Jud Powell Named to Hardin-Simmons Board of Trustees

ABILENE, TX (03/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Jud Powell of Abilene, Texas, has been named to the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Trustees.

Throughout Jud Powell's distinguished career, he has been known for his business leadership and success, outstanding Christian service, and an enthusiastic devotion to HSU. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, son of a Baptist pastor, Powell spent his childhood and youth in Tyler, Longview, and Olney, Texas.

As an HSU student, Powell was active in Student Congress, the Rangers Service Club, Alpha Phi Omega, and was head varsity cheerleader. He was president of the Texas State Student Education Association, a member of the Teacher Education Council, and worked as a graduate assistant in the HSU Department of Education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1976, then remained at HSU to earn a master's degree in education in guidance counseling.

In 1985, he joined Edward Jones and Co., becoming the first Edward Jones financial advisor to open an office in Abilene. He served as an Edward Jones regional leader and has helped many others launch successful careers in the investment profession. In 2002, Powell was invited to become a partner with the Edward Jones Company. Today, he often travels around the country serving as mentor, coach, and motivational speaker.

Powell has served as president of the HSU Board of Young Associates and served as a member of the HSU Cowboy Club. He is also a lifetime member of the HSU Presidents Club.

Powell has twice been a member of the Board of Development and served nine years on the Board of Trustees. He was Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2007. In 2001 he and wife, Linda, received the John J. Keeter Award-the highest award HSU bestows on alumni. In 2011, Jud and Linda were awarded honorary doctorates from HSU with Jud receiving the Doctor of Law degree.

Jud and Linda attend First Baptist Church, Abilene, where Jud serves as a deacon. Jud and Linda's children are: Jerod and wife, Heather, Norfolk, VA; J.D. and wife, Rachael, Fredericksburg, TX; Brandon, Tempe, AZ; Jeron, Lewisville, TX; Johanna and husband, Jason, San Diego, CA; and Jacob, Abilene, TX.

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 209 acres. Seventy-nine percent of HSU's faculty members hold the highest degree in their field.

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