Monthly News Archives: June 2015

HPU’s Fishback promoted to associate vice president for business and human resources

Bill Fishback for web BROWNWOOD – June 30, 2015 – Howard Payne University announced today the promotion of Bill Fishback from assistant vice president for business and human resources to associate vice president for business and human resources. Fishback was also named interim chief financial officer and will join HPU’s executive team as a member of the university’s Administrative Council.

Fishback came to HPU in 1992 as chief financial officer and has overseen areas in advancement and administration. He is a part of HPU’s Staff Council which began under his leadership as chair in 2010. The council plays a vital role in advancing the exchange of information between the university’s staff members. He also recently managed the renovations of HPU’s Mabee University Center, a project which came in under budget and on time.

“We are proud of Bill’s numerous accomplishments at HPU,” said Dr. Bill Ellis, president. “He has served the university faithfully and we are pleased that he has accepted this new role on campus.”

Fishback graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management from Texas Tech University. He and his wife, Cecil, a speech/language pathologist at Comanche Special Services SSA, have two adult sons, Chase and Chris.

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Photo cutline: HPU’s Bill Fishback was recently promoted to associate vice president for business and human resources.

Deadline nearing for HPU’s Summer Scholars and Young Scholars day camps

BROWNWOOD – June 26, 2015 – Registration for Howard Payne University’s annual Summer Scholars and Young Scholars day camps will end Monday, July 6. The camps, which provide educational and fun activities for students entering first through sixth grades, will take place July 13 through 17 from 9 a.m. to noon each day.

This year’s theme is “Energy Wars,” with a focus on energy conservation, including light bulbs, wind, electricity, oil, gas and water.

Summer Scholars, for students entering fourth through sixth grades, will have classes in robotics, 3-D printing, science and physical education. For students entering first through third grades, Young Scholars will have classes in robotics, science, music and physical education.

Cost is $100 per child and includes tuition, supplies, a daily snack and a t-shirt. Parents may register and pay online at www.hputx.edu/summerandyoungscholars. All classes will take place at HPU’s Newman Hall located at the corner of Coggin and Austin Avenues in Brownwood.

“Spaces are filling fast, so we encourage those interested to register soon,” said Dr. Julie Welker, director of the programs, professor of communication and chair of HPU’s Department of Communication Studies.

For more information, visit the website listed above or contact Dr. Welker by phone at (325) 649-8508 or by e-mail at jwelker@hputx.edu.

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HPU alumna Dr. Henrietta Grooms honored by Tyler ISD

BROWNWOOD – June 26, 2015 – Dr. Henrietta Grooms, a Howard Payne University alumna and professional educator for 37 years, was recently honored by the Tyler Independent School District. The ISD named career pathway wings in its new Career and Technology Center in recognition of three educators, including Dr. Grooms.

Dr. Grooms received both her Bachelor of Music Education (1956) and Master of Education (1958) degrees from HPU before earning a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Georgia in 1967.

A plaque recognizing her achievements states the wing is “named in honor of her innovative leadership as a lifetime educator and volunteer.”

The plaque goes on to state that Dr. Grooms has impacted thousands of students within Tyler ISD and the community through her roles as teacher, principal, central administrator, consultant for the Texas Education Agency and volunteer. Since retiring as assistant superintendent for instruction, she continues to influence students in the community through volunteer work with the Literacy Council of Tyler and The Salvation Army.

In 1992, she was presented the Distinguished Graduate award from HPU’s School of Education and she received HPU’s Medal of Service award during the university’s Homecoming festivities in 1997. Her husband, Dr. Randall Grooms, is a former member of HPU’s Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Grooms is indeed a living testimony of exactly what the School of Education at Howard Payne University strives to accomplish – producing the very best prepared Christian educators for service in the public schools of Texas,” said Dr. Michael Rosato, dean of HPU’s School of Education. “It is both exciting and encouraging to see her obedience to God’s call on her life and how He has continued to use her through many distinguished years of service. We celebrate with Dr. Grooms for this wonderful recognition which she so rightly deserves.”

