BROWNWOOD – December 16, 2022 – Texas Baptists recently named Howard Payne University alumna Pat Hardy ’70 as one of nine recipients of Baptist Educators Serving Texans (B.E.S.T.) Award for 2022.
The B.E.S.T. Award is coordinated by the Office of Cooperative Program Ministries and annually recognizes Christian educators who live out their faith among their students and their alma maters. The award recipients are alumni representing one of the nine Texas Baptist universities, serve in faculty or administrative roles in the Texas public school system and are members of a church supportive of Texas Baptists.
Hardy received a bachelor’s degree from HPU in 1970 as a student in the university’s Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom honors program. She subsequently earned a master’s degree in secondary education and history from the University of North Texas. After graduating, she taught high school world history and world geography at Castleberry High School in Fort Worth for 30 years. In 2017, she retired as an instructional specialist in Weatherford Independent School District.
In November 2002, Hardy was elected to serve District 11 on the Texas State Board of Education. She was then re-elected in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2022. She currently serves on the board’s Permanent School Fund Committee, which manages the nation’s largest education endowment, having seen the fund grow from $17 billion to $53 billion during her tenure on the board. Hardy was active in her educational professional organizations, serving for many years as a teacher consultant with the National Geographic Society as well as an active member of the Texas Social Studies Supervisors Association among others. As an active member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, she participated for years in the Kids Hope mentorship program, weekly mentoring a student at George C. Clarke Elementary School.
Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, dean of HPU’s School of Education and professor of education, commented on Hardy’s life of service.
“It is exciting to see how God has used Ms. Hardy’s faithful service throughout her life,” said Dr. Clark-Goff. “Her legacy of excellence in teaching in Texas’ public schools is coupled with impactful leadership on the State Board of Education that daily influences students, families and education across Texas. Though many may not know her by name, they are blessed to experience her influence.”
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Cutline: Pat Hardy (right) was named a recipient of Texas Baptists’ Baptist Educators Serving Texans (B.E.S.T) Award. Pictured with Hardy is Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president.