Monthly News Archives: September 2016

Marroquin receives HPU New Braunfels Center’s J. Mart Findlater Scholarship

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BROWNWOOD – September 27, 2016 – Marzena Marroquin of New Braunfels has been awarded Howard Payne University New Braunfels Center’s J. Mart Findlater Scholarship. The scholarship, the first to be presented by HPU in New Braunfels, provides $2,700 per semester.

Marroquin, a sophomore business administration major, graduated from Canyon High School in New Braunfels in 2014. She is the daughter of Linda Medrano Martinez of New Braunfels.

“We are honored to have Marzena as the recipient of HPU NB’s first scholarship,” said Christy Meinecke, HPU’s major gifts officer for the south-central region. “Marzena is the type of student who makes her hometown proud and we are thrilled to have her as a student. I am excited to see what the future has in store for her.”

The scholarship was established in memory of J. Mart Findlater by family members to benefit a graduate of the Communities In Schools of South Central Texas program.

“We are thrilled that this scholarship is benefitting one of our Communities In Schools of South Central Texas graduates, opening doors to a high-quality education at Howard Payne University in such a supportive and more intimate environment,” said Christine (Chris) Douglas, chief executive officer of Communities In Schools of South Central Texas, Inc. “We share our appreciation with the donors!”

J. Mart Findlater was a son of Irish immigrants who came to Texas in 1882. Findlater’s father, a rancher who realized other ranchers had a constant need for supplies, founded the Findlater Hardware Co. in San Angelo in 1895 and sold windmills, pipe fittings, water towers and fencing materials. J. Mart Findlater became one of the first Boy Scout Leaders in San Angelo and attended Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana, and Texas A&M University in College Station. He also served in the Texas Calvary during World War I. After the war, he joined the family business and eventually became president of Findlater Hardware Co., a position he held for more than 50 years. He passed away in 1972 and is remembered for his unselfish nature, strong Christian faith, integrity and patriotism.

To establish a scholarship at HPU NB, contact Christy Meinecke at cmeinecke@hputx.edu or call 830-629-2366.

Since 2012, HPU’s New Braunfels Center has served more than 100 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs. The center recently opened a new facility at 4102 Loop 337, Suite 100, New Braunfels, TX 78130. More information about HPU NB is available online at www.hputx.edu/nb.

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Photo cutline: HPU sophomore Marzena Marroquin, of New Braunfels, is the recipient of HPU New Braunfels Center’s J. Mart Findlater Scholarship.

HPU to host world premiere of choral work by alumnus

BR dr-william-bates OWNWOOD – September 23, 2016 – The Howard Payne University Alumni Choir will present a concert featuring the world premiere of HPU alumnus Dr. William Bates’ setting of “O Sing to the Lord a New Song” on Saturday, October 29, at 1:30 p.m. The Alumni Choir will perform during the university’s Concert Choir performance in HPU’s Grace Chapel. All HPU choir alumni are invited to join the choir and be a part of this exciting world premiere during Homecoming.

The new piece was composed by Dr. Bates to honor the HPU music faculty of the class of 1966.

Dr. Bates earned his Bachelor of Music degree in organ and church music as well as a Bachelor of Arts in music theory from HPU in 1966. He went on to earn both his Master of Music and Doctorate of Music degrees from Indiana University. Dr. Bates has presented recitals and workshops for churches and American Guild of Organist chapters throughout much of the United States. He has also presented recitals in Europe, including those at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, and King’s College in Cambridge, England.

Dr. Bates’ teaching career spans a total of 46 years. He served at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, as professor of organ and music history, associate dean and director of graduate studies for the university’s School of Music. In 2012, Dr. Bates was named a recipient of the Oswald Gleason Ragatz Distinguished Organist Alumnus Award at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

The Alumni Choir will make its first appearance at Homecoming with hopes of growing the ensemble to explore more performance opportunities. The choir will gather from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, to rehearse and will be showcased at 1:30 p.m. during the Concert Choir concert. The Alumni Choir will present the world premiere of Dr. William Bates’ new piece and join the HPU Concert Choir on Fettke’s “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name.”

