BROWNWOOD – February 23, 2018 – Four Howard Payne University students were honored as Currie-Strickland Scholars in Christian Ethics and Theology at the university’s 11th annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics event earlier this month. Those honored include senior Emily Ball, business management and Bible double major from Midlothian; sophomore Kaitlyn Bush, Bible major from Brownwood; senior Garrett Ford, cross-cultural studies major from Monahans; and senior Julie Jo Yarbro, cross-cultural studies major from Odessa.
This lecture series is made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Elliston ’75 and was established to honor the life of Dr. David R. Currie ’75 and the memory of Phil Strickland. This year’s speaker for the lectures was Rev. Suzii Paynter, executive coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Rev. Paynter previously served as director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Christian Life Commission, the organization to which the late Phil Strickland dedicated nearly 40 years of ministry. At the recent lecture, Rev. Paynter’s theme was “Women’s Leadership, Global Mission, and Course Correction.”
Each year, Currie-Strickland scholars are selected by HPU Christian studies faculty and staff based on an evaluation of achievement in their classes and on the ways they have excelled in their thinking in the fields of Christian ethics and theology. This year’s honorees each received a certificate of their accomplishment and three books: “Do Justice, Love Mercy,” by Phil Strickland; “Songs in the Desert,” by David Currie; and “Ethics,” by James William McClendon, Jr.
Dr. Derek Hatch, associate professor of Christian studies, presented the awards.
“We are very proud of these students and their accomplishments,” said Dr. Hatch. “We have the privilege of teaching many exceptional HPU students and these four show serious dedication to the practice to critical reflection within the life of the church.”
The four students plan to pursue ministry-related goals after graduation. Ball plans to attend Truett Seminary in Waco to pursue dual Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration degrees. Bush said she feels led to pursue music ministry at this time. Ford plans to do mission work in central Asia and Yarbro currently serves as part of the youth ministry team at Brownwood’s Southside Baptist Church.
“It is our prayer that God will continue to encourage and guide these students in thought, word and deed as their vocations unfold in the future,” said Dr. Hatch.
For more information, please contact HPU’s School of Christian Studies at 325-649-8403 or visit HPU’s website at www.hputx.edu.
Applications are being accepted for the fall 2018 semester at Howard Payne University. HPU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships for students from Brown County and surrounding counties. For more information about HPU, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.
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Cutline: Four HPU students were recently honored as Currie-Strickland Scholars in Christian Ethics and Theology. Pictured from left are Emily Ball, senior from Midlothian; Kaitlyn Bush, sophomore from Brownwood; Garrett Ford, senior from Monahans; Julie Jo Yarbro, senior from Odessa; and Dr. Derek Hatch, associate professor of Christian studies.