“Dr. Gerry Clarkson has served HPU well during his tenure and embodies the HPU core value of being called to service,” said Dr. Cory Hines, president. “Dr. Kristen Hutchins has proven herself a strong leader, successful instructor and effective administrator during her tenure at HPU, and I am confident she will serve our university and our students well in her new role as dean. I look forward to seeing what the years ahead hold for the School of Science and Mathematics under her leadership.”

>Dr. Hutchins has served as faculty member in HPU’s Department of Biological Sciences for 15 years and as chair of the department for three years. She was a key member of the team that developed the university’s biomedical science program. She is a faculty leader who has served as an officer of the Faculty Assembly several times and is recognized as an excellent teacher who was named Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year for 2018-2019.

Dr. Hutchins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ouachita Baptist University, a Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Missouri. She is a member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, where she serves as co-leader of a Sunday school class. She and her husband, Dalton, have two children, Blake and Sydney.

“Dr. Kristen Hutchins understands and appreciates Christian higher education at Howard Payne University,” said Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, vice president for academic affairs. “She is a thoughtful listener, a creative problem solver and a recognized leader on our campus. I am grateful for her service over these 15 years and look forward to working with her as the dean of the School of Science and Mathematics.”

Dr. Clarkson’s distinguished career at HPU includes 33 years as a faculty member teaching in the physical sciences and engineering departments. He served as chair of the Department of Physical Sciences for seven years and is concluding three years as dean of the School of Science and Mathematics. He was president of the Faculty Assembly in 2016-2017 and in 2017-2018. In 1998, his course Science and Theology: Integrating Christianity and Contemporary Science received a national award from the Templeton Science-Religion Course Program.

Dr. Clarkson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He is a member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and teaches a Sunday school class. He and his wife, Marie, have two daughters, Rebecca and Emily.

“Dr. Gerry Clarkson is a good example of a servant leader,” said Dr. Auvenshine. “His leadership was recognized because of his consistent Christian character and his excellent service as a veteran member of the Howard Payne faculty.”

For more information about HPU, visit www.hputx.edu.

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Photo: HPU’s Dr. Kristen Hutchins, professor of biology and department chair, will become the dean of the university’s School of Science and Mathematics following the retirement of Dr. Gerry Clarkson, current dean.

The post Dr. Hutchins to succeed Dr. Clarkson as dean of HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics appeared first on Howard Payne University.

“We are excited to host the Spring Family Reunion for the third year in a row to provide an opportunity for alumni and community members to be part of campus life,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “From a 5K to reunions, games and booths hosted by alumni and student organizations, there will be activities for everyone. We have also added a reunion lunch at Underwood’s BBQ, a well-loved place our alumni frequent.”

The day will begin with a new event this year, the HPU Alumni Association Virtual 5K, at 9 a.m. Alumni and friends can register for $40 to receive a dry-fit shirt and bib. Students are also encouraged to participate for $10 per person. A student group will help host the 5K on campus, or individuals can participate from anywhere around the country. This event is a fundraiser for the Alumni Association to fund event-related projects such as Homecoming floats, Spring Sing prize money, a graduate dinner, welcome bags for incoming students, and many other initiatives throughout the year. Individuals can register at https://www.hputx.edu/alumni/hpu-virtual-5k-2023/

Another new event this year is the Reunion Lunch at Underwood’s BBQ. Alumni and friends are invited to gather for lunch at the beloved Underwood’s restaurant. Space will be reserved in the dining room for the HPU family.

Then, festivities will continue with the Reunion Celebration, featuring live music, outdoor games, bouncy houses and food, beginning at 1 p.m. in HPU’s Old Main Park, near the Newbury Family Welcome Center on Austin Avenue. Several alumni groups and student organizations will host tables, including the Alumni Association Board of Directors; Chi Alpha Omega; Delta Chi Rho; Delta Epsilon Omega; Gamma Beta Phi; Hispanic Alumni Chapter; HOSA – Future Health Professionals; Pi Theta Chi; Student Association of Social Work; and Young Alumni. Musical performances will feature an HPU student group, an ensemble including Anthony Arreola ’13 and Micah Jaynes, and an acoustic performance by Christy Patton.