The Alumni Choir and the Concert Choir are under the direction of Dr. Christopher Rosborough ’08, director of choral activities.

“The HPU choral program spans nearly 70 years and we are excited to be able to celebrate generations of great music-making on this momentous occasion,” said Dr. Rosborough. “Being an HPU alumnus, I am honored to share in this experience. We are grateful to Dr. Bates for his contribution and encourage the public to come be a part of this ‘new song’ in the HPU School of Music and Fine Arts.”

To join the Alumni Choir, visit www.hputx.edu/homecoming/choir.

For more information, contact the HPU School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500 or visit www.hputx.edu.

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Photo cutline: HPU will present the world premiere of a choral work by alumnus, Dr. William Bates. All HPU choir alumni are encouraged to join the Alumni Choir and celebrate this honor.

HPU Phi Beta Lambda members compete in national competition

hpu-phi-beta-lambda-group BROWNWOOD – September 20, 2016 – Four members of Howard Payne University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, a national organization open to all college or university students interested in business related careers, recently competed at the 2016 PBL National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The four HPU students had competed in the spring at the state level and earned the opportunity to advance to the national conference.

Those who attended were Hannah Ball, junior from Justin and chapter secretary; Jessica Harris, junior from Brownwood and chapter vice president; Jody Loudamy, senior from Goldthwaite and chapter president; Rachel Mahagan, senior from Georgetown and chapter historian; and Mike Daub, associate professor of accounting and the chapter’s adviser.

Loudamy placed fourth in the Business Presentation category.

“I am so thankful for the efforts of all of our members because, without their efforts, I would not have gotten as far as I did,” said Loudamy. “This organization gives its members a chance to better themselves, and I hope we continue doing that this year and the rest of our lives.”

In addition to representing HPU in competitions, students had the opportunity to communicate with fellow Phi Beta Lambda members and visit local attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Monetary Museum.

Phi Beta Lambda is the university division of Future Business Leaders of America, the largest career student organization in the world. Each year, the organization helps more than 200,000 members prepare for careers in business. The mission of Phi Beta Lambda is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

In addition to business related areas, competitive events include many computer applications, communications applications, sports issues, and others.

The Fall Leadership Conference for the Mountain Plains Region will be held in Dallas, November 18-19 and will feature workshops to help students hone their skills.

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Photo cutline: HPU Phi Beta Lambda members recently competed at the national conference in Atlanta, Georgia. From left to right are Hannah Ball, Rachel Mahagan, Jody Loudamy, Mike Daub and Jessica Harris.

HPU sees increased numbers for fall 2016 enrollment

Kevin Kirk Selfie with Students at Chime in 2016.1 BROWNWOOD – September 20, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s fall 2016 semester is underway with lots of new faces around campus. The number of first-year students – 321 – at the Brownwood campus is HPU’s second-largest class in 16 years.

Undergraduate and graduate enrollment at HPU’s three locations – the main campus in Brownwood and extension centers in New Braunfels and El Paso – totals 1,189 students, an increase from fall 2015. The figure includes 408 first-year students and transfer students.

“We are very blessed to have this amazing group of students join the HPU community this fall,” said Kevin Kirk, associate vice president for enrollment management. “They are truly a class full of leaders who have brought a strong spirit of service and energy to the campus.”

More information about Howard Payne University is available online at www.hputx.edu.

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Photo cutline: Members of HPU’s incoming class of students pose for a “selfie” photo with Kevin Kirk, associate vice president for enrollment management, at a new-student event before the start of the semester. Kirk leads the group in the “Sting ‘em” cheer familiar to HPU Yellow Jackets.

HPU hosts “Portals” exhibit of photography by Julie Mize

hpu-mize-photo-exhibit-photo BROWNWOOD – September 16, 2016 – Howard Payne University will present “Portals: A Photographic Series in Black & White and Other Works by Julie Mize” at HPU’s Dorothy and Wendell Mayes Art Gallery from September 22 through October 30, 2016. An opening reception will be held on September 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mize, adjunct instructor of photography at HPU and art teacher at Brownwood Middle School, has assembled a collection of her works ranging from traditional photography to cyanotypes, ziatypes and even iPhone photography.

