BROWNWOOD – April 30, 2026 – Howard Payne University recently recognized members of faculty and staff at an annual personnel luncheon held on campus.
Wendy Grooms, associate professor of mathematics, received the Outstanding Faculty Member Award. Jayla Devery, student accounts coordinator, received the Outstanding Staff Member Award. The outstanding faculty and staff awards are made possible by Underwood’s Cafeteria and BKCW Insurance Agency, respectively.
A new award, the Faculty Recruitment Impact Award, was presented to Dr. Jim Wunderle, assistant professor of psychology and department chair.
HPU’s Grounds Crew received the Department of the Year Award. Members of the team are Rex Alexander, part-time groundskeeper; James (JC) Churchill, groundskeeper; Aaron Diaz, grounds supervisor; Garett Drummond, groundskeeper; Allen Fisher, groundskeeper; and Tracy Hull, groundskeeper.
Certificates recognizing excellence in teaching were presented to Dr. Jon Kraemer, assistant professor of music and director of bands; and Dr. Nancy Romig, associate professor of English.
Certificates recognizing excellence in service were presented to Sareta Delgado, copy center and mailroom coordinator; and Karen LaQuey, director of student financial aid.
Special plaques commemorating retirement and years of service to the university were presented to Chuck Boland, professor of accounting and chair of the department; Marcie Drew, controller; Dr. Jim Finch, professor of business administration; Yvonne Lundy, data management and analytics coordinator; and Dr. Denny Megarity, assistant professor of chemistry.
The following personnel also received awards representing a collective 385 years of service to HPU:
Forty-five years of service – Cheryl Mangrum, associate director of admissions
Thirty years of service – Kyle Mize, assistant vice president for university communications and senior editor; and Dr. José Romero, professor of mathematics and department chair
Twenty years of service – P.J. Gramling, director of parent and family engagement; and Dr. Matthew McNiece, professor of history, department chair and director of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy
Fifteen years of service – Dr. Danny Brunette-López, professor of Spanish and department chair; Jonathan Burcham, general maintenance; Jayla Devery, student account coordinator; Allen Fisher, groundskeeper; Dora Larrea, facilities office administrator; Dr. Dale Meinecke, vice president of advancement; and Larry Walls, athletic trainer
Ten years of service – Brandon Badgeley, head women’s soccer coach; Nadir Dalleh, head men’s basketball coach; Dr. Gregory Hatlestad, associate professor of biology; Sarah Langford, assistant professor of mathematics; Dr. Christopher Rosborough, associate professor of music and department chair; Juanita Sanchez, custodian; and Dr. Laci Sutton, assistant professor of nursing and dean of the School of Nursing
Five years of service – Martha Treviño-Brunette, NATCEP director and university nurse; Caleb Callaway, resident director of Jennings Hall and chapel co-coordinator; Wes Carroll, director of university and media services; Aaron Diaz, grounds supervisor; Victoria Henry, custodian; Brenden Hough, assistant director of admission; Cory Langford, E-Sports coordinator; Gigi Magee, executive assistant to the vice president for development; Brandon Mair, general maintenance; Dr. Nathan Penland, vice president for student experience; Nicole Rivera, transfer admission counselor; Will Snyder, assistant football coach; and Jordan Villanueva, instructor of Christian studies
###
Cutline 1: Wendy Grooms was named the recipient of HPU’s Outstanding Faculty Member Award. Pictured from left to right are Leo Underwood and Lisa Underwood, representing Underwood’s Cafeteria; Wendy Grooms; and Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president.
Cutline 2: Jayla Devery (center) received HPU’s Outstanding Staff Member Award. She is pictured with Dr. Cory Hines (left) and Tanner Spears of BKCW Insurance Agency (right).
Cutline 3: The Grounds Crew received the Department of the Year Award. Pictured from left to right are Tracy Hull, Allen Fisher, Garett Drummond, James (JC) Churchill, Rex Alexander and Aaron Diaz.