Registration for the HPU Spring Family Reunion is free, but registration is encouraged. Visit www.hputx.edu/familyreunion to register to attend and for more information.

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Photo #1 cutline: HPU’s Spring Family Reunion features the involvement of numerous student organizations.

Photo #2 cutline: The public is invited to participate in the wide range of activities at HPU’s Spring Family Reunion.

 Photo #3 cutline: HPU alumni enjoy opportunities to visit at the Spring Family Reunion.

The post HPU’s Spring Family Reunion scheduled for April 1 appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Fifer, a longtime educator, has studied the history of buffalo soldiers and given presentations around the country for more than 40 years. The audience of 60 in the Mabee University Center’s Bullion Suites included students, alumni and university personnel.

“It was an honor to have Clifton back to campus to share his engaging and informative presentation about buffalo soldiers during our Black History Luncheon this year,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie ’06, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “Clifton opened our eyes to a part of our country’s history that is not always well-known about the sacrifices of many who laid down their lives for our freedom. We are thankful for alumni like Clifton who are willing to come back to HPU and share their knowledge with our campus community.”

Other program participants included Dr. Dale Meinecke ’98, vice president for advancement; Brandon Osborne, junior psychology major and BSA president from Corsicana; Ayanna Roy, sophomore Honors Academy and clinical/counseling psychology major and BSA member from Katy; and Tim Whetstone ’81, African American Alumni Chapter president from Houston.

Fifer taught in the Kerrville Independent School District for 33 years, including 21 years as a teacher and coach. Accolades he received include being named the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Teacher of the Year; the first Golden Apple Award as Kerrville’s Teacher of the Month, presented by the Kerrville Daily Times; the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence; Region 20 Teacher of the Year; the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for Texas VFW District 13; the George Bush Outstanding Education Award, presented to Fifer by Barbara Bush; the Kerrville Treasure Award; and being selected as Kerrville’s Citizen of the Year by the Kerrville Daily Times.

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Photo: HPU alumnus Clifton Fifer (center), is pictured with Brandon Osborne (left), HPU student and Black Student Association president, and Tim Whetstone, HPU alumnus and president of the university’s African American Alumni Chapter. Fifer gave a historical presentation on buffalo soldiers at a Black History Luncheon held recently at HPU.

The post Clifton Fifer ’78 speaks at HPU about history of buffalo soldiers appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Requests can be submitted at www.hputx.edu/impactday. Submissions will be reviewed for eligibility by HPU leadership, and organizations will be notified following approval. The day’s service projects will be preceded by a message to HPU personnel and students from Trey Oakley, 1999 HPU graduate, who serves as president and CEO of Methodist Children’s Home in Waco.

“This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for Howard Payne University to directly support many of the organizations that serve our community,” said Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president. “Last year’s event was such a positive experience for so many, and we were pleased to have 400 volunteers serving 16 site locations. We look forward to partnering with more local organizations and assisting the local community again this year.”

HPU was awarded a $200,000 grant by the Dean Foundation to establish the annual service event. The Dean Foundation is chaired by Dr. David A. Dean, son of the late Dr. William B. Dean, distinguished Dallas-area pediatrician and trailblazer in conditions affecting children such as dyslexia and polio. Dr. David A. Dean serves as chair of the North Texas Crime Commission as well as president and CEO of the public policy consultancy Dean International, Inc. He served the State of Texas for more than a decade as general counsel to Democratic Governor Dolph Briscoe and Republican Governor William P. Clements, Jr. He also served as Texas Secretary of State under Governor Clements. He earned the Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University and the Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

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Cutline: Opportunities remain for community organizations to request service projects for HPU’s second annual William B. Dean, M.D. Lecture Series and Community Impact Day, scheduled for March 29.

