Henderson State University Athletics

Paul Hankins is receiving the Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to Henderson State University.
Upon graduation from Henderson State, the university hired Hankins to serve on the faculty as a counselor instructor. In 1978, he began his role as Associate Dean of Students, a position which allowed him to serve directly with campus student organizations. This included SGA, the Greek system, Red and Gray Line, Heart & Key, Miss HSU, and cheerleading. He would go on to serve as Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Services.
Hankins retired from Henderson in 2005 as the Vice-President for Student Services but returned in 2013 to work in the advancement office. He returned to HSU during a time of administrative transition to help insure that alumni had a familiar face on campus.
Calling it a "labor of love," Hankins planned and coordinated many successful events for HSU alumni during his tenure as coordinator. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of HSU’s alumni to reconnect and reengage the Reddie faithful.
Because of his long tenure at HSU, he knows many Reddies who attended the university from 1974-2005. As a testament to his impact, a scholarship was established in his honor. Over 110 people collectively gave more than $25,000 to the Paul E. Hankins Leadership Scholarship Endowment which will insure his legacy will endure in perpetuity on Henderson’s campus.
Affectionately known as "Mr. Reddie," Hankins was born in a home that would now sit on Henderson’s main campus. After serving in Vietnam, he returned to Henderson and earned a bachelor of science in education in 1972 as well as a master’s degree in social agency counseling in 1974.
In 2017 he received the Kathy Muse Award for volunteer service to the Henderson State Athletic Department.
Hankins personifies the best of the Reddie Spirit and his unwavering belief in Henderson has enriched the lives of countless students.