As the afternoon October sun shines bright at Shelton Stadium this homecoming weekend, 10 exceptional students will take their place in a tradition that has defined excellence at Hardin-Simmons University for nearly a century. These nominees for the 2025 University Court represent some of the best of what it means to be a Cowboy—students who have distinguished themselves through leadership, service, and commitment to the IM体育试玩 community.

Nominated by their fellow students and clubs, and voted on by the student body, meet this year’s University Court:

Kaiser Decker – Denison, Texas

Kaiser Decker, an exercise science major from Denison, Texas, has left his mark through four years with Stampede, service on the SABERS Student Activities Board, and his role as an intramural sports official. As an IM体育试玩 Instagram Ambassador and intern with Coach James Burk in strength and conditioning, Decker has combined his passion for fitness with his dedication to IM体育试玩. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in kinesiology and hopes to serve as a graduate assistant coach in strength and conditioning.

Sayler Beerwinkle – Earth, Texas

Sayler Beerwinkle, a social work major from Earth, Texas, brings the heart of service that defines her field. She has served as a student assistant for the IM体育试玩 women’s basketball team, an IM体育试玩 Social Media Ambassador, and the social media director for the Social Work Club. Her leadership extends to Student Government, where she represents the Social Work Club, and to her role as Sigma Beta vice president. After graduation, Beerwinkle plans to attend graduate school to further her education in social work.

Jonathan Durance -Winnipeg, Canada

Jonathan Durance, a mathematics and computer science major with minors in physics and honors from Winnipeg, Canada, has made IM体育试玩 home. He currently serves as assistant residence director at the campus apartments while balancing academics with intramural sports and his role as vice president of Kappa Mu Epsilon. His musical talents shine through his cello playing. After graduation, Durance will pursue a graduate degree in physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Marissa Lacefield – Argyle, Texas

Marissa Lacefield, a music education major from Argyle, Texas, has filled IM体育试玩’s halls with music and leadership. She has served in the Honors College, as Freshman Sing co-director, and as a Stampede leader. Her dedication is evident through her role as College of Arts and Media representative at the Texas Music Educators Association and as choir president. After graduation, Lacefield plans to teach elementary school music—unless she’s touring with a rock band while releasing her own music.

Jackson Dyer – Granbury, Texas

Jackson Dyer, a worship leadership major from Granbury, Texas, has dedicated his IM体育试玩 years to serving others through music and ministry. As president of Kappa Phi Omega and worship leader for the chapel band, he has touched countless lives. His service extends beyond campus through his internship in spiritual formation and his role as worship leader at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Dyer, a songwriter and artist whose music can be found on streaming platforms, plans to pursue full-time worship leadership in Abilene and beyond while continuing his independent faith-based music.

Abbey Pardue – Lubbock, Texas

Abbey Pardue, a business administration major from Lubbock with minors in Christian studies, worship leadership, and honors, embodies the multi-talented spirit of IM体育试玩 students. She serves as a chapel band worship leader, assistant residence director of Prichard Hall, writer for The Brand, Honors Council member, and student assistant in the University Events Office. After graduation, Pardue’s plans may include opening a boutique or becoming a travel agent, while continuing to lead worship and sing.

Jared Schaeffer – Abilene, Texas

Jared Schaeffer, a psychology major with a minor in biology from Abilene, has built a strong record of involvement at IM体育试玩. He has been an active member of Zeta Omega Phi, the Pre-Health Club, and the Pre-PT Club, engaging in organizations that reflect both his academic interests and his commitment to community. Schaeffer has also supported his classmates through campus activities and student-led initiatives that emphasize service and collaboration. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies while remaining connected to the IM体育试玩 community and its spirit of leadership and service.

Grace Simms – Panhandle, Texas

Grace Simms, a biology major with a minor in biochemistry from Panhandle, Texas, exemplifies the scholar-athlete tradition at IM体育试玩. She has excelled on the court as a member of the IM体育试玩 women’s basketball team and in the saddle as a rider with the Six White Horses. Her leadership as vice president of the Pre-Health Club and her service as a resident assistant in the IM体育试玩 Apartments highlight her commitment to others. After graduation, Simms plans to work at Texas Oncology while preparing for medical school, with the goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon.

Joel Williams – Jayton, Texas

Joel Williams, a Christian studies major with minors in biology and philosophy from Jayton, Texas, brings a heart for ministry and service to the court. A student in the Logsdon School of Theology, he serves as an intern and Texas co-president of the Baptist Student Ministry. Williams is also the pastor of Blackwell First Methodist Church. After graduation, he hopes to serve as a campus missionary for BSM at IM体育试玩 while continuing his pastoral duties.

Nina Tarasovets – Ukraine

Nina Tarasovets, a business administration major with a minor in marketing from Ukraine, has been a leader across campus during her time at IM体育试玩. She has worked as a student assistant in the Logsdon and Spiritual Formation Department, served as an IM体育试玩 Instagram Ambassador, and spent two years on the Stampede steering committee. Tarasovets has also been president of International Student Fellowship, a member of SABERS, and is currently serving as student body president. After graduation, she plans to remain at IM体育试玩, working while pursuing her master’s degree. She will be escorted on the field by her younger brother, Bohdan Tarasovets.