The post Opportunities remain to submit requests for HPU’s upcoming community service day appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Students honored were Daniel Archer, a junior from Houston majoring in civic leadership and public policy, and youth ministry; Landon Clark, a senior from Joshua majoring in Bible; Austin Griffin, a junior from Alvord, majoring in Bible and practical theology; Cara Juergens, a sophomore from Deer Park, majoring in kinesiology all-level certification; and Zoe Sprayberry, a junior from Bonham majoring in Christian education and math education.

Dr. Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies, director of graduate programs in Christian studies and professor of Christian studies, oversees the event each year.

“I’m so thankful we were able to host the event this year to recognize these outstanding students and hear from Dr. Elliston,” Dr. Gramling said. “It was especially meaningful this year because of the close friendships between the Currie, Strickland and Elliston families.”

Dr. Elliston centered his presentation on the theme of “Flourishing in a Technological Age: Cultivating Rest.”

Dr. Elliston’s research interests lie at the intersection of constructive theology and wider issues of culture. He has published work on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, film and theology, and human flourishing in a technological age. When not engaged in teaching and writing, he enjoys his family, the outdoors and books.

“Dr. Elliston is an engaging speaker and his topic was so timely,” said Dr. Gramling. “His insight on intentional rest was a valuable message to all who attended. We are glad for the privilege of hosting him on our campus.”

The Currie-Strickland lecture series is made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Elliston and was established to honor the life of Dr. David R. Currie, retired executive director of Texas Baptists Committed; and the memory of Phil Strickland, who dedicated nearly 40 years of ministry to the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Christian Life Commission.

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Cutline #1: Pictured are Currie-Strickland Scholars Landon Clark of Joshua, Zoe Sprayberry of Bonham, Austin Griffin of Alvord, Cara Juergens of Deer Park and Daniel Archer of Houston. They are joined by HPU faculty and administrators Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, Chuck Gartman, Jordan Villanueva, Dr. Gary Gramling and Dr. Cory Hines.

Cutline #2: Dr. Clark Elliston speaks during HPU’s 15th Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics.

The post HPU honors six students at recent Currie-Strickland lectures appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Yesenia Brunette, an HPU freshman from Bangs, and Aishwarya Nigalye, a senior at Brownwood High School, performed research with HPU’s Department of Physical Science in July 2022. While initial studies at HPU revealed that fragments of microplastics were present, further verification was needed. To verify their presence and conclude the study, HPU collaborated with Dr. Bernd Zechmann, director of Baylor’s Center of Microscopy and Imaging and associate research professor, and utilized several cutting-edge microscopes.

“The instruments the students were able to use are very difficult to gain access to,” commented HPU’s Dr. Dennis Gibson II, associate professor of chemistry and department chair. “Even when they are located on your campus, there may be several barriers preventing user access. Our collaboration with Baylor allowed us to bring students to work with these instruments for three days.”

Currently, the collected data is being analyzed with hopes of publication in a leading scientific journal. High school juniors and seniors interested in being considered for the second annual Summer Research Symposium should contact Dr. Gibson by emailing dgibson@hputx.edu.

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Photo #1: The HPU research group in the laboratory at Baylor’s Center of Microscopy and Imaging. Pictured from left to right are Aishwarya Nigalye of Brownwood; HPU’s Dr. Dennis Gibson II, associate professor of chemistry and department chair; Taylor Jefferis, HPU senior; Yesenia Brunette, of Bangs; and Dr. Bernd Zechmann, director of Baylor’s Center of Microscopy and Imaging and associate research professor.

Photo #2: A microplastic fragment was imaged with a confocal laser microscope. The sample is dyed and fluoresces under the presence of ultraviolet light.

Photo #3: The surface of a plastic containment vessel after common household treatment was imaged with a scanning electron microscope.

The post Local students continue scientific research in collaboration with HPU and Baylor appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Table reservations and other sponsorship opportunities are available by calling HPU’s Office of Advancement at 325-649-8048 or at www.hputx.edu/robnett-founders-dinner. The deadline for reservations at the sponsor levels is March 20.

