A Different Path

For nontraditional student Eric O’Quin, the road to Howard Payne University wasn’t straightforward. By the time he began classes at HPU, O’Quin already had an education, a career and a family. Though his path may look different from many of his classmates, it led him to the same place.

Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, O’Quin moved to Cisco when he was 10. In 2021, he and his wife, Ashley, moved to Brownwood with their sons Matthew, Jordan, Jacob and Jesse. Ashley works in HPU’s Walker Memorial Library as the government document specialist and technical services assistant, and was the first to encourage him to begin his journey at HPU.

“My wife has always been the biggest supporter of my dreams,” said O’Quin. “When I decided to go down a different path, she told me to go for it!”

Before his time at HPU, O’Quin earned a degree in culinary arts and spent the first part of his career working in the food industry, including working as an executive chef for several years. He currently serves in the local food industry. Wanting to expand his education, O’Quin began looking at online programs and decided to pursue the field of psychology. He spent a few semesters studying online before transferring to HPU.

O’Quin is a junior majoring in counseling and clinical psychology. His favorite part about HPU has been attending his classes and interacting with his classmates. One class that he particularly enjoys is Marriage and the Family, taught by Dr. Jim Wunderle, assistant professor of psychology and department chair.

“I enjoy the balance Dr. Wunderle brings to the class- room setting,” O’Quin said. “He is very interactive with his students, and I like the way he does his lectures. I learn best by being involved in the process, instead of just listening to
someone speak.”

Dr. Wunderle is grateful for O’Quin and the wisdom he brings to their class discussions.

“Eric is a joy to have in class,” said Dr. Wunderle. “He has such insight and maturity and life experience. He has something that I don’t see in very many students, and it’s that he has a thirst for learning. He sits on the front row, and you can tell he’s engaged every minute. He’s truly engaged and hungry to grow.”

After becoming a licensed clinical professional counselor, he plans to earn a master’s degree in psychology and the credentials to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

“I have always been fascinated with people and how they see themselves and others,” he said. “My time as a foster parent has
shown me the need for counseling, especially in the family unit.”

Dr. Wunderle has enjoyed watching O’Quin’s life experience combine with his educational experiences at HPU.

“That’s sort of the golden combination – experience and education,” said Dr. Wunderle. “He has the experience, and now he’s getting the education.”