“One aspect of photography that interests me is the way the camera isolates a specific subject and tells a story based on what has been included – and what has been excluded,” Mize said. “This exhibit shows images in different photographic processes that contribute to the moods and settings of a variety of stories.”

“Portals,” a series of traditional gelatin silver prints, features photographs in which a variety of structures create frames for what is seen through them.

“I respond to these compositions of framed openings because of the possibilities of what is held within the spaces,” Mize continued. “How are the openings formed? How do the settings affect the outcomes? What stories do these places tell?”

Also on display are cyanotypes and ziatypes, alternative photographic processes made from contact prints of objects set on paper coated with chemicals sensitive to sunlight.

“These methods have qualities that change stark black-and-white images to ones with a certain romance or dreaminess,” Mize said. “In many of these, I paired transparency negatives with actual objects or with other transparencies to create new settings and stories.”

A wall of iPhone photographs is also part of Mize’s exhibit. She finds these to be an exciting complement to the black-and-white photographs she makes.

“Photographs made on my iPhone are part of this show because smartphone photography and related apps provide endless creative opportunities,” she said. “The effect of seeing these photographs together reminds me of looking through family travel photo albums. What was happening that caught this photographer’s eye while she was traveling through a place? The light and color effects from the smartphone apps help tell those stories.”

Mize has been interested in art since childhood. When she was 12 years old, her parents gave her a 110mm camera, launching what has become a lifelong interest in photography. She continues to process her own film and prints.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in art and all-level teaching certification from Howard Payne University in 1996 and a Master of Art Education degree from Texas Tech University in 2006. After teaching art at Hearne Elementary School in Houston for three years, Mize became the art teacher at Brownwood Middle School in 2000 and continues in that role today. In 2008, she was invited to join the faculty of HPU as the adjunct instructor of photography. She helped create the darkroom in HPU’s Doakie Day Art Center and enjoys introducing HPU students to the traditional photographic processes.

Through the years, Mize’s photography has been selected for a variety of shows such as the High and Dry annual photography exhibit at Texas Tech University, the Stars of Texas annual art exhibit in Brownwood, annual exhibits by the Brownwood Art Association Photographers’ Group and various photography shows held by the Lake Granbury Art Association.

The Dorothy and Wendell Mayes Art Gallery, located inside HPU’s Doakie Day Art Center, is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit is free of charge and the public is invited.

For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500. More details about HPU are available online at www.hputx.edu.

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Photo cutline: “Florentine Arches,” a silver gelatin print by Julie Mize, is part of an exhibit of her photography on display at Howard Payne University from September 22 through October 30.

HPU New Braunfels Center holds festivities marking new facility’s grand opening

hpu-nb-ribbon-cutting BROWNWOOD – September 16, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center celebrated the grand opening of its new facility on September 8 with a reception and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was sponsored by The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

“We were encouraged by the attendance of nearly 150 guests from both New Braunfels and HPU’s main campus in Brownwood,” said Dr. Dale Meinecke, HPU’s assistant vice president for external affairs and assistant professor of Christian studies. “It was a blessing to have so many on hand to celebrate this next phase of bringing quality, Christ-centered higher education to the area.”

Since March 2012, HPU’s New Braunfels Center has served more than 100 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs with classes located at New Braunfels High School and an office suite in the city. New Braunfels businessman Bob Knoll, HPU alumnus and CEO of Millennium Packaging/Supplize, recognized HPU’s need for an expanded space and offered the use of a facility in New Braunfels as a home for the center during the next several years. The university plans to build a permanent campus in the community as part of the Veramendi development project.

With the fall semester underway at the new facility, Dr. Meinecke expressed his enthusiasm for the spacious, well-designed learning environment.

“It’s wonderful to see our faculty members and students now coming to class in a beautiful, new space that reflects the excellence of HPU’s academics,” he said.

The new facility for HPU’s New Braunfels Center is located at 4102 Loop 337, Suite 100. For more information, call 830-629-2366, visit www.hputx.edu/nb, or e-mail newbraunfels@hputx.edu.