The dinner is named in memory of Dr. John David Robnett, a founder of HPU.

“The Robnett Founders Dinner honors the values of our university by saluting someone who has sacrificially given of himself or herself to further HPU’s Christ-centered mission,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president. “We are pleased that this first Robnett Founders Dinner will honor Dr. Leonard Underwood, a longtime friend of HPU who has served the university in so many ways, including decades of service on HPU boards and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the student experience. I can think of no better way to start this annual series than by recognizing Dr. Underwood, who in so many ways embodies what our university represents.”

While celebrating HPU’s past and present, proceeds from the annual event will also raise funds for an important project on campus. This year’s project of focus is the completion of the renovations of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom building, for which 80% of the funding has been secured to date. The building houses the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, and the Robnett Founders Dinner will prominently feature the involvement of Academy students and alumni.

The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Plano’s Prestonwood Baptist Church and dean of spiritual development at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Dr. Johnston is a New Testament scholar, author, nationally syndicated radio host and president of Christian Thinkers Society. He has spoken in churches of various denominations and authored articles in popular magazines and scholarly books, journals and media programs.

The event will also feature music by Stephen Cox, a 2010 HPU graduate and 2022 winner of the Grammy Music Educator Award. He was also featured in the School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s“50 Directors Who Make A Difference.” He currently serves as director of bands at the Advanced Learning Academy, Fox Tech and Cast Tech Schools in San Antonio.

A native of Brady, Dr. Leonard Underwood has been a Brownwood resident for more than 75 years. He operated the legendary Underwood’s Bar-B-Q for more than four decades until his retirement in 2001. His two sons continue to operate the family business. Dr. Underwood is a 1962 graduate of Texas A&M University and served as an officer with the U.S. Army Air Defense Command. He has served on numerous boards and civic committees such as ones supporting the Brownwood Independent School District, Good Samaritan Ministries and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also served a term as president of Brownwood’s Chamber of Commerce. His three decades of service on HPU’s Board of Trustees include two terms as chairman. For 33 years, he has served on the Board of Directors of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from HPU in 1996. Dr. Underwood is a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Brownwood, where he serves as an active deacon.

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Photo: Dr. Leonard Underwood, civic leader and longtime supporter of HPU, will be honored at the inaugural Robnett Founders Dinner, hosted by the university on March 30.

Photo: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Plano’s Prestonwood Baptist Church and dean of spiritual development at Prestonwood Christian Academy, will be the keynote speaker for HPU’s Robnett Founders Dinner.

The post HPU invites public to banquet honoring Dr. Leonard Underwood appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Abilene

