Wall of Heroes 2026
Marjorie Bird
"Mrs. Bird taught me General Chemistry, and she was such a good teacher, I changed my major! She instilled in me a love of the discipline, and through her influence, I went on to get a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. I am currently a professor; I love my job, and to this day, I model how I structure my classes after hers. She remains my inspiration, and one of the finest teachers I've ever had."
- Jemima Ingle
Dr. Danny Brunette-López
"Dr. Brunette-López was always one of the most friendly and encouraging professors while I attended HPU. His love for the Lord and for helping students grow and learn, while challenging us to push ourselves, was an inspiration. Dr. Brunette-López was a pleasure to have as my Spanish professor!"
- Isaac Sommers
Dr. Dave Claborn
"I will never forget Dr. Claborn's kind words of encouragement in the midst of my hardest semester. I did not need to mention anything to him, but he had invested in me enough to know that I was struggling. It is clear that he is both passionate about learning (which is infectious) and about his students' success. He is a blessing to have at HPU!"
- Charles Lewis
Dr. Bill Fowler
"His office door was always open. He was a mentor, professor and friend. When I was homecoming queen he walked me on the field because my dad was all the way in FL and couldn't be there. A Godly, encouraging man of faith with a legacy!"
- Robin Forman
Dr. Harold Havard
"Dr. Havard was my professor. He set up my interview with Richardson ISD. We reconnected later in Richardson."
- Minetta Smith
Dr. Glenn Hopp
"My classes with Dr. Hopp are some of my absolute favorite memories of Howard Payne. I loved every minute of them. He is a gifted instructor and is especially skilled in generating thoughtful and engaging discussions. Lucky are those who get to take his Shakespeare class or talk with him about Billy Wilder! He inspires my teaching to this day, and I am so pleased whenever our paths cross. I'm proud to call him a friend!"
- Jemima Ingle
Kim Rosato
"Kim Rosato is my HPU hero because she was so much more than an advisor; she was a mentor who shaped both my education and my life. She consistently pointed me back to what matters most, leading me to keep Christ at the center in everything I do. Her guidance, wisdom, and example have had a lasting impact on who I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the way she invested in me."
- Rachel Moore
Gen. Terry Scott
"I had the privilege of meeting, studying under, and spending a little time with one of the greatest and humblest heroes I will ever meet in my life. Forever grateful."
- Ivy Nichols
Jack Shaw
“Jack Shaw helped me see leadership in myself when I couldn't see it on my own. His encouragement inspired confidence within me. His wisdom always led me back to the right question—what is God saying and how is He leading in this moment? Jack loved people the way God loves people--unconditionally, and he showed me that honoring others includes honoring myself, even down to presenting myself with excellence. His influence shaped not only how I lead, but how I live.”
- Dale Meinecke
