BROWNWOOD – October 27, 2026 – As Hispanic and Spanish-speaking populations continue to grow in Texas and throughout the United States, Howard Payne University’s Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies is preparing students to meet the needs of an increasingly multicultural marketplace.
The department offers a Spanish minor, which complements all of the university’s major areas of study. The Spanish minor provides students with language skills and cultural understanding that, depending on their career choice, could be the determining factor in their job search.
Knowing the Spanish language and being familiar with Hispanic culture equips professionals and practitioners to better serve their communities, said Dr. Danny Brunette-López, professor of Spanish and chair of the Department of Spanish.
“Whether pursuing careers in health care, ministry, education, business, social work or criminal justice, students can develop the ability to communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking communities,” said Dr. Brunette-López. “Ultimately, a Spanish minor reflects HPU’s commitment of Christ-centered education by equipping students to build bridges across cultures and make positive impacts in an increasingly bilingual and multicultural society.”
Dr. Brunette-López said beyond learning Spanish, students also develop cultural awareness, critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate across language barriers. These skills can help students approach their future professions with greater understanding and respect.
Ana Faulk, a junior history and Honors Academy major from Alvarado who is pursuing a Spanish minor, said understanding Hispanic culture will equip her with a helpful skill set that will benefit her in her future career.
“There’s so much inherent value in learning any language, and Spanish is especially important to know with the growing number of Spanish-speakers living in the United States,” said Faulk. “Learning the language has provided me with more opportunities to connect with others and has challenged me in many formative ways.”
The practical value of Spanish proficiency was highlighted this fall when Dr. Brunette-López joined his wife Martha Treviño-Brunette, university nurse and NATCEP director, and Dr. Roy Byrd, an internal medicine physician in Brownwood, to speak with students in a university seminar class taught by Dr. Laci Sutton, dean of the School of Nursing and assistant professor of nursing. The speakers discussed the importance of understanding the Spanish language in healthcare and encouraged students to consider a Spanish minor.
“Understanding Hispanic culture and the Spanish language allows healthcare professionals to build trust, communicate more effectively and provide compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Martha Brunette. “Being able to communicate with patients in their own language and having an understanding of their cultural beliefs and traditions helps build trust and makes the healthcare experience more personal.”
For Magaly Cervantes, a senior biomedical science major from Brownwood, studying Spanish is a way to strengthen her connection with family as well as prepare her for a future career in medicine. Spanish is her first language and the primary language spoken in her family. She chose to pursue the minor to strengthen her language skills.
“I recognize how important it is to understand both the Spanish language and Hispanic culture,” said Cervantes. “Texas is a state enriched by Hispanic heritage, and being able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients will help me build connections and provide compassionate care.”
Through its combination of language study and cultural understanding, HPU’s Spanish minor gives students an opportunity to strengthen skills relevant to their chosen professions while reflecting the university’s commitment to Christ-centered education, community and service.
“Studying Spanish supports Howard Payne University’s mission of preparing graduates to use their knowledge, skills and talents to serve God and humanity,” said Dr. Brunette-López.
ABOUT HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Howard Payne University, founded in 1889, is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for lives of faith, leadership and service. With more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools, serving three locations, HPU combines academic excellence with meaningful personal connection in a close-knit campus community.
Guided by its five core values — centered on Christ, focused on community, called to service, committed to excellence and dedicated to stewardship — Howard Payne prepares students through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student life, competitive athletics and service opportunities that equip graduates to make an impact in their communities and professions.