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Photo cutline: HPU alumna Dr. Henrietta Grooms was among three educators recently honored by Tyler ISD. She is pictured during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ISD’s new Career and Technology Center.

HPU’s Psi Chi inducts 17 new members

Psi Chi induction spring 2015 for web BROWNWOOD – June 12, 2015 – Howard Payne University’s chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society inducted 17 new members at the close of the spring 2015 semester.

The purpose of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship of its individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology.

This year’s inductees included Nick Bennie of Brownwood, Brittany Davis of Red Oak, Allison Eaton of Briggs, Amanda Gober of Brownwood, Angelica Gray of San Antonio, Victoria Hardin of Bangs, Heather Hildebrand of Big Spring, Kelsey Johnson of Goldthwaite, Taryn Massey of Abilene, Erin McLeod of Eufaula, Okla., Shay Pate of Red Oak, Amy Segura of Brownwood, Kristian Simpson of Burnet, Gage Smith of Gardendale, Katie Straach of Coleman, Tate Sullivan of Fredericksburg and Stephanie Upfold of Brownwood.

“It is a privilege to have so many excellent students join us,” said adviser Dr. Jennifer Clement, assistant professor of psychology. “We are so proud of them.”

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Photo cutline: Seventeen HPU students were inducted into Psi Chi during the 2014-2015 academic year. Back row, left to right: Gage Smith, Allison Eaton, Angelica Gray, Amy Segura, Amanda Gober and Taryn Massey. Center row, left to right: Tate Sullivan, Kristian Simpson, Nick Bennie, Kelsey Johnson and Heather Hildebrand. Front row, left to right: Erin McLeod, Victoria Hardin and Katie Straach. Not pictured: Brittany Davis, Shay Pate and Stephanie Upfold.

Howard Payne DPS assists LCU’s security force with upgrade

smith and lilly for web BROWNWOOD – June 12, 2015 – Members of Howard Payne University’s Department of Public Safety recently traveled to West Texas for an Oath of Office Ceremony at Lubbock Christian University, during which LCU swore in its first university police chief. HPU’s DPS assisted LCU as the campus upgraded its security force to become a university Department of Public Safety, a state-licensed agency comprised of both commissioned police officers and non-commissioned public safety officers.

As HPU completed the same transition in August 2012, the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement suggested LCU officials contact Dr. Paul Lilly, chief of HPU’s DPS, for guidance.

Dr. Lilly consulted with Mike Smith, chief of LCU’s DPS, many times throughout the process.

“Chief Smith contacted me early last year and requested to travel to the campus and view our operations first hand,” said Dr. Lilly. “He also requested copies of the HPU DPS General Orders and Policies and Procedures to use as a model policy for LCU.”

HPU’s DPS will again lend its guidance this summer as the campus police at Concordia University Texas in Austin restructure their department. Chief H.E. Jenkins, Concordia’s director of police, toured HPU’s DPS in June.

“We are very honored to aid other universities in the creation and/or restructuring of their agencies to better serve their university populations,” said Dr. Lilly.

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Photo cutline: Dr. Paul Lilly (right), chief of HPU’s DPS, is pictured with Mike Smith, LCU’s newly sworn-in chief of police.

HPU’s Kappa Delta Pi honor society adds 28 new members

BROWNWOOD – June 12, 2015 – Howard Payne University’s School of Education inducted 28 members into the university’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education, at the close of the spring 2015 semester.

Kappa Delta Pi was founded in 1911 and there are now more than 600 chapters and 1.2 million active members worldwide. The organization was one of the first content-specific honor societies to be chartered.

In addition to maintaining high academic standards, the HPU students inducted this year are active in many parts of campus life including student leadership, athletics and various organizations.

