Dale Haralson Inducted into Hall of Leaders at Hardin-Simmons University

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Dale Haralson

ABILENE, TX (06/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Tucson, Arizona, attorney Dale Haralson, was recently inducted into the Hardin-Simmons University 2012 Hall of Leaders.  Haralson was one of five chosen for the honor, and only one of two still living.

The Hall of Leaders was established at the Abilene, Texas, Baptist affiliated private college in 2001. The Hall of Leaders provides permanent recognition for university leaders who have distinguished records of achievement.

Haralson says humbly that he is honored to be among those inducted, "When I looked at the list of those inducted previously, the names read like the Who's Who in the history of this great university.  To even be considered for listing among these individuals is truly humbling. 

"My parents taught me Christian values and principles which were then affirmed, expanded and matured under the influence and teaching of the outstanding professors at HSU.  HSU played a major role in my personal growth, spiritual development, and professional success.  HSU truly provides an Education Enlightened by Faith."

Haralson joins just over 70 others who have been inducted previously, chosen from those who have served the university since it was established in 1891. The Hall of Leaders is located on the HSU campus in the Skiles Building.

Dale Haralson was born in Colorado City, Texas, to Delmar and Adah (Barber) Haralson. He grew up on a farm 10 miles north of Loraine, Texas, with older brother, Hal, and younger brother, Kenneth. Family life was built around the First Baptist Church, and the boys worked the 400-acre family farm with their father.

After graduating from Loraine High School in 1955, Haralson enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University where his mother had been a 1928 graduate. Active at HSU, he served on the Student Council, was president of the Colt Club and the Rifle Team, vice president and president of Pi Kappa Delta, was on the Men's Debate Team, and the New Men's Dorm Council. He played trombone in the Cowboy Band, traveling with the band on the 1958 USO tour.

Haralson received an ROTC commission as a U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant when he graduated in 1959 from HSU with a B.B.A. degree in business and a minor in economics.

Following graduation, he reported for active duty, completed the basic officer's course, and then went into the Active Reserve. Completing seven years of service with the Arizona National Guard, he rose to the rank of captain, and in 1966 as a company commander was named Outstanding Officer in the Arizona National Guard.

Haralson enrolled at the University of Texas Law School after completing active duty in 1959, then later transferred to the University of Arizona, where he completed his juris doctorate in 1963. He worked a variety of jobs to put himself through law school, which included working cattle for his uncle, Bob Barber, who was an Arizona attorney and rancher. Upon being admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1963, he went into practice in his uncle's law office.

In 1965, he married Betty Hackney, a native Arizonan. They welcomed daughters Kristi in 1970 and Wendy in 1972. A licensed pilot, he and his family have enjoyed flying, scuba diving, and skiing. In 1995, he and Betty were baptized in the Jordan River during a trip to the Holy Land.

Haralson made the choice to become a plaintiff's trial attorney based on a calling he felt as a sophomore in high school. He knew God wanted him to be a Christian lawyer who represented people who needed help.

Haralson has served numerous associations and boards, including as president of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association and as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Board of Governors, and the Civil Justice Foundation Board of Trustees. He has been on the Board of Governors of the Western Trial Lawyers Association since 1976, serving as president, vice president, secretary, and parliamentarian.

He served on the University of Arizona Arthritis Advisory Board, was a member of the Tucson General Hospital Trustees, and continues to be active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as trustee emeritus of their national board.

Active in the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Haralson was a seminar speaker for the group and was vice president in 1981. In 2010, Haralson was recognized by the Arizona Association for Justice with the Lifetime Advocate of Civil Justice Award for his 47 years of outstanding advocacy of the civil justice system.

He is on the board of elders of Canyon del Oro Baptist Church where he and Betty are members.

About Hardin-Simmons University:

HSU has an enrollment of approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students from 28 states and 20 countries.

HSU sits on 220 acres and has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Eighty percent of HSU's faculty members hold the highest available degree in their fields.

Tuition rates for full-time students do not increase while they are enrolled in consecutive fall and spring semesters and make continuous, satisfactory progress toward a degree. (The tuition freeze does not apply to some programs.)

• Ranked in the Top Tier of U.S. News and World Report's Best Universities in the Western Region

• Cited by The Princeton Review as a Best in the West University

• Recognized by Colleges of Distinction for teaching, learning, and service

• Named to the 2011 Honor Roll by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a Great College to Work For

• Named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

Through seven schools and colleges, HSU offers seven undergraduate degree programs encompassing more than 70 major fields of study. Eighteen graduate programs are offered, including doctoral programs in physical therapy, ministry, functional manual therapy, and education.

Special programs include Honors, International Studies, and Leadership Studies.

Hardin-Simmons University, founded in 1891, is a private Christian institution, affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Texas Baptists) since 1941.