What I love about HPU
By Brienna Williams, HPU senior
My Howard Payne experience is unique compared to most students. I didn’t begin college at HPU and never expected to graduate from HPU. I transferred to Howard Payne in the fall of 2019, the beginning of my junior year, after marrying the love of my life, Eli Williams, earlier that summer. He was entering the final semester of his senior year at Howard Payne, so it just made sense for me to transfer to HPU and it has proven to be nothing short of God’s grace.
I began to fall in love with Howard Payne before I was even a student, as I visited campus and met students, faculty and staff through Spring Sing, attended Day 1 and even sat in on several of Eli’s classes. My great aunt and uncle attended Howard Payne and I grew up hearing them rave about and tell stories of their college days, but it wasn’t until I began my time at Howard Payne that I understood their resounding passion for myself.
Howard Payne is a place where students are welcomed and known, opportunities abound, intentionality is present and the truth is taught. Even before I stepped on campus I was welcomed with open arms. My admission counselor, who also happened to be my father-in-law [David Williams ’05], was so helpful in the entireprocess of applying and becoming accepted, and he even went above and beyond to help me set up classes and apply for financial aid. I felt extremely known when I discovered that the entire admissions staff were praying over me and the other incoming students by name.
As a strategic communication major, I have had the opportunity to be on staff for the student newspaper, The Yellow Jacket, as well as hold several social media internship positions for departments across campus. I also had the opportunity to travel overseas on a short-term mission trip through a Christian Education class, attend several amazing conferences such as Micah 6:8 and Youth Ministry Institute and become connected with the local Brownwood community through internship opportunities with local businesses.
"God is truly using the intentionality and mission of Howard Payne to make disciples of Jesus."
There aren’t many places where you have the opportunity to know faculty and staff members on a personal basis. There’s even less of a chance that those faculty and staff members know you and desire to have intentional relationships with you. I have formed so many special and lasting relationships with my professors who have truly become friends and mentors in my life. Dr. Rusty Wheelington, a professor who has been extremely influential in the formation of both my and my husband’s faith, even agreed to do our premarital counseling and has continued to mentor and encourage us in our marriage ever since.
Howard Payne clings tightly to the truth of the Gospel. It is an evident foundation for everything that the university does. I love this most about the university. My faith has been challenged in so many ways during my time at HPU. As a result, I have grown in my love and knowledge of Jesus and come to a clear understanding of my life purpose as a follower of Jesus. Professors challenge, push and exhort their students. God is truly using the intentionality and mission of Howard Payne to make disciples of Jesus. I am so thankful to God for His work in and through Howard Payne and His grace in giving me the opportunity to be a part of it all. For Howard Payne my all. Sting ’em!
Photo #1: Brienna and fellow HPU students Caleb Callaway and Haylee Maddox ’20 deliver care packages as part of departmental outreach into the community.
Photo #2: Brienna celebrates with her husband, Eli ’19, upon his graduation from HPU.
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