Inductees included Blake Arbogast of Burkburnett, Olivia Belsher of Ferris, Shelby Byrd of Brownwood, Melanie Clark of Early, James Crow of Brownwood, Presley Davila of Brownwood, Patrick Dillard of Mesquite, Nicole Hamilton of Nocona, Julie Hart of Goldthwaite, AJ Hettler of San Antonio, Jennifer Hilla of Lampasas, Micah Huebner of Brazoria, Molly Hull of Brownwood, Ruby Johnson of Alvarado, Allison Mantell of Kennedale, Rebecca McFarland of May, Joanne Melton of Early, Janakay Oliver of Goldthwaite, Rachel Parks of Brownwood, Cathryn Rasbury of Cisco, Lorien Rubio of San Juan, Mason Samsel of Liberty Hill, Katie Straach of Coleman, Jaime Swanner of Gorman, Kaitlin Vernon of Bangs, Hannah Williamson of Fort Worth, Sharon Wolverton of Lampasas and Tolli Wylie of Godley.

“Students inducted into Kappa Delta Pi display strong work ethics and good character in and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Michael Rosato, dean of HPU’s School of Education. “We’re very proud of these students and the commitments they’ve made to serving others specifically through the field of education.”

HPU class assists City of Brownwood with 10-year master plan survey

By Chandler Condra, HPU senior

BROWNWOOD – June 11, 2015 – Nine Howard Payne University students recently presented their findings of a semester-long project to Brownwood City Council. Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Kelley, assistant professor of organizational psychology, the students accepted a consulting project for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to create, market and implement a survey polling the opinion of local residents on Brownwood parks.

org class for web The proposition of consulting Brownwood on a city project was brought to Emily Crawford, then executive director of Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, in August by Dr. Kelley.

“Students learn best when they apply their knowledge to an actual project and what better place to do so than the marketplace of business and government?” said Dr. Kelley. “We did this project so students could learn from doing and not just from reading.”

After a period of review and consideration, Crawford had the project in mind and prepared a request for proposal for the students of Dr. Kelley’s organization behavior class. After evaluating the request for proposal during the first class period of spring, the students were given the option to accept or refuse the project opportunity.

“It’s important that students decided on their own whether or not they want to accept a project because with ownership comes personal responsibility and motivation,” said Dr. Kelley.

The students agreed to the project and submitted their proposal to the city. Once the proposal was accepted, the students began drafting the hard copy and digital formats of the survey. Public awareness was raised through posters hung at local parks and businesses, a local texting service and even Facebook advertisements. Additionally, Dr. Kelley and class participant Victoria Krawczynski, a May graduate from San Antonio, promoted the project on local radio stations. The survey was available from late-February to early-April and received a total of 1,118 responses, compared to the city’s last Parks and Recreation Department survey which yielded about 300 responses.

“We had students interacting directly with the client and other students taking team leads based on their own strengths,” said Dr. Kelley. “One student, Chandler Condra (senior from Fredericksburg), took the initiative to be the media relations lead, of which he already had extensive knowledge from his collegiate experience. I enjoyed that because he brought forward ideas, such as Facebook ads and a local text service, which gave us an enormous amount of respondents and helped culminate in the success of the project.”

The organization behavior class tasked with the project was studying human behavior in organizations with emphasis on motivation, communication and leadership.

“Learning how to work with others in engaging in a consulting project truly is about teamwork, relationships and motivation,” said Dr. Kelley. “I tried to stand back as much as possible and let the students succeed on their own and learn through personal experience.”

Summer King, a senior from Brownwood, was one of the student project managers and also served as liaison between City Council and the team. She believes the project was an invaluable experience.

“Doing this project was exciting because it allowed our class to gain real-world experience,” said King.

Additional class participants included Brittany Cavness, a May graduate from Lampasas; Burke Edwards, a May graduate from Plano; the late Kellee Greenwood from Brownwood; Adam Lloyd, a senior from Brownwood; Kelcie Lloyd, a senior from Brownwood; Natali Maldonado, a May graduate from Brownwood; and Sean Locker, a May graduate from North Richland Hills.

Once the survey was completed, the data was collated and presented to City Council. According to the results, Brownwood residents prefer Coggin and Riverside Parks to others and believe that parks can be improved by adding walking trails, swimming locations and more lights at existing parks.

