BROWNWOOD – October 14, 2026 – Howard Payne University (HPU) dedicated its Center for Student Success in memory of Bo Rozell during a special ceremony on Oct. 13.
Rozell, a former student remembered for his unwavering faith in Christ, joyful spirit and kindness toward others, passed away in January 2026 at the age of 21. The center was created through the generosity of Rozell’s grandmother, Dr. Diann Huber, and will continue to serve students in his memory.
Rozell enrolled at HPU in fall 2023 and later received a cancer diagnosis that required him to leave campus for treatment. After his recovery, he returned to campus in fall 2025, where he found community, friendship and a home. The Center for Student Success was one of his favorite places on campus.
The dedication, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, included Rozell’s family and friends, as well as HPU administrators, faculty and staff.
HPU President Dr. Cory Hines said the center was a fitting place to honor Rozell, who loved both the space and the university community.
“I hope this center, and Bo’s memory, will inspire others to live a life like Bo – truly enjoying each day, bringing a smile to everyone you come across and valuing people for the gift they are to your life,” said Hines.
The dedication recognized not only Rozell’s impact on those around him, but also the generosity that helped establish a central place for academic support at HPU. The university launched the Center for Student Success in fall 2023, bringing academic support services together in one location.
The center provides a range of resources to help students navigate their academic journeys, including tutoring, academic coaching, testing and learning accommodations.
Dr. Wendy McNeeley, assistant vice president for student success, said the space was intentionally designed to be welcoming and accessible to all students, noting there is no door to enter the center.
“We didn’t want there to be anything that would keep a student out,” McNeeley said.
The center has continued to grow since opening. According to McNeeley, 279 students used the center during its first year, and usage has increased by 147% over the last three years.
McNeeley said seeing Rozell’s name on the center reminds her of the responsibility to serve students well.
“I see that name and it challenges me to be a better person and a better staff member and a better helper,” said McNeeley.
Rozell’s father, Dr. Zach Rozell, reflected on the significance of having his son’s name associated with a space dedicated to helping students grow and persevere.
“I think success is doing the right thing,” said Dr. Rozell. “And to have this place named after my son is really powerful.”
He expressed hope that the center would continue to recognize the individual needs of each student, ensuring that those who enter feel valued, seen and encouraged.
“One thing that I think Bo would agree with, the way he lived his life, was that perfection was not the goal, but love was,” Dr. Rozell said.
Through the support students receive in the space and the relationships they build there, Rozell’s legacy of kindness, encouragement and service will continue to be part of the HPU experience.
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.