Madison King, Dean’s List

Paighton Lawson, Dean’s List

Taylor Parish, Dean’s List

Agoura Hills, California

Victoria Watts, Honor Roll

Alleyton

Olivia Catlett, President’s List

Amarillo

Kyndali Duran, President’s List

Anson

Grayson Pence, Honor Roll

Annabelle Rodriguez, President’s List

Arlington

Seth West, Dean’s List

Austin

Casey Dufner, President’s List

Harold Myart, Honor Roll

Azle

Kellen McKee, President’s List

Bangs

Aleah Curtis, President’s List

Sydney Hager, Dean’s List

Samantha Lykins, Honor Roll

Maya Rivera, President’s List

Jaunice Sikes, President’s List

Bastrop

Mark Willoughby, President’s List

Beaumont

Ayanna Roy, Dean’s List

Bellville

Alexandria Barnett, President’s List

Big Spring

Arali Mendez, President’s List

Blanket

Kaitlyn Graham, President’s List

McKieley Fulton, Dean’s List

Lucas Kinkade, Honor Roll

Amada Menchaca, Dean’s List 

Bogata

Donnie Barganski, Honor Roll

Bonham

Zoe Sprayberry, Honor Roll

Bossier City, Louisiana

Cynthia Montalvo, President’s List

Boyd

Rylee Spencer, Honor Roll

Briggs

Amber Williams, Dean’s List

Brownwood

Allison Allen, President’s List

Bree Cason, Honor Roll

Maddison Cason, Honor Roll

Leticia Cervantes, President’s List

Isabel Clevenger, President’s List

Victoriano Cooper, President’s List

Ethan Cortez, Dean’s List

Gillian Cox, Dean’s List

Emma Dugan, Dean’s List

Christopher Ewen, Dean’s List

Mallory Garcia, Dean’s List

Derek Gifford, President’s List

Laurel Glass, President’s List

Nicholas Grace, Honor Roll

Sydney Horton, Honor Roll

Jeremy Houston, President’s List

Brianna Lopez, Honor Roll

Lunday Maninger, President’s List

Erika Martinez, Dean’s List

Chloe McDonald, President’s List

Valerie Miller, Honor Roll

Brittany Mitchell, Honor Roll

Hadley Monroe, Dean’s List

Hannah Morales, President’s List

Simone Morris, President’s List

Ashlynn Patteson, Honor Roll

Jessica Phariss, Dean’s List

Victoria Ramos, President’s List

Brayden Rhea, President’s List

Sophia Roman, President’s List

Angela Romero, President’s List

Mia Romero, Dean’s List

Jacob Ruiz, Dean’s List

Kailey Shingleton, Dean’s List

Sierra Walters, Honor Roll

Skyler Wells, President’s List

Brevin Wilson, Honor Roll

Shelby Wilson, Dean’s List

Bryan

Brayden Folkers, Dean’s List

Buda

Kailyn Duffey, Dean’s List

Buena Vista, Colorado

Charis Mayton, Dean’s Lis

Burleson

Deaven Connelly, President’s List

Jacob Moss, Honor Roll

Caddo Mills

Kaitlyn Elsten, President’s List

Caldwell

Alexia Perkkio, Dean’s List

Celina

Cora Raub, Dean’s List

Rishona Raub, Dean’s List

Cibolo

Sarina Saunders, President’s List

Clarksville

Georgia Simmons, Dean’s List

>Cleburne

Payton Chumbley, Honor Roll

Landon Clark, Honor Roll

Nicholas Crawford, Honor Roll

Katelyn Sims, Dean’s List

Cleveland

Nicole de la Houssaye, President’s List

Colorado City

Arabella Douglas, Honor Roll

Comanche

Zeph Christian, Dean’s List

Cody Feist, Dean’s List

Conroe

Grace Beckmeyer, President’s List

Copperas Cove

Jordan Ivers, Dean’s List

Audrey Spicer, President’s List

Corpus Christi

Victoria Muro, Honor Roll

Tatiana Robles-Figueroa, President’s List

Corsicana

Andrew Smith, Honor Roll

Crawford

Kaleb Kuligowski, Honor Roll

Crosby

Brandon Diaz, President’s List

Cross Plains

Hannah Johnson, President’s List

Cypress

>Madison Boggs, President’s List

Hunter Cheek, President’s List

De Queen, Arkansas

Cristopher Castellanos Barba, Honor Roll

Decatur

Kyle Griffin, President’s List

Desoto

Nadia Harrison, Dean’s List

Devine

Hannah Richard, Honor Roll

Early

Jake Angerstein, Dean’s List

Tanner Benson, President’s List

Nolan Godfrey, Dean’s List

Hunter Hallum, Dean’s List

Maxwell McPhee, President’s List

Emily Moran, Dean’s List

Linsey Piper, President’s List

Tristyn Rhodes, President’s List

Tyler Schafer, Dean’s List

Edgard, Louisiana