The information gleaned from the survey will be instrumental in developing the city’s new 10-year master plan, which aids fund appropriation from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. City Council subsequently approved the acceptance of a $200,000 grant from the TPWD. Dr. Kelley believes this result fulfills the mission of HPU.

“As a Christian university, it is our responsibility and privilege to be active in our community,” said Dr. Kelley. “Our students need to avail themselves to service. That forwards our Christian mission and demonstrates that our students are not just here to learn but to serve.”

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Photo cutline: Nine HPU students recently assisted the City of Brownwood’s Parks and Recreation Department with a semester-long project. The students and Dr. Kevin Kelley (standing in back) are pictured at City Hall. Left to right: Adam Lloyd, Kelcie Lloyd, Brittany Cavness, Victoria Krawczynski, Kellee Greenwood, Summer King, Burke Edwards, Sean Locker and Chandler Condra.

HPU graduates 133 at the close of the spring 2015 semester

spring 2015 commencement for web BROWNWOOD – June 11, 2015 – Howard Payne University graduated 133 students during the university’s Commencement exercises at the close of the spring 2015 semester. Dr. Bill Ellis, university president, and other university representatives conferred the degrees.

Students must have a 3.55-3.69 grade-point average to graduate Cum Laude, a 3.70-3.84 GPA to graduate Magna Cum Laude and a 3.85-4.0 GPA to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

Graduates included:

Abilene
Taryn Tynille Massey – Bachelor of Science in psychology
Ryan Cade Smith – Bachelor of Science in biology, Cum Laude

Anderson
James David Timm – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (physical education)

Anton
Larissa K. Lynskey – Bachelor of Science in biology, Summa Cum Laude

Arlington
Samuel Storm Marich-Edwan – Bachelor of Arts in practical theology, Cum Laude

Athens
Brennan C. Johnson – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in business administration

Austin
Shane M. Kendell – Master of Education in instructional leadership

Bangs
Kaitlin Nicole Vernon – Bachelor of Arts in history (high school: grade 8-grade 12 certification), Cum Laude

Bertram
Conner Trent Fisher – Bachelor of Science in biology, Cum Laude
Katherine Joyce Licce – Bachelor of Music in music – instrumental (all-level certification), Magna Cum Laude

Big Spring
Ethan Michael Yeats – Bachelor of Music in music – instrumental (all-level certification), Summa Cum Laude

Blanket
Trevor Christopher Ray – Bachelor of Science in business administration
Cullan Ross Tidwell – Bachelor of Science in biology, Magna Cum Laude

Briggs
Allison Victoria Eaton – Bachelor of Science in psychology, Cum Laude

Brownwood
Allyson Nicole Adams – Bachelor of Science in athletic training
Michael Gene Bannister – Bachelor of Science in computer information systems, Summa Cum Laude
Susan Lynn Baugh – Master of Education in instructional leadership
Nicholas Calvin Bennie – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy and psychology (counseling/clinical), Cum Laude
Melissa R. Bernal – Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Joan Davina Burks – Bachelor of Science in athletic training
Shelby Nicole Byrd – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)
Crystal Faith Carter – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in criminal justice
Chasity Dawn Cartwright – Bachelor of Arts in English language arts and reading (high school: grade 8-12), Magna Cum Laude
Dustin Jayme Crager – Bachelor of Music in music – instrumental (all-level certification), Magna Cum Laude
Sarah Ashley Crager – Bachelor of Music in music – choral (all-level certification), Cum Laude
Stephanie Baldwin Ddughdhnemimnier – Master of Business Administration in business administration
Raymundo Delgado – Bachelor of Science in business administration
Tyler Beau Dixon – Bachelor of Arts in history
Ethan Lynn Fisher – Master of Business Administration in business administration
Justin Allen Fisher – Bachelor of Science in chemistry (biochemistry concentration), Summa Cum Laude
Amanda Carlie Gober – Bachelor of Science in psychology (family psychology), Cum Laude
Aaron Albert Gomez – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (personal trainer)
Meagan Elizabeth Hall – Bachelor of Arts in English, Summa Cum Laude
Kalin Alana Hanna – Bachelor of Business Administration in management
Michael Jeffrey Harmon – Bachelor of Arts in studio art, Magna Cum Laude
Matthew James Hazelwood – Bachelor of Music in music – church music (vocal)
Amelia M. Iafrate – Bachelor of Science in psychology
Megan Michele Irwin – Bachelor of Music in music – instrumental (all-level certification), Cum Laude
Leslie Gerald King – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in general studies
Natali Monique Maldonado – Bachelor of Business Administration in management
Kensey Dena Martinez – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)
Shauntel Charity McGlothin – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)
Gavin James Middleton – Bachelor of Science in criminal justice
Justin Shane Moore – Bachelor of Science in biology
Kristin Maike Musgrove – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in general studies
Larisa Nicole Salazar – Bachelor of Science in biology
Stormy San Miguel – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting
Taylor McKay Snow – Bachelor of Science in family studies
Shandi Denise Winstead – Bachelor of Science in communication (public and media communication)
Joshua Blain Woods – Bachelor of Arts in youth ministry, Magna Cum Laude
Dustin Eugene Wright – Bachelor of Arts in youth ministry

