2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Recipients

Hardin-Simmons University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. This prestigious honor recognizes graduates who have demonstrated exceptional distinction within their chosen fields or have made extraordinary contributions to the world. The recipients serve as an inspiration to current and future HSU students, embodying the university’s core values of faith, leadership, and service.

The recipients were honored in front of their family and friends at the annual OYA Banquet, hosted by the HSU Board of Young Associates (BYA) on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The 2025 honorees are:

• Dr. Amanda (LaRue) Andrews ’05 – Athletic Trainer and educator dedicated to sports medicine and student mentorship.
• Mr. Roy Juarez Jr. ’09 – Inspirational speaker, advocate, and author committed to empowering homeless youth and underserved communities.
• Dr. John Whitten ’07/’11 – Senior Pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church and a transformative leader in the Abilene faith community.

“The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and service,” said Connor West ’14, BYA President-Elect (2024-2025). “It honors graduates who have not only achieved remarkable success in their careers but have also exemplified the core values of Hardin-Simmons University—faith, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. By recognizing these individuals, we hope to inspire current and future students to pursue their passions with purpose and perseverance, knowing that their impact can extend far beyond the walls of HSU.”

Nathan Lowry ’09, BYA President (2024-2025), echoed these sentiments: “The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is a powerful testament to the lives of those who receive it and to the impact HSU graduates are making in their professions and communities. Honoring these young alumni not only highlights their achievements but also inspires current and future students to pursue their own paths of significance with confidence and purpose while obtaining an education enlightened by Christian faith and values.”

About the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Honorees

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.’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 is a devoted pastor, educator, and servant leader who has dedicated his life to sharing Christ’s love through ministry, teaching, and service. His unwavering faith and commitment to leadership reflect the highest values of Hardin-Simmons University, making him a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

A 2007 HSU graduate with a BBA in Management, John was an outstanding student leader, serving as President of Kappa Phi Omega and earning honors such as Homecoming King and Mr. Bronco. His passion for ministry was evident through leadership roles in the Baptist Student Ministry and Christian Association of Student Leaders. He earned a Master of Divinity from Logsdon Seminary in 2011 and a Doctor of Ministry from Truett Seminary in 2018.

For two decades, John has faithfully served Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, progressing from intern to Senior Pastor. His tenure has been marked by significant growth, including leading post-pandemic revitalization, overseeing a $4.7 million renovation, and launching the visionary Next 70 master plan. He also contributes to theological education as an adjunct professor at Truett Seminary and his influence extends to denominational leadership through his service with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist Standard Publishing Company.

John lives in Abilene with his wife, Elya ’07/’10, and their four children.

About the Outstanding Young Alumni Award

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is presented annually by the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Young Associates. Recipients must have graduated within the past 20 years and be under the age of 45 at the time of their selection. The award recognizes individuals who have attained significant achievement in their careers or contributed meaningful service to society while reflecting the values and caliber of an HSU education.

For more information about the Board of Young Associates or the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, click here. To nominate an HSU Alumni for an award, click here.