Bria Neal, Dean’s List

Edgewood, New Mexico

Madison Tuck, President’s List

Edinburg

Patricia Davila, Dean’s List

El Paso

Fadi Carlos Melendez, President’s List

Samuel Lee, President’s List

Elgin

Evan Joseph, Dean’s List

Energy

Emily Hughitt, Dean’s List

Euless

Richard Mays, Dean’s List

Ryan Robertson, President’s List

Farwell

Elizabeth Torres, President’s List

Florence

Sadie Willie, President’s List

Flower Mound

Blaze Cardner, President’s List

Fort Worth

Seth Bowman, President’s List

Brian Harris, Dean’s List

Chandler Paul, President’s List

Simonne Sanders, Honor Roll

Friendswood

Sydney Ben, President’s List

Fulshear

Carrie Gerdes, President’s List

Galveston

Madison Forrester, Dean’s List

Garland

Jacob Herrera, Dean’s List

David Wright, Dean’s List

Georgetown

Jackson Coulson, Dean’s List

Ashley Pruiett, Honor Roll

Brianna Ramirez, Dean’s List

Goldthwaite

Amber Breum, Honor Roll

Jaxon Hermesmeyer, President’s List

Hamilton

Mason Guinn, Dean’s List

Harker Heights

Jesus Rodriguez, President’s List

Haskell

Krysta Bunch, President’s List

Hickory Creek

Addison Buesing, President’s List

Horseshoe Bay

Hannah Jordan, President’s List

Houston

Daniel Archer, President’s List

Eduardo Flores, Honor Roll

Kamron Jackson, Honor Roll

JaMichael Jordan, Honor Roll

Erick Marcia, Dean’s List

Angelina Minor, Dean’s List

Kelly Tran, President’s List

Hudson, Colorado

Adekunle Alarape-Crowe, Dean’s List

Idalou

Hannah Parnell, President’s List

Irving

Landin Blass, President’s List

Katy

Cristian Drake, Dean’s List

Katelynn Turner, President’s List

Kemp

Alexander Glass, Dean’s List

Kempner

Anna Beamesderfer, President’s List

Monica Garza, President’s List

Kerrville

Brooke Robbins, President’s List

Killeen

Fabianna Bennett, Honor Roll

Connor Benoist, Honor Roll

Kingwood

Kennedy Dolmage, President’s List

La Porte

Justin Kay, President’s List

La Vernia

Riley Harker, President’s List

Devin Schurman, Dean’s List

Lewisville

Cadence Hindman, Dean’s List

Little River Academy

Landon Ferree, President’s List

Lookeba, Oklahoma

Allison Harvey, Dean’s List

Lorena

Katherine Burnside, President’s List

Lubbock

Matthew Garcia, Honor Roll

May

Samuel Brown, President’s List

McDade

Harley Franklin, Dean’s List

Midland

Kage Gilbreath, President’s List

Elijah Maxwell, Dean’s List

Alec Qualls, President’s List

Midlothian

Jack Shackelford, President’s List

Miles

Catlyn Ward, President’s List

Mineral Wells

Elaina Buchanan, Dean’s List

New Braunfels

Kirsten Haun, President’s List

Makai Henry, President’s List

Miles Henry, President’s List

Jaden Powell, Dean’s List

Nolanville

Patricia Garibaybartolo, Dean’s List

Odessa

Justin Gonzales, Dean’s List

Omaha, Arkansas

Landon Chenault, Dean’s List

Pflugerville

Emily White, President’s List

Poolville

Miranda Koll, Dean’s List

Portland

Kassandra Dowdey, President’s List

Diondray Parker, Dean’s List

Richland Springs

Joelli Atkinson, President’s List

Rising Star

Jaden Baker, President’s List

Edie Brimer, President’s List

Megan Froese, President’s List

Hannah McKenzie, Dean’s List

Robstown

Emily McClendon, President’s List

Rochelle

Hallie Taylor, Honor Roll

Rowlett

Austin Arey, Dean’s List

Trynadee Greenwell, President’s List

Royse City

Brayden Ferrie Dean’s List

Rusk

Nicholas Acker, Dean’s List

San Antonio

Hailey Albrecht, President’s List

Vicente Castro, President’s List

Jacob Korrodi, Honor Roll

Madison Love, Honor Roll

Mitsue Rodriguez, Honor Roll

San Saba

Stephanie Russell, President’s List

Santa Anna

Savanah Perry, Dean’s List

Schertz

Spencer Iverson, Honor Roll

Benjamin Sartain, President’s List

Sebastian

Ayleen Castillo, President’s List

Sinton

Taliyah Bess, Dean’s List

Socorro

Beatriz Munoz, President’s List

Southlake

Luke Cox, President’s List

Spicewood

Layton Pratt, Dean’s List

Spring

