McCombs Enterprises, founded by legendary businessman Red McCombs, has acquired Hardin House, a private, all-female student dormitory near The University of Texas at Austin.
Hardin House and McCombs both have a long association with The University of Texas at Austin. Starting in 1937, Hardin House has provided room and board to a small group of collegiate young women in a family-like atmosphere. Today, Hardin House continues the same mission in the heart of West Campus.
Known for his entrepreneurial acumen and philanthropy, Red McCombs has long supported The University of Texas at Austin. In 2000, the University’s business school was renamed the McCombs School of Business, after McCombs gave the school its largest donation in history. McCombs also made the largest donation ever to women’s athletics, funding Red & Charline McCombs Field, still home of the Texas Longhorns Women’s Softball team. The Red Zone, located within the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, is also named for McCombs and provides fans with a unique, state-of-the-art area to enjoy the best atmosphere in college football.
Day-to-day management of Hardin House and the care of its residents continues uninterrupted under McCombs Enterprises’ ownership. “We respect the traditions at Hardin House and intend to honor its heritage as we plan for an even brighter future,” said Joseph Shields, Red’s grandson, Texas alumnus, and executive vice president of McCombs Enterprises. “There is a strong sense of community and tradition passed down through the generations of legacy residents.” Shields added, “We view ourselves as stewards, charged with shepherding Hardin for decades to come.”