BROWNWOOD – March 4, 2022 – Howard Payne University recently hosted a Sumners Foundation Social for current and prospective HPU students interested in the Sumners Scholar program. The event, which took place during a Yellow Jacket Preview event on January 17, was arranged by HPU’s Office of Institutional Advancement and Office of Admissions in conjunction with the Sumners Foundation.
During the social, students heard from Leesa Stephens ’80, executive director of Good Samaritan Ministries in Brownwood, who shared about her time as an HPU student and a Sumners Scholar. More than 60 freshmen, sophomores and prospective students were in attendance and had the opportunity to talk with current HPU Sumner Scholars.
“We had an outstanding number of current and prospective students interested in the Sumners Scholarship Program in attendance,” shared Dr. Shannon Sims, director of development. “Leesa provided excellent reflections on her experience as a Sumners Scholar and how it prepared her for her career and civic engagement. Overall, it was a successful event and we look forward to more opportunities to highlight this program in the future.”
Acceptance into the Sumners Scholar Program, created by the Sumners Foundation, is based on an assessment of academic excellence, a sense of civic responsibility and leadership potential. Each year, four sophomore-level students are selected for the competitive four-semester program after an in-depth application and interview process by the trustees of the Sumners Foundation. Students of any major whose career aspirations align with the program are eligible for consideration. The Sumners Foundation provides a $7,500-per-semester scholarship for its participating students to be used for tuition, fees, books or room and board.
Sumners Scholars are also provided with opportunities to attend annual leadership and policy analysis conferences to supplement their learning and expand their growth potential. While receiving the scholarship, students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the university.
For more information on the Sumners Scholar program, contact Dr. Sims at ssims@hputx.edu or visit www.sumnersfoundation.org or www.hputx.edu/sumners-scholarship.
Applications for admission to HPU for the fall 2022 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or enroll@hputx.edu.
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Cutline #1: Leesa Stephens, Howard Payne University alumna and former Sumners Scholar, shares with students at the university’s recent Sumners Foundation Social.
Cutline #2: Monica Garza, current HPU student and Sumners Scholar, visits with other students about the opportunities available through the Sumners Scholar program.