David Bush, Honor Roll

Stephenville

Madison Draper, Honor Roll

Shelley Eklund, Dean’s List

Gabriel Mata, President’s List

Stockdale

Robert Kibbe, Honor Roll

Strawn

Kassidy Nowak, President’s List

Sudan

Elora Thorn, President’s List

Sugar Land

William Burford, Honor Roll

Sunset

Jacob Bohl, Honor Roll

Taylor Lake Village

Samuel Lampson, Dean’s List

Temple

Michael Eckert, President’s List

Tatum Isbel, Honor Roll

>Mackenzie Nowell, President’s List

Terrell

Madison Clayton, Honor Roll

Universal City

John Garza, Honor Roll

Valley Mills

Mills Wood, President’s List

Valley View

Dean Evans, Honor Roll

Waco

Veaney Cazares, Honor Roll

Micah Hunter, Honor Roll

Walla Walla, Washington

Axel Kehrein, Dean’s List

Waller

J Howard, President’s List

Watauga

Madelyn Figueroa, President’s List

Waxahachie

Brenna Douthit, Honor Roll

Weatherford

Kayden Kelley, President’s List

Marisah Mata, President’s List

West Columbia

Kelby Coburn, President’s List

Winters

Tara Campos, Honor Roll

Clinton Conner, Dean’s List

Woodbridge, New Jersey

Rory Colonna, Honor Roll

Zephyr

Ashley Schimmel, Dean’s List

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Cutline: HPU recognized 243 students for academic achievement in the fall 2022 semester.

The post HPU honors 243 students for academic success in the fall 2022 semester appeared first on Howard Payne University.

Competing against much larger Division I and Division II schools, HPU students claimed top honors in both National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) debate and International Public Debate Association (IPDA) debate. The tournament was held at Texas State University.

Landon Chenault, junior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and jurisprudence major from Denton, and Devin Schurman, senior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, strategic communication and public policy major from San Antonio, clinched both the IPDA debate individual championship and were semifinalists in NPDA debate. Chenault and Schurman tied for top speakers in debate.

Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication, coaches the team.

“We had three of the top four semifinalists in IPDA debate, and Devin and Landon closed out finals,” said Dr. Welker. “It’s pretty amazing when a team closes out finals, and it’s even sweeter when you’re competing against really large schools with big programs. Additionally, we had the top novice NPDA team, and that is such an honor for our first-year competitors.”

Senior Ben Sartain, strategic communication major from San Antonio, was the other HPU semifinalist in IPDA debate. Earning top novice team in NPDA was Luke Moss, freshman English major from Brownwood, and Katelyn Sims, freshman Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, global studies and strategic communication major from Cleburne.

In IPDA debate, HPU had four of the top 10 ranking speakers: Schurman, first; Chenault, third; Cora Raub, freshman Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and nursing major from Celina, sixth; and Sartain, tenth.

“Our students practice during class and have an extra debate practice led by Devin, our team captain,” said Dr. Welker. “We work really hard on developing solid arguments, excellent presentational skills and correct structure. These students put in a lot of extra time to compete at this level.”

In individual speech events, Rishona Raub, Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and strategic communication major from Celina, placed fifth in extemporaneous speaking.

“Rishona competed exceptionally well in extemporaneous speaking,” added Dr. Welker. “HPU was the only small school in the top six schools in this event – she was a finalist with students from UT, UT Dallas and West Texas A&M. That makes me incredibly proud to see HPU represented at this level.”