Burkburnett
Blake Tyler Arbogast – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (all-level certification)

Canton, Ga.
Elizabeth Anne Perez – Master of Education in instructional leadership

Cedar Park
Ethan Zachary West – Bachelor of Science in the Honors Academy, political science/prelaw and business administration, Magna Cum Laude

Copperas Cove
Anthony Dane Bryant – Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice

Corpus Christi
Marcos Jeffrey Corley – Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice

Cypress
Carl Jacob Bromley – Bachelor of Arts in biblical languages

Deer Park
Shelby Renee Bridges – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in criminal justice

Duncanville
Clarissa Leigh Toler – Bachelor of Arts in Bible, Cum Laude

Early
Jacqueline Rose Ebarb – Master of Business Administration in business administration
Dacia D’Shea Griffin – Bachelor of Science in biology, Summa Cum Laude
Holly Denise Jessup – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (personal trainer)
Lillian Murselle McMillan – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Christian studies (composite concentration), Summa Cum Laude
Joanne Jeanette Melton – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (all-level certification), Cum Laude
Christine Nicole Salmon – Bachelor of Music in music – performance (voice concentration)

El Paso
Jesus Arturo Barraza – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in general studies
Evelyn Lillian Escobar – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in criminal justice
Laura Jean Flores – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in business administration, Magna Cum Laude
Corinne Holguin – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in business management

Erie, Colo.
Hannah Elizabeth Jansen – Bachelor of Arts in communication (public and media communication), Summa Cum Laude

Eufaula, Okla.
Erin E. McLeod – Bachelor of Science in biology

Fort Worth
Michelle Danielle Bates – Bachelor of Science in psychology (counseling/clinical)
Brandon Lee Gould – Bachelor of Science in computer information systems (systems development)

Frisco
Allisha Janine McClure – Bachelor of Arts in political science/prelaw

Fulshear
Will Orion Roberts – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Cum Laude

Gainesville
Amanda Ruth Driggers – Bachelor of Science in the Honors Academy and psychology, Magna Cum Laude

Garland
Marlie Amanda Austin – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy and psychology, Cum Laude

Goldthwaite
Janakay Frances Oliver – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)

Gorman
Jaime Leann Swanner – Bachelor of Science in mathematics (middle school: grade 4-8 certification), Magna Cum Laude

Gunter
Randy Gene Miller – Master of Education in instructional leadership

Harlingen
Samuel Christopher Allen – Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice

Hewitt
Luke Ravel Kilmartin – Master of Arts in youth ministry

Hillsboro
Jared Thomas Russell – Bachelor of Arts in theatre arts (all-level certification)

