S. (1974) and M.S. (1977) degrees are in criminal justice and his doctorate (1983) is in criminal justice education.

He has served as a police officer in Pearl, Mississippi, as head of the criminal justice department at Jones County Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi, as assistant professor of criminal justice at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, and as associate professor of criminal justice at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, before coming to HSU in 1986.

At HSU, he has served as professor of criminal justice and was head of the criminal justice department until 2010. He still teaches criminal justices courses on a regular basis.

Stafford has served as an administrator and instructor at police training academies in Whitfield, Mississippi, Laurel, Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Amarillo, Texas, Alpine, Texas, and Abilene, Texas. He has served as a consultant to many cities and counties in Mississippi and Texas.

Stafford and his wife, Patricia, have three children who graduated from HSU and three grandchildren.

Dr. Diana Higgins, Professor of Education, Retires with 29 years of Service

Dr. Diana Higgins, Hardin-Simmons professor of education, will retire after 29 years with the University.

Mrs. Jean Self, A/P & Purchasing Clerk, To Retire with 28 years of Service

Mrs. Self, Hardin-Simmons A/P & Purchasing Clerk, will retire following 28 years with the University.

Mrs. Bobbie Van Huss, Periodicals Assistant, Retires After 27 years of Service

Mrs. Van Huss, HSU’s periodicals assistant, will retire following 27 years with the University.

Mrs. Karanne Grubbs, Cashier, Retires Following 26 years of Service

Mrs. Grubbs, HSU’s cashier, will retire following 26 years with the University.

Mrs. Sue Biggs, University Nurse, Retires After 25 years of Service

Mrs. Biggs, HSU’s nurse, will retire in May 2016 following 25 years with the University.

Mrs. Donna Seaton, Administrative Assistant to VP Finance, Retires with 25 years of Service

Mrs. Seaton, HSU’s Admistrative Assistant to the VP Finance, will retire in May 2016 following 25 years with the University.

Dr. Pam Williford, Professor of Education, Retires After 23 years of Service

Dr. Williford, HSU’s professor of education, will retire in May 2016 following 23 years of service to the University. Dr. Williford, professor of education, is a graduate of Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, where she earned the Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and named Outstanding Student Teacher, 1970.

Dr. Williford completed her Master of Education degree at Texas Christian University and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in reading education at Texas Woman’s University. She served as Dean of the HSU Irvin School of Education June 1999 – May 2015, and as a faculty member in the HSU Department of Educational Studies beginning fall of 1993.

Dr. Williford began her teaching career in Arlington, TX I.S.D. in 1970 -77 serving as a sixth grade classroom teacher. She also taught in the independent school districts of Brownwood and Early, Texas and at Stepping Stones Baptist School in Brownwood. Williford began her university teaching career at Howard Payne University in 1987 where she was honored as an Outstanding Faculty Member.

Dr. Williford was an active member of the Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, serving as President 2007-2008, Education Deans of Independent Colleges and Universities in Texas serving as Treasurer, and Consortium of State Organizations for Texas. In 2009, Dr. Williford was awarded the Council of Deans of Education Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding leadership in TACTE. She has numerous professional presentations to her credit.

Dr. Charles Coltman, Professor of Woodwinds, Retires After 19 years of Service

Dr. Coltman, HSU’s professor of Woodwinds, will retire in May 2016 following 19 years of service to the University.

Dr. Coltman was a Professor of woodwinds and head of the Music Business program at Hardin-Simmons University. Dr. Coltman completed the D.M.A. degree in clarinet at the University of North Texas where he was a student of James Gillespie. He has a M.M. in Woodwinds and a B.M. in Clarinet Performance also from The University of North Texas. He did post-graduate study on clarinet at the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied with Peter Hadcock. His teachers include Lee Gibson, John Scott, Andy Crisanti, James Riggs, and Eric Nestler.

Dr. Coltman has performed with the Fort Worth Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Dallas Wind Symphony, Shreveport Symphony, Texas Wind Symphony, and the Casa Manana Orchestra. He has been a member of the Dallas Summer Musicals Orchestra for over twenty years and has performed for Phantom of the Opera, Will Rogers Follies, Miss Saigon, Ragtime, Showboat, and Wicked, among others. He has toured with national tours of Evita and La Cage aux folles. He is a former member of the Texas Saxophone Quartet which reached the semi-finals of the Concert Artists Guild competition in New York City.
He is currently assistant principal clarinet of the Abilene Philharmonic and continues to freelance in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Dr. Coltman has played for artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Ben Vereen, Hal Linden, Carol Lawrence, and Barry Manilow. He recently took over the position of Director of the Abilene Chamber Players, a resident ensemble at Harden-Simmons University comprised of HSU faculty and local guest artists. The Chamber Players perform three concerts a year with repertoire ranging from baroque to 21st century music. He has taught at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Dallas Baptist University, Cedar Valley Community College, Mountain View Community College, and the University of North Texas. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, the International Clarinet Association, the American Federation of Musicians, and Phi Mu Alpha.

Mrs. Jeannie Huffman, Post Office Assistant, Retires After 19 years of Service

HSU’s Post Office Assistant, will retire after 19 years with the University.

