HPU to host Baylor University professor as lecturer for second annual Dr. James Shields Speaker Series
BROWNWOOD – October 19, 2026 – Howard Payne University (HPU) will welcome Dr. Doug Weaver, Ph.D., the Barbara Jo Beard Driskell Professor of Historical Studies and chair of the Department of Religion at Baylor University, as the keynote speaker for the second annual Dr. James Shields Speaker Series.
Dr. Weaver will deliver a public lecture at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Grace Chapel.
The title of the lecture is “Claypool: Modeling Grace” and will focus on the preaching of the Rev. John Claypool, who was known for his confessional preaching style, storytelling and theology of grace.
Dr. Weaver co-edited and co-authored with Aaron Weaver the 2022 book “Claypool,” which examines the preacher’s ministry, including his work in local churches and his service as a pastor, priest and professor.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Doug Weaver to the Howard Payne campus, and we’re eager to hear more about Rev. Claypool and all that he brought to his many years of preaching and ministry,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president. “The Dr. James Shields Speaker Series offers a wonderful opportunity for members of our community to spend an evening at Howard Payne and learn from one of the nation’s foremost experts on Baptist history and ministry.”
Dr. Weaver has served at Baylor since 2003 in the Department of Religion. His research and teaching focus on Baptist history and Pentecostalism, with particular attention to Baptist identity, religious freedom and the historical relationships among Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. He is the author, co-author and editor of numerous books on Christian history and theology.
Dr. Weaver teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, leads graduate seminars and supervises doctoral students. Before joining Baylor, he studied and taught at academic institutions in the Baptist tradition. He also has pastoral experience and is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Waco.
Dr. Weaver will also speak at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, during HPU’s Chapel service in Mims Auditorium.
The speaker series, named in honor of Dr. James Shields, a distinguished former HPU professor of Christian Studies, was launched in 2025. The annual event is designed to introduce HPU students, faculty, staff and community members to speakers whose work has earned national recognition.
Each year’s program features a distinct theme and includes a public lecture, a Chapel service, a luncheon for faculty and staff, and opportunities for community leaders to participate. The series is made possible through the generosity of Bob Carter, a 1973 HPU graduate.
Admission to the public lecture is free, but reservations are requested. For reservations or more information, contact Haleigh Clevenger in HPU’s School of Christian Studies at hclevenger@hputx.edu or call 325-649-8403.
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.