Houston
David Kevin Williams – Bachelor of Science in forensic science

Iraan
Kaleigh Jo Tankersley – Bachelor of Arts in communication (public and media communication), Magna Cum Laude

Kenefick
Kevin Benjamin Domingue – Bachelor of Science in mathematics (high school: grade 8-12 certification), Cum Laude

Kermit
Allyson Michelle Gainey – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), Summa Cum Laude
Trent Cameron Gainey – Bachelor of Arts in biblical languages and English, Cum Laude

Lampasas
Brittany Morgan Cavness – Bachelor of Business Administration in management, Magna Cum Laude
Jennifer Lynn Hilla – Bachelor of Music in music – choral (all-level certification), Summa Cum Laude

Lewisville
Brittany Dianne Roberson – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (physical education)
Sondra Rena Todd – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (coaching)

Lytle
Katie Rose Bonner – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy, history and political science/prelaw, Summa Cum Laude

May
Desarai Lynn Beatty – Bachelor of Arts in psychology (family psychology)
Samuel Rodriguez Garcia – Bachelor of Science in athletic training
Nicole Mariah Nehf – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy, Spanish and political science/prelaw

McKinney
Jeffri Cathleen Foster – Master of Arts in theology and ministry

Midlothian
Connor John Roberts – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting

North Richland Hills
Sean David Locker – Bachelor of Arts in cross-cultural studies

New Braunfels
Brandon Tye Davis – Master of Business Administration in business administration
James Brian Scardami – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in business administration

New London, Mo.
Allison Ann Ninedorf – Bachelor of Science in the Honors Academy and psychology, Magna Cum Laude

Paradise
Rachel Catherine Runnels – Bachelor of Arts in communication (public and media communication)

Pecos
Christopher Glen Mitchell – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy and political science/prelaw, Summa Cum Laude

Plano
Burke Clifton Edwards – Bachelor of Business Administration in management, Cum Laude

Ponder
Jorden Alexander Young – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (all-level certification)

Richland Springs
Lisa Danae Baker – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)

Rising Star
Emily Louise Murphree – Bachelor of Science in biology
Dale Ross Self – Bachelor of Science in biology

Rosenberg
Cameron Joseph Garcia – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (personal trainer)

Roseville, Calif.
Brandon Mitchell Yost – Bachelor of Arts in practical theology

Round Rock
Kyle Edward Kulczyk – Master of Business Administration in business administration

Rowlett
Adrianna Nicole Perez – Bachelor of Arts in political science/prelaw and criminal justice, Cum Laude

Salado
Paul Jefferson Warren – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy and cross-cultural studies, Magna Cum Laude

San Angelo
Cara Ann DeLoach – Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy, English and political science, Summa Cum Laude

San Antonio
Victoria Rene Krawczynski – Bachelor of Arts in communication (organizational and leadership communication), Summa Cum Laude

San Saba
Marshal Lynn McIntosh – Bachelor of Science in communication (public and media communication), Cum Laude

Santa Anna
Shelbie Paige Deleon – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting

Sherman
Ashley Paige Krueger Sullivan – Bachelor of Arts in music – instrumental

Spicewood
Colette Cailin Wilcoxen – Bachelor of Arts in psychology

Spring
Dustin James Kelver – Bachelor of Business Administration in management

Sweetwater
Tifnee Lea Reed – Master of Education in instructional leadership
Bryson Taylor Wallace – Bachelor of Arts in Bible

Taylor
Miriam Myeisha Mackey – Master of Arts in youth ministry

Temple
Morgan Blair Marriott – Bachelor of Arts in communication (public and media communication)

Terrell
Jack Burton Wells – Bachelor of Arts in Christian education, Cum Laude

Tolar
John Curtis Elmore – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (exercise and sport management)

Tomball
Dillon Layne McDugle – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science (all-level certification)

Universal City
Michael Carroll Watford – Bachelor of Science in computer information systems (multimedia)

Wallisville
Nicole Ann Bird – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting

Whitesboro
Katelyn Marie Wood – Master of Business Administration in business administration

Winters
Randy Scott Jackson – Master of Arts in youth ministry

Zephyr
Lacy Harrison Culpepper – Bachelor of Business Administration in management (finance emphasis), Summa Cum Laude

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Photo cutline: HPU graduated 132 students at the close of the spring 2015 semester.