Additionally, both Schurman and Sartain were named to the prestigious Texas All-State Forensics Squad. Schurman has competed on the HPU speech and debate team for four years, served as team captain for three years, has won multiple honors in both individual speaking and debate, and holds an overall winning record in debate competition. Sartain transferred into the team last year and has won many debate and speaker awards in his four semesters competing at HPU.

“Being chosen as a Texas All State Forensics Squad member is such an honor,” said Dr. Welker. “Students are nominated by coaches, and there are many requirements that must be met. Then, a committee of TIFA coaches chooses the final members. There were 12 selected this year, and Devin and Ben definitely earned this honor.”

Also competing in the tournament were Jordan Sager, sophomore Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and social science global studies major from Norfolk, Nebraska; and Adrielle Sloan, freshman Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and strategic communication major from Blue Ridge.

HPU competed against 14 colleges and universities from Texas and Louisiana, and was the only Texas Baptist university competing and to earn top honors.

In March, the HPU speech and debate team will compete in the International Public Debate Association national tournament held at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, followed by the National Christian College Forensics Association national tournament at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, the next weekend.

To support HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau with funds to help with travel expenses and other related needs, please visit www.hputx.edu/give and select “Other” below the “Designation” heading. A space will then be provided to type “Student Speaker Bureau,” and the donation form can then be completed accordingly.

High school students interested in pursuing their undergraduate education at HPU and competing on the team should contact Dr. Welker at jwelker@hputx.edu. All members of the team must audition and receive a scholarship based on their previous speech and debate accomplishments.

Applications for admission to HPU for the fall 2023 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or enroll@hputx.edu or visit www.hputx.edu/apply.

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Cutline for photo: Pictured following their recent victory at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association Championship are HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team members (from left) Katelyn Sims, Adrielle Sloan, Cora Raub, Landon Chenault, Luke Moss, Devin Schurman, Ben Sartain and Rishona Raub, with Dr. Julie Welker, the team’s coach.

The post HPU speech and debate clinches debate sweepstakes at TIFA; two students named to Texas All State Forensics Squad appeared first on Howard Payne University.

The Sumners Social concluded with a panel of current HPU Sumners Scholars Brooke Robbins, senior psychology major from Kerrville; Madi Boggs, junior psychology major from Cypress; and Monica Garza, senior elementary education major from Kempner. As they answered questions from attendees, the three students shared the value of the program and how it has benefited their education.

Acceptance into the Sumners Scholar Program, created by the Sumners Foundation, is based on an assessment of academic excellence, a sense of civic responsibility, and leadership potential. Each year, four sophomore-level students are selected for the competitive four-semester program after an in-depth application and interview process by the trustees of the Sumners Foundation. Students of any major whose career aspirations align with the schedule are eligible for consideration. The Sumners Foundation provides a $7,500-per-semester scholarship for its participating students for tuition, fees, books or room and board, alongside unique opportunities to hear from congressional and civic leaders at various events and seminars.

Sumners Scholars are also provided with opportunities to attend annual leadership and policy analysis conferences to supplement their learning and expand their growth potential. While receiving the scholarship, students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the university.

“The Sumners Scholar program is a great opportunity for students to grow in their civic leadership as they move closer to their post-collegiate career,” said Charles Lewis, director of development at HPU. “Howard Payne University is grateful for the opportunity to offer this important program to our students through the generosity of the Sumners Foundation. The Sumners Social gives us a chance to raise awareness of the great experience available through the program.”

For more information on the Sumners Scholar program, contact Lewis at clewis@hputx.edu or visit www.sumnersfoundation.org or www.hputx.edu/sumners.

Applications for admission to HPU for the fall 2023 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or enroll@hputx.edu or visit www.hputx.edu/apply.

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Cutline for photo 1: HPU students Monica Garza, Madi Boggs and Brooke Robbins (from left) answer questions about the Sumners Scholar program at the recent Sumners Social event.

Cutline for photo 2: Sumners Scholar Brooke Robbins visits with guests.

The post HPU highlights Sumners Scholars program at recent event appeared first on Howard Payne University.