Mr. Richard Benham, Maintenance Tech., Plumber, Retires After 18 years of Service

Mr. Benham, HSU’s maintenance technician and plumber, will retire in May 2016 following 18 years with the University.

Dr. Robert Sellers, Professor of Theology and Connally Chair of Missions, Retires After 18 years of Service

Dr. Sellers, HSU’s professor of theology and Connally Chair of Missions, will retire in May 2016 after 18 years with the University.

Dr. Robert Sellers brought to HSU more than 25 years of experience in international missions, plus insights gained from travel, study, or teaching in more than 40 countries. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Mississippi College, his Master of Divinity in New Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Philosophy in theological ethics, also at Southern Seminary.
Prior to coming to Hardin-Simmons, Sellers was a missionary in Indonesia, where he was a faculty member at the Indonesia Baptist Theological Seminary and the Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary. His involvement in the local church includes responsibilities in a variety of ministry staff positions in both Indonesian and American churches.

He also was a visiting lecturer for two years at Baylor University. Beyond the classroom, he represents Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as a member of the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches, USA. Internationally, he serves on the Baptist-Muslim Relations Commission and the Peace Commission of the Baptist World Alliance, and on the Executive Committee of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions.
He has written for numerous journals and periodicals in this country as well as authored materials for Indonesian Baptists. One of his greatest joys is teaching in international locales, which has enabled him to work with HSU students in Central and South America, the British Isles, Eastern and Western Europe, Eastern and Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Mr. Russell Jones, Maintenance Tech., Retires After 17 years of Service

Mr. Jones, HSU’s maintenance technician, will retire in May 2016 following 17 years with the University.

Mrs. Deborah McFarland, Administrative Assistant, Dean/College of Fine Arts, Retires After 17 years of Service

Mrs. McFarland, HSU’s Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Fine Arts, will retire in May 2016 following 17 years of service.

Mrs. Ruth Ellen Simmons, Professor, Periodicals, & Documents Librarian, Retires After 10 years of Service

Mrs. Simmons, HSU professor and periodicals and documents librarian, will retire in May 2016 following 10 years of service.

Mrs. Awilda Hayes, Instructor of Nursing, Retires After 8 years of Service

Mrs. Hayes, HSU’s instructor of nursing, will retire in May 2016 following eight years of service.

Mr. Rodney Smith, Head Track & Cross Country Coach, Retires After 8 years of Service

Mr. Smith, HSU’s head track and cross country coach, will retire in May 2016 following eight years of service.

The 2015-16 season marked the eighth season as the Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach for Rodney Smith at Hardin-Simmons University.

Smith brought 40 years of coaching experience to HSU. His coaching career includes seven years at Abilene Christian University and one year at Southern Arkansas University as an assistant, three years at David Lipscomb College as the head coach, 12 years at the high school level where he coached six individual state champions, and 15 years at the club level. 

During his career, he has coached four individual National Champions, 15 All-Americans, three Lone Star Conference Cross Country Team Champions, two NCAA Division II South/Southeast Region Champions in cross-country, three NCAA Division II Track & Field Team Champions while on the staff at ACU, and the NAIA Area 5 Coach of the Year while at David Lipscomb.

During his first seven years at Hardin-Simmons University Smith coached Ashley Huston to become a three time national champion, five-time All-American, NCAA Division III Female Athlete of the Year, ASC Female Athlete of the Year, and the ASC Track Athlete of the Year.

During this time the track & field/cross-country program has produced eight national qualifiers in a total of 13 events, seven National All-Academic selections, 52 all-conference athletes, 68 All-Academic student/athletes, five All-ASC Distinguished Scholars, one all-region Athlete in Cross-Country, three Freshmen of the Year, the team and individual champion at the ASC Cross-Country Championships in 2010, and the High Point Athlete of the Meet at the ASC Track and Field Championships in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Coach Smith earned his Bachelor’s in Education from ACU and his MS in Education from Southern Arkansas University.

He and his wife of 35 years, Annette, have four adult children.  Quinn, is an attorney in Miami, FL., Toni, is a wife and mother in Katmandu, Nepal, Laura, is in the U.S. Navy, and Jason lives and works in Dallas.

Mrs. Donna Hall, Administrative Assistant to President, Retires After 7 years of Service

Mrs. Hall, HSU’s Administrative Assistant to the President, will retire in May 2016 following seven years of service.

Mrs. Penny Gammill, Administrative Assistant, Dean/Logsdon Seminary, Retires After 6 years of Service

Mrs. Gammill, HSU’s Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Logsdon Seminary, will retire in May 2016 following six years of service.

Mrs. Gammill joined the Logsdon staff in 2010 as the Administrative Assistant for the In-service Training Office and was promoted to Administrative Assistant to the Logsdon Dean in 2012. She has worked 20+ years in both administrative and student financial aid positions in post-secondary education (having served previously at both Howard Payne University and McMurry University).

“Logsdon faculty, staff and students are like family. We call ourselves Team Logsdon and it truly is a blessing to serve at Logsdon School of Theology and Logsdon Seminary on Hardin-Simmons University campus” said Mrs. Gammill.

Mr. John Snapp, Class of 1970, Human Resources Director, Retires After 4 years of Service

Mr. Snapp, HSU’s human resources director, retires in May 2016 following four years of service.