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Photo cutline: Representatives from Howard Payne University were joined by officials from New Braunfels and other supporters as HPU’s New Braunfels Center recently celebrated the grand opening of its new facility.

HPU to host Encounter Week September 19-21

dave-edwards-image BROWNWOOD – September 15, 2016 – Howard Payne University will host Encounter Week fall revival services next Monday, September 19, through Wednesday, September 21. This year’s guest speaker is Dave Edwards and worship will be led by Roger Cullins.

Dave Edwards is the founder of Dave Edwards Ministries, located in Oklahoma City. For more than a decade, he has been sharing his unique brand of ministry to a postmodern generation by traveling the country and speaking to young adults in churches and a variety of other places. His goal is to help students and young adults discover the importance of a Christ-centered lifestyle.

roger-cullins-image Roger Cullins is a 2003 graduate of HPU and is the worship pastor at Bay Area Baptist Church in League City. As a worship leader, Cullins loves leading people to experience the life-changing presence and power of God. He also has a passion to personally encourage worship pastors and leaders to discover God’s empowerment in their lives and ministries.

Services will be held in HPU’s Mims Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and at 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. All Encounter Week services are open to the public.

“It is always exciting to start off a new year and get to experience Encounter Week at HPU,” said Corey Ash, associate professor of music, director of bands and Wednesday chapel coordinator. “We have some fantastic individuals coming to lead us this year and there are going to be great opportunities for all of us to encounter God and have Him move in our lives during the week. The public is encouraged to attend any of the services and be ready to receive a great blessing.”

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Photo cutlines: (Top) Dave Edwards, founder of Dave Edwards Ministries, is the scheduled speaker for HPU’s Encounter Week services.
(Bottom) Roger Cullins, worship pastor at Bay Area Baptist Church in League City, will lead worship at HPU’s Encounter Week services.

HPU announces new online master’s degree program in criminal justice

BROWNWOOD – September 15, 2016 – Howard Payne University has announced the unveiling of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program to be offered beginning in October 2016. Coursework, offered completely online, is designed to provide preparation for those who are interested in furthering their career goals in a field of criminal justice.

The degree program’s curriculum is designed to provide an appropriate balance of theory with practical application. Instruction will be centered in a Christian servant-leadership model focusing on the balance of justice and restoration. Two tracks will be offered in which the student will choose either nine hours of law enforcement elective courses or nine hours of corrections elective courses. The 36-credit-hour, non-thesis degree can be earned in six semesters including summer sessions.

“After a successful 12-year history with our undergraduate criminal justice program at Howard Payne University, we are thrilled to be able to offer a Master of Science degree in criminal justice,” said Lynn Humeniuk, director of HPU’s criminal justice program and associate professor of criminal justice and sociology. “Additionally, the online format will help make the program more accessible to those whose work schedules or locations would keep them from attending classes at HPU during regular daytime hours.”

HPU recently received word that the program has been added the university’s scope of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, fully authorizing the university to proceed with the enrollment of students and the delivery of the degree. The new degree program was developed with the committed involvement of Dr. Millard Kimery, dean of HPU’s School of Humanities.

“Our faculty and staff have been working hard to create a program that will challenge students, developing in them, within a Christian context, the knowledge and skills they need to be effective practitioners in the field of criminal justice,” said Dr. Kimery. “We are grateful for the opportunity to equip those who serve our communities.”

The new master’s degree is an attractive option for graduates of other colleges and universities but especially for students of HPU’s undergraduate program in criminal justice. Christina Calleros, a 2015 HPU graduate, plans to enroll in the new master’s program and is grateful for her HPU experience during her undergraduate years.

“As a single mother who works full time, I was searching for a program that was accommodating to my needs,” Calleros said. “The faculty members at HPU are friendly and supportive. They always go the extra mile.”
More details about HPU’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program are available at www.hputx.edu/mscrj. Students interested in pursuing this or any other degree offered at HPU are encouraged to contact the Office of Admission at (325) 649-8020. Information about the university can also be found online at www.hputx.edu.

