Sul Ross State University has received a $500,000 gift from the Hardeman Family Foundation to support its Presidential Plus Scholarship, expanding access to higher education for students across West Texas.
University officials said the scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing and meals for high school seniors nominated by leadership from 18 area school districts. The new funding is expected to strengthen the program’s long-term impact by reducing financial barriers and encouraging more students to enroll in college close to home.
The gift was made in memory of the Prude family of Jeff Davis County, longtime operators of Prude Ranch, a summer camp in the Davis Mountains known for youth development and outdoor programs. Members of the Hardeman family spent summers at the ranch, forming a connection that inspired the donation.
“This generous gift reflects both a deep love for West Texas and a belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said Carlos Hernandez, president of Sul Ross State. “By investing in the Presidential Plus Scholarship, the Hardeman Family Foundation is opening doors for students across our region while honoring a family whose impact on this community spans generations.”
The Hardeman family’s ties to the region date to the public service of Dorsey B. Hardeman, who was elected in 1946 to the Texas Senate representing a district that included Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties. University officials said those longstanding connections helped shape the family’s commitment to supporting education in West Texas.
More information about the scholarship program is available through Sul Ross State University.
