Alumni Spotlight: Kennie Nowlin
Jessyca Brown
Thursday, May 23, 2024 3:47 PM
Academics
Hillsboro, TX
Kennie Nowlin has been a part of the Hill College family since 1978. Raised on a farm in Bynum, Texas, he began taking classes at the college during his senior year of high school, where he would drive to Hillsboro for an 8 a.m. class three days a week. After graduating from Bynum High School, he continued his education at Hill College taking core classes before transferring to Texas A&M University. He graduated from A&M in 1982 with a degree in agricultural economics.
During his time at Hill College, Nowlin was on the Livestock Judging Team. “I really enjoyed the team trips for the judging contests. We had the opportunity to judge on the floor of the Astrodome in Houston, that was a big thing for me.
“There were so many teachers that made my experience at Hill College memorable. Mike Littrell and Jimmy Walker taught the ag classes. Jimmy is still there and is a friend. Alden Smith taught history and government; he was probably the most memorable. Judy Swearngen was my English teacher. She played a significant role in my success there. Bob Treadwell taught chemistry and Angie Vail taught business law.
“Joel Atkins and Bill Porter taught algebra and pre-calculus. Atkins was known as a no-nonsense teacher. On the first day of class, he started on chapter three of the textbook. One of the students in the class, a military veteran, said ‘wait a minute, sir, I paid for this class and I want to start on chapter one.’ That broke the ice and he kept Mr. Atkins in a good mood the whole semester,” said Nowlin.
After graduating from A&M, Nowlin returned to Hillsboro working for the First National Bank of Bynum. In 1983, he moved to the First Consolidated Bank in Rosebud, Texas, and then transferred back to the Hillsboro branch in 1985. He now works for Citizens National Bank in Hillsboro, where he has been for over 34 years.
In addition to his career at Citizens, Nowlin also serves as the president of Hill College’s Century Club, which serves as fundraising group for the college. Over the years, the Century Club has funded beautification and campus improvement projects, meaningful initiatives that have furthered the mission of Hill College to provide students with high quality, comprehensive educational programs and services.
“It is my hope to increase our membership so that the Century Club can make a bigger difference for the college, students, alumni, and all the visitors that we welcome on our campuses,” said Nowlin. “The Century Club provides vital funding for the college that could not happen without the support of our members.”
Nowlin credits his experience at Hill College for his success at A&M and in his career. “Hill College gave me the confidence to finish my degree and excel in college. It is a great asset to all the communities it serves. We are very lucky to have the main campus here in Hillsboro.”
Nowlin is married to Hill College alum Jennifer Folsom Nowlin, who is the manager at Hill County Title. She also serves on the Board of Regents for the college. They have two children, Liza and Jackson. During his spare time, he enjoys cooking, attending Aggie games, spending time on Lake Whitney, traveling, and volunteering with the Hillsboro Lions Club and Hill County Go Texan. Nowlin also serves on the Hillsboro Economic Development Board.
“For many years, I have been a proud member of the Century Club. Like so many of us, I am proud to have attended Hill College and now I am happy to not only lend my time to the Century Club but am a proud contributor to the club and all the good things it does to support the college,” said Nowlin. “There are so many projects we could support with more funds. Like everyone else involved with Hill College, the Century Club is there to support the students, programs, and staff.”
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Century Club, please contact Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Ashlee Ferguson at aferguson@hillcollege.edu or 254.659.7921.