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HPU promotes eight faculty members at the start of the 2016-2017 year

BROWNWOOD – September 15, 2016 – Howard Payne University announced the promotions of eight faculty members with the start of the fall 2016 semester. Receiving promotions are Dr. Robert Bicknell, Dr. Derek Hatch, Dr. Millard Kimery, Dr. Stephen Kovach, Dr. Brad Lemler, Dr. Matthew McNiece, Dr. Debra Powell and Dr. Craig Younce.

Dr. W. Mark Tew, HPU’s provost and chief academic officer, expressed his appreciation of these individuals and their commitment to excellence.

“When every faculty member is employed, I challenge them to be educators, scholars and citizens,” said Dr. Tew. “A natural outgrowth of pursuing these goals are achievements that warrant promotion. I am delighted that the university provides an encouraging environment in which faculty continue to grow as professionals and educators.”

Dr. Robert Bicknell, accreditation liaison, has been named dean of extended education. He had served as interim dean since 2013. Since joining HPU’s administration in 1989, he has served in a variety of roles including vice president for academic affairs, provost, professor of music and special assistant to the president for accreditation and adult programs. He had previously served as dean of extended education from 2002 to 2005.

Dr. Derek Hatch, formerly assistant professor of Christian studies, was promoted to the rank of associate professor. He joined HPU’s faculty in 2011.

Dr. Millard Kimery, professor of English and chair of the Department of English, has been named dean of the School of Humanities. He had served as interim dean since earlier this year. He has been a faculty member at HPU since 1997.

Dr. Stephen Kovach, a faculty member at HPU’s El Paso Center, was promoted from the rank of assistant professor of Christian studies and criminal justice to associate professor. Dr. Kovach has been on faculty since 2009.

Dr. Brad Lemler, professor of accounting, has been named dean of HPU’s School of Business after serving as interim dean since 2015. He joined HPU’s faculty in 2012.

Dr. Matthew McNiece, who served as assistant director of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy since 2013, has been named director of the program. Dr. McNiece, a 2003 HPU graduate, also serves as chair of the Department of History and Government and associate professor of history and government. He joined HPU’s faculty in 2004-2005, then returned in 2007.

Dr. Debra Powell, formerly assistant professor of business administration, was promoted to associate professor. She served as an adjunct faculty member in 2007 and joined the ranks of full-time faculty in 2013.

Dr. Craig Younce was promoted from assistant professor of biology to associate professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. He has been a faculty member at HPU since 2013.

More information about Howard Payne University is available online at www.hputx.edu.

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HPU’s New Braunfels Center receives $30,000 grant from McKenna Foundation

hpu-nb-mckenna-check-presentation BROWNWOOD – September 15, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center recently received a $30,000 grant from the McKenna Foundation, an organization devoted to advancing the well-being of the New Braunfels community.

The grant for $30,000 will fund all technology and supporting infrastructure for the computer lab at the university’s new facility. The lab will be named the McKenna Foundation Computer Center.

“This generous gift from the McKenna Foundation will allow us to further the mission of bringing quality, Christ-Centered, higher education to the Austin/San Antonio corridor,” said Christy Meinecke, major gift officer for South Central Texas. “We are grateful for this partnership with the McKenna Foundation so that together we can benefit the community.”

The McKenna Foundation exists to advance the well-being of the New Braunfels community. The sale of McKenna Memorial Hospital created a fund that became the foundation’s gifting source. In addition to McKenna’s own initiatives, there are dozens of great organizations and existing service providers in New Braunfels who share these goals and aspirations. The McKenna Foundation reaches out as a partner to design and fund programs, educational efforts and services to deliver on the promise of well-being for our community.

“The Howard Payne University New Braunfels Center broadens the local educational spectrum for our residents,” said Alice Jewell, Executive Director of the McKenna Foundation. “The presence of a professional, first class institution of higher education in our community is invaluable. The McKenna Foundation appreciates their interest and investment in New Braunfels and we look forward to partnering with them as they grow.”

For more information, contact HPU’s New Braunfels Center at 830-629-2366 or visit www.hputx.edu/new-braunfels.
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Photo cutline: HPU’s New Braunfels Center recently received a $30,000 grant from the McKenna Foundation that will fund its new facility computer lab.