UMHB Presents Kay Scroggins with Visionary Leadership Award

BELTON, Texas-The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) proudly presented Kay Scroggins of Temple with the prestigious John and Mary Hardin Visionary Leadership Award last night at the university's annual donor event. She received this recognition for her generosity to the university, her support of Christian education, and the extraordinary career she built from a UMHB nursing graduate to the founder of one of the nation's leading independent clinical research organizations.

Scroggins expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to UMHB students and future healthcare workers through scholarships and educational events at her alma mater. "It makes me feel very grateful," she said. "I love that people from Mary Hardin-Baylor can benefit, and that maybe some people who couldn't otherwise afford to go to school here can through scholarship programs. It's such an honor, and I'm just really lucky."

Scroggins earned her bachelor's degree in nursing in 1980 and began her career at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple as a research assistant in nursing education. Throughout her years as a nurse, she was drawn to the idea of improving how research was conducted and how patient data could better serve the greater good. After moving to San Antonio, her career steadily shifted toward clinical research, eventually leading her to a leadership role as director of clinical research.

With a vision to raise the standard of how studies were conducted, Scroggins took a leap of faith and launched Clinical Trials of Texas (CTT), Inc. Starting with nothing more than a one-paragraph business plan, Scroggins began the business as the sole employee.

Over time, CTT grew into one of the largest independent research sites in the country, powered by a dedicated team and a culture focused on developing people as much as business. After retiring and selling the business, Scroggins now returns to her alma mater to mentor other health students and professionals through events like the annual Kay Scroggins Healthcare Entrepreneur Summit, where she enjoys investing in future leaders and giving back to the institution where it all began.

"For Kay, leadership was not just about building a company; it was about building people, advancing healing, and creating a legacy that blesses others. By that definition, Kay Scroggins is one of the most successful leaders I know. Kay's commitment to Christian higher education is clearly reflected in her meaningful support of UMHB," Dr. Randy O'Rear, UMHB president, said last night. "Tonight, we celebrate Kay's success, her generosity, and her amazing heart for nursing faculty and students."

Scroggins felt honored to receive the award but attributes much of her success to the support and guidance she received from all her professors at UMHB, as well as the people she surrounded herself with in her business ventures. "When you're successful, it's not just you, typically - it's all the people who lift you up and support you. That's truly why I was successful and then had the funds to be able to contribute to UMHB. To have that recognized in the manner that it's been recognized here has been really humbling. Everybody is so nice and so gracious here, and so it's been a privilege, a big privilege."

John and Mary Hardin were prominent Texas philanthropists in the early 20^th century. Their generosity supported several Christian universities, including UMHB, especially during the Great Depression, when staying open was not a certainty. They gave a $675,000 gift in 1934 to save the school, which would be equivalent to $16 million today. This gift was transformational for the college and is the reason the school's name was changed to Mary Hardin-Baylor College.