TexasBank awards $25,000 in scholarship funds to HPU through Doss Foundation

dodds and ellis 2015 for web BROWNWOOD – June 10, 2015 – TexasBank recently presented $25,000 to Howard Payne University through the Doss Foundation. The donation was part of $88,000 in scholarship funds that will be given to local and area high schools and colleges in 2015.

Within the past seven years, the Doss Foundation has given more than $500,000 to area educational institutions.

“TexasBank is proud to be affiliated with the Doss Foundation, whose gift will give back to local students through HPU’s Heart of Texas Scholarship Fund,” said Greg Dodds, president and CEO of TexasBank. “We believe that the Heart of Texas Scholarship has provided an opportunity for a quality university degree for an ever increasing number of local students. The scholarship provides these students with a $14,000 annual award and greatly helps to ease any financial burdens after college. The Board and Ownership of TexasBank value our relationship with Howard Payne University, and we are honored to support this institution and its students.”

Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, also voiced his appreciation to the Doss Foundation and TexasBank.

“The university is very grateful to have TexasBank as a partner in providing the highest quality education to our students,” he said. “HPU is blessed to be a part of Brownwood and to have the support of so many friends in the community like TexasBank.”

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Photo cutline: Greg Dodds, left, president and CEO of TexasBank, presents a $25,000 check to Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president.

HPU students complete criminal justice internships

crj interns spring 2015 for web BROWNWOOD – June 10, 2015 – Ten Howard Payne University students were recently honored for the successful completion of criminal justice internships. The students were recognized at the end of the semester at a luncheon held at Section Hand Steakhouse in Brownwood.

Criminal justice majors are required to complete 150 hours of service with an agency or organization which reflects three credit hours toward their degrees. Internships include working with “at risk” students and adults at local, state and federal agencies as well as positions with law firms, law enforcement agencies and many other opportunities that help students prepare for a future in the field of criminal justice.

Lynn Humeniuk, associate professor of criminal justice and sociology and director of the criminal justice program, works to match students with positions that reflect their career goals and interests.

“We’re very thankful for the individuals in the community and around the state who serve as supervisors and mentors for our interns,” she said. “This collaborative effort is very beneficial to our students.”

Participating students included Sam Allen of Harlingen, intern at Harlingen Police Department; Shelby Bridges of Deer Park, intern at Bandera County Juvenile Probation Department; Dane Bryant of Copperas Cove, intern at Brownwood Police Department; Patricia Burleson of Blanket, intern at the office of John Lee Blagg, attorney at law; Christina Calleros of Brownwood, intern at Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Crystal Carter of Brownwood, intern at Brown County Adult Probation Department; Marcos Corley of Corpus Chrisi, intern at Corpus Christi Police Department; Troy Cuff of College Station, intern at HPU’s Department of Public Safety; Adrianna Perez of Rowlett, intern at the office of John Lee Blagg, attorney at law; and Luis Robles of Florence, intern at A World For Children foster placement agency.

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Photo cutline: Ten HPU students recently completed internships in the field of criminal justice. They are pictured with HPU faculty and several of the local supervisors and mentors. Back row, left to right: Assistant Chief James Fuller, Brownwood Police Department; Dane Bryant, intern; Dr. Paul Lilly, chief of HPU’s Department of Public Safety; Assistant Chief Bob Pacatte, HPU Department of Public Safety; Chief Mike Corley, Brownwood Police Department; Lt. Les Karnes, Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Marcos Corley, intern.

Front row, left to right: Luis Robles, intern; Shelby Bridges, intern; Lynn Humeniuk, director of HPU’s criminal justice program; Patricia Burleson, intern; Adrianna Perez, intern; Troy Cuff, intern; Christina Calleros, intern